And while squash casserole and squash fritters are always toward the top of my list, classic Squash and Onions is probably my favorite way to use up the bounty of yellow squash we end up with every summer.
I’ve said it so many times, but it bears repeating… I just love simple, classic flavors. And since this recipe only calls for 4 ingredients, other than salt and pepper, so I’d say it certainly qualifies as simple. But it’s oh so delicious. When I made it to shoot these pictures, I bet I ate about half of it all by myself.
We usually grow the crookneck squash, so that’s what I use, but the straight neck variety works just fine. You can do this with zucchini, also.
I really like starting with bacon grease as it add a delicious savory element and also gives the dish a smoky flavor. I keep a jar in my freezer just for recipes like this. (See how I do that here.) But if you don’t have a jar of that liquid gold tucked away, some butter will work too.
Old School Squash and Onions
Ingredients
- 2 lbs yellow summer squash
- 1 sweet onion
- 2 tablespoons bacon grease (or butter)
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Wash and slice the squash into 1/4-inch slices discarding the stem and bud ends. Peel, half, and slice the onion into 1/4 slices.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the bacon grease and add the onions. Cook for about 3 minutes. Add the squash and cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Add the chicken broth and cover. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the squash is cooked to your desired tenderness. Add salt and pepper to taste.
JOANN JOHNSON says
One of my favorite dishes! I usually add zucchini as well! Perfect anytime of the year.
Stacey says
Me too! 🙂
Janis says
Made this tonight and absolutely loved it!!! Just curious does anyone know the carb content?
Stacey says
So glad to hear that you enjoyed it!
Winnie Mom says
This is exactly how I do my squash and onions except I don’t add the broth or any liquid. Putting the lid on helps the squash to release its own liquid. Take the lid off and let the squash and onions brown just a bit. So quick and easy. Glad to know I’m not the only one that likes the old fashioned way of cooking these delicious squash.
Stacey says
There’s just nothing quite like it!
Deborah Thompson says
I love everything SQUASH! However, this is my MOST favorite way to enjoy it still. I tried the link to ‘how to save bacon freasr’ & all 8 seem to get are the comments. From reading those, is all you do is 1) strain the grease 2) store & freeze? If so, do you store in what type of container? Thx a ton! Love all your recipes, stories & info Stacey!
Stacey says
That’s about right! I did check out that post and it seems the video is working again. Sorry!
Julie Morrison says
When I was growing up, my mom kept a crock of bacon grease by the stove. Funny we never got sick. I keep mine in a jar in the fridge. Adds so much flavor!
Stacey says
Right??? I couldn’t agree more! It’s just not the same without it!
Sue Clark says
Make sure to have vidalia onion to go in your squash.
Stacey says
Absolutely!
Earline says
I’d love to see more recipes like this on Pinterest. Especially small batch recipes since I am cooking only for myself. The old ways of cooking vegetables is really the best.
Stacey says
Thanks, Earline!
Jacki says
There is only one thing that “turns it up” in my opinion….! I’m just like you Stacey, I’m all about everything squash too!! 😁 After I serve myself the squash, I put sour cream on top and sprinkle some more fresh cracked pepper on the sour cream!!! Oh my goodness! I’ve eaten it like this since my senior year in high school… I’m 62!!! 🤷♀️ I live in Ocala, Florida and this is how my Momma used to cook! 💜💋🙏. While I cruise your website, it’s like coming to eat at house and my “Granny Irm(I couldn’t say Irwin as the first born grandchild) and my Momma cooked for you! Thank you for all your Southern Recipes…
Sincerely,
Jacki. Go Gators 🐊 Class of ‘94!!! 💜☮️✌️
Stacey says
There’s not a great compliment in my opinion! Thanks!!
Kathy says
I cook bacon first then cook onions in the grease and crumble bacon on top of the squash! Doesn’t get much better than that in my opinion.
Stacey says
Yum!
Sarah Horton says
We harvested our first yellow squash and green onions today. I followed your recipe, and the squash was absolutely perfect! My husband didn’t leave a scrap, saying it was the best squash he’d ever eaten. Thank you for posting this!
Stacey says
That’s quite the compliment! So glad y’all enjoyed it!
Anecia says
Just exactly like my Grandmother made!!! Yummy!!!
Stacey says
🙂
Dave Lewis says
Confused. I believe you said peel squash, but yours looks like its not peeled.
Stacey says
Nope. No need to peel the squash, just the onion.
Shelley says
Love your recipes and have made a lot of them over the years. Love you stories too.
My Dad cooked squash similar to this except that he would caramelize the onions before adding the squash. It takes a little longer to caramelize the onions but the flavor is heavenly. I’ve made them this way myself. Love squash.
After growing up on a farm, which he loved, they lost the farm during the depression and had to move to town. But he still was wonderful at having a backyard garden and of course one of his crops was squash.
Stacey says
Thanks so much, Shelly! And thanks for sharing a little of your dad with us, too!
Ali says
JUST LIKE MOM’S!! I didn’t have any bacon grease so I just use butter but regardless… Awesome! Thanks so much!
Stacey says
So glad you enjoyed it! Folks comparing my recipes to their mother’s is the ultimate compliment to me.
rex butler says
Love that stuff. We don’t use broth and we add some sugar to caramalize it. I can eat it cold.
Stacey says
I’ll take it any way I can get it! 🙂
Wanda Cofield says
I going to try your squash and onions. I will let you how it tastes.
Stacey says
Sure hope you’ll enjoy it!!
Karen says
I second all previous comments! This is a dish straight from my 1960s childhood. One neighbor always shared their yellow crooknecks ever summer. These days I eat half the pot myself whenever I fix it. If I want to be fancy I add a smidgen of nutmeg. Thank you, Stacey, for bringing fond memories into focus.
Stacey says
You’re so welcome!!
Baltisraul says
I don’t see how you can improve this basic and delicious recipe. Vidalia or Wala-Wala Sweets are a must as is the bacon drippings. It’s going to be tonight’s side at supper along with an air fryer boneless turkey breast tenderloin. Thanks for the reminder.
Stacey says
Sounds amazing! Hope it turns out perfect for you!
JERRY GRIFFIN says
USUALLY UR RECIPES ARE REALLY GOOD,,BUT I TRIED THE SQUASH & ONIONS RECIPE TODAY,,IT WAS O-K……MY WAY IS LOTS BETTER…THANKS ANYWAY…
Stacey says
I guess they all can’t be winners with everyone. Glad you’ve found others you enjoy!
Roy Snodgrass says
My grandmother made this back in the 1930 s and 40s. But with one exception, at the end she put sugar. I do till this day. Try it, good.
Stacey says
Thanks, Roy! Will do!