This classic recipe for Southern, Old School Squash and Onions is a delicious way to use up the abundance of yellow summer squash from the garden. And even if you don’t have garden, you’ll want to run to the market to grab some squash for this one.
Depending on just how industrious we feel in the spring, our little garden behind the house can vary for 3 or 4 different varieties of fruits and vegetables to 6 or 8. One thing we always include though, is yellow crookneck squash. It’s pretty easy to grow, usually produces in abundance, and it’s something we all enjoy.
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.
How to Save and Store Bacon Grease
Here are my tips for saving bacon grease! Let me show you how to clean and filter your rendered bacon fat and explain the best ways to store it!
Learn How to Save Bacon Grease
Recipe Card
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.
Nutrition
* If nutritional values are provided, they are an estimate and will vary depending on the brands used. The values do not include optional ingredients or when ingredients are added to taste. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, I recommend grabbing your favorite brands and plugging those ingredients into an online nutritional calculator.
Georgia
Absolutely delicious!
Thanks, Georgia!
Rochelle Brown
It turned out great!
Happy to hear it, Rochelle!
Liz
10/10 so good. Add a little garlic powder and it’s perfection
Thanks, Liz!
BSP
Great traditional recipe!
Thanks!
Stephen Corley
I just want to remind myself of the best squash from the deep south just want to taste that far a good Friday go Seahawks
Ha! Thanks, Stephen!
Lindsay O.
Adding my rating!
Thanks!
Lindsay O.
This is surprisingly tasty. Though I’ve considered buying cubes to freeze broth, I haven’t yet; so I usually don’t have the bit of broth at the ready. Instead, I typically use water. I also always start out with butter since I don’t usually store bacon grease in my fridge (about one extra tablespoon, preferably grassfed, yum!). OK, so I just found this recipe three weeks ago, but I’ve already made it about four times… 🙂 This pregnant woman thanks you for a very good, very simple recipe! (I’m from the north and never had yellow squash until a visit to Georgia.)
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Lindsay!
Julie Schaefer
This is tops! I had never heard of this dish before (in Maine or Minnesota). With the onions and squash, I add five or six long strands of fresh thyme right away. My husband (from Iowa) claims to Not like yellow summer squash but he really likes this. I froze five meal-size quart freezer bags of this for the winter (flattened for quick thaw).
I love hearing that! The thyme sounds like a perfect addition, and I’m so glad even your husband enjoyed it. Freezing it up like that for winter is such a smart idea!
Shirley Lindsey
I’ve been making squash & onions for over 50 years. Such a favorite country dish. I seen no need for the chicken broth. I sprinkle a little white corn meal over the raw squash & onions and I guess you could call mine fried rather than stewed. I use a spatula to turn them several times while they fry in that delicious bacon grease. Salt & pepper is all I use. Yours looks beautiful.
The broth just helps to add a little extra flavor, but it’s not totally necessary. Your method with the cornmeal and bacon grease sounds delicious. Thanks for sharing your take on it!
Mary Ann Naylor
I have a lot of what looks like butternut squash. The skin is a light yellow and thin. Would I be able to substitute this for the yellow squash?
For this recipe, I wouldn’t swap in butternut. Yellow squash is a tender summer squash that cooks fast and releases moisture. Butternut is denser and sweeter and needs more time, so the onions will be done before the squash is tender.
Debra
Just like my mother made! Thankful to have found the recipe!!
I’m so glad to hear that! It’s always special to find a recipe that brings back those warm memories.
BJ
Hope it is ok to use zucchini.
Yep! It will work just fine! Enjoy!
Josette
This is the same recipe my Grandma made
Made it today
It is delicious
I’m so glad to hear that! I love that it reminded you of her. Enjoy every bite!
Denise Andrews
Growing up, we siblings called this “squishy squash” and didn’t appreciate it. As an adult, I take my mom squash so she can cook it for us and my dad. She is 93 years old and doesn’t cook as much as she used to. She loves “squishy squash” and also loves showing me how to make it, so I let her every year. It brings back such sweet memories of summers growing up on the farm! Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Oh! I made your squash casserole for her and daddy and they LOVED it!
I love that you have such sweet memories tied to “squishy squash”! It’s wonderful that you and your mom can still cook together. Thanks for sharing your story!
rex butler
Add a little sugar, helps caramelize them and really kicks it up a notch.
I’ll have to try that! Thanks, Rex!
Karen D. Hill
This dish was often on our table in the summer, and the onions make it delicious. Mama didn’t add chicken stock, so I will try that. I know that works well with speckled butter beans. You have inspired me to pay homage to summer with yellow crookneck squash!
I love that this dish brings back summer memories for you! Hope you’ll enjoy it!
Lou
I made this and it was delicious! Funny thing is, I forgot the onions, and had to use butter! We loved it anyway! I’ll bet it’s even better with onions
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed it! Onions definitely add a nice depth, but it sounds like you found a tasty alternative. Hope you give it another shot with the onions next time!
Grace Ratliff
Delicious 😋 Just like my g.grandma use to make it! Nothing else needed to be added to recipe just some fried hog jowls on the side!!!! 👏🏽
That’s quite the compliment! Thanks, Grace!
Grace Ratliff
Just like g.grandma use to make it!!! 👏🏽
Jen McMullen
Best version I have ever made. Had tried boiling and steaming – not nearly as flavorful. I did add just a pinch of sugar, I’ve always had it that way and like it. Thanks so much for your recipe.
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed it! Adding a pinch of sugar sounds like a great touch for flavor. I appreciate you sharing your experience!
Vickie
Very delicious and so simple !!!
So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Vickie!
Lamar Carpenter
Can’t go wrong with this one, thanks for sharing it
Thanks, Lamar!
Jeff
These were perfect and recipe so simple. I used Bacon Up as I normally do in recipes that call for bacon grease and never been disappointed.
Glad to hear it! I do keep Bacon-Up in the kitchen! So convenient!
Susan Weathington Hines
Exactly the way my Mama made it, except she would often add just a pinch of sugar, so I do too!
Thanks for sharing that! A pinch of sugar sounds like a nice touch. It’s great to hear how you keep those family traditions alive!
Craig
It was very good. The only adjustments I made was adding the seasoning when the onions went in & a little more with the squash as well as a little cayenne to spark up the tastebuds
Thanks for sharing your tweaks! I love the idea of adding seasoning with the onions and the kick from cayenne sounds fantastic.
Mrs. A
Totally awesome !!
Thanks!
Teri F
Really delicious
Thanks!!
Sharon Lynn Richmond
I love smothered squash to and for years have been using cooking oil and chicken broth. Recently reminded that squash is 90% water I bi-passed both and simple sprayed the skilllet with olive oil cooking spray placing the squash and sliced onion in the skillet and lightly seasoning them ,covering with a top and cooking fir 5 min. No water or excessive oil was needed because it created its own water. It was the best. I have been unnecessarily driving up my cholesterol thinking I had to use oil….
Christy L. Hayes
Very good. I am from Maryland and we put old bay on everything. I added some to this already yummy recipe! Makes it more yummy!
Sounds delicious to me! So glad you enjoyed it!
Tammy d
I’ve never tasted squash and onions as close to the dish.my.grandma fixed us when I was growing up.as this one !! So.good and full of flavor !!! Thanks for taking me back in time ! Excellent southern dish !!
Aww! Thanks, Tammy! So glad you enjoyed it!
Robin
We loved this. It was easy and great taste. I usually stew my squash until now. The bacon grease added great flavor 😋
Awesome! So glad you enjoyed it!
Shirley
Great and easy recipe to follow. My husband really enjoyed.
Glad to hear it, Shirley!
Linda Ashley
I always disliked yellow squash. A neighbor left a hefty bunch from her garden on my doorstep. Followed your recipe and I can honestly say, “Thank you neighbor and thank you for the great easy recipt.” Finaly yellow squash with a taste to it!!
Ha! Love that! So glad you enjoyed them!
Pamela
This will be my first time making squash. Is bacon grease a must??
It’s not required, but it adds a smoky flavor that I think is pretty important. You can even buy bacon grease in the store now. The brand is called Bacon Up. With all of that being said, something like olive oil or vegetable oil will work.
Sha
My mom’s recipe uses sour cream after cooking the squash and onions. That wakes up taste buds. No chicken broth.
Interesting! I’m not sure I’ve ever seen the addition of sour cream, but I am here for it! Thanks for sharing!
Sharon
Delicious , can’t stop eating it. I had to make changes didn’t have bacon so used real Nason bits chicken broth didn’t have added oodles and noodles chicken packet. Omg can’t wait to make again. Thank you.
So glad you enjoyed it!!
Jeannie
Oh my gosh!! This is the best squash recipe and so easy and delightful!! Now I have to find more squash!! I usually have bacon grease but just moved so used the bacon up instead.. Delicious!! Home run!!
That Bacon Up is great to have on hand! So glad you enjoyed this!
Kristin Gamble
Loved this! I used butter instead of bacon grease…amazing!
Glad to hear it turned out great for you!
Rose Henderson
This was just delicious . I used to just use water but I tried this recipe using the chicken broth. 5 stars!
So glad to hear it turned out great for you!
Velma Beck
We grew up eating squash and onions cooked together in a cast iron skillet. We like them cooked until they’re brown, even if they have to be scraped from the bottom of the skillet. Grew up with them cooked in bacon grease, but now use butter. Both are delicious.
Sounds amazing!!
Elizabeth Wagner
This is amazing! My father in law died very unexpectedly in October and he made this a lot. He always cooked bacon, used the grease, and then crumbled the bacon into the squash and onions. I think I’m going to go make this and have a good cry. Thank you so much for sharing this!
I’m sorry to hear that, Elizabeth. I’ll be thinking about you.
Katg
I have made this recipe several times and love it. The squash has such a great taste and it is so easy to make and cook in a short time. I used to boil my yellow squash in a large pan of water, but this way is so much better!
So glad to hear you enjoyed this version!
Myrna
Stacey, this is like dying and going to heaven. See why southerners are so happy ?
The only onions I can eat are Vidalia (and leeks) and I wait for the season. I am way old and my mother made this with exception of chicken broth. We were so much healthier eating from the ground vs from the store. Thanks for another great recipe.
You are so welcome, Myrna!
Ilene
I’m thinking that I would add zucchini and use a can of cream of chicken soup since I don’t have broth. Thoughts?
Elizabeth
I don’t know, but it sounds great!
I think that would work just fine. Might need to add a little water, too.
Marie
I received fresh garden quash and onion. This recipe is simple and easy. I am looking forward the process of creating it.
Hope you’ll enjoy it!
Jacquelyn Miles
Just cooked some squash……but I grate cheddar cheese on mine….not too much
I’ve never been mad at adding cheese! 🙂
Tammy
This is how I make mine. Sometimes I had a couple of spoons of Cheez Whiz at the end! Don’t knock it until you try it! 🙂
You won’t hear me knocking it! I think it sounds great!
Karen Howell
It is soooo good
Thanks, Karen!
Verona & Dick Ayala
We loved them.
Thank you so much!
Anita
How far ahead can you make this?
It reheats ok, but is really best served immediately.
kd anderson
I tried your squash and onion recipe
It is absolutely delicious !!
KDAnderson
04152022
So glad you enjoyed it!
Sharon
I like it this way as well but sometimes I mix in a few potatoes , I like both a lot
That sounds great!
Judi
This is the way my Mom made squash and onions when I was a kid. I have frozen (from the vegetable stand) yellow squash should I thaw squash before-hand ?
I would thaw it in a colander and allow the excess moisture to drain away, then follow the recipe.
Linda J Douglas
This sounds absolutely delicious
Thanks, Linda!
Roy Snodgrass
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.
Thanks, Roy! Will do!
JERRY GRIFFIN
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…
I guess they all can’t be winners with everyone. Glad you’ve found others you enjoy!
Paul Johnson
Why not let us know what your way is.
Shae
Dang, your rude! Why even leave the review? If yours is so good…. Let’s see your recipe?
Baltisraul
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.
Sounds amazing! Hope it turns out perfect for you!
Karen
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.
You’re so welcome!!
Wanda Cofield
I going to try your squash and onions. I will let you how it tastes.
Sure hope you’ll enjoy it!!
Paulette
Do you add eggs and corn meat to your? My grandmother did in the south from Mississippi.
rex butler
Love that stuff. We don’t use broth and we add some sugar to caramalize it. I can eat it cold.
I’ll take it any way I can get it! 🙂
Ali
JUST LIKE MOM’S!! I didn’t have any bacon grease so I just use butter but regardless… Awesome! Thanks so much!
So glad you enjoyed it! Folks comparing my recipes to their mother’s is the ultimate compliment to me.
Shelley
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.
Thanks so much, Shelly! And thanks for sharing a little of your dad with us, too!
Dave Lewis
Confused. I believe you said peel squash, but yours looks like its not peeled.
Nope. No need to peel the squash, just the onion.
Anecia
Just exactly like my Grandmother made!!! Yummy!!!
🙂
Sarah Horton
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!
That’s quite the compliment! So glad y’all enjoyed it!
Kathy
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.
Yum!
Jacki
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!!! ????☮️✌️
There’s not a great compliment in my opinion! Thanks!!
Earline
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.
Thanks, Earline!
Sue Clark
Make sure to have vidalia onion to go in your squash.
Absolutely!
Julie Morrison
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!
Right??? I couldn’t agree more! It’s just not the same without it!
Deborah Thompson
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!
That’s about right! I did check out that post and it seems the video is working again. Sorry!
Winnie Mom
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.
There’s just nothing quite like it!
JOANN JOHNSON
One of my favorite dishes! I usually add zucchini as well! Perfect anytime of the year.
Me too! 🙂
Janis
Made this tonight and absolutely loved it!!! Just curious does anyone know the carb content?
So glad to hear that you enjoyed it!