Boiled Squash and Onions

Learn how easy it is to make my boiled squash recipe, the perfect side dish to accompany so many main meals. The yellow squash is sauteed in bacon grease with garlic and onions.

Sometimes it really is the simple things in life that can make you happy. So on that note, I’m going to show you how to cook squash today. The simple way. This side dish might be simple and easy to make, but that doesn’t mean it also isn’t tasty.

Now, don’t blink or you might miss the short list of ingredients. The yellow squash is boiled with onion, bacon grease, and garlic (the last two ingredients being totally optional too). Then we add salt and pepper to taste before serving. That’s all you need. I bet you already have 90% of those ingredients on hand already.

It truly only takes 10 minutes to boil squash until it’s perfectly tender and translucent. So if you’re looking for a quick side dish, y’all need to step this way! 

Keep scrolling for some serving suggestions as well as more ways to make this old-school squash and onions recipe for you. For example, you can add different seasonings or cook the squash in the microwave instead of on the stovetop. You can also make as much or as little as you like. I’d suggest 1 squash and 1/4 onion per person. So this particular boiled squash recipe would make the perfect side dish for two. 

Recipe Ingredients

• Yellow squash
• Sweet onion, like Vidalia onion.
• Salt
• Pepper
• Bacon grease
• Garlic

Helpful Kitchen Tools

• Cutting Board
• Glass Measuring Cups
• Large Skillet

How to Make Boiled Squash and Onions

Chop your onion…

And slice your squash.

Place them both in a large skillet.

I’m showing you how to do this on the stovetop but I have instructions on how to do it in the microwave at the bottom as well.

Add about a cup of water (just enough to cover the bottom of the skillet).

Now at this point, you can add about a tablespoon of bacon grease if you want to add a bit more flavor.

I’m just leaving mine as water though because I dearly love the flavor of the squash on its own and the onion is compliment enough for me today.

Sometimes I do add bacon grease though, so it’s totally up to you.

Place on medium-high heat just until the water in the bottom of the pan is gently boiling, then reduce heat to medium.

Put the lid on that and let it cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until the squash and onions are translucent.

Translucent is fancy talk for “til they ain’t so white like they were when ya cut ’em”.

There, all done!

Now we just gotta get them out with a slotted spoon to drain the water, place them on a plate, and salt and pepper them.

Salt and pepper according to taste and you’re ready to go.

Enjoy this old-fashioned squash and onions recipe!

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop on low heat until they’re warm again. I don’t recommend freezing the cooked squash as you’ll find it changes the texture.

Recipe Variations

Here are some easy ways to make this recipe work for you:

• Omit the bacon grease and garlic if you want to.
• Simply use olive oil or unsalted butter instead of bacon fat.
• Substitute the yellow summer squash for butternut squash or zucchini.
• Add a tablespoon of fresh herbs or one teaspoon of dried herbs. See my recommendations below!
• Use garlic powder instead of minced garlic.
• Add a teaspoon of seasoned salt, like Old Bay Seasoning or Lawry’s.
• Add a teaspoon of white sugar or brown sugar for a touch of sweetness. 
• Boil the squash in chicken broth instead of plain water.
• Caramelize the onions in the skillet before boiling the squash.
• Saute the squash and onion with one chopped tomato.

Recipe FAQs

What spices go well with squash?

Here are some dried herbs, fresh herbs, and spices that go well with squash: oregano, basil, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoning salt, Italian seasoning, and parsley.

How long does it take to boil squash?

It only takes about 10 minutes to boil squash on the stovetop.

Do you boil squash with the skin on?

Yes, you can boil the squash peeled or unpeeled. The choice is yours. I’m on team unpeeled though!

How do you not overcook squash?

Once the squash is translucent and fork-tender, remove it from the heat to prevent it from overcooking.

How else can you make squash and onions?

You can also microwave the squash and onions. To do so, place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Add water, as well as garlic and bacon grease if using. Cover and microwave on high for 3 to 4 minutes or until translucent. Drain water and salt and pepper to taste.

What do you serve with boiled squash and onions?

Here are some main dish recipes that pair perfectly with this side dish:

• Southern Fried Catfish
• Southern Fried Chicken
• Crockpot Pot Roast
• Chicken Fried Steak Recipe With Gravy
• Pan-Seared Pork Chops With Velvet Cream Sauce
• Easy Baby Back Ribs in Oven
• Slow-Roasted Beef Brisket in the Oven

You may also enjoy these sensational squash recipes:

Vegan Butternut Squash Soup

Summer Squash Pasta

How To Make Squash Casserole

Simple Zucchini and Squash Recipe

How To Make Squash Relish

 

Happiness is where you find it, seldom where you seek it.