Ingredients
2 medium (10-12 in.) zucchini*
2 medium sized, yellow summer squash*
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
4 Roma or other plum style tomatoes, sliced
8 slices lean bacon (can use turkey bacon, as well)**
1- 1/2 c Romano cheese, grated (or parmesan)
2 tsp dried parsley flakes
salt & pepper, to taste
1 can(s) French’s Fried Onions for topping (optional) (small 2.8 oz)
Pam or other pan coating spray
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Slice all vegetables and set aside. Slice squashes & tomatoes about 1/4-1/2″ thick. Onions should be very thinly sliced.
3. Spray a large, oven-safe casserole dish or 13×9 baking pan with non-stick spray. Begin layering (lasagna style), first squash, then tomatoes.
4. Next, the onions and 3 strips of bacon.
5. Sprinkle with a pinch of the dried parsley, then a couple of Tbsp of the grated cheese. Salt and pepper to taste, being careful not to over salt as the bacon will add saltiness as well.
6. Continue layering as above finishing with a top layer of squash. Usually, depending on the size of your baking dish, there will be 2 complete layers, and then the final layer of squash. Top that layer of squash with remaining grated cheese, 4 slices of bacon, a bit of parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cover with aluminum foil, or casserole dish cover, and bake in preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until squash is tender when checked with a fork.
7. Uncover and top with French’s onions. Bake an additional 5-8 minutes until the top is golden brown.
8. Cut into squares with a sharp knife for easy serving.
9. *Make sure the skins on the squash or still tender and EASILY pierced with a fingernail. If not, the casserole will not be as soft and tender when cooked.
10. **To make this recipe vegetarian, omit the bacon and substitute imitation bacon-flavored bits (You’ll need about a half cup) for in between the layers and the top. Also, in each layer, and on top, add 2-3 tsp. of soy-based “butter” in small dabs throughout the layers and top. It just does not taste the same without a little bit of “fat”.