Benne Crumble Squash Casserole

📝 Notes: Also known as: Cracker Squash Casserole · Miz Kathi's Benne Squash The concept: Classic: house Squash Casserole (already on the pantry list). Vector: Substitution (benne seed streusel replaces plain cracker crumb topping). Same base custard, same bake — the topping swap is a one-line change that gives the dish a distinct crunch and toasted-sesame aroma. Hero ingredient: Toasted benne seed folded into the crumb topping, giving a nuttier, more distinctly Southern crust than a standard cracker crumble. Plating: Cut into squares, serve on the plate, topping side up for the crunch to register. Pro upgrade: brown the topping butter before mixing with crumbs and benne for a deeper flavor in the crust. Prep efficiency: assembled casserole (unbaked) holds refrigerated overnight — bake off fresh daily rather than holding baked portions. Cross-utilization: same base recipe and bake process as house Squash Casserole — the topping is the only variable, no new technique. Failure modes: not draining the sautéed squash well enough leaves the custard watery and it never fully sets — press or drain thoroughly before folding into the egg mixture. Scaling: At 4x: bake time extends by roughly 10 minutes, check center for set rather than trusting the clock. At 10x: split across multiple pans — a single pan this size sets unevenly at the edges before the center firms.