This Southern squash casserole is a cozy dish packed with tender squash, creamy cheese, and topped with crispy breadcrumbs. It’s comfort food at its finest!
I love making this when family visits. The smell alone makes everyone come running! Trust me, it’s hard to resist a second helping. 😋
You just mix everything up, pop it in the oven, and in no time, you have a warm, tasty side dish to share. Perfect for any gathering or a simple dinner at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Summer Squash: This is the star of the dish! Look for firm, unblemished squash. If you can’t find yellow squash, zucchini works well too. Some people mix the two for extra color!
Onion: I like using a yellow onion for its sweetness, but a white or red onion can also add great flavor. If you prefer milder taste, consider using green onions or shallots.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds nice flavor, but you can use mild if that’s what you have on hand. For something different, try Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little heat.
Sour Cream and Mayonnaise: These bring creaminess to the casserole. Greek yogurt can be a healthy substitute for sour cream, while a mix of yogurt and a bit of mustard can replace mayonnaise.
Crushed Buttery Crackers: Ritz crackers offer a delicious buttery flavor. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, crushed gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs work great.
How Can I Ensure My Squash Casserole is Creamy and Flavorful?
Getting the perfect texture and flavor in your squash casserole mainly relies on the preparation of your ingredients. Here’s how to achieve a creamy result:
- Cook the Squash: Boil the squash briefly, just until tender. This prevents the casserole from being watery. Make sure to drain and press out extra moisture.
- Mix the Ingredients Well: When combining your squash, onions, and dairy ingredients, mix thoroughly. This ensures every bite is creamy and flavorful.
- Topping: Don’t skip the buttery cracker layer! It adds a wonderful crunch that balances the smooth filling. Mix them well with butter for even coating.
Letting the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving helps it set, making it easier to serve. Enjoy your delicious creation!
The Best Southern Squash Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 medium yellow summer squash, sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 ½ cups crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep and 35-40 minutes to bake. Allow for a little time to cool before serving. So overall, you’re looking at around an hour, but the delicious aroma while it’s baking makes it all worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cooking the Squash:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add your sliced squash and cook them for about 5 minutes until they’re tender but still a bit firm—this keeps the texture intact. After boiling, drain them well and gently press to remove any extra water. It’s important to prevent unnecessary moisture in your casserole!
3. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained squash, chopped onion, beaten eggs, cheddar cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and garlic powder if you’re using it. Mix everything together until well combined and creamy.
4. Pouring it into the Dish:
Carefully pour the squash mixture into your greased baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom of the dish. This helps everything cook evenly!
5. Preparing the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter. Stir until the crackers are well-coated. This mixture provides a deliciously crunchy topping for your casserole. Sprinkle it evenly over the squash mixture.
6. Baking the Casserole:
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbly and the topping is golden brown. It’s often hard to wait when you smell it baking!
7. Serving:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will help it set a bit and make it easier to serve. Scoop it out and enjoy this comforting Southern dish with family or friends!
Can I Use Frozen Squash for This Casserole?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the frozen squash completely and drain any excess water before using it in the recipe. Cooking it briefly in boiling water is still recommended to help with texture.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add the topping right before baking to keep it crunchy. If you want to assemble it completely, you can also freeze it, but it’s best to bake it directly from frozen without defrosting first.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Adding a little splash of cream can help freshen it up!
Can I Adjust the Seasoning?
Definitely! Feel free to add extra herbs like thyme or Italian seasoning for more flavor. Adjusting the salt and pepper based on your taste preferences is also a great way to make it your own!
