If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish that bursts with both flavor and texture, this Southern Squash Casserole Recipe is a must-try. It combines tender sautéed yellow squash with a rich, cheesy, and creamy base, all crowned with a buttery, crispy cracker topping that’s simply irresistible. This recipe captures the heart and soul of Southern cooking, delivering warmth and nostalgia in every bite, making it perfect for family dinners or holiday feasts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet essential, the ingredients for this Southern Squash Casserole Recipe bring the perfect balance of creaminess, seasoning, and crunch. Each one plays a crucial role—from the tender squash and sautéed onions that provide freshness and subtle sweetness, to the sharp cheddar and spices that add depth and warmth. The Ritz cracker topping finishes the dish with a delightful golden crust that makes every serving wonderfully satisfying.
- Butter (3 Tablespoons): Adds richness to the sauté and helps create that crispy topping texture.
- Yellow Squash (3 pounds, sliced 1/4 inch thick): The star vegetable, tender and mild, perfect for soaking up flavors.
- Yellow Onion (1 medium, diced): Offers sweetness and an aromatic base.
- Salt (1 teaspoon, divided): Enhances all the flavors, used both during cooking and seasoning the mixture.
- Large Eggs (2, beaten): Bind everything together for a creamy, luscious texture.
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Provides tanginess and moisture, keeping the casserole rich but smooth.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Brings sharpness and melty goodness to the dish.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Adds creaminess and a hint of tang that complements the squash beautifully.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a subtle kick that brightens the flavors.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses a warm, savory note without overwhelming.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds color and a gentle smoky flavor.
- Cayenne Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a slight heat that wakes up the palate just right.
- Ritz Crackers (1 cup, crushed): The secret to that irresistible crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy base.
- Melted Butter (3 Tablespoons): Coats the cracker crumbs to create that perfect, golden finish.
How to Make Southern Squash Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray. This simple step ensures even baking and prevents sticking, so your casserole slides out effortlessly and boasts a beautifully browned crust.
Step 2: Sauté the Squash and Onions
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the sliced squash, diced onion, and half of the salt. Sauté gently until the squash is tender and the onions have softened, about 8-10 minutes. This cooking method not only brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables but also reduces the moisture, which keeps the casserole from becoming watery. Don’t forget to drain any excess liquid—this little trick keeps the texture just right!
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, whisk together beaten eggs, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and the remaining salt. This flavorful mixture is the heart of your Southern Squash Casserole Recipe, combining creaminess, spice, and a touch of tang that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Step 4: Combine Vegetable Mixture with the Creamy Base
Gently fold the sautéed squash and onions into the egg and cheese mixture. Be careful not to overmix—just ensure everything is evenly coated and combined. This step is key to creating a luscious, cohesive casserole that’s bursting with layers of flavor.
Step 5: Transfer to the Casserole Dish
Pour your combined squash mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. An even layer helps the casserole cook uniformly and sets the stage for that perfect cracker topping.
Step 6: Prepare and Add the Topping
In a small bowl, toss the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until all crumbs are well-coated. Sprinkle this crumbly mixture evenly over the casserole. This topping bakes into a golden, buttery crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior—truly the crowning glory of the Southern Squash Casserole Recipe.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your casserole for 25-30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and bubbling at the edges. The aroma alone will grab your attention, but the golden crust and creamy center will make your taste buds rejoice.
How to Serve Southern Squash Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a vibrant pop of color and a hint of freshness that perfectly complements the casserole’s creamy richness. You can also add a little extra shredded cheddar on top after baking for a gooey, cheesy finish.
Side Dishes
This Southern Squash Casserole recipe pairs wonderfully with classic Southern mains like honey-glazed ham, fried chicken, or smoked brisket. For a lighter contrast, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions. You can also create mini casseroles by using a muffin tin, perfect for potlucks or appetizer-style servings. These options make presentation special without any extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The casserole holds up wonderfully for up to 3-4 days, allowing you to enjoy those comforting flavors again with minimal effort.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish but do not bake it first. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake it straight from the freezer, adding extra time to ensure it’s heated through.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through and the topping regains its crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that satisfying crunch on top, but it works well if you’re short on time.
FAQs
Can I use zucchini instead of yellow squash?
Absolutely! Zucchini is a great substitute and will work just as well in this Southern Squash Casserole Recipe, offering a similar texture and mild flavor that complements the creamy base.
Is there a way to make this casserole vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly since it uses no meat. Just ensure your mayonnaise and other ingredients meet your vegetarian preferences if you follow specific dietary guidelines.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try substituting dairy ingredients with vegan alternatives like dairy-free sour cream, vegan cheese, and plant-based mayo. However, the flavor and texture might shift slightly from the classic Southern Squash Casserole Recipe.
How spicy is this casserole?
The spice level is mild, with a subtle warmth from the cayenne pepper and paprika that enhances the dish without overpowering it. You can adjust these spices to suit your taste preferences.
What is the best way to crush the Ritz crackers?
For an even texture, place the crackers in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush with a rolling pin or the bottom of a glass. Avoid over-crushing to keep some crumbly crunch in the topping.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like this Southern Squash Casserole Recipe for bringing a bit of Southern charm and comfort to your table. It’s easy to make, bursting with layers of flavor, and perfectly balanced with creamy and crunchy textures. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or just craving something heartwarming, this casserole will quickly become your go-to favorite. Give it a try—you’re going to love it!
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Southern Squash Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Southern Squash Casserole is a comforting and flavorful side dish featuring tender sautéed yellow squash and onions combined with a creamy cheese mixture, topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust. Perfectly baked until golden and bubbly, it’s a classic Southern favorite that’s both easy to make and delightful to serve for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 pounds yellow squash, sliced 1/4 inch thick
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Topping
- 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or a non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the vegetables: Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced yellow squash, diced onion, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the squash is tender and onions are soft, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain any excess liquid from the skillet to avoid a watery casserole.
- Prepare the creamy mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt until thoroughly combined.
- Combine squash with mixture: Gently fold the sautéed squash and onion mixture into the creamy egg and cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution without breaking down the vegetables.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the combined squash mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Prepare and add topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the 3 tablespoons of melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this buttery cracker topping evenly over the surface of the casserole.
- Bake the casserole: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
Notes
- You can substitute the yellow squash with zucchini if preferred, maintaining the same preparation steps.
- For a richer flavor, use sharp cheddar cheese or add a bit of Parmesan in the topping mix.
- Drain excess liquid thoroughly from the sautéed squash to prevent a soggy casserole.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set before serving.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and baked fresh before serving.
