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Prepare to discover a true classic Southern comfort food that brings warmth and flavor to any table! This creamy squash casserole is the ultimate side dish, perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, or whenever you crave something truly special. Featuring tender yellow squash, savory onions, rich cheddar, and a buttery cracker topping, it offers an irresistible crunch. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and guarantees satisfaction every time. Get ready for the ultimate easy squash casserole experience.

Why You’ll Love This Squash Casserole

This delicious squash casserole is a must-try for so many reasons. You’ll be adding it to your regular rotation in no time!

• Simple, Straightforward Ingredients: You only need a few common items to create this masterpiece.
• Quick Preparation and Baking Time: Spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying.
• Crowd-Pleasing Family Favorite: Everyone, from kids to adults, will ask for seconds.
• Versatile for Meals and Holidays: It pairs perfectly with countless main dishes and graces any festive table.
• Comforting, Rich, and Creamy Texture: Every bite is a delightful combination of soft squash and melted cheese.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need for your amazing squash casserole. Gather these simple components to create a comforting and flavorful side dish that everyone will adore. Each ingredient plays a vital role in developing the rich taste and perfect texture.

• 2 tablespoons butter (plus extra for melting into the mixture)
• 4 cups sliced yellow squash (about 3-4 medium squash)
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar preferred)
• 1 cup milk (whole milk recommended)
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a subtle kick)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 35 crackers), crushed

Notes & Substitutions

Squash: Yellow summer squash is best for this recipe due to its mild flavor and tender texture when cooked. Slice it evenly, about ¼-inch thick, so all pieces cook at the same rate. This ensures a consistent, tender bite throughout the dish. Furthermore, incorporating yellow squash into your diet offers notable health benefits of squash.

Onion: A yellow onion offers a balanced sweetness when sautéed. Chop it finely or coarsely, depending on your preference for onion texture in the final casserole. You can substitute with a white onion for a slightly sharper flavor.

Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese provides a fantastic tangy depth. Freshly grated cheese melts much smoother than pre-shredded varieties. Feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Colby blend.

Milk: Whole milk contributes to the casserole’s rich, creamy texture and flavor. For a lighter option, you can use 2% milk, though it might result in a slightly less decadent finish. Avoid skim milk for the best results.

Crackers: Ritz crackers are the classic choice, delivering a buttery, salty crunch that perfectly complements the creamy filling. If you don’t have Ritz, you can use other buttery crackers or even Panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.

Seasoning: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference. If you enjoy more heat, increase the amount slightly. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or dried thyme for extra savory notes.

Fresh vs. Frozen Squash: Fresh squash is always preferred for the best texture. If using frozen, thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before cooking to prevent a watery casserole.

Equipment

Gathering your tools before you start makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. You’ll need just a few basic kitchen items to create this delicious squash casserole.

• Large skillet or sauté pan: Essential for cooking the squash and onions.
• Large mixing bowl: For combining all the creamy casserole ingredients.
• Whisk: To perfectly blend the eggs, milk, and cheese.
• 9×13 inch casserole dish: The ideal size for baking this family-sized dish.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient quantities.
• Cooking spray: To prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish.

Instructions

Creating this creamy Southern squash casserole is surprisingly simple. Just follow these step-by-step instructions for a perfect result every time. We’ll guide you through each stage, ensuring a delicious and easy cooking experience.

1. Preheat Oven: First, set your oven to 350º F (175º C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking before you place the casserole inside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium skillet or sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced yellow squash and chopped onions to the pan. Cook them gently, stirring occasionally, until they become tender, about 8-10 minutes. Avoid overcooking the squash at this stage; it should still have a slight firmness.
3. Prepare Egg Mixture: While the vegetables cook, crack the 2 large eggs into a large mixing bowl. Lightly whisk them until just combined. Then, add the 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese and 1 cup of milk to the bowl. Whisk everything together until the ingredients are well-combined and smooth.
4. Combine Ingredients: Once the squash and onions are tender, carefully transfer them from the skillet into the large bowl with the egg and cheese mixture. Stir everything well to thoroughly combine all the components for your squash casserole. This ensures every bite will be full of flavor.
5. Add Seasoning: Return to the skillet used for the vegetables. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet. Pour this melted butter into the squash casserole mixture in the bowl. Next, add the ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper (if you’re using it), along with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Stir all the seasonings into the mixture until they are evenly distributed, enhancing the overall flavor.
6. Assemble Casserole: Lightly spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray. Pour the entire squash casserole mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Make sure the squash is spread out uniformly for consistent baking.
7. Add Topping: Take your sleeve of Ritz crackers and crush them finely. You can do this by hand, in a bag, or using a food processor. Sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers evenly over the top of the squash mixture in the dish. This creates a fantastic crispy, buttery crust.
8. Bake Casserole: Carefully place the casserole dish into your preheated oven. Bake this incredible squash casserole for 45 minutes, or until the topping has turned a beautiful golden brown and the casserole appears firm. It shouldn’t “jiggle” much when you gently move the dish.
9. Rest Before Serving: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Allow it to sit and rest for about 3 minutes before serving. This short resting time helps the casserole set, making it easier to serve and preventing it from falling apart.

Pro Tips for the Best Squash Casserole

Achieving a perfect result with your squash casserole is easy with a few simple tricks. These pro tips ensure a creamy interior, crispy topping, and consistent flavor.

• Prevent Watery Casserole: Avoid overcooking the squash initially. It should be tender, not mushy. If using frozen squash, always thaw and squeeze out excess moisture thoroughly before adding it to the recipe. Understanding the culinary science of vegetables and moisture is key for achieving the perfect texture, preventing a watery final dish.
• Achieve Crispy Topping: A crucial element of a perfect squash casserole is the golden, crunchy topping. Ensure your crushed Ritz crackers are evenly coated with butter before spreading them over the casserole. Don’t press the crackers down; just lightly sprinkle for the best crispness.
• Even Cooking: Spread the squash mixture uniformly in the baking dish. This ensures every piece of squash and every section of the casserole bakes at the same rate, preventing some parts from being undercooked or overcooked.
• Seasoning to Taste: Always taste your squash and onion mixture before adding it to the eggs. Adjust the salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper as needed to suit your personal preference. A little extra seasoning can make a big difference.
• Squash Size: Slice your yellow squash uniformly, aiming for about ¼-inch thick pieces. Consistent sizing ensures that all the squash cooks evenly, resulting in a tender texture throughout the entire casserole.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Your delightful squash casserole is ready to be enjoyed! This versatile dish is perfect for many occasions and can be easily adapted or stored for later.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy squash casserole is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect with roasted chicken, baked ham, or juicy pork chops for a comforting weeknight meal. It also shines as a star side dish for holiday feasts like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, adding a touch of Southern charm. You can even enjoy it as a satisfying standalone vegetarian side dish.

Storage Instructions

To store any leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely at room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions gently in the microwave or larger amounts in the oven until warmed through.

Make-Ahead & Freezing

You can easily prepare this casserole ahead of time. Assemble the squash mixture without the cracker topping, then pour it into your greased baking dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before adding the crushed cracker topping and baking as directed. You can also bake the casserole entirely, cool it, and freeze individual portions for convenient meal prep.

Variations

This versatile squash casserole can be customized to your taste.

• Additions: Fold in cooked bacon bits, diced bell peppers, fresh corn kernels, or even a few diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Cheese Blends: Instead of just cheddar, try a blend of Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or grated Parmesan cheese for different flavor profiles.
• Topping Alternatives: For a different crunch, swap Ritz crackers for crushed cornflakes, buttery Panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed pork rinds for a low-carb option.

Nutrition Information

This creamy Southern squash casserole offers a comforting and flavorful experience. Nutritional values are estimated and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen squash for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen squash. Just be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before cooking to prevent a watery casserole.

Why is my squash casserole watery?

Your squash casserole might be watery if the squash wasn’t drained properly after cooking, or if it was overcooked. Ensure you gently squeeze out extra moisture from the cooked squash and avoid adding too much milk.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the mixture (without the cracker topping) a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Add the topping just before baking.

What kind of squash works best?

Yellow summer squash is ideal for this recipe due to its mild flavor and soft texture when baked. Avoid tougher winter squashes like butternut or acorn.

Can I use different cheeses for this squash casserole?

Yes, feel free to experiment with other cheeses that melt well, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a blend of cheddar and Parmesan. Sharp cheddar is typically recommended for the best flavor.

How do I prevent the cracker topping from burning?

If your topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This protects the crackers while the rest of the casserole finishes cooking.

Conclusion

This easy squash casserole recipe proves that truly delicious comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With its simple ingredients, quick prep time, and irresistible creamy texture topped with buttery crackers, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Perfect for busy parents and beginners, this dish embodies simplicity and flavor. We hope you enjoy making and sharing your next favorite squash casserole – it’s sure to become a cherished recipe in your home!