If you adore comfort food with a burst of vibrant flavors, the Southern Squash Casserole Recipe is sure to become your new favorite. This dish is a perfect blend of tender yellow squash, creamy cheese, and a buttery, crunchy topping that makes every bite utterly irresistible. Whether you’re serving it alongside your main course or bringing it to a family gathering, this casserole brings a true taste of Southern hospitality straight to your table. It’s wholesome, satisfying, and packed with just the right balance of savory goodness that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to making this Southern classic shine. Each item plays an important role, from the sweetness of the squash to the crispy golden cracker topping, ensuring the perfect harmony of flavor and texture.
- 3 Tablespoons butter: Provides a rich base for sautéing and adds luscious flavor to the topping.
- 3 pounds yellow squash (sliced 1/4 inch thick): The star vegetable, bringing tender, slightly sweet freshness to the dish.
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced): Adds a mild sharpness and depth of flavor when sautéed.
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided): Enhances all the flavors, making each ingredient shine.
- 2 large eggs (beaten): Acts as a binder to hold the casserole together beautifully.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Contributes creaminess and a subtle tang for balance.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a gooey, savory layer that’s utterly comforting.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Adds richness and moisture, creating that classic Southern texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle kick of spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings warm depth without overwhelming the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds smokiness and a beautiful color touch.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Offers just a subtle hint of heat to awaken the palate.
- 1 cup Ritz crackers (crushed): Creates a buttery, crunchy topping that makes this casserole stand out.
- 3 Tablespoons melted butter: Binds the cracker topping for perfect browning and crispiness.
How to Make Southern Squash Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives you plenty of time to prepare the ingredients and ensures that your casserole cooks evenly. Don’t forget to grease your 9×13-inch casserole dish thoroughly with butter or a non-stick spray so your casserole slides right out once baked.
Step 2: Sauté the Squash and Onion
In a large skillet, melt the 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced yellow squash and diced onion along with half a teaspoon of salt. Cook this mixture until the squash becomes tender and the onions soften, about 8 to 10 minutes. This step is crucial to developing the deep, mellow flavors and removing excess moisture. Drain any liquid to keep your casserole from becoming soggy.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and the remaining half teaspoon of salt. This creamy blend is the heart of the Southern Squash Casserole Recipe, binding everything together while packing each bite with savory richness.
Step 4: Combine Squash with Creamy Mixture
Gently fold the cooked squash and onion mix into the creamy egg and cheese mixture until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix — you want to keep the squash pieces intact for texture, as well as an even distribution of flavors throughout.
Step 5: Transfer to the Casserole Dish
Pour the combined mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. This uniform layer ensures that every bite has a perfect balance of squash and creamy goodness.
Step 6: Make the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are well coated. Sprinkle this golden, buttery mixture evenly over the top of your squash casserole. This topping will bake into a perfectly crispy crust, providing the delightful contrast that makes this dish so memorable.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden Perfection
Bake your casserole for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cracker topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and you see bubbling around the edges. This signals that the casserole is heated through and ready to be enjoyed. The aroma itself will have you eager to dig in.
Step 8: Let It Rest Briefly Before Serving
Allow the casserole to sit for about 5 minutes once it’s out of the oven. This resting time helps it set up perfectly so it’s easier to serve and each slice holds together beautifully.
How to Serve Southern Squash Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish can elevate your Southern Squash Casserole Recipe. Fresh chopped parsley or chives provide a pop of green color and refreshing brightness that contrasts so well with the warm, creamy casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a fantastic side for many meals. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, slow-cooked pork, or a juicy steak for a Southern-inspired dinner. It also pairs nicely with a fresh garden salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make your Southern Squash Casserole Recipe a star at your next gathering, try making individual portions in ramekins or small cast-iron skillets. This personal touch makes serving easier and adds a bit of rustic charm to the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover squash casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making leftovers just as delicious as the first serving.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole if you want to enjoy it later. Let it cool completely, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual slices in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through and the topping regains some crispiness. Avoid reheating too long to keep the texture perfect.
FAQs
Can I use frozen squash for this recipe?
While fresh yellow squash is preferred for the best texture, frozen squash can be used in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture thoroughly before cooking to avoid a watery casserole.
Is the cracker topping necessary?
The cracker topping adds a signature buttery crunch that complements the creamy interior. You can skip it if needed, but it’s definitely a highlight of the Southern Squash Casserole Recipe.
Can this dish be made dairy-free?
You can substitute dairy ingredients with vegan alternatives, such as plant-based sour cream, cheese, and mayonnaise. The texture might be slightly different but it will still be delicious!
How spicy is this casserole?
The recipe includes a small amount of cayenne pepper for a gentle warmth, but it’s very mild overall. Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne to suit your heat preference.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to add diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra color and nutrition, but keep the squash as the primary vegetable to maintain that classic Southern flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Squash Casserole Recipe is a heartwarming dish that fills your home with irresistible aromas and your plate with classic Southern charm. It’s comforting, easy to make, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with your loved ones — it’s more than just a casserole, it’s a delicious tradition!
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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, cheesy baked dish featuring tender sautéed yellow squash combined with onions, eggs, sour cream, and spices, topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust. Perfect as a flavorful side or a vegetarian main, it showcases classic Southern flavors with a creamy texture and crisp topping.
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
- 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
- 3 Tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Sauté Squash and Onion: Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced yellow squash, diced onion, and half a teaspoon of salt. Cook until the squash becomes tender and onions soften, about 8 to 10 minutes. Then drain any excess liquid to avoid a watery casserole.
- Mix Wet Ingredients and Seasonings: In a large bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and the remaining half teaspoon of salt. This mixture will bind and flavor the casserole.
- Combine Squash Mixture: Fold the cooked squash and onion gently into the egg mixture until everything is thoroughly combined but still light and fluffy.
- Assemble in Casserole Dish: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform cooking.
- Prepare Cracker Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to create a crunchy crust.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the casserole is bubbling at the edges, indicating it is fully cooked.
Notes
- Drain excess liquid thoroughly after sautéing squash to prevent a soggy casserole.
- You can substitute the cheddar cheese with a sharp or mild cheddar based on your preference.
- For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper slightly, but be cautious as it can become overpowering.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving and better flavor melding.
- Make sure to crush the Ritz crackers finely for an even topping texture.
