Southern Squash Casserole

This creamy, cheesy Southern Squash Casserole is the ultimate comfort food side dish that brings a taste of tradition to your table. It’s rich, buttery, and packed with tender yellow squash, perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Southern comfort – buttery, cheesy, and soul-warming
• Perfect side for holidays or everyday meals
• Crowd-pleasing flavor with a crispy golden topping
• Great way to use up summer squash
• Simple ingredients with big flavor
• Make-ahead friendly for stress-free gatherings
• Kid-approved and veggie-packed
• Easy to customize with different cheeses or herbs

Ingredients

For the Casserole

• 4 cups yellow squash, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Topping

• 1 cup crushed butter crackers (like Ritz)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Directions

1. Preheat the oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the squash and onions
   Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced squash and chopped onions. Sauté for about 10–12 minutes until the squash is tender and most of the moisture has evaporated. Let cool slightly.
3. Prepare the egg mixture
   In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine and mix
   Fold the cooked squash and onion mixture into the egg mixture. Stir gently until fully combined.
5. Assemble the casserole
   Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
6. Add the topping
   In a small bowl, mix the crushed butter crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle this evenly over the casserole.
7. Bake
   Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
8. Cool and serve
   Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving for best texture and flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6–8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Calories per serving: 280 (estimated)

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs.
• Spicy Kick: Add 1 diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne to the filling.
• Low-Carb: Replace crackers with crushed pork rinds or almond flour topping.
• Herbed Version: Mix in chopped fresh thyme or parsley for a garden-fresh twist.
• Bacon Boost: Add cooked crumbled bacon to the filling or topping.
• Cheese Swap: Try Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
• Extra Veggies: Toss in some chopped bell pepper or spinach for a nutrient bump.
• Single-Serve: Bake in individual ramekins for cute, portioned servings.

Storage/Reheating

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in the dish for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use zucchini instead of yellow squash?

Yes! Zucchini works great as a substitute or even as a mix with yellow squash.

How do I prevent it from getting watery?

Be sure to cook down the squash and let it cool a bit to release excess moisture before mixing into the casserole.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole without the cracker topping, cover, and refrigerate. Add topping and bake when ready.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze before or after baking. Just be sure to cool completely and wrap well to avoid freezer burn.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Sharp cheddar is classic, but feel free to use your favorite melty cheese like Colby, Monterey Jack, or a blend.

Can I skip the sour cream?

You can substitute it with Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.

Can I add meat?

Definitely! Try mixing in cooked ground sausage, diced ham, or shredded chicken.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes! The creamy texture and cheesy flavor usually win over picky eaters.

Can I double the recipe?

Sure! Use a 9×13-inch baking dish and increase bake time by about 5–10 minutes.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cheese and sour cream alternatives, and swap butter for a vegan butter or olive oil.

Conclusion

This Southern Squash Casserole is a timeless dish that combines nostalgic comfort with rich, savory flavor. Whether you’re preparing it for a big holiday dinner or just need a delicious veggie side to go with weeknight chicken, it’s sure to bring joy to the table. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with buttery crunch—it’s the kind of side that might just steal the show. Give it a try and see why it’s a Southern staple for good reason!

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