Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a golden buttery crunch, this Southern Squash Casserole is the kind of down-home comfort food that brings everyone back to the table for seconds. Whether you’re serving it at a summer potluck or cozy family dinner, this dish is a tried-and-true classic filled with flavor and love.
Ingredients
- 4 cups yellow squash, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Veggies
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Sauté squash and onion in butter over medium heat until tender, about 8–10 minutes. Drain any excess liquid. - Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, stir together the cooked squash and onions, cheddar cheese, sour cream, beaten eggs, salt, and pepper. - Assemble the Casserole
Pour the mixture into a greased 8×8-inch or similar-sized baking dish. Sprinkle crushed buttery crackers evenly over the top. - Bake to Golden
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy that Southern comfort in every bite!
Variations
- Add Bacon for a Smoky Twist
Crisp up 3–4 slices of bacon, crumble them, and mix them into the casserole before baking. The salty, smoky flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy squash and adds a savory depth that’ll have guests asking for the recipe. - Swap the Cheese for Variety
Try mixing cheddar with a bit of Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a richer, melty finish. Pepper Jack can also add a subtle kick without overwhelming the Southern charm of the dish. - Make it a Main Dish
Stir in 1–2 cups of cooked shredded chicken or chopped ham before baking to turn this side into a hearty main. It’s a great way to use leftovers and makes for a satisfying one-dish meal.
Cooking Notes
- Drain the Squash Well
After sautéing the squash and onions, be sure to drain off any excess liquid. Squash releases a lot of moisture when cooked, and skipping this step can lead to a watery casserole. - Let It Rest Before Serving
After baking, allow the casserole to sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to slice and serve without falling apart. - Adjust Seasonings to Taste
Squash has a mild flavor, so don’t be afraid to taste the filling before baking (since the eggs are already cooked from the hot veggies) and adjust the salt, pepper, or even add a dash of garlic or onion powder if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with Grilled Meats
This casserole shines as a side dish next to grilled chicken, pork chops, or barbecue ribs. Its creamy texture and rich flavor balance beautifully with smoky, charred meats. - Serve at Holiday Tables
Southern squash casserole makes a beloved addition to Thanksgiving, Easter, or Sunday supper spreads. It’s a classic comfort dish that fits right in with stuffing, green beans, and roasted turkey or ham. - Add a Fresh Green Side
Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans to round out the plate. The lightness of the greens helps balance the richness of the casserole and keeps the meal feeling wholesome.
Tips
- Use Fresh, Firm Squash
Choose yellow squash that’s firm to the touch and free of blemishes or soft spots. Fresher squash cooks better, holds its shape, and has a sweeter, cleaner flavor. - Don’t Overcook the Squash on the Stove
Sauté the squash until just tender, not mushy. Remember, it’ll cook further in the oven, so slightly undercooked is better than overdone at this stage. - Crush Crackers Just Before Using
For the best buttery crunch, crush your crackers right before topping the casserole. This helps them stay crisp and golden during baking, rather than turning soggy.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~210
- Protein: 7g
- Sodium: 320mg
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands or ingredient substitutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, then bake as directed. - Can I freeze this squash casserole?
You can, but the texture may be slightly different after thawing due to the high water content in squash. If freezing, bake the casserole first, let it cool completely, then wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through. - Can I use zucchini instead of yellow squash?
Absolutely! Zucchini works well as a substitute or even combined with yellow squash for a colorful twist. Just be sure to drain the cooked veggies thoroughly to avoid extra moisture. - What kind of crackers work best for the topping?
Classic buttery crackers like Ritz are the go-to for that signature Southern crunch. However, you can use any buttery or savory cracker, even gluten-free varieties if needed.
Conclusion
This Southern Squash Casserole Comfort is the kind of recipe that brings folks together — creamy, cheesy, and finished with that irresistible cracker topping. Whether it’s part of a holiday spread or a weeknight supper, this dish serves up tradition, warmth, and pure comfort in every bite. So go ahead, scoop up a serving (or two), and taste a little Southern love baked right in.
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Southern Squash Casserole Comfort
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a golden buttery crunch, this Southern Squash Casserole is the kind of down-home comfort food that brings everyone back to the table for seconds. Whether you’re serving it at a summer potluck or cozy family dinner, this dish is a tried-and-true classic filled with flavor and love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups yellow squash, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Veggies
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Sauté squash and onion in butter over medium heat until tender, about 8–10 minutes. Drain any excess liquid. - Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, stir together the cooked squash and onions, cheddar cheese, sour cream, beaten eggs, salt, and pepper. - Assemble the Casserole
Pour the mixture into a greased 8×8-inch or similar-sized baking dish. Sprinkle crushed buttery crackers evenly over the top. - Bake to Golden
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy that Southern comfort in every bite!
Notes
- Add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor.
- Want a little kick? Stir in a few dashes of hot sauce or a bit of diced jalapeño.
- For a gluten-free version, use GF crackers and double-check your other ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: ~210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: southern squash casserole, cheesy squash bake, squash side dish, summer squash recipe, comfort food, classic casserole