Southern Squash Casserole Recipe

Southern Squash Casserole Recipe 🍂🧀

This Southern Squash Casserole is a classic comfort dish that brings the flavors of summer squash to life with creamy textures, cheesy goodness, and a buttery cracker topping. It’s a staple at family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday meals, but it’s also simple enough for a weeknight dinner. The combination of tender squash, rich sour cream, and melty cheese, topped with crunchy buttery crackers, makes this casserole irresistible.

Let’s dive into how to make this delicious Southern classic step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Comfort Food at Its Finest : Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a golden, buttery crunch—this casserole is pure comfort.
2. Versatile & Customizable : Swap ingredients like cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian option or add spices for extra flair.
3. Make-Ahead Friendly : Perfect for preparing ahead of time and baking when ready to serve.
4. Freezer-Friendly : Great for meal prep or freezing leftovers for later.
5. Crowd-Pleasing : A guaranteed hit at potlucks, family dinners, or holiday feasts.

Ingredients

(Serves 6–8)

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds yellow squash , sliced 🍄
• ½ cup onion , chopped 🧅
• 2 tablespoons butter 🧈

Creamy Filling:

• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a vegetarian option )
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
• Salt and pepper , to taste 🧂⚫

Crunchy Topping:

• 2 cups crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz )
• ¼ cup butter , melted 🧈

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the Squash and Onion

1. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat .
2. Add the sliced squash and chopped onion to the skillet. Cook for 8–10 minutes , stirring occasionally, until the squash is tender.
3. Drain any excess liquid from the squash mixture using a colander or paper towels to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked squash and onion with the sour cream , cream of chicken soup , cheddar cheese , salt , and pepper . Mix well until evenly combined.
   • Tip : Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Spread the squash mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated.
3. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top of the squash mixture to create a crunchy, golden topping.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes , or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

1. Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm as a side dish or main course.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigerate : Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days . Reheat in the oven or microwave.
2. Freeze : Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months . Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
3. Make Ahead : Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Tips for Success

1. Drain Excess Liquid : Removing moisture from the cooked squash ensures the casserole doesn’t turn out soggy.
2. Customize the Topping : Use crushed cornflakes, breadcrumbs, or even crushed potato chips for a different crunch.
3. Add Extras : Stir in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or jalapeños for added flavor and texture.
4. Double the Recipe : This casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd—simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish.
5. Use Fresh Squash : Fresh yellow squash works best, but you can substitute zucchini or a mix of both for variety.

Perfect Pairings

This Southern Squash Casserole pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled Meats : Serve alongside grilled chicken, pork chops, or steak for a hearty meal.
• Southern Sides : Pair with collard greens, cornbread, or fried okra for a traditional Southern spread.
• Salads : Add a crisp garden salad or cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
• Sparkling Beverages : Pair with sweet tea, lemonade, or sparkling water for a light, bubbly touch.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

(Based on 8 servings)

• Calories : ~280 kcal
• Protein : ~7g
• Carbohydrates : ~25g
• Fat : ~18g
• Fiber : ~2g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Southern Squash Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that highlights the simplicity and flavor of fresh squash. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish at a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a hit. The creamy filling and crunchy topping create a satisfying contrast that’s both indulgent and wholesome.

The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the ingredients, adjust the seasonings, or pair it with different sides to make it your own. So grab your squash, crush those crackers, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious.