This Easy Southern Squash Casserole is a warm and comforting dish that everyone will love! With fresh squash, cheese, and buttery crackers, it’s a side that’s hard to resist.
You can whip this up quickly, and it makes the perfect addition to family dinners. Plus, I always feel like a kitchen superstar when I serve it! 🌟
What I love most is how the flavors blend together and it’s super simple to make. Just mix, bake, and enjoy! It’s a delightful way to sneak in some veggies too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: Fresh yellow squash is key for this casserole. It gives a lovely texture and flavor. If you’re in a pinch, zucchini can be a good substitute, but it will slightly change the taste.
Onion: I like using yellow onion for its sweetness. If you’re sensitive to stronger flavors, you might try green onions or shallots for a milder taste.
Mayonnaise: This ingredient keeps the casserole creamy. If you want a healthier twist, plain Greek yogurt works well too—just be aware it might change the flavor a bit.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds depth of flavor. If you prefer something milder, you can use medium cheddar, or even a dairy-free version if you’re avoiding dairy.
Buttery Crackers: I love using Ritz crackers for their buttery taste and crispiness. If you’re gluten-free, try crushed gluten-free crackers or even panko breadcrumbs for a similar crunch.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Texture for Your Casserole?
Getting the right texture in your squash casserole is all about handling the squash properly. Start by pre-cooking the squash and onions. This step removes excess moisture, preventing a watery casserole.
- Boil the squash and onion for about 5 minutes until tender—don’t overdo it!
- Drain and pat them dry, ensuring they’re not sitting in water before mixing them in.
Mix thoroughly but avoid over-mixing to maintain some chunkiness, which gives a lovely texture. The buttery cracker topping adds the perfect crunch on top, making every bite delicious! Enjoy!
Easy Southern Squash Casserole Perfect for Family Meals
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fresh Vegetables:
- 4 cups fresh yellow squash, sliced (about 4 medium squash)
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
Base and Dairy:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping:
- 1 cup buttery cracker crumbs (such as Ritz crackers)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Spices:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake. So, in about an hour, you can have a wonderful side dish ready for your family meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it lightly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Squash and Onions:
Next, fill a large pot with water, add a little salt, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the sliced yellow squash and chopped onion. Let them cook for about 5 minutes until they’re nice and tender, but not too soft. Then, drain the vegetables and gently pat them dry with a paper towel to remove extra moisture.
3. Mix All the Goodness Together:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained squash and onions with the eggs, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder if you’re using it. Stir everything together until it’s mixed well and creamy.
4. Pour and Spread:
Now it’s time to transfer that delicious mixture to your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it cooks nicely.
5. Make the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix your buttery cracker crumbs with the melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are nicely coated. This will give your casserole a delightful crunchy topping!
6. Top It Off!
Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the squash mixture in the baking dish. This will create a tasty layer on top as it bakes!
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and bubbly.
8. Let It Cool and Serve:
Once you take it out of the oven, let your casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this hearty side dish with your family—it’s sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Easy Southern Squash Casserole
Can I Use Frozen Squash for This Recipe?
While fresh squash is preferred for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen squash. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture before using it in the recipe!
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, you can use plain Greek yogurt or sour cream as a substitute. Both will give a creamy texture with a slightly different flavor—feel free to adjust seasonings to taste!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of milk can help revive the creaminess if needed.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition. Just remember to keep the total amount similar to avoid changing the texture too much.
