If you’re searching for a warm, comforting dish that captures the spirit of home cooking, look no further than this Easy Squash Casserole. Brimming with golden squash, creamy cheese, and a buttery cracker topping, this Southern favorite is everything you want in a crowd-pleasing side dish: cozy, cheesy, and beautifully golden out of the oven. Whether you’re making an easy addition for a family dinner or bringing a little sunshine to a potluck, this casserole never fails to steal the show. Once you try it, you’ll understand why Easy Squash Casserole becomes a recipe folks pass down (and crave) year after year!
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something wonderful about a recipe that’s so easy yet feels so special. Each simple ingredient in Easy Squash Casserole plays its part perfectly: the squash delivers buttery freshness, while the creamy base and crunchy topping bring richness and irresistible texture.
- Yellow squash (4 cups, thinly sliced): Fresh yellow squash gives this dish its sweet, melt-in-your-mouth flavor and sunny color.
- Small onion (finely chopped): Adds a subtle savory kick and makes the casserole wonderfully aromatic.
- Olive oil or butter (1 tablespoon): Sautéing in this brings out the natural sweetness of the squash and onion; use butter for extra richness!
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Gives the casserole a luscious creaminess and a little tang.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Blends into the sauce for an amazing texture and flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into gooey, cheesy perfection in every bite.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): A touch of garlic rounds out the savory flavor without overpowering.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances every element—don’t skip it!
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Lends just a subtle heat that makes all the flavors pop.
- Large egg (1): Binds it all together for a creamy yet set casserole.
- Buttery crackers (1 cup, crushed): Ritz or similar; they make that signature crunchy, golden topping.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Mixed with the crackers, it creates the ultimate savory topping.
How to Make Easy Squash Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Before you get started, set the mood for deliciousness by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or a nonstick spray. This step ensures every serving scoops out smoothly and nothing sticks behind!
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Grab your largest skillet and warm up the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Toss in your thinly sliced squash and finely chopped onion. Give it all a good stir and let the veggies sauté for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the onions turn translucent. This not only softens them but pulls out their best flavors. Set aside to cool a little—you don’t want to scramble eggs by mixing in piping-hot veggies!
Step 3: Make the Creamy Base
In a roomy mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, egg, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until everything looks smooth and inviting. This rich mixture is what gives Easy Squash Casserole its iconic creamy interior.
Step 4: Combine and Assemble
Once your veggies have cooled slightly, add them to the creamy base and gently fold everything together. The goal is to coat every piece of squash and onion with that cheesy, savory mixture, so don’t skimp on thorough stirring! Pour it all into your prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to the edges.
Step 5: Add the Buttery Cracker Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter until every crumb glistens. Sprinkle this golden mixture over the casserole for a topping that’s bound to make everyone swoon once baked.
Step 6: Bake to Bubbling Perfection
Slide the casserole into the oven and bake, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbling at the edges and the top is gorgeously golden brown. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving, to help everything set and make serving a breeze.
How to Serve Easy Squash Casserole
Garnishes
For that extra wow factor, sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar or chopped fresh parsley on top before serving. Both add a pop of color and hint at the comforting flavors inside. If you’re feeling bold, a dash of smoked paprika or some finely sliced green onions will elevate your Easy Squash Casserole to new heights.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with almost anything. It’s a classic partner for roasted meats, barbecue, or fried chicken. Serve alongside fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a crisp garden salad for a satisfying Southern dinner plate. It also holds its own at any potluck or holiday table!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try baking the casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions—guests will love the crispy topping on every serving. If you’re hosting brunch, use the Easy Squash Casserole as a vibrant, make-ahead addition alongside eggs and biscuits. You can even cut it into wedges and serve on a vegetarian buffet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and deepen, making Easy Squash Casserole just as delicious stirred back to life the next day.
Freezing
Want to prep ahead for busy nights? Assemble the casserole up through the creamy filling (without the topping) and freeze in a well-sealed dish. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, add your cracker topping, and bake as usual. Baked leftovers can also be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to two months.
Reheating
To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until heated through (about 15-20 minutes). If you like the topping to be crisp, remove the foil for the last five minutes. Microwave reheating also works in a pinch, though the oven keeps that cracker crust extra crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use zucchini instead of all yellow squash?
Absolutely! You can substitute some or all of the yellow squash with zucchini for a slightly different flavor and color. The casserole still turns out tender and delicious.
How can I make Easy Squash Casserole ahead of time?
Prepare the filling as directed, pour it into your baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Wait to add the cracker topping until just before baking so it stays perfectly crispy and golden.
Is Easy Squash Casserole gluten-free?
The main swap you’ll need is gluten-free buttery crackers for the topping. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy adaptation!
What meats or proteins pair best with this casserole?
Grilled chicken, baked ham, pork chops, or even a hearty roast all sit beautifully alongside Easy Squash Casserole. For vegetarian feasts, it shines next to other veggie-forward dishes.
Can I double the recipe for a big crowd?
Yes, and it’s a great idea! Use a larger casserole dish (like a 9×13-inch), and simply double every ingredient. Baking time may be a bit longer, so keep an eye on that golden topping.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve made it this far, I hope you’re as excited as I am to bring Easy Squash Casserole to your table. Its heavenly blend of creamy, cheesy filling and crunchy topping is pure comfort—and it’s so simple, you might just find yourself coming back to it again and again. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new signature side!
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Easy Squash Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Squash Casserole is a creamy and cheesy Southern side dish that’s simple to make and bursting with flavor. Perfect for potlucks or family dinners, this casserole combines tender yellow squash with a rich, savory filling, topped with a buttery cracker crust.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups yellow squash, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
Filling:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
Topping:
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Sauté Squash and Onion: In a skillet, cook squash and onion until tender. Let cool.
- Prepare Filling: Whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, egg, cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Fold in squash and onions.
- Assemble: Pour mixture into baking dish.
- Add Topping: Mix crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over casserole.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute zucchini for part of the squash.
- Add cooked bacon or ham for extra flavor.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
