Southern Squash Casserole Recipe
If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing comfort dish that practically glows with summer sunshine, this Southern Squash Casserole Recipe is about to become a staple on your table. Lush, creamy squash mingles with melty cheddar, savory onions, and a delightful buttery cracker topping—the kind of nostalgic, homestyle feast Southerners wait all year to make during squash season. Whether you’re hosting a holiday meal, potluck, or a laidback family dinner, you’ll adore the cheesy warmth and subtle veggie sweetness packed into every golden bite of this old-fashioned casserole. Trust me, your guests will beg for the recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Southern Squash Casserole Recipe comes together with a handful of simple kitchen staples. Each ingredient adds something special, from the buttery richness of the crackers to the tang of sour cream—they join forces for unbeatable flavor and texture.
- Yellow squash (2 pounds, sliced): The star of our show—fresh, sweet squash brings tenderness and color to the dish.
- Small onion (1, diced): Adds a savory layer and a pop of aromatic flavor to complement the mild squash.
- Butter (1 tablespoon for sautéing): Saturates the veggies with subtle, rich flavor right from the start.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings out the natural sweetness of the squash and enhances all the other flavors.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just a touch of gentle heat to balance the creaminess.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Gooey, golden cheese melts right into the casserole, giving every bite a comfort-food lift.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Introduces a creamy tang, ensuring the casserole stays luscious and never dry.
- Large eggs (2, beaten): Wonderfully binds everything together so your casserole slices perfectly.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): Adds extra richness and a silky texture to the filling (don’t worry, it won’t taste like mayo!).
- Crushed butter crackers (1 cup, such as Ritz): The essential crunchy, buttery topping everyone looks forward to.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Soaks into the crackers for that irresistible golden-brown finish on top.
How to Make Southern Squash Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by setting your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray—this helps the casserole come out easily and keeps cleanup hassle-free.
Step 2: Sauté the Squash and Onion
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced yellow squash and diced onion, then sprinkle in the salt and black pepper. Sauté for 10–12 minutes, stirring now and then, until the squash is soft and the onions are golden and tender. This step brings out the sweet, mellow flavor of the veggies. Remember to drain off any excess moisture so your Southern Squash Casserole Recipe doesn’t get soggy.
Step 3: Mix Up the Casserole Base
In a big mixing bowl, combine your sautéed squash mixture with the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, beaten eggs, and mayonnaise. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly—you want the filling to be creamy, evenly blended, and speckled with golden shreds of cheese.
Step 4: Layer and Top the Casserole
Pour your luscious mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. In a separate bowl, toss the crushed butter crackers with the melted butter until all the crumbs are moistened. Sprinkle this over the casserole, making sure every inch gets blanketed in the buttery crunch.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your casserole into the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is gloriously golden and the casserole is bubbling at the edges. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before you dig in—this short rest lets all the flavors settle and makes for easy serving.
How to Serve Southern Squash Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I love to finish this Southern Squash Casserole Recipe with a flurry of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and fresh flavor. If you’re feeling extra decadent, a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar right out of the oven will melt into a gooey, irresistible layer.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a versatile side that fits right in with just about any meal. Serve it alongside fried chicken, grilled pork chops, or roast turkey for a true Southern feast. It’s also fantastic next to a big green salad or steamed green beans to balance all that cheesy, creamy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For potlucks or holiday gatherings, scoop individual servings into small ramekins for a personalized touch. Want to impress? Try garnishing with edible flowers or placing the casserole in a rustic cast-iron skillet for that homey, straight-from-the-oven look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Simply cover the casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only get richer as they mingle, so it’s just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this Southern Squash Casserole Recipe. Bake it as usual, cool completely, then wrap well in plastic and foil. It’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole loosely with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes (or until heated through). If you’re just enjoying a single portion, pop it in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, adding a sprinkle of extra cheese if you want to amp up the gooey factor.
FAQs
Can I use zucchini instead of yellow squash?
Absolutely! While yellow squash is traditional for a Southern Squash Casserole Recipe, zucchini works beautifully and provides a similar texture and flavor—try a mix of both for extra color.
What’s the best way to crush the butter crackers?
Slip the crackers into a zip-top bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or your hands. You want fine crumbs with a few bigger pieces for the perfect crunchy topping.
Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole all the way up to adding the cracker topping, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Right before baking, toss on the crackers and melted butter to keep them crisp.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
You can use reduced-fat cheese and mayonnaise, substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream, or swap in whole wheat crackers for a slightly healthier twist. The casserole will still have that classic Southern comfort!
Why do I need to drain the squash after cooking?
Squash contains a lot of water, and draining it prevents your Southern Squash Casserole Recipe from turning watery. This step keeps the casserole creamy and prevents a soggy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Squash Casserole Recipe is pure Southern comfort on a plate—simple, nostalgic, and impossibly delicious. I know it’ll become a treasured favorite at your table, just as it has at mine. Give it a try and let the warmth (and butter!) bring smiles all around.
Print
Southern Squash Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Southern Squash Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that combines tender yellow squash with creamy, cheesy goodness. Perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, this easy-to-make casserole will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
For the casserole:
- 2 pounds yellow squash (sliced)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
For the topping:
- 1 cup crushed butter crackers (such as Ritz)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the squash: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced squash and diced onion, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 10–12 minutes until soft. Drain off excess moisture.
- Prepare the casserole: In a large bowl, mix the cooked squash mixture with cheddar cheese, sour cream, eggs, and mayonnaise. Pour into the baking dish.
- Add the topping: Toss crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or try a blend of cheeses for added flavor.
- This casserole pairs well with fried chicken, grilled pork chops, or as a holiday side dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
