Hey fellow food lovers! Nyla here, ready to bring some serious comfort food vibes to your kitchen. Today, we’re diving headfirst into a dish that screams “delicious” from the rooftops: Southern Squash Casserole!
I discovered this absolute gem during one of my late-night kitchen experiments. It was a happy accident involving some yellow squash, a handful of Ritz crackers, and a whole lot of cheesy goodness. I was craving something comforting, something soul-warming, and something that would turn my ordinary weeknight into a full-blown celebration of flavor. And that’s how my Southern Squash Casserole was born!
This isn’t just your average casserole; it’s a flavor adventure waiting to happen. We’re talking about the kind of dish that makes people do a little happy dance with every bite. I am always trying to find ways to make classics even more exciting.
Get ready to experience Southern Squash Casserole like never before, where bold flavors meet cozy comfort. I can’t wait to share my secrets with you, turning even the simplest of ingredients into a dish that will have everyone begging for seconds. Join me, and let’s make some magic happen in the kitchen! 🔥
INGREDIENTS You Need
This Southern Squash Casserole ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! We’re keeping it simple but packing a serious punch. You can grab almost everything during your normal shopping trip.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 pounds yellow squash, sliced: The star of our show!
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a beautiful savory base.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted: Because everything is better with butter!
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup: For that creamy, comforting texture.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds a tangy richness that balances the sweetness of the squash.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Because, cheese! Feel free to use your favorite blend.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: For extra creaminess and moisture.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Because garlic makes everything better.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: To bring out all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A little kick to keep things interesting.
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed: That buttery, salty crunch is the perfect topping.
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted (for the topping): More butter for the win!
Flavor Boosters: This Southern Squash Casserole gets its amazing taste from the combination of the sweet squash, savory onion, tangy sour cream, and buttery Ritz cracker topping.
Ingredient Swaps: No worries if you don’t have sour cream – I use plain Greek yogurt all the time in my Southern Squash Casserole. It adds a similar tang without sacrificing creaminess!
Storage Tips: Store any leftover squash in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Let’s get cooking!
Let’s Make Some!
This is my favorite part of making Southern Squash Casserole – watch the delicious magic happen! It’s all about layering those flavors and textures to create something truly special. I promise, it’s easier than you think, and the results are totally worth it.
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This step is crucial to prevent sticking and ensures your Southern Squash Casserole comes out perfectly.
- Sauté the Squash and Onion: In a large skillet, melt 1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced yellow squash and chopped onion. Sauté until the squash is tender, about 10-12 minutes. Be patient and let those veggies soften up – it makes all the difference in the final texture of your Southern Squash Casserole.
- Mix the Creamy Goodness: In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined. This is where the magic starts happening! I love adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
- Combine Veggies and Cream: Add the sautéed squash and onion to the creamy mixture. Stir gently until the vegetables are evenly coated. You want to make sure every piece of squash gets a hug from that creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the squash mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Don’t worry if your Southern Squash Casserole looks a little lumpy at this point – it’s all part of the charm!
- Make the Ritz Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Mix until the crackers are evenly coated with butter. This topping is what takes this casserole from good to amazing.
- Sprinkle and Bake: Sprinkle the Ritz cracker mixture evenly over the squash mixture. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. While your Southern Squash Casserole is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas! My Southern Squash Casserole usually takes exactly 28 minutes in my oven.
- Cool Slightly and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set up a bit, making it easier to serve. Dig in and enjoy every delicious bite of your homemade Southern Squash Casserole!
Happy Accident: One time, I accidentally added a little too much garlic powder, but it turned out to be a flavor bomb!
How to Serve Up This!
People literally do happy dances when this Southern Squash Casserole hits the table! It’s just one of those dishes that everyone loves. I love serving it hot, straight from the oven, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.
Flavor Pairings: This Southern Squash Casserole pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, pork chops, or even a simple salad. The creamy, cheesy casserole complements the savory flavors of the meat and adds a comforting element to any meal.
Perfect Occasions: This Southern Squash Casserole is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, holiday dinners, or those weeknight dinners that need to be special! It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to be a hit no matter where you take it.
Presentation Ideas: For a more elegant presentation, serve the casserole in individual ramekins. Top with a sprig of rosemary or thyme for an extra touch of sophistication.
Leftover Transformations: Got leftovers? No problem! Use the leftover casserole as a filling for omelets, mix it into pasta, or even spread it on toast for a delicious and unexpected snack.
This Southern Squash Casserole is a crowd-pleaser! I brought it to a potluck, and it was gone in minutes!
If you’re looking for another squash casserole, try my Butternut Squash Casserole. For a lighter casserole try my Squash Casserole recipe.
FAQs:
Here are some common questions I get about making Southern Squash Casserole. I’m here to help you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to ask if you have any other questions!
Q: Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Southern Squash Casserole?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is super forgiving and easy to follow. Even if you’ve never made a casserole before, you can totally nail this Southern Squash Casserole. Just follow the steps, and don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors!
Q: Can I use frozen squash for this Southern Squash Casserole?
A: I always recommend using fresh squash for the best flavor and texture. But if you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen squash. Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before using it in the recipe. Otherwise, you might end up with a watery Southern Squash Casserole.
Q: What if I mess up my Southern Squash Casserole? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)
A: Honestly, it’s hard to mess up this recipe! Even if you overcook the squash or add too much cheese, it’ll still taste delicious. Comfort food is all about imperfection, so don’t stress too much about getting everything perfect.
Q: How can I prep this Southern Squash Casserole for busy weeknights?
A: You can prep this casserole ahead of time by sautéing the squash and onion and mixing the creamy mixture. Store the squash mixture in the fridge and assemble the casserole when you’re ready to bake it. This will save you a ton of time on busy weeknights!
Q: Can I add meat to this Southern Squash Casserole?
A: Absolutely! If you want to add some protein to this dish, try adding cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or crumbled bacon. It’ll add a savory element that pairs perfectly with the sweet squash and creamy sauce. This recipe reminds me of Old Fashioned Southern Squash Casserole – Southern Cravings!
Q: What kind of cheese works best in this Southern Squash Casserole?
A: I love using cheddar cheese in this recipe, but you can use any cheese you like! Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a sharp provolone would all be delicious. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite cheese combination!
Q: Can I make this Southern Squash Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure the casserole is heated through.
This Cheesy Squash Casserole With Ritz Recipe – Food.com is my all time favorite!
CONCLUSION:
This Southern Squash Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a flavor adventure, a comforting hug in a dish, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It brings me so much joy to share this recipe with you because I know it’ll bring just as much joy to your kitchen and your table.
My Southern Squash Casserole Flavor Secrets:
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices: I love adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper to give this casserole a little extra kick.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the final product. Trust me, it makes a difference!
- Don’t overcook the squash: You want it to be tender, but still have a little bit of a bite. Overcooked squash will turn mushy and ruin the texture of the casserole.
Delicious Southern Squash Casserole Variations I’ve Tested:
- Spicy Squash Casserole: Add a diced jalapeño to the squash mixture for a spicy kick.
- Bacon Cheddar Squash Casserole: Add crumbled bacon and extra cheddar cheese for a smoky, cheesy twist.
- Garlic Herb Squash Casserole: Add minced garlic and fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary to the squash mixture for a fragrant and flavorful casserole.
I’m so excited for you to try this Southern Squash Casserole and make it your own! Don’t be afraid to trust your taste buds and get creative in the kitchen. Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned cook, I know you can create something amazing with this recipe. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear about your flavor adventures! Also be sure to try my Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage! 🔥💕
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Southern Squash Casserole
This classic Southern Squash Casserole is a comforting and flavorful side dish, perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight meals. Tender squash is combined with creamy sauce, cheese, and a buttery cracker topping for a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 pounds yellow squash, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup butter, divided
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a large skillet, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat. Add squash and onion and cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked squash mixture, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Pour the squash mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and the remaining 1/4 cup melted butter. Sprinkle over the squash casserole.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the cracker topping.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use a combination of cheddar and Gruyere cheese. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.