Simple Squash Casserole: Delightful Southern Recipe!

Hey fellow food lovers! Nyla here, ready to share another one of my absolute favorite recipes with you! Get ready for a flavor adventure because we’re diving headfirst into the world of Squash Casserole!

This isn’t your grandma’s bland side dish. Nope, we’re talking about a Squash Casserole that’s bursting with bold flavors, creamy textures, and a whole lotta love. Trust me, this recipe turns every meal into something truly special.

I remember one late-night kitchen experiment that led to this Squash Casserole masterpiece. I was craving something comforting but with a twist. After raiding the fridge and pantry, this happy accident was born, and it’s been a family favorite ever since! I’m so excited to share this winning recipe with you!

This recipe for Squash Casserole has become a star at every potluck, holiday gathering, and even a quick weeknight dinner. I cannot wait for you to dive into the world of flavors and textures we will explore in this recipe. Let’s make some magic!

INGREDIENTS You Need

Alright, let’s gather our ingredients for this flavor explosion! This Squash Casserole ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! You can grab these during your normal shopping trip.

• 3 lbs Yellow Squash: Washed, trimmed, and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds.
• 1 medium Yellow Onion: Diced.
• 1/2 cup Butter: Salted or unsalted, your preference!
• 1 (10.75 oz) can Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: The creamy base of our dreams!
• 1 cup Sour Cream: Adds a tangy richness.
• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Because cheese makes everything better!
• 1/2 cup Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese: For extra meltiness!
• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and richness.
• 1 large Egg: Lightly beaten.
• 1 sleeve Ritz Crackers: Crushed, for that perfect topping.
• 1/4 cup Melted Butter: For the cracker topping.
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Gotta have that garlic punch!
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper: Adds a touch of spice.
• 1/4 teaspoon Paprika: For color and a hint of smokiness.

No worries if you don’t have Monterey Jack cheese! I use mozzarella all the time in my Squash Casserole, and it works like a charm. I love adding extra garlic powder to my Squash Casserole for that extra kick! It takes it from good to incredible.

For ingredient prep shortcuts, I like to pre-slice the squash and dice the onion on Sunday so that making this Squash Casserole is a breeze during the week. Store the squash in the fridge wrapped in paper towels to keep it fresh.

This Southern Squash Casserole gets its amazing taste from the combination of creamy soup, tangy sour cream, and the buttery Ritz cracker topping. That balance of flavors and textures is what makes it so irresistible! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Let’s Make Some!

Let’s get cooking, fellow food lovers! This is my favorite part of making Squash Casserole – watch the delicious magic happen!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Melt 1/2 cup butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced squash and diced onion. Cook until the squash is tender, about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally. This is where the magic starts happening!
3. In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, mayonnaise, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is smooth and creamy.
4. Add the cooked squash and onion to the cheese mixture. Stir to combine.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
6. In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the squash mixture.
7. Sprinkle paprika over the crushed crackers.
8. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Your summer squash casserole should smell absolutely incredible right now! The cheesy topping should be perfectly golden brown!
9. Let the casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

In my kitchen, this Squash Casserole usually takes closer to 40 minutes to get that perfect golden-brown crust. But ovens vary, so keep an eye on it! Don’t worry if your Squash Casserole looks a little wobbly when it comes out of the oven; it will set as it cools.

While your Squash Casserole is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas! You can also prep a simple side salad to serve with it! If you’re short on time, grab a pre-made salad kit from the store.

This cheesy squash casserole is one of those recipes that’s hard to mess up. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the squash mixture. You can also swap out the cheddar cheese for your favorite cheese. Get creative and have fun!

How to Serve Up This!

This Squash Casserole is so versatile! Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy it! People literally do happy dances when this Squash Casserole hits the table with grilled chicken or pork chops!

• As a side dish: This is the most classic way to serve it. It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even a hearty vegetarian meal.
• As a main course: For a lighter meal, serve a smaller portion of this Squash Casserole with a side salad.
• With a protein: I love serving this with Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage for a cozy fall dinner.
• Holiday gatherings: This Squash Casserole is always a hit at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. It’s a great way to add a comforting and flavorful vegetable dish to the table.
• Potlucks: This is the perfect dish to bring to a potluck. It’s easy to transport and always gets rave reviews.
• Weeknight Dinners: This Squash Casserole is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special!

For presentation ideas, I like to garnish this Southern Squash Casserole with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream. If you’re feeling fancy, you can also add a few slices of grilled squash on top.

Leftover transformations are my jam! Turn leftover Squash Casserole into a delicious filling for omelets or frittatas. You can also mix it with cooked rice and veggies for a quick and easy fried rice.

For a fusion variation, try adding a can of diced tomatoes with green chiles to the squash mixture for a Tex-Mex twist. Top with crushed tortilla chips instead of Ritz crackers. This is a great way to add a little heat and flavor to your Squash Casserole. It’s also one of my most requested recipes for game nights.

FAQs:

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get about this Squash Casserole recipe.

Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Squash Casserole?

Absolutely! This easy squash casserole recipe is super straightforward. As long as you follow the steps, you’ll be golden. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasonings to make it your own!

Can I use frozen squash?

I always recommend 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 off any excess liquid before adding it to the casserole.

What if I mess up my Squash Casserole? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)

Honestly, it’s hard to mess this up too badly. Even if you overcook the squash a little, or the topping gets too brown, it will still be delicious! That said, use your oven light to make sure you are keeping a good eye on the topping.

How can I prep this Squash Casserole for busy weeknights?

You can definitely prep this ahead of time! Assemble the casserole (up to the point of baking) and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and add a few minutes to the baking time.

Can I make this Squash Casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Simply substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup. You can also add some sautéed mushrooms and other veggies to the squash mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.

What if I don’t have Ritz crackers?

No problem! You can use other types of crackers, such as saltines or bread crumbs. You can also make your own cracker topping by combining crushed crackers, melted butter, and some seasonings like garlic powder and paprika.

Can I freeze this Squash Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze this casserole. Make sure it is properly covered, and you should be able to freeze it for up to three months.

My taste-testing results have been overwhelmingly positive! Everyone who tries this Squash Casserole raves about the creamy texture, the bold flavors, and the perfect balance of sweet and savory. My family loves it so much they request it for every holiday gathering! My goal is to provide a casserole that you will love just as much! I am confident you will enjoy this easy squash casserole recipe.

CONCLUSION:

This Squash Casserole brings me so much joy because it’s a comforting classic with a bold, modern twist. It’s the perfect dish to share with family and friends, and it always gets rave reviews. It is a perfect southern squash casserole recipe.

Here are My Squash Casserole Flavor Secrets:

1. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the cheese. Try adding different combinations of cheeses, such as Gruyere, Parmesan, or even pepper jack for a little kick.
2. Add some herbs! Fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage can add a wonderful depth of flavor to this casserole.
3. Toast the cracker topping. For extra crunch and flavor, toast the crushed crackers in a dry skillet before adding the melted butter.

Here are a few delicious Squash Casserole variations I’ve tested:

• Spicy Squash Casserole: Add a can of diced tomatoes with green chiles and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the squash mixture.
• Cheesy Squash Casserole: Add an extra cup of shredded cheese to the squash mixture and sprinkle even more on top before baking. For an ultimate cheesy squash casserole, try this Ultimate Cheesy Squash Casserole – Southern Bite recipe.
• Butternut Squash Casserole: Substitute the yellow squash with butternut squash for a sweeter, nuttier flavor. Don’t forget to check out my other Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe.

I hope you love this Squash Casserole as much as I do! Trust your taste buds, get creative, and have fun in the kitchen! I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and create your own delicious flavor adventure! If you are looking for a great recipe, but unsure of which to try, take a look at this recipe for Squash Casserole Recipe – Add a Pinch | Robyn Stone.

Go on, fellow food lovers! Make some Squash Casserole magic! I cannot wait for you to try this easy squash casserole. For more comforting, soul-warming dishes, check out this Southern Squash Casserole Recipe from Southern Squash Casserole – Basil And Bubbly

 
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Squash Casserole

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This classic Squash Casserole is a comforting and flavorful side dish, perfect for holidays or any weeknight meal. It features tender squash baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce with a buttery cracker topping.

• Author: Nyla
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds yellow squash, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup butter, divided
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 sleeve buttery round crackers, crushed

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large skillet, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat. Add squash and onion and cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and 1/2 cup cheddar cheese. Stir in salt and pepper.
4. Add the cooked squash and onion to the soup mixture and stir to combine.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. In a small bowl, melt the remaining 1/4 cup butter. Toss with the crushed crackers.
7. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the squash casserole. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
9. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the squash mixture. Serve warm as a side dish.