Creamy Southern Squash Casserole Recipe: A Homestyle Delight

Comfort beckons with a creamy southern squash casserole that captures the essence of home-cooked southern hospitality.

Golden summer squash melds perfectly with rich cheese and a crispy, buttery topping.

This classic side dish promises to steal the spotlight at any gathering.

Tender vegetables blend seamlessly with a velvety mixture of dairy and seasonings.

Each forkful delivers a nostalgic taste of southern tradition and warmth.

The casserole brings a delightful harmony of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible southern classic that turns simple ingredients into pure magic.

Southern Squash Casserole: Creamy Down-Home Classic

• A brilliant way to transform humble squash into a crowd-pleasing dish that sneaks extra vegetables onto your plate with irresistible cheesy goodness.
• This recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients, making it a perfect go-to meal for busy families wanting something delicious and nutritious without complicated techniques.
• Packed with creamy cheese, buttery cracker topping, and tender vegetables, this casserole delivers classic Southern charm that appeals to kids and adults alike, turning any meal into a special occasion.

Ingredients For Classic Squash Casserole

• Squash: Fresh summer vegetable that provides a soft and mild base for the casserole.
• Onion: Adds a savory and aromatic flavor to the vegetable mixture.
• Bell Pepper: Contributes a sweet and colorful element to the vegetable base.

• Eggs: Act as a crucial binding agent that helps hold the casserole together.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a rich, sharp flavor and creamy texture to the dish.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps create a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Mayonnaise: Enhances the richness and helps bind the casserole ingredients.

• Butter Crackers, Butter: Create a crispy, golden-brown topping that adds crunch and extra flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the casserole.
• Cooking Spray: Used to prevent the casserole from sticking to the baking dish.

Casserole Tools For Easy Prep

• Large skillet: Essential for sautéing vegetables and creating the base of the casserole.
• 8-inch or 9-inch square baking dish: Perfect for assembling and baking the casserole.
• Whisk: Helps blend eggs, cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise smoothly.
• Mixing bowls: Needed for combining ingredients and preparing the cracker topping.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Cutting board: Used for chopping vegetables.
• Sharp knife: Helps slice squash, onions, and bell peppers.

How To Make Southern Squash Casserole

Step 1: Sauté Veggie Medley

Heat a large skillet over medium flame.

• Sliced squash
• Diced onion
• Diced bell pepper

Stir and cook until vegetables become tender and slightly caramelized, about 10 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper.

Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Create Creamy Mixture

• Eggs
• Grated cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise

Blend until ingredients are completely incorporated and smooth.

Step 3: Combine And Layer

Gently fold the sautéed vegetables into the creamy mixture.

Ensure everything is evenly distributed.

Transfer the combined mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out smoothly.

Step 4: Prepare Crunchy Topping

• Crushed butter crackers
• Melted butter

Sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture evenly across the casserole surface.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350F.

Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the center sets firmly.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes.

Serve warm alongside grilled meats or roasted chicken.

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Tips For Silky, Creamy Squash Casserole

• Cut vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Pat squash with paper towels after cooking to remove extra liquid and prevent a watery casserole.
• Select crisp, young squash for the best flavor and tender consistency in your dish.
• Crush butter crackers coarsely for maximum crunch and golden-brown appearance on the casserole surface.
• Taste the mixture before baking and add salt and pepper incrementally to balance flavors perfectly.

Squash Casserole Twists For New Flavors

• Vegetarian Squash Casserole: Replace eggs and cheese with silken tofu and nutritional yeast for a plant-based version that maintains creamy texture and flavor.
• Zucchini Alternative Casserole: Swap yellow squash with zucchini for a slightly different green vegetable base, maintaining identical cooking methods and seasoning.
• Gluten-Free Cracker Topping: Use gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of butter crackers to accommodate wheat-sensitive diets while preserving the crispy golden topping.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute squash with riced cauliflower to create a lower-carbohydrate version that keeps the rich, creamy casserole essence intact.

Serving Up Southern Comfort

• Garden Party Platter: Arrange casserole slices on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh herb sprigs and colorful vegetable garnishes for an elegant presentation.
• Comfort Meal Companion: Pair with slow-roasted pulled pork, grilled barbecue chicken, or tender pot roast to create a hearty Southern-style dinner experience.
• Brunch Brilliance: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and buttermilk biscuits for a decadent weekend morning feast that celebrates classic Southern cooking.
• Picnic Perfect: Pack cooled casserole portions in individual containers for outdoor gatherings, potlucks, or family reunions where delicious side dishes are always welcome.

Storing Squash Casserole Easily

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep the casserole in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring it's tightly sealed to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F, preserving the crispy cracker topping.
• Transfer a single serving to a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when the casserole is steaming hot throughout, typically 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

• What makes the Southern Squash Casserole a classic Southern dish?

The combination of fresh summer squash, creamy cheese, and buttery cracker topping represents traditional Southern comfort food, highlighting local produce and homestyle cooking techniques.

• Can I use different types of squash for this recipe?

Yes, yellow squash or zucchini work perfectly. You can even mix different squash varieties to create a more complex flavor profile and texture.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

While the current recipe contains eggs and dairy, you can modify it by using plant-based cheese and egg substitutes to make it vegetarian-friendly.

• How do I prevent my casserole from becoming watery?

To reduce excess moisture, salt the squash and let it sit for 15 minutes before cooking. Drain any released water to ensure a firmer, less soggy casserole texture.

Southern Squash Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Southern squash casserole blends creamy cheese and tender vegetables into a comforting Southern classic. Crispy breadcrumb topping and rich flavors make this dish a perfect side for family gatherings and weekend meals you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Vegetables:

• 4 small yellow squash (about 2 lbs.), sliced (about 6 cups total)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced

Dairy and Eggs:

• 2 eggs
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons (29.5 ml) butter, divided

Seasonings and Topping:

• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) pepper
• 3/4 cup crushed butter crackers (such as 18 Ritz crackers)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté squash, onion, and bell pepper until vegetables become tender, approximately 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until thoroughly blended.
4. Fold the cooked vegetable mixture into the egg mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
5. Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly.
6. Create the topping by combining crushed butter crackers with melted butter in a separate bowl.
7. Evenly sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs across the casserole surface.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the casserole sets and the topping turns golden brown and crispy.
9. Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving alongside grilled meats or roasted chicken.
10. Refrigerate any remaining portions in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, reheating thoroughly before consuming.

Notes

• Choose fresh, young squash for the best texture and flavor, avoiding overly mature or tough vegetables that can become watery.
• Drain excess moisture from cooked squash by patting with paper towels to prevent a soggy casserole bottom and ensure a crispy topping.
• Swap butter crackers with gluten-free alternatives like crushed rice crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Boost protein content by adding cooked diced ham or crumbled bacon to the squash mixture for extra depth and richness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 221
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 88 mg