Squash Casserole
Squash Casserole
Nothing says comfort food quite like a warm, cheesy Squash Casserole fresh from the oven. Made with tender yellow squash, sautéed onions, a creamy cheese filling, and topped with a buttery Ritz cracker topping, this classic side dish has been a favorite at family dinners, church potlucks, and holiday tables for generations.
It’s rich, creamy, and full of fresh summer squash flavor with a perfectly crisp, buttery topping that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re serving it alongside fried chicken, baked ham, roasted turkey, or barbecue, this easy casserole is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This old-fashioned squash casserole is one of those timeless recipes everyone requests.
You’ll love it because:
- Uses fresh yellow squash
- Rich, creamy, and cheesy
- Crispy buttery cracker topping
- Perfect holiday side dish
- Great way to use summer squash
- Easy to make ahead
- Freezer-friendly
- Family-approved comfort food
Ingredients
Squash Filling
- 2½ pounds yellow squash, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Buttery Cracker Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
How to Make Squash Casserole
Step 1: Cook the Squash
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the sliced squash and cook for 5–6 minutes, just until tender.
Drain well and place the squash on paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible.
This step helps prevent a watery casserole.
Step 2: Cook the Onion
Melt the butter in a large skillet.
Cook the onion for about 5 minutes until softened.
Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Remove from heat.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl combine:
- Sour cream
- Mayonnaise
- Eggs
- Cheddar cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Fold in the cooked squash and onion mixture until evenly coated.
Pour into the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Make the Topping
In a small bowl combine:
- Crushed Ritz crackers
- Melted butter
- Parmesan cheese
- Parsley
Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, until hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Squash Casserole
- Drain the squash thoroughly to avoid excess liquid.
- Freshly shred your cheddar cheese for the creamiest texture.
- Don’t overcook the squash before baking.
- Let the casserole rest before serving so it slices beautifully.
- Add extra cracker topping if you love lots of crunch.
Variations
Bacon Squash Casserole
Add 6 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon to the filling.
Spicy Version
Mix in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Herb Garden
Add fresh thyme, parsley, or chives for extra flavor.
Extra Cheesy
Use a combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Gruyère cheese.
Make Ahead
Assemble the casserole up to one day in advance.
Cover and refrigerate.
Add the cracker topping just before baking for the crispiest results.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through.
Can You Freeze It?
Yes!
Freeze the casserole before baking (without the cracker topping) for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the topping, and bake as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use zucchini?
Yes! You can replace half of the yellow squash with zucchini or use all zucchini if preferred.
Why is my casserole watery?
Yellow squash naturally contains a lot of moisture. Draining it well after cooking is the key to a thick, creamy casserole.
Can I use cream cheese instead?
You can replace the sour cream with 8 ounces of softened cream cheese for an even richer casserole.
Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely! It’s one of the best holiday side dishes because it can be assembled ahead of time.
What to Serve with Squash Casserole
This classic side pairs wonderfully with:
- Fried chicken
- Baked ham
- Meatloaf
- Roast turkey
- Pot roast
- BBQ ribs
- Grilled chicken
- Pork chops
- Southern green beans
- Homemade cornbread
It’s also perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Sunday dinners, church suppers, and potluck gatherings.
More Southern Side Dishes
- Homemade Cornbread
- Crockpot Creamed Corn
- Honey Butter Skillet Corn
- Bacon Green Bean Bundles
- Butter & Herb Roasted Onions
- Sour Cream & Chive Baked Potatoes
- Boursin Mashed Potatoes
- Stick of Butter Rice
Jennie’s Thoughts
This Southern Squash Casserole is everything a comforting side dish should be—creamy, cheesy, buttery, and topped with an irresistible golden cracker crust. It’s the perfect way to enjoy fresh yellow squash and a must-have recipe for holidays, potlucks, and family dinners. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s been a Southern favorite for generations.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories: Approximately 365 per serving
