A warm and comforting Classic Southern Squash Casserole brings together tender yellow squash, sweet sautéed onions, rich cheeses, and a buttery cracker topping for a truly nostalgic side dish. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday spreads, or weeknight dinners, this casserole is a staple of Southern cuisine that combines simplicity with hearty flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is beloved across generations for good reason. Here’s what makes it so special:
- Uses simple, accessible ingredients
- Rich, cheesy, and creamy texture
- Crisp, buttery cracker topping for added contrast
- Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or everyday meals
- Easily adaptable to suit various preferences
- A great way to use garden-fresh summer squash
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 5 cups yellow squash, sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the squash and chopped onion, and sauté for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed squash mixture with sour cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Pour the squash mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle this topping over the casserole.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: Approximately 280 kcal per serving
Variations
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute crushed pork rinds or almond flour for the cracker topping.
- Add Protein: Include cooked, crumbled bacon or shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the squash mixture.
- Herbaceous Flavor: Mix in fresh thyme or parsley for added depth.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based sour cream, vegan cheese, and an egg substitute.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual servings until warmed through. The cracker topping will be most crisp when reheated in the oven.
FAQs
What kind of squash is best for this recipe?
Yellow summer squash is ideal due to its mild flavor and tender texture when cooked.
Can I prepare squash casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator, then bake just before serving.
How do I prevent a watery casserole?
Make sure to sauté the squash thoroughly to remove excess moisture, and avoid overcooking.
Can I freeze squash casserole?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture may become watery when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.
Can I use zucchini instead of yellow squash?
Yes, zucchini can be used in equal measure or combined with yellow squash for variety.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, it is vegetarian as written. Ensure the cheese and crackers are free from animal-derived rennet if strict vegetarianism is followed.
What can I serve with squash casserole?
It pairs well with roasted meats, barbecue dishes, or as part of a holiday meal alongside stuffing and green beans.
Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend can be used for variation in flavor and texture.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The top should be golden brown and the edges should be bubbling, indicating the dish is fully heated through.
What crackers work best for the topping?
Buttery crackers like Ritz are traditional, but club crackers or even seasoned breadcrumbs can also be used.
Conclusion
Classic Southern Squash Casserole is a beloved dish that brings together comforting textures and familiar flavors. Whether served during the holidays or at a casual weeknight dinner, it’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that celebrates the best of seasonal vegetables and timeless Southern tradition. This casserole is easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and sure to become a favorite at your table.
Classic Southern Squash Casserole
A warm, comforting baked casserole featuring tender yellow squash, sautéed onions, creamy cheese, and a buttery cracker topping—perfect for family gatherings or holiday meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 5 cups yellow squash, sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté the squash and onion over medium heat for about 10 minutes, until tender.
- In a large bowl, combine the sautéed squash mixture with sour cream, cheddar, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- In a small bowl, toss the crushed crackers with the melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh yellow squash for the best texture and flavor.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter option.
- For a spicier twist, add a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
- Great make-ahead dish for holidays—assemble ahead and bake before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 60mg