Name: Southern Squash Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds yellow squash (sliced); 0.5 cup onion (chopped); 2 tablespoons butter; 0.5 cup sour cream; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for vegetarian option); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; salt and pepper (to taste); 2 cups crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz); 0.25 cup butter (melted)

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Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Creamy Southern Squash Casserole

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you ready for a taste of pure Southern comfort? This creamy squash casserole is everything you crave in a side dish – and then some! Imagine tender yellow squash swimming in a dreamy, cheesy sauce, topped with a crunchy, buttery cracker crust. It’s the perfect blend of textures and flavors, hitting all the right notes. This recipe is surprisingly quick to prepare, especially considering the incredible taste it delivers. You’ll be amazed at how easily you can whip up this crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The comforting warmth of this dish evokes feelings of nostalgia and family gatherings – a guaranteed mood booster on even the dreariest of days. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked! The creamy, cheesy goodness combined with the slightly sweet squash creates a symphony of flavors in your mouth. You’ll want to make this again and again, I promise!

What You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this delicious Southern Squash Casserole is a breeze! Here’s what you’ll need:

Yellow Squash (2 pounds): Choose firm, vibrant yellow squash for the best flavor and texture. Slicing it evenly ensures even cooking.
Onion (1/2 cup, chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and savory depth to the casserole.
Butter (2 tablespoons + 1/4 cup melted): The butter adds richness and helps create the perfect golden-brown crust.
Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Provides tanginess and incredible creaminess to the sauce.
Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz) or Cream of Mushroom Soup: This forms the base of our luscious sauce. The cream of mushroom soup offers a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Sharp cheddar is ideal, but you can experiment with other cheeses, too!
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors.
Buttery Crackers (2 cups, crushed): Ritz crackers are a classic choice, but any buttery cracker will work wonders.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your ultimate Southern Squash Casserole:

Prep the Squash: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wash and slice the yellow squash into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Tip: If you have a mandoline slicer, this will ensure uniform slices for even cooking.
Sauté the Onions: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Tip: Don’t brown the onions, just soften them to bring out their sweetness.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sautéed onions, sliced squash, sour cream, cream of chicken (or mushroom) soup, and shredded cheddar cheese. Season generously with salt and pepper. Tip: Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings as needed. A little extra pepper can really elevate the flavor.
Assemble the Casserole: Pour the squash mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, crush the buttery crackers (you can pulse them in a food processor for a finer crumb). Mix the crushed crackers with the melted butter. Tip: For extra crunch, leave some of the crackers coarsely crushed.
Bake: Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the squash mixture. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly and heated through. Tip: If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to cut and serve.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to help you achieve casserole perfection:

Don’t overcook the squash: Overcooked squash can become mushy. Aim for tender-crisp squash.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh squash and onions will give you the best flavor.
Don’t skimp on the cheese: The cheese adds both flavor and creaminess to the casserole. A little extra never hurts!
Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add other spices, such as garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper for a little kick.
Let it rest: Allowing the casserole to cool slightly before serving helps to set the topping and makes it easier to cut into neat portions.

Variations to Try

Feeling adventurous? Try these delicious variations on our classic Southern Squash Casserole:

Spicy Squash Casserole: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the squash mixture for a spicy kick.
Herb-infused Casserole: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage into the squash mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
Bacon-Cheddar Casserole: Crumble cooked bacon and add it to the cracker topping for a smoky, savory twist.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free crackers for the topping. Many brands offer delicious gluten-free alternatives to Ritz crackers.
Different Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses would all be delicious.

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers? What leftovers? This casserole is so good, it’s usually gone in a flash! But, if you do happen to have some leftover, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until heated through, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, until heated through and bubbly. Freezing is also possible; allow the casserole to cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use other types of squash?

A: While yellow squash is ideal for this recipe, you could experiment with zucchini or a combination of both. Keep in mind that zucchini has a slightly different flavor and moisture content, so you might need to adjust the cooking time.

Q: How long does the casserole last in the refrigerator?

A: Stored properly in an airtight container, the casserole will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead of time and store it, uncovered, in the refrigerator. Just add the cracker topping right before baking.

Q: What if I don’t have Ritz crackers?

A: Any buttery cracker will work! Try Triscuits, Club crackers, or even crushed saltines. The key is to use a cracker that will become crispy and buttery when baked.

The Final Word

This Ultimate Creamy Southern Squash Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s simple to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy cheese sauce, tender squash, and crunchy cracker topping is irresistible. So, gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and prepare to be amazed by this delicious side dish. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your experience – happy cooking!