Easy Yellow Squash Casserole Recipe

Easy Golden Yellow Squash Casserole Recipe That Shines

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement over this easy yellow squash casserole that promises comfort in every bite.

Memories of grandma’s cooking dance through my mind when I smell the bubbling cheese and crisp breadcrumb topping.

Creamy textures mingle with sweet summer vegetables, creating a side dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to produce a crowd-pleasing sensation that screams home cooking.

Fresh yellow squash provides a delightful canvas for rich, melted cheese and golden-brown crumbs.

Weeknight dinners and potluck gatherings will never be the same once you experience this mouthwatering masterpiece.

Prepare to fall in love with a dish that turns humble vegetables into a culinary celebration.

Store Yellow Squash Casserole For Another Day

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Warm in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
  • Heat individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Matches for Easy Yellow Squash Casserole

  • Slice Roasted Herb Chicken: The casserole's rich, cheesy texture perfectly complements tender roasted chicken infused with rosemary and thyme.
  • Match Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the casserole's creamy depth, offering a refreshing balance of flavors.
  • Serve Fresh Garden Salad: A light mixed greens salad with tangy vinaigrette provides a zesty contrast to the warm, hearty casserole.
  • Enjoy Crusty Artisan Bread: Warm sourdough or rustic whole grain bread helps soak up the casserole's delicious cheesy sauce.

Yellow Squash Casserole Made Easy with Crispy Topping

  • Gluten-Free Squash Casserole: Replace traditional crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Vegetable Casserole: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast, use plant-based mayonnaise, replace eggs with flax eggs, and swap sour cream with cashew cream for a completely dairy-free version.
  • Low-Carb Zucchini Alternative: Swap yellow squash with zucchini and use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of crackers to reduce carbohydrate content, perfect for keto diet followers.
  • Herb-Infused Summer Squash Bake: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to the mixture for enhanced flavor and aromatic complexity, creating a more gourmet side dish.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with monterey jack, gruyere, or colby for a similar creamy texture and flavor profile.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe uses crackers for topping which contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs.

  • Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. Just add 5-10 minutes to baking time if it’s cold from the refrigerator.

  • What if I don't have fresh squash?

Frozen squash works well too. Thaw and drain excess moisture before using in the recipe to prevent a watery casserole.

What You’ll Like About Yellow Squash Casserole

  • Quick Family Feast: Perfect for busy weeknight dinners, this yellow squash casserole delivers comfort food that everyone will devour in minutes.
  • Minimal Prep Magic: Requires basic chopping and mixing skills, making it ideal for beginner cooks who want delicious results without complex techniques.
  • Versatile Side Dish: Complements grilled meats, roasted chicken, or stands alone as a satisfying vegetarian main course for casual gatherings or potlucks.
  • Budget-Friendly Comfort: Uses affordable, accessible ingredients like yellow squash, cheese, and pantry staples, allowing home cooks to create a hearty meal without breaking the bank.

Yellow Squash Casserole Ingredient Set

Fresh Vegetables:
  • Yellow Squash: A soft summer vegetable that creates the base of the casserole, with mild and tender texture.
  • Onion: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic sweetness to the dish.
Dairy Components:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that provides rich, tangy flavor and melts beautifully.
  • Sour Cream, Mayonnaise: Creamy ingredients that help bind the casserole and add richness.
  • Eggs: Act as a crucial binding agent to hold the casserole together.
Seasoning and Topping:
  • Crackers: Ritz or similar crackers create a crispy, golden-brown topping for crunch.
  • Butter, Melted: Helps toast the cracker topping and adds buttery flavor.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides subtle, savory seasoning throughout the dish.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the ingredients.

Instructions for Easy Yellow Squash Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F.

Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sizzle and Soften Vegetables

Toss sliced yellow squash and chopped onions into a skillet.

Cook them over medium heat until they become tender and release their moisture.

Make sure to drain any extra liquid that pools in the pan.

Step 3: Create a Creamy Vegetable Mixture

Combine the cooked vegetables in a large mixing bowl with:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Tangy sour cream
  • Creamy mayonnaise
  • Beaten eggs
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir everything together until well blended and smooth.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the vegetable mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 5: Prepare Crunchy Topping

Melt butter and mix it with crushed crackers.

Sprinkle this golden, crispy topping across the entire surface of the casserole.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges start bubbling.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes.

This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Enjoy your delicious yellow squash casserole while it’s warm!

Yellow Squash Casserole With Comfort Bake Tricks

  • Remove extra liquid from sautéed squash to prevent a soggy casserole and maintain a perfect texture.
  • Select young, firm yellow squash for the best flavor and minimal seeds, ensuring a smoother consistency.
  • Experiment with different cracker types like Ritz or panko breadcrumbs to add unique crunch and flavor variations.
  • Substitute regular crackers with gluten-free alternatives and use gluten-free flour if needed for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Try mixing different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or monterey jack to elevate the casserole's richness and depth.
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Easy Yellow Squash Casserole Recipe

Easy Yellow Squash Casserole Recipe


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4.5 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Southern kitchens sparkle with this classic Yellow Squash Casserole, blending creamy cheese and crisp breadcrumbs into a comforting side dish. Guests will devour spoonfuls of this cheesy, golden Southern staple that brings warmth and flavor to any meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Vegetables:

  • 4 cups yellow squash, sliced
  • 1 small onion, chopped

Dairy and Eggs:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup (118 ml) sour cream
  • 1/2 cup (118 ml) mayonnaise
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Seasonings and Topping:

  • 1 cup crushed crackers (such as Ritz)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cooking vessel by lightly coating with oil and warming the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F (175°C).
  2. Gently cook yellow squash and onions in a skillet, carefully eliminating any accumulated moisture to prevent a watery consistency.
  3. Combine the softened vegetables with sharp cheddar, creamy dairy elements, binding eggs, aromatic garlic seasoning, and essential salt and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
  4. Transfer the velvety vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution.
  5. Create a crisp topping by blending crushed crackers with melted butter, generously sprinkling the golden-hued crumb layer across the casserole’s surface.
  6. Position the casserole in the preheated oven, allowing it to transform into a bubbling, bronzed masterpiece over approximately 25-30 minutes.
  7. After removing from the oven, permit the dish to rest briefly, allowing flavors to settle and texture to stabilize before serving warm.

Notes

  • Enhance flavor by using fresh yellow squash from local farmers’ markets for maximum sweetness and texture.
  • Reduce moisture by salting squash before cooking and letting it sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry to prevent watery casserole.
  • Make gluten-free by substituting cracker topping with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Control calories by using low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and regular mayonnaise without compromising taste.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern (American)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 260
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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