Heavenly Southern Squash Casserole Recipe for Comfort Lovers

Southern comfort meets vegetable magic in this creamy squash casserole that whispers memories of grandmother’s kitchen.

Crispy cheese-crusted edges promise a delightful crunch with every forkful.

Butter-rich and deeply satisfying, the dish celebrates summer’s golden harvest.

Cheesy layers meld with tender squash, creating a side that steals the spotlight from main courses.

Nothing beats the nostalgic blend of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary.

Soft, velvety textures and rich flavors will make you fall in love with this classic southern tradition.

You’ll want seconds before the first bite even touches your plate.

Southern Squash Casserole That Feels Like Home

• Rescue Weeknight Dinners: Lightning-Fast Comfort Food
• Whip up this casserole in under an hour, transforming boring vegetables into a crowd-pleasing dish that rescues bland meal routines with minimal kitchen effort.
• Foolproof Family Favorite: Zero Cooking Expertise Required
• Create a restaurant-quality side dish without advanced culinary skills, ensuring even kitchen novices can produce a delicious Southern-style casserole that looks professionally prepared.
• Budget-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Maximum Flavor, Minimal Ingredients
• Leverage affordable seasonal squash and pantry staples to craft an impressive dish that stretches your grocery budget while delivering maximum taste and satisfaction without expensive specialty ingredients.
• Versatile Gathering Superstar: From Potlucks to Holiday Tables
• Elevate any social gathering with this adaptable casserole that transitions seamlessly from casual family dinners to elegant holiday side dishes, guaranteed to earn compliments from every guest.

Southern Squash Casserole – Ingredient Notes

• Squash: Fresh summer squash adds a soft, mild vegetable foundation for the casserole. Yellow or zucchini varieties work best with similar texture and moisture content.
• Onions: Sweet yellow or white onions provide depth of flavor and aromatic base. Finely diced for even cooking and distribution.

• Sour Cream, Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy components that add richness, tanginess, and help bind the casserole together. Shredded cheese melts smoothly and creates a luxurious texture.
• Egg: Natural binder that helps set the casserole and provides structure. Fresh large eggs recommended.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance overall flavor profile. Adjust to personal taste preference.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create golden, crispy cracker topping. Unsalted butter allows better seasoning control.
• Crackers: Provides crunchy texture and golden brown topping. Ritz or buttery crackers work perfectly for Southern-style casseroles.

Southern Squash Casserole Instructions That Work

Step 1: Sizzle Onions and Squash

Warm butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Drop in diced onions and dance them around until they turn soft and translucent, which takes about 7-8 minutes.

Add sliced squash and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until squash becomes tender and releases its juices, approximately 10-12 minutes.

Step 2: Remove Liquid

Grab a kitchen towel and line a colander with it.

Transfer the cooked squash and onions into the towel-lined colander.

Press and squeeze out excess moisture for at least 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to release their water content.

Step 3: Create Creamy Filling

• Drained squash and onions
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Sour cream
• Beaten egg
• Cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Blend everything together until ingredients are perfectly incorporated.

Step 4: Make Crunchy Topping

Melt remaining butter.

• Melted butter
• Crushed crackers
• Remaining Parmesan cheese

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Transfer squash mixture into a baking dish.

Sprinkle cracker topping evenly across the surface.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Heat oven to 350°F.

Slide the casserole inside and bake for 25 minutes until the top turns golden and edges bubble with deliciousness.

Family-Favorite Tips for Southern Squash Casserole

• Remove excess moisture from squash to prevent a watery casserole by pressing the cooked vegetables in a towel-lined colander for at least 5 minutes.
• Enhance the casserole's taste by adding a pinch of smoked paprika or dried herbs like thyme to the squash mixture for extra complexity.
• Experiment with different cracker types like buttery Ritz or whole wheat crackers to create a unique, crunchy texture on top.
• Substitute full-fat sour cream with Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheese to create a healthier version without sacrificing flavor.
• Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving to save time during meal preparation.

Reheat Southern Squash Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed casserole stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent burning, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating. Add a splash of milk to restore moisture if needed.

Pairing Picks for Southern Squash Casserole

• Savory Wine Companion: Pair this Southern Squash Casserole with a crisp Chardonnay, highlighting its buttery notes that complement the creamy cheese and rich texture.
• Zesty Protein Partner: Grilled chicken breast or honey-glazed ham work perfectly alongside this casserole, adding lean protein and creating a balanced meal with complementary flavors.
• Herbaceous Side Kick: Serve a light mixed green salad with fresh dill and lemon vinaigrette to cut through the casserole's richness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Rustic Bread Buddy: Serve warm crusty sourdough or French bread to soak up the creamy squash mixture, adding delightful textural complexity to each bite.

Squash Casserole Seasonal Options

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace the butter with olive oil and use a plant-based sour cream alternative. Swap the eggs with ground flaxseed mixed with water for binding.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute crackers with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly topping. Use full-fat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to maintain richness.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.
• Spicy Southern Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the squash mixture. Include pepper jack cheese for an extra heat boost that complements the creamy base.

FAQs

• What are the health benefits of squash in this recipe?

Squash is packed with nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. It’s low in calories and high in fiber, which supports digestive health and can help with weight management.

• Can I use frozen squash instead of fresh?

While fresh squash is recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen squash. Thaw and drain it completely to remove excess moisture before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels to prevent a watery casserole.

• Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

This recipe contains egg and cheese, so it’s not vegetarian. To make it vegetarian, you could substitute the eggs with a plant-based egg replacer and use vegan cheese alternatives.

• How can I make this casserole more protein-rich?

Add cooked diced chicken, crumbled bacon, or mix in some cooked ground turkey to increase the protein content. You could also incorporate cottage cheese or add extra shredded cheese to the base mixture.

Southern Squash Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets culinary elegance in this irresistible Southern Squash Casserole, a classic dish celebrating summer’s golden bounty. Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned, it promises a delightful journey through Southern hospitality that will make you crave another serving.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds yellow squash, sliced 1/4 inch thick (about 5 medium-sized squash)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Dairy and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup butter, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Topping Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter crackers (such as Ritz), finely crushed (about 25 crackers)

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Instructions

1. Initiate the vegetable preparation by gently sweating diced onions in melted butter over medium heat until they become soft and translucent, approximately 7-8 minutes.
2. Incorporate sliced squash into the onion mixture, continuously stirring to prevent sticking and cooking until vegetables become tender and release their natural moisture, around 10-12 minutes.
3. Transfer the cooked vegetable blend into a towel-lined colander, allowing excess liquid to drain completely by gently pressing and extracting moisture for at least 5 minutes.
4. Create the casserole base by combining the drained vegetables with garlic powder, seasonings, sour cream, beaten egg, cheddar cheese, and a portion of Parmesan in a spacious mixing bowl, blending thoroughly until ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Prepare the crispy topping by melting remaining butter and combining it with crushed crackers and additional Parmesan cheese, ensuring a uniform coating.
6. Carefully spread the vegetable mixture into a baking dish, ensuring an even layer and smoothing the surface with a spatula.
7. Generously sprinkle the prepared cracker topping across the entire surface, creating a uniform golden-brown crust.
8. Position the casserole in a preheated 350°F oven and bake until the top transforms into a rich, golden color and the edges become delicately crisp, approximately 25 minutes.

Notes

• Draining the squash thoroughly prevents a watery, soggy casserole that could ruin the delightful texture.
• Swap traditional crackers with gluten-free alternatives like rice crackers or almond flour-based crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like gouda, monterey jack, or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles while maintaining the creamy consistency.
• Incorporate additional vegetables like zucchini or yellow squash to boost nutritional value and add vibrant colors to the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern (American)

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 501 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg