The Best Southern Squash Casserole Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Southern comfort meets vegetable magic in this rich, creamy squash casserole that whispers nostalgic tales from grandmother’s kitchen.

Crisp summer produce transforms into a decadent side dish bursting with southern charm.

Buttery breadcrumbs create a golden crown atop tender, seasoned squash.

Cheesy layers melt into a comforting embrace that feels like a warm hug.

Memories of backyard gatherings and porch-side conversations dance through each delectable bite.

Soft textures and bold flavors promise to make this dish your new weekend favorite.

Scoop up a helping and let the southern hospitality begin!

Southern Squash Casserole That’s Always Welcome

• Quick Southern Comfort: Savor the ease of creating this delightful squash casserole that brings homestyle cooking to your table in no time.
• Time-Saving Magic: Whip up this recipe in under an hour, with simple prep and minimal chopping, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute side dishes.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Packed with creamy cheese, buttery cracker topping, and mild seasonings that appeal to both kids and adults, this casserole turns humble squash into an irresistible crowd-pleaser.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Equally impressive at summer potlucks, holiday gatherings, or as a comforting weeknight side, this Southern classic adapts to any dining occasion with its rich, satisfying taste.

What You’ll Bake in Southern Squash Casserole

Main Ingredients:

• Yellow Squash: Fresh vegetable base of the casserole, providing a tender and mild flavor. Choose firm, bright yellow squash without blemishes or soft spots.

• Sour Cream, Mayonnaise, Heavy Cream, Cheddar Cheese: Creamy elements that add richness and depth to the casserole. Select full-fat versions for best texture and flavor.

• Eggs: Natural binder that helps set the casserole's texture. Use fresh, large eggs at room temperature.
• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a savory foundation. Choose sweet onions and fresh garlic for maximum flavor.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Cayenne Pepper: Spices that enhance and balance the overall taste profile. Adjust quantities based on personal heat preference.

• Ritz Crackers, Butter: Crispy, buttery layer that provides a crunchy contrast to the creamy casserole. Use classic Ritz crackers for traditional Southern texture.

Southern Squash Casserole – How to Bake

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

Slice the squash and chop the onions.

Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the prepared vegetables and season with salt and black pepper.

Cook while stirring constantly until the vegetables become tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Add Aromatic Flavor

Toss in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

Step 3: Create Creamy Mixture

• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Heavy cream
• Cheddar cheese
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Pepper

Add the cooked squash and onion mixture.

Stir thoroughly to blend all ingredients.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs

Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings as needed.

Fold in beaten eggs until completely mixed.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Dish

Transfer the squash mixture into a 9-inch square baking dish.

Step 6: Create Crispy Topping

Melt remaining butter in a small bowl.

Add crushed Ritz crackers and stir to coat evenly.

Step 7: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the casserole.

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.

Squash Casserole Tips The Southern Way

• Pat raw squash slices dry with paper towels before cooking to remove excess moisture and ensure a thick, creamy casserole texture.
• Swap Ritz crackers with panko breadcrumbs or gluten-free crackers for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
• Mix in additional cheese varieties like monterey jack or gruyere to create a more complex and rich cheese profile.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal heat preference, starting with a small amount and tasting before adding more.
• Prepare the casserole filling a day in advance and refrigerate, then add cracker topping and bake when ready to serve for convenience.

Keep Southern Squash Casserole Tasting Fresh Tomorrow

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent burning, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

Flavor Ideas For Squash Casserole

• Perfectly Paired Wine Selection: Crisp Chardonnay complements the creamy, rich texture of the Southern Squash Casserole, cutting through its buttery layers with bright acidity and subtle oakiness.
• Hearty Side Companion: Grilled herb-roasted chicken provides a lean protein balance that enhances the casserole's Southern comfort food profile, creating a complete and satisfying meal.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Sweet tea offers a classic Southern drink pairing that harmonizes with the dish's creamy consistency and subtle spice undertones, delivering an authentic regional dining experience.
• Contrasting Salad Partner: Light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette introduces a fresh, crisp element that cleanses the palate between bites of the rich, decadent casserole.

Southern Squash Casserole Twists

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace squash with zucchini, swap dairy ingredients with coconut milk, nutritional yeast, and cashew cream. Use vegan butter and crushed plant-based crackers for topping.
• Gluten-Free Garden Casserole: Substitute Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes. Ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace squash with riced cauliflower, reduce cream quantities, and use almond flour instead of crackers. Add extra cheese for richness.
• Dairy-Free Southern Style: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, replace cheese with nutritional yeast, and select dairy-free mayonnaise. Maintain original spice profile for authentic flavor.

FAQs

• Are Ritz crackers necessary for the topping?

Ritz crackers provide a classic southern-style crispy, buttery crunch that adds texture and flavor to the casserole. However, you can substitute with breadcrumbs or panko if needed.

• Can I use different types of squash?

Yellow summer squash works best, but zucchini can be used as a substitute or in combination. Just ensure you slice them uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe includes a small amount of cayenne pepper, which adds a mild heat. You can easily adjust or omit the cayenne to control the spice level according to your preference.

• How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?

Properly cooking the squash and onions initially and ensuring they’re not overly wet will help prevent excess liquid. Also, thoroughly mixing the ingredients and not adding extra moisture helps maintain the casserole’s desired consistency.

Southern Squash Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets Southern charm in this irresistible Southern Squash Casserole, blending creamy textures with golden-brown cracker topping. Cheesy, hearty, and packed with garden-fresh flavor, this dish promises to become a cherished family favorite at any gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Vegetables:

• 6 cups yellow squash (sliced 1/4-inch thick)
• 1 small yellow onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

Dairy and Cream Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
• 2 large eggs (beaten)

Seasonings and Topping:

• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt (to taste)
• Cracked black pepper (to taste)
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (coarsely crushed)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F, preparing a welcoming environment for a rich, comforting casserole.
2. Sauté sliced squash and onions in butter over medium-high heat, seasoning with salt and pepper, stirring until vegetables become tender and slightly translucent.
3. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, allowing its aromatic essence to bloom for approximately 30 seconds, then remove from heat.
4. Create a creamy base in a large mixing bowl by whisking together sour cream, mayonnaise, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and a symphony of spices including onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
5. Fold the sautéed squash and onion mixture into the creamy blend, ensuring even distribution of flavors and textures.
6. Incorporate beaten eggs into the mixture, stirring gently to maintain a smooth, cohesive consistency.
7. Transfer the vegetable mixture into a 9-inch square baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
8. Melt remaining butter and toss with crushed Ritz crackers, creating a golden, crispy topping that will crown the casserole.
9. Distribute the buttery cracker mixture across the surface of the casserole, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top turns a rich golden brown and the edges become delightfully bubbly.
11. Allow the casserole to rest briefly after removing from the oven, letting the flavors settle before serving.

Notes

• Swap summer squash varieties like zucchini or yellow squash for flexible seasonal cooking options.
• Cut squash into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Drain excess moisture from cooked squash by patting with paper towels to prevent a watery final dish.
• Use low-fat dairy alternatives like Greek yogurt and reduced-fat cheese for a healthier version without compromising flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern (American)

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg