Squash Casserole Recipe

What is a Squash Casserole Recipe? Is it a hug from Grandma in casserole form? I have been passed down through generations in my family, and every time I make this recipe, I get a new recipe. I’m instantly transported back to her cozy kitchen, filled with the scent of baking and love. Is it better than Mac and Cheese? What’s the same comforting vibe with a sneaky serving of veggies? How easy is this recipe? If it’s kid-approved, it is a winner!

What is squash casserole?

What is squash casserole? What is a baked dish? Buttery cracker crumbs. The name “casserole” just refers to the baking dish it’s made in, but this particular casserole is a different kind of casserole. Southern comfort food staple. Is it just food? What is history, tradition, and a whole lot of love baked into one comforting dish? Is it a staple at holiday gatherings and potlucks?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Oh, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons to fall head-over-heels for this recipe. What I love most about this Squash Casserole Recipe is that it’s incredibly flavorful. The sweetness of the squash perfectly complements the savory, cheesy sauce, creating a symphony of taste in your mouth.

What’s the best part about this recipe? It is so easy to make! This recipe requires minimal effort. I can whip it up in under an hour, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights.

What is a budget friendly meal? Squash is typically inexpensive and you likely have many of the other ingredients in your pantry. What is not to love?

What are some of the best Squash Casserole recipes? Can you serve it as a side dish, veg main course, or even sneak it into your kids’ lunch? What is a lunchbox?

I’ve tried other squash casserole recipes before, but this one truly stands out because of the flavors. What is the perfect balance of flavors and textures? It’s creamy, cheesy, and slightly sweet, with a satisfying crunch from the cracker topping. Is this a good alternative to my Creamy Scalloped Potatoes recipe? What is the best Squash Casserole recipe?

How do you make a squash casserole?

Quick Overview

How do you make a delicious squash casserole? What’s the best way to cook a squash? In a large baking dish, pour the cracker crumbs over the top and bake until golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool. Is it that easy? Can you customize it to your liking by adding different cheeses, spices, or even vegetables? Is it possible to mess this one up?

Ingredients

For the Squash Mixture:
• 2 pounds yellow squash, thinly sliced (I prefer using fresh squash from the farmer’s market for flavor) Which is the best flavor)?
• 1 medium onion, chopped (yellow or white onion will work great)
• 1/2 cup butter, melted (unsalted, so you can control the saltiness)
• 1 (10.75 ounces) can condensed cream of chicken soup (or a vegetarian option)
• 1 cup sour cream (full-fat gives the best flavor, but light-flavored works too)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar adds a nice bite)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper

For the Topping: What is the
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This is important to prevent sticking, so don’t skip it! I always line my kitchen with parchment paper just to be extra safe.

Step 2: Sauté Squash & Onion

In a large skillet, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced squash and chopped onion and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. You want the squash to be soft but not mushy. One time, I got distracted and burned the onions, so definitely keep an eye on it!

Step 3: Make Creamy Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of Chicken Soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is smooth and creamy. I like to let the sour cream sit out for a few minutes to soften up before mixing – it makes it easier to incorporate.

Step 4: Combine & Mix

Add the sautéed squash and onion to the creamy mixture and stir to combine. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the casserole watery. What are some ways to fold everything together until it’s evenly distributed.

Step 5: Cracker Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Set aside. Mix well until the crackers are evenly coated with butter. What is the best topping for a casserole?

Step 6: Assemble Casserole

What is the best way to spread the squash mixture in a baking dish? Sprinkle the crushed cracker mixture over the top of the squash mixture. Make sure to cover the entire surface for maximum crunchiness. I like to gently press the cracker topping into the squash mixture to help it adhere better.

Step 7: Bake Casserole

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is topped. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent the topping from burning. If it starts to get brown, you can loosely cover the dish with foil.

Step 8: Cool & Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set up a bit, making it easier to slice and serve. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!

What should I serve it with?

What are some of the best Squash Casserole recipes?

For a classic Southern meal, serve it alongside fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans. What’s the perfect comfort food to eat?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, pair it with grilled fish or chicken and a fresh salad. The casserole adds a creamy, savory element to the meal.

It’s also a great addition to any potluck or holiday gathering. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and disappears quickly. One time, I brought it to a Thanksgiving dinner, and it was gone before the turkey was even carved!

My family likes to serve it as a vegetarian main course with mashed potatoes. Is it a healthy meal that everyone enjoys?

What are some tips for perfecting a squash casserole?

What are some tricks to make this Squash Casserole recipe better?

First, be sure to use fresh, high-quality squash. The better the squash, the better it will taste. I prefer using squash from the farmer’s market whenever possible.

Don’t overcook the squash when you’re sautéing it. You want it to be tender but not mushy. Overcooked squash will make the casserole watery.

Use full-fat sour cream for the creamiest, richest flavor. Light sour cream will work in a pinch, but it won’t be quite as decadent.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses. I’ve tried using Gruyere, Parmesan, and even pepper jack, and they all add a unique twist to the casserole.

If you want to add a little bit of spice, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the squash mixture.

For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free crackers for the topping.

And finally, don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own! Add your favorite vegetables, spices, or cheeses to customize it to your liking.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftover Squash Casserole Recipe (which is rare in my house!), you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container.

To reheat, you can either microwave it for a few minutes or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If you’re reheating it in the oven, you may want to cover it with foil to prevent the topping from burning.

You can also freeze the casserole for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as directed above. I’ve found that freezing it does change the texture a little bit, but it’s still delicious.

If you’re making the casserole ahead of time, you can assemble it and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute the Ritz crackers with your favorite gluten-free crackers. There are some great gluten-free options available these days that work wonderfully. The key is to make sure they are buttery like Ritz to get a similar texture.

Do I need to peel the squash?

Nope, no need to peel the squash! The skin is perfectly edible and adds some extra nutrients. Just make sure to wash it thoroughly before slicing. I personally prefer leaving the skin on for the added texture and color.

Can I make this as muffins instead?

That’s a fun idea! I haven’t tried it myself, but I think it would work. Just reduce the baking time and keep an eye on them to prevent them from drying out. You might want to grease the muffin tin really well or use muffin liners.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

If you prefer a less sweet casserole, you can reduce the amount of cheddar cheese or use a less sweet cracker for the topping. You could even add a squeeze of lemon juice to the squash mixture to balance out the sweetness.

What can I use instead of the condensed cream of chicken soup?

For a vegetarian option, you can use condensed cream of mushroom soup. If you want to avoid condensed soup altogether, you can make your own creamy sauce using milk, flour, and butter. There are lots of recipes online.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my Grandma’s Famous Squash Casserole Recipe! I truly believe this recipe is a winner. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my Creamy Corn Casserole or my Cheesy Potato Casserole. They’re all equally comforting and delicious! Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below, and share your own variations. Happy baking!

No ratings yet