If you’ve been hunting for a comfort food gem that’s bursting with flavor and golden, crispy goodness, look no further than this Southern Squash Casserole Recipe. It brings together tender, buttery yellow squash with a rich, cheesy filling and a delectably crunchy cracker topping that’s downright irresistible. This dish is a beloved classic in Southern kitchens for a reason—it’s the perfect balance of creamy and crisp, making every bite a little celebration of home-style cooking that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Southern masterpiece relies on simple, fresh ingredients that each play an essential role in building layers of texture and flavor. Every component is thoughtfully chosen to create a harmonious dish that’s creamy, savory, and topped with that signature crunch.
- Yellow squash (6 medium, sliced): The star of the show, providing tender, subtly sweet flavor and a beautiful golden hue.
- Small onion (1, diced): Adds a gentle savory depth and slight sweetness once sautéed.
- Butter (2 tbsp plus 2 tbsp melted): For richness both in the cooking and the luscious topping.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Brings creamy sharpness and melts into soft pockets throughout the casserole.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds tang and smooth texture to the filling.
- Large eggs (2, beaten): Helps bind the ingredients together, giving the casserole structure.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Infuses a warm garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and black pepper (1/2 tsp each, or to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors.
- Buttery crackers (1 sleeve, crushed): Create that iconic crispy topping that crowns this casserole.
How to Make Southern Squash Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Having the pan ready ahead keeps everything flowing smoothly when it’s time to assemble the casserole.
Step 2: Cook the Squash and Onion
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Toss in the sliced yellow squash and diced onions, sautéing for 5 to 7 minutes. You’re aiming for soft, tender squash and sweet onions — this step builds the foundational flavor for the whole dish.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
Transfer the cooked squash and onion to a large bowl. Add shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, beaten eggs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it forms a creamy, well-seasoned mixture — the perfect savory base for this classic casserole.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour your squash and cheese filling into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure every bite gets a little bit of everything delicious.
Step 5: Prepare and Add the Topping
In a small bowl, mix crushed buttery crackers with the remaining melted butter. This topping will crisp up in the oven and add that signature crunch that makes this Southern Squash Casserole Recipe truly unforgettable. Sprinkle the crumbly mixture generously over the filling.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for a bubbling filling with a golden brown topping — that’s your signal that it’s perfectly cooked and ready to wow your taste buds.
Step 7: Cool Slightly and Serve
Remove from the oven and let your casserole cool for a few minutes. Serving it warm allows the flavors to meld beautifully while preserving that delightful texture contrast between creamy squash and crunchy topping.
How to Serve Southern Squash Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To dress this dish up a bit or add a fresh note, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving. A dollop of sour cream can also add a lovely cooling contrast to the warm, cheesy casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with classic Southern mains like crispy fried chicken, slow-cooked pulled pork, or smoky ribs. For a lighter touch, serve alongside a crisp green salad or steamed green beans to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For family gatherings or potlucks, try bringing this Southern Squash Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of extra cheddar and crackers just before baking. It makes the presentation extra special and perfect for passing around.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The casserole holds its creamy texture beautifully and is a delicious next-day meal or snack.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well! Just assemble it in a freezer-safe dish and cover it tightly before freezing. When you want to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
Warm leftover Southern Squash Casserole in a covered dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This will re-crisp the topping and melt everything back to that fresh-out-of-the-oven glory.
FAQs
Can I use other types of squash?
Absolutely! While yellow squash is traditional in this Southern Squash Casserole Recipe, zucchini or a combination of summer squashes work beautifully and bring their own unique flavors and textures.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
The recipe calls for buttery crackers as a topping, which usually contain gluten. However, you can substitute with gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free cornflakes to keep the crunch without gluten.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! The recipe is naturally vegetarian since it primarily uses vegetables, dairy, and eggs. Just make sure your crackers are free of animal-derived ingredients if you want to keep it strictly vegetarian.
How can I make the casserole more or less cheesy?
Feel free to adjust the amount of cheddar cheese to your liking. Adding more will make it richer and gooier, while less cheese creates a milder, lighter dish. Sharp cheddar or a mix of cheeses can also add interesting flavor nuances.
What’s the best way to get a crisp topping?
The key is melting butter and mixing it thoroughly into the crushed crackers before sprinkling. This helps the topping brown evenly and develop that irresistible crunch everyone loves in this Southern Squash Casserole Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Squash Casserole Recipe is more than just a side dish—it’s a warm hug from the South in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, you’ll find this casserole effortlessly brings comfort and joy to the table. Don’t hesitate to give it a try; once you do, it’s bound to become one of your favorite staples for cozy dinners and gatherings.
Print
Southern Squash Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
A comforting Southern Squash Casserole featuring tender sautéed yellow squash and onions baked with creamy cheddar cheese, sour cream, and eggs, topped with a buttery cracker crust for a deliciously crispy finish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 medium yellow squash, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tbsp butter (for sautéing)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
Topping
- 1 sleeve buttery crackers, crushed
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside to prepare for the casserole.
- Cook the Squash and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced squash and diced onion, cooking for 5 to 7 minutes while stirring occasionally, until softened but not mushy.
- Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed squash and onion with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup sour cream, 2 beaten eggs, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the squash mixture into the prepared greased baking dish and spread it out evenly for uniform cooking.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with 2 tablespoons melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to create a crunchy, flavorful crust.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Serve warm as a classic Southern side dish or comforting main.
Notes
- For a crispier topping, you can broil the casserole for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with a sharp cheese variety like Colby Jack for a different flavor profile.
- You can make this casserole ahead of time; prepare everything and keep it refrigerated until ready to bake.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
