I love a good Southern squash casserole, and if you do too, you are in the right place! Today, I’m sharing two fantastic recipes for this comforting side dish, perfect for any family meal. These recipes show you how to make a classic version and a super cheesy one.
Whether you want a taste of tradition or something extra gooey, you’ll find a squash casserole here that you’ll want to make again and again. Let’s get cooking!
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Classic Southern Squash Casserole Recipe
This recipe brings you the timeless taste of a true Southern classic squash casserole. It’s simple to make and always a family favorite at gatherings.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Yellow Squash Quality: Pick firm, bright yellow squash. They taste best when fresh and will give your casserole a better texture.
- Buttery Topping: Crushed Ritz crackers make the topping extra buttery and crunchy. This adds a lovely texture contrast to the soft squash.
What You Need
- 4-5 medium yellow squash, sliced
- 1/2 small onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 55 minutes🍽️ Yields: 6 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Prepare Squash
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice your yellow squash into 1/4-inch rounds. Cook the squash in boiling salted water until it’s tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the squash very well to avoid a watery casserole. You can gently press out extra water.
Step 2: Mix Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cooked squash with the chopped onion, melted butter, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, beaten eggs, and milk. Season everything generously with salt and black pepper. Stir gently until all ingredients are well mixed.
Step 3: Bake Casserole
Pour the squash mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the crushed Ritz crackers evenly over the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
📝 Final Note
Let the casserole sit for 10-15 minutes after baking. This helps it set up nicely and makes serving much easier.
Cozy Southern Squash Casserole With Cheese
If you love cheese, this is the squash casserole for you! It’s extra creamy and packed with different cheeses, making it a truly cozy and satisfying dish.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Cheese Combination: Use a mix of cheeses, like sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack, for a deeper and more complex cheesy flavor in your casserole.
- For Extra Creaminess: A touch of heavy cream or cream cheese makes this casserole wonderfully rich and smooth. This is key for that cozy texture.
What You Need
- 5-6 medium yellow squash, sliced
- 1 small sweet onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 1 hour 5 minutes🍽️ Yields: 8 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Cook Squash and Onion
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced yellow squash and chopped sweet onion. Sauté until the squash is tender and the onion is translucent, about 10-12 minutes.
Step 2: Make Cheesy Base
Stir in the heavy cream and softened cream cheese until it melts and makes a smooth sauce. Add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and all the Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and combined. Season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cheesy squash mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden and crisp.
📝 Final Note
You can prepare this casserole a day ahead. Just cover it tightly and keep it in the fridge, then bake when you are ready to serve.
