If you’re on the hunt for a soul-warming classic, this Southern Squash Casserole Recipe is just the side dish your table needs. With layers of tender yellow squash, creamy cheese, and a buttery, golden cracker topping, every bite captures the comfort and hospitality of Southern cooking. It’s a crowd-pleaser at everything from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts, and the simple ingredients let the naturally sweet flavor of squash shine. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or brand new to casseroles, this dish is the kind of old-fashioned favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Southern Squash Casserole Recipe keeps it delightfully simple, using staples that harmonize to deliver maximum comfort. Each ingredient adds a unique texture or burst of flavor, making this casserole creamy, cheesy, and totally irresistible.
- Yellow squash: The star of the show, this brings fresh, slightly sweet flavor and beautiful color to the dish.
- Chopped onion: Adds a little bite and savoriness that rounds out the creaminess.
- Olive oil or butter: Helps to sauté the vegetables and unlocks their natural flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts for gooey richness and that bold, cheesy finish Southerners love.
- Sour cream: Offers tang and creaminess, giving body to the filling.
- Mayonnaise: Classic Southern casseroles rely on mayo for extra creamy texture and subtle flavor.
- Garlic powder: Just enough to add a warm, aromatic undertone without overpowering the squash.
- Salt: Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing the vegetables’ natural sweetness.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle hint of heat to the casserole.
- Crushed buttery crackers: Creates that crisp, craveworthy golden topping.
- Melted butter: This binds the cracker topping together and gives a rich, toasty finish.
How to Make Southern Squash Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and give your 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish a light coating of nonstick spray or butter. This ensures a beautiful, golden crust that lifts easily for serving without sticking.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add your sliced yellow squash and chopped onion, and sauté for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll want the squash to be tender and any extra moisture to cook off; this keeps your casserole from turning soggy and lets the flavors intensify.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Filling
Move the cooked squash and onion off the heat and let it cool slightly. In a big bowl, combine this mixture with your shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until it’s all deliciously blended into a creamy, golden mixture.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Gently spread the creamy squash mixture into your prepared baking dish. It should look invitingly rich and colorful even before it hits the oven!
Step 5: Make the Buttery Cracker Topping
In a separate small bowl, stir together the crushed buttery crackers and melted butter. Once every crumb glistens, scatter this topping evenly over the casserole, making sure to cover every corner for that trademark Southern crunch.
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling enticingly at the edges. Let it cool for about 5 minutes—if you can wait—before diving in. The result is classic Southern comfort in every forkful.
How to Serve Southern Squash Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Bring your Southern Squash Casserole Recipe to life with a sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley or chives right before serving. For a little zing, a dash of paprika or even a few hot sauce drops adds eye-catching color and extra flavor.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines alongside grilled or roasted meats, such as herby roast chicken or juicy pork chops. For a vegetarian crowd, serve it beside green beans, collard greens, or a fresh tomato salad. Don’t forget warm biscuits or cornbread to soak up every creamy, cheesy bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For potlucks or parties, spoon the casserole into individual ramekins before baking for personal-sized portions. Feeling festive? Add a sprinkle of crumbled bacon, pimentos, or a handful of extra cheese to the topping for a little twist. However you serve it, this Southern Squash Casserole Recipe is always welcome at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole is a treasure! Cover the dish with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors will meld beautifully, making your next meal just as special.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked or unbaked casserole for up to one month. Just be sure to wrap it tightly and let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Keep in mind, the cracker topping may lose some of its crispness, but a quick broil in the oven can bring it right back.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to crisp up the topping again. Microwave reheating works for single servings, but the oven keeps that beloved crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use zucchini instead of yellow squash?
Absolutely! If you have zucchini on hand, feel free to substitute it for all or part of the yellow squash. The flavor is slightly different but still delicious and just as comforting in this Southern Squash Casserole Recipe.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply use your favorite gluten-free buttery crackers for the topping. Everything else in this Southern Squash Casserole Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adapt for dietary needs.
Can I assemble the casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to the point of adding the cracker topping, cover and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, add the buttery crumbs fresh and proceed as usual for a perfect Southern Squash Casserole Recipe.
Is there a way to make it lighter?
If you want to cut a few calories, swap low-fat sour cream and mayonnaise for the regular versions, and use a lighter cheese blend. The casserole will still be creamy and satisfying!
What are some fun mix-ins for extra flavor?
Try adding a pinch of cayenne, a splash of hot sauce, cooked bacon bits, or even roasted red peppers or pimentos for depth and excitement. The Southern Squash Casserole Recipe is a fantastic base for your favorite flavor experiments.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to bring this Southern Squash Casserole Recipe to your next meal. It’s a recipe full of tradition, warmth, and flavor—perfect to share with family, friends, and anyone who loves a taste of Southern comfort. Give it a try, and it just might become your new favorite too!
Print
Southern Squash Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of the South with this delicious Southern Squash Casserole. Creamy and cheesy, this casserole is the perfect side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Squash Mixture:
- 4 cups yellow squash, sliced (about 4 medium squash)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cracker Topping:
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Sauté squash and onion: In a skillet, sauté sliced squash and chopped onion until tender and moisture has cooked off.
- Combine ingredients: In a bowl, mix squash mixture with cheddar, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Transfer to baking dish.
- Prepare cracker topping: Mix crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Enhance flavor with cayenne pepper or hot sauce
- Optional: add cooked bacon or pimentos
- Pairs well with grilled meats or holiday dinners
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
