If you’re looking for a comforting side dish that brings warmth, flavor, and a touch of nostalgia to your table, look no further than this Deliciously Easy Squash Casserole Recipe. It combines tender yellow squash and onions with creamy cheese, a hint of garlic, and a buttery, crunchy topping that makes every bite a little celebration. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special gathering, this casserole is full of homey goodness that’s sure to become a beloved favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of this recipe is how simple the ingredients are, yet how perfectly they work together to create a rich, flavorful dish. Each ingredient plays its part: squash for freshness and body, cheese for creaminess, and a crispy topping that adds the perfect finishing touch.
- Yellow squash (4 cups, sliced): The star of the dish, providing a tender and subtly sweet base.
- Small onion (finely chopped): Adds a mild sharpness that brightens the overall flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Brings creamy, savory depth that melts beautifully into the casserole.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds richness and a slight tang for balance.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Helps bind ingredients while lending moistness and a smooth texture.
- Egg (1, beaten): Acts as a natural binder to hold it all together.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): A subtle hint of savory warmth.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every component.
- Crushed Ritz crackers or buttery breadcrumbs (1 cup): Creates a golden, crunchy crust that’s simply irresistible.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Mixed with crumbs, it adds to that beautiful crisp topping.
How to Make Deliciously Easy Squash Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×9 inch baking dish. This sets the stage perfectly so your casserole cooks evenly and doesn’t stick.
Step 2: Sauté Squash and Onions
In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the sliced squash and finely chopped onions with a pinch of salt for 8 to 10 minutes until they become tender. This softens the vegetables and enhances their natural sweetness. Be sure to drain any excess liquid afterward to avoid sogginess in your casserole.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Base
Transfer the cooked squash and onions to a large bowl and add shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, the beaten egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring each bite will be richly flavored and creamy.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the squash mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. This helps the casserole cook uniformly and look beautiful when it comes out of the oven.
Step 5: Prepare the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers or buttery breadcrumbs with melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of your casserole to create a crisp and golden layer.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your casserole for 30 to 35 minutes until the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. This baking time marries all the flavors and textures beautifully.
Step 7: Let It Rest
Once out of the oven, allow your dish to cool for about 5 minutes. This helps it set up slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy every luscious bite.
How to Serve Deliciously Easy Squash Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a burst of color and a light, bright flavor that complements the richness of the casserole. A light sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar on top right after baking offers a delightful, melty touch for cheese lovers.
Side Dishes
This squash casserole pairs wonderfully with hearty main dishes, such as roast chicken, pork chops, or even grilled steak. For a balanced meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or steamed green beans to contrast the creamy texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming family-style presentation, bake the casserole in individual ramekins for personalized portions. Alternatively, top the casserole with toasted pecans or walnuts before baking to add a nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Deliciously Easy Squash Casserole Recipe, simply cover the leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making your next meal just as delightful.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover well with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake from frozen, adding extra bake time as needed until heated through and bubbly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through and the topping crisps up again, about 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the crust deliciously crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of squash in this casserole?
Absolutely! While yellow squash gives a mild sweetness and beautiful color, you can substitute zucchini or a mix of summer squashes for similar texture and flavor.
Is there a way to make this dish vegan?
Yes, swap out the cheddar cheese for a plant-based alternative, use vegan mayonnaise and sour cream, and replace the egg with a flax egg or similar binder. Use vegan buttery spread for the topping as well to keep it delicious and dairy-free.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Feel free to throw in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even corn to give your casserole more texture and vibrant flavor layers. Just sauté them with the squash and onions for best results.
What’s the best way to ensure the casserole isn’t watery?
Draining excess liquid after sautéing the squash and onions is crucial. Also, slicing the squash thinly helps it cook evenly and prevents too much moisture from being released during baking.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like crushed gluten-free crackers, almond meal, or gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain a crunchy topping without gluten.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that is both unpretentious and deeply satisfying, and this Deliciously Easy Squash Casserole Recipe does just that. It’s perfect for cozy dinners, potlucks, or anytime you crave a warm embrace of flavors with minimal fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your kitchen as much as it is in mine!
Print
Deliciously Easy Squash Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Deliciously Easy Squash Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for family dinners. Featuring tender sautéed yellow squash combined with creamy cheddar, sour cream, and a buttery cracker topping, this casserole is baked to golden perfection and sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups yellow squash, sliced (about 4–5 medium squash)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
Dairy & Eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 egg, beaten
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or buttery breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9 inch or similarly sized baking dish to prepare it for the casserole.
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the sliced yellow squash and finely chopped onions with a pinch of salt for 8–10 minutes until the vegetables are tender. After cooking, drain any excess liquid to prevent a soggy casserole.
- Mix the casserole ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked squash and onions with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, beaten egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top for uniform baking.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or buttery breadcrumbs with melted butter until well combined, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole’s surface.
- Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly, indicating the casserole is cooked through.
- Rest before serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the casserole set and enhances the flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute the yellow squash with zucchini or a mix of both squash types for a different flavor profile.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding extra garlic powder or freshly ground black pepper as preferred.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain the crispy topping.
- Adding a cup of cooked rice or quinoa to the mixture can create a heartier casserole.
