Delicious Southern Squash Casserole
This Southern Squash Casserole is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy side dish that perfectly complements any meal. Made with tender yellow squash, a rich creamy filling, and a buttery cracker topping, this classic recipe is a staple at family dinners, potlucks, and holiday gatherings. It’s simple to make but packed with rich Southern flavors everyone will love!
Necessary Kitchen Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 6 medium yellow squash, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 cups crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Squash and Onions:
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced squash and onions, and sauté for 8-10 minutes until tender. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.
2. Prepare the Creamy Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Add the cooked squash and onions to the creamy mixture and stir until evenly coated. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Add the Topping:
In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the casserole. Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese.
5. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
6. Serve:
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!
Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Squash: Fresh yellow squash works best, but zucchini can also be used as a substitute.
- Extra Crunch: Add chopped pecans or crispy bacon bits to the cracker topping for added texture.
- Make It Lighter: Use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese for a lighter version.
What to Serve with This Dish
- Main Dishes: Pairs well with fried chicken, pork chops, or baked ham.
- Side Dishes: Serve alongside collard greens, cornbread, or green beans for a complete Southern meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
2. How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
3. Can I freeze squash casserole? Yes, freeze unbaked for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
This Delicious Southern Squash Casserole is a tried-and-true recipe that will become a favorite on your family table. It’s creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious!
Southern Squash Casserole
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 6 medium yellow squash sliced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 2 cups crushed buttery crackers like Ritz
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Cook the Squash and Onions:
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced squash and onions, and sauté for 8-10 minutes until tender. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.
- Prepare the Creamy Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Add the cooked squash and onions to the creamy mixture and stir until evenly coated. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Add the Topping:
- In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the casserole. Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!
Notes
Extra Crunch: Add chopped pecans or crispy bacon bits to the cracker topping for added texture.
Make It Lighter: Use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese for a lighter version.