Delicious Southern Squash Casserole: A Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food

Experience the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly satisfying Squash Casserole. This beloved Southern staple transforms fresh summer squash into a rich, creamy, and irresistibly crunchy side dish that can easily steal the show as a main meal. Best of all, it’s a dish you can whip up in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.

The Heartwarming Appeal of a Classic Vegetable Casserole

There’s nothing quite like a well-made Squash Casserole to evoke feelings of warmth and home. This Southern classic shines brightest during the summer months when yellow squash is abundant, fresh, and bursting with flavor. Our recipe elevates this humble vegetable, layering tender, perfectly cooked squash with a luxurious, savory cheese sauce, all crowned with a golden, buttery, and delightfully crispy cracker topping. The harmonious blend of textures—from the soft squash to the gooey cheese and the crisp topping—creates an eating experience that’s truly unforgettable. It’s so hearty and flavorful, many consider it a complete meal when paired with a simple green salad. With its straightforward preparation and universally appealing taste, this timeless casserole is guaranteed to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection.

“This casserole was amazing. I won’t use any other recipe! That’s what I love about your recipes, a lot of them I follow to a tee and they turn out great, but they are also easy to use as a guideline and add or sub ingredients that we have in supply at a given time. I love that!”
– Annelise

Tips for a Perfect Squash Casserole

Creating the perfect squash casserole involves a few key steps and considerations to ensure it’s flavorful, not watery, and has that signature creamy-crunchy texture. Here are some essential tips to guide you:

• Choose Fresh Squash: Select firm, brightly colored yellow squash without any blemishes. Younger, smaller squash tend to be more tender and have fewer seeds.
• Consistent Slicing: Uniformly slicing your squash is crucial for even cooking. Aim for approximately 1/4-inch thick slices. A mandolin can be incredibly helpful for achieving this consistency, but a sharp knife and a steady hand work just as well. Avoid slicing too thin, as this can make the squash mushy.
• The Importance of Draining: Squash naturally holds a lot of water, which can lead to a watery casserole if not properly addressed. Pre-cooking the squash and then thoroughly draining it in a colander is a non-negotiable step for a rich, creamy consistency. Don’t rush this part!
• Don’t Skimp on Seasoning: Squash can be quite bland on its own, so generous seasoning is key. Taste and adjust your salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to ensure a well-balanced flavor profile.
• Quality Cheese Matters: Shred your own sharp cheddar cheese for the best melt and flavor. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect how smoothly they melt.
• Cracker Topping Variation: While Ritz crackers are a classic choice for their buttery flavor and delightful crunch, feel free to experiment with other crackers like saltines or even breadcrumbs for a different texture. Leaving some cracker pieces slightly larger adds a rustic charm and extra crunch.
• Baking Dish Size: The recipe calls for an 11×7-inch baking dish for a thicker casserole. If you use a larger dish, like a 9×13-inch, your casserole will be thinner and may require less cooking time. Keep a close eye on it to prevent overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Squash Casserole

Do I have to drain the squash?

Yes, draining the squash is an important step that we highly recommend. Yellow squash contains a significant amount of water, and skipping this step can result in a watery casserole filling. Draining helps to remove excess moisture, ensuring your casserole achieves that desirable creamy consistency. If you prefer a slightly wetter filling, you can reduce the draining time, but for optimal texture, thorough draining is best.

How do I slice the squash?

You can slice the squash by hand using a sharp knife, but for maximum efficiency and uniform slices, a mandolin slicer is ideal. Aim for slices that are about 1/4-inch thick. Consistency in slice thickness is crucial for even cooking, preventing some pieces from becoming overcooked while others remain firm.

What size squash slices should I use?

For the best results, ensure your squash slices are as uniform in size as possible, ideally around 1/4-inch in thickness. This helps them cook evenly and prevents them from disintegrating into mush during baking. Slightly thicker slices are preferable to very thin ones, as they hold up better to the cooking process and contribute to the casserole’s tender texture.

Why is my squash casserole watery?

A watery squash casserole typically indicates that the squash wasn’t drained sufficiently after pre-cooking. If the squash slices were cut too thin, they might also break down more during cooking, releasing more water into the casserole. Ensuring proper draining and appropriate slice thickness are key to preventing this issue.

What if I don’t have crackers for the topping?

If you don’t have Ritz crackers or similar crackers on hand, you can certainly substitute them with bread crumbs. While the texture and buttery flavor profile will differ slightly, bread crumbs will still provide a nice, crispy topping. For a richer flavor, you can toss the bread crumbs with a little melted butter before sprinkling them over the casserole.

I don’t have an 11×7-inch baking dish, what do I do?

While this recipe was developed for an 11×7-inch dish to achieve a specific thickness, you can use a 9×13-inch baking dish. Be aware that the casserole will be thinner, and as a result, the cooking time will likely be shorter. You’ll need to monitor it closely, baking until it’s golden brown and bubbly, rather than relying strictly on the suggested cooking time.

How to store leftovers?

Leftover squash casserole should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. We do not recommend freezing this casserole, as the texture of the squash and dairy components can change significantly upon thawing, potentially becoming mushy or separating. To reheat, small portions can be warmed in the microwave. For larger portions, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and reheat in a preheated oven until warmed through.

Key Ingredients for Your Squash Casserole

Each ingredient in this squash casserole plays a vital role in creating its renowned flavor and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and potential substitutions:

• Salted Butter: The base of our savory sauté, butter adds a rich, comforting flavor. If using unsalted butter, remember to increase the amount of salt in the recipe by about half a teaspoon, as squash readily absorbs seasoning and needs it to prevent blandness.
• Yellow Squash: The star of the show! Choose firm, fresh yellow squash. Zucchini can be used as an exact substitute if yellow squash isn’t available, following the same preparation steps. The skin of yellow squash is thin and perfectly edible, so a good scrub with water is all that’s needed – no peeling required.
• Sweet Onion: Adds a gentle sweetness and aromatic depth to the casserole. Vidalia onions are particularly excellent here. If you’re not a fan of onions or prefer a milder flavor, you can omit them or use a shallot for a lighter onion note.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for bringing out the squash’s natural flavors. Regular table salt can be used as a substitute; just be mindful that kosher salt is less dense, so you might need to use slightly less table salt for the same level of salinity.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a foundational savory aroma. This seasoning is versatile; feel free to adjust it to your taste. If garlic powder isn’t to your liking, you can leave it out or experiment with other spices like a pinch of onion powder or even a touch of Cajun seasoning (being careful of its salt content).
• Paprika: Regular paprika adds a subtle color and mild flavor. For an extra layer of warmth and a smoky undertone, consider using smoked paprika if you enjoy that profile.
• Large Eggs: Act as the crucial binding agent, helping to hold the creamy casserole filling together as it bakes, ensuring it sets nicely without being too loose.
• Sour Cream: Contributes significantly to the casserole’s luxurious creaminess and adds a slight tang that balances the richness. Plain Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute, offering a similar tang and thickness while potentially being a lighter option.
• Mayonnaise: Enhances the creamy texture and provides another layer of savory richness. Use your favorite brand. If you’re a fan of Miracle Whip, you can certainly substitute it, though it has a sweeter, tangier profile that will alter the final taste.
• Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: A cornerstone of Southern comfort food, sharp cheddar delivers a robust, cheesy flavor that pairs beautifully with squash. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or for a little heat, Pepper Jack.
• Ritz Crackers: The iconic choice for the crispy, buttery topping. Their rich flavor and delicate texture create an irresistible crunch. Other crackers like Saltines or Club crackers can also be used, or even plain breadcrumbs for a different texture.

How to Prepare Your Irresistible Squash Casserole: Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a delightful squash casserole that will impress everyone at your table:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray an 11×7-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
2. For the creamy filling, melt 3 tablespoons of salted butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add 2 pounds of yellow squash (sliced about 1/4-inch thick), 1 cup of chopped sweet onion, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of paprika to the skillet. Stir gently to ensure all the squash and onion are thoroughly coated with the spices and butter.



4. Cook the squash mixture, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, or until the squash begins to soften but still holds its shape.
5. Place a colander over a large bowl and carefully transfer the cooked squash mixture into it. Allow the mixture to drain for 10 minutes to release excess moisture. This is a critical step for a non-watery casserole.
6. While the squash drains, prepare the creamy base. In a separate large bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup of sour cream, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until well combined.



7. Add the drained squash mixture to the egg and cheese mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Discard any liquid collected from the drained squash.
8. Pour the combined squash mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.



9. Prepare the crunchy topping: In a medium-sized bowl, crush 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers. For added texture, it’s nice to leave some larger chunks of crackers.
10. Pour 3 tablespoons of melted salted butter over the crushed crackers and stir until the crackers are evenly coated.
11. Evenly sprinkle the buttery cracker topping over the squash mixture in the baking dish.



12. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges of the casserole are gently bubbling.
13. If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of dried parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Southern Squash Casserole!

Squash Casserole Recipe

Tender yellow squash casserole is creamy, cheesy, buttery, and simple to make.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Drain Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings: 8 servings

Author: Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

• 3 Tablespoons salted butter
• 2 pounds yellow squash, sliced about ¼-inch thick
• 1 cup chopped sweet onion (I use Vidalia onion)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

For the topping:

• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
• 3 Tablespoons salted butter, melted
• dried parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 11×7-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
2. For the filling, melt 3 Tablespoons salted butter in a large skillet over medium heat.



3. Once melted, add 2 pounds yellow squash, sliced about ¼-inch thick, 1 cup chopped sweet onion, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon paprika. Stir to combine, so the squash is covered with the spices and butter.



4. Cook, stirring occasionally, until all of the squash begins to soften, 10 minutes.
5. Place a colander over a large bowl and add the cooked squash mixture. Allow to drain for 10 minutes.



6. In a large bowl, stir together 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup mayonnaise and 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese.



7. Add the drained squash mixture to the egg mixture and stir to combine. Discard any liquid that drained off of the squash.



8. Place the mixture into the prepared baking dish.



9. For the topping, crush 1 sleeve Ritz crackers and add them to a medium-sized bowl (I like to keep some larger chunks of crackers and not completely crush them, this adds a nice texture to the topping).
10. Add 3 Tablespoons salted butter, melted and stir to combine.



11. Sprinkle the topping over the casserole. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown on top and slightly bubbly along the edges.



12. Add dried parsley, for garnish and serve.

Video

Notes

• Please refer to my FAQ’s and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Southern

Nutrition Facts (Estimated Per Serving)

• Calories: 308kcal
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Protein: 9g
• Fat: 26g
• Sodium: 618mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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This recipe was inspired and adapted from an old Southern Living recipe. I made a few tweaks to make it my own.

Craving More Comfort Food Recipes?

If you loved this squash casserole, you’re sure to enjoy these other delightful dishes:

• Southern Fried Squash
• The Best Broccoli Casserole
• Southern Fried Okra
• Homemade Fried Pickles
• Classic Fried Green Tomatoes
• Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
• Italian Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
• The Best Ever Deviled Eggs
• 50 Delightful Easter Recipes

Originally published: May 2023
Updated and republished: March 2025