Southern Squash Casserole
A classic Southern squash casserole features tender yellow squash in a creamy, cheesy sauce topped with a buttery, crunchy cracker crumble. It is a perfect side dish for any meal, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 385 kcal
For the Casserole
- 2 pounds yellow squash (sliced ¼-inch thick)
- 1 large sweet onion (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For the Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 35 crackers, crushed)
- 4 tablespoons salted butter (melted)
- Dried parsley for garnish (optional)
Prep the oven and dish: First, preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease an 11x7 baking dish. Cook and season veggies for 8-10 minutes: In a large skillet, Melt 2 tbsp butter.... Then cook 2 lbs squash and chopped sweet onion with kosher salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Drain for 5 minutes: Pour the seasoned squash into a colander. Press down firmly to squeeze out all excess water.
Make the creamy base: In a large bowl, whisk 2 eggs with ½ cup sour cream, and ½ cup mayo. Combine the filling: Gently stir the well-drained squash and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the creamy base.
Assemble the casserole: Pour the filling into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
Make the topping: In a small bowl, mix 1 sleeve of crushed Ritz crackers with 4 tbsp of melted butter.
Add the topping: Sprinkle the cracker mixture over the casserole.
Bake until golden: Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Rest and serve: Let the finished casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before you serve it, garnished with dried parsley.
- Squeezing the squash is the most important step for a creamy casserole.
- For the best flavor and melt, I suggest grating your own cheese.
- Don't have a sweet onion? A regular yellow onion will work fine.
- Let the casserole rest before serving so it can set up properly.
- Store any leftovers you have in an airtight container in the fridge.
- This casserole is a great side dish for holidays and potlucks.