Delicious Southern Squash Casserole: A Comforting Classic

Southern Squash Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender yellow squash with a creamy, cheesy base. It’s the perfect side dish for family gatherings, holidays, or weeknight dinners. With its rich flavor and irresistible texture, this casserole is sure to become a favorite at your table.

This casserole brings together simple, hearty ingredients such as squash, onions, sour cream, and cheese, all baked to perfection with a crispy cracker topping. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Southern cooking or new to the cuisine, this dish is a must-try. It’s easy to prepare, hearty, and full of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hearty and Comforting: The combination of squash, cheese, and a creamy sauce makes this casserole a comforting dish everyone will love.
2. Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe comes together in no time, making it a great option for busy nights.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual family dinner, this casserole fits any occasion.
4. Crispy Topping: The buttery cracker topping adds a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling.
5. Versatile: While this dish is traditionally made with yellow squash, you can also try it with zucchini or a mix of both.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 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

For the Topping:

• 2 cups crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Variations

• Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken or sausage to the casserole.
• Spicy Version: Incorporate a little diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce into the casserole to add a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Option: Keep the dish vegetarian by sticking to the classic ingredients, or add in other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crackers to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

How to Make Delicious Southern Squash Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Squash

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the yellow squash into rounds and set aside. Dice the onion.

Step 2: Sauté the Squash and Onion

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add the sliced squash to the skillet and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the squash begins to soften. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Casserole Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and well-combined. Once the squash mixture has cooled slightly, add the squash and onions to the bowl. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 4: Transfer to a Baking Dish

Transfer the squash mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.

Step 5: Add the Topping

In a small bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter. Mix until the crackers are well coated. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with a little extra shredded cheese if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Squash: Be sure to sauté the squash just until it softens slightly. Overcooking it before baking may lead to excess moisture in the casserole.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh yellow squash and onions.
• Cheese Choice: While cheddar is classic, you can also use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for extra stretchiness and flavor.
• Even Crust: Press down gently on the cracker topping to ensure it’s evenly distributed and will crisp up beautifully.

How to Serve

Serve this Delicious Southern Squash Casserole as a side dish alongside roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even a comforting pot roast. It pairs wonderfully with cornbread, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.

For a complete meal, you could also serve it with a hearty soup or a side of baked chicken. It’s versatile enough to complement many main courses!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover squash casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Freezing

To freeze, prepare the casserole as directed but skip the baking step. Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave. If you prefer to maintain the crispy topping, reheating in the oven is recommended.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole without sour cream?

Yes, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor or use heavy cream for a richer texture.

2. Can I make this casserole without the crackers?

Yes, you can skip the cracker topping and replace it with breadcrumbs, panko, or even more shredded cheese for a different texture.

3. Can I use frozen squash?

While fresh squash works best, you can use frozen squash. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before using it in the recipe.

4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply leave out the cream of chicken soup and use a vegetarian version or make your own creamy base using vegetable broth and a bit of flour to thicken.

5. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this casserole dairy-free, use dairy-free sour cream, cheese, and butter substitutes.

6. How do I make this casserole spicier?

Add a diced jalapeño pepper or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the casserole mixture for an added kick.

7. Can I add meat to this casserole?

Yes, you can add cooked ground sausage, bacon, or chicken to this casserole for a heartier version.

8. How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too watery?

Ensure that the squash is sautéed well and excess moisture is cooked off before mixing it into the casserole.

9. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it.

10. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before baking.

Conclusion

Delicious Southern Squash Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, offering a creamy, cheesy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its easy preparation and satisfying flavors make it a go-to recipe for family dinners and gatherings. Whether you’re serving it as a side or a main, this dish will surely be a hit at your table!

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