Cheesy Yellow Squash Casserole Recipe: A Comforting Classic

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this creamy yellow squash casserole that promises comfort in every delightful bite.

Generations of home cooks perfected this simple yet satisfying dish across rural landscapes.

Crispy breadcrumb toppings add a delectable crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender vegetable layers beneath.

Seasonal squash brings fresh garden flavors to your table with minimal preparation effort.

Cheese melts into golden pools, creating a rich texture that makes this side dish irresistible.

A handful of pantry staples comes together quickly to create something truly memorable.

Why Easy Yellow Squash Casserole Is a Hit

• Comfort Food Champion: Dive into a creamy, cheesy casserole that wraps you in warm, satisfying flavors perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up this delightful dish with minimal prep and simple ingredients, making it a go-to recipe for busy home cooks seeking delicious results.
• Veggie Transformation Hero: Transform humble yellow squash into a crowd-pleasing side dish that even picky eaters will love, packed with cheesy goodness and crunchy cracker topping.
• Flexible Meal Companion: Versatile enough to complement grilled meats, barbecues, or stand alone as a hearty vegetarian option for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients for Easy Yellow Squash Casserole

• Yellow Squash: Fresh summer vegetable with a mild, slightly sweet flavor that forms the core of this comforting casserole.
• Onion: Adds depth and savory notes to complement the squash's delicate taste.

• Cheddar Cheese: Provides rich, melty texture and sharp flavor to the casserole.
• Sour Cream, Mayonnaise: Create a creamy, tangy base that helps bind the ingredients together.
• Egg: Serves as a crucial binding agent to hold the casserole's structure.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Crackers, Butter: Create a crispy, golden-brown topping that adds crunch and richness to the dish.

How to Prepare Easy Yellow Squash Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for the delicious casserole adventure.

Step 2: Transform Squash and Onions

Slice the yellow squash and chop the onions into bite-sized pieces.

Steam or boil them together until they’re soft and tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Drain completely to remove excess water.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Mixture

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Beaten egg
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until well blended and looking super creamy.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Pour the squash mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 5: Add the Crunchy Topping

Mix crushed crackers with melted butter until they’re perfectly coated.

Sprinkle this golden, crispy mixture over the top of the casserole.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Look for a beautiful golden-brown top and bubbly edges.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Enjoy your delicious yellow squash casserole while it’s warm and comforting!

Tips for Creamy Yellow Squash Casserole

• Squeeze out excess moisture from squash to prevent a watery casserole and ensure a creamy, rich texture.
• Use sharp cheddar for deeper flavor or experiment with mild varieties based on personal preference.
• Crush crackers finely for even coverage and a consistent golden-brown topping that adds delightful texture.
• Let casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier without falling apart.
• Add diced bell peppers or swap part of the squash with zucchini for extra nutrition and color complexity.

Flavor Variations for Yellow Squash Casserole

• Vegan Squash Casserole: Replace cheese with nutritional yeast, use dairy-free sour cream and mayonnaise, and substitute egg with ground flaxseed mixed with water.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free crackers for topping and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap crackers with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a lower-carbohydrate option.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Add chopped fresh herbs like basil and oregano, replace cheddar with feta cheese, and sprinkle with pine nuts before baking.

Serving Ideas for Yellow Squash Casserole

• Creamy Comfort Side Dish: Pair this rich casserole with grilled chicken or roasted pork tenderloin for a complete meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Southern Picnic Perfect: Bring this casserole to potlucks, family reunions, or summer gatherings where everyone loves a hearty, cheesy vegetable dish that disappears quickly.
• Vegetable Garden Fresh: Serve alongside a crisp green salad or fresh corn on the cob to balance the casserole's creamy texture and highlight seasonal summer produce.
• Leftover Magic Meal: Enjoy cold or reheated the next day as a delicious lunch or quick side dish that tastes even better after the flavors have melded overnight.

Best Storage Methods for Yellow Squash Casserole

• Transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label container with date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Remove casserole from refrigerator, let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning, warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen squash instead of fresh?

Fresh squash is recommended for best texture, but frozen can work if thoroughly thawed and well-drained to prevent excess moisture.

• What type of cheese works best in this casserole?

Cheddar cheese is ideal, but you can also use monterey jack or a blend of mild cheeses for creamy flavor.

• How do I prevent the casserole from being watery?

Drain squash completely after cooking and avoid adding extra liquid. Pat squash dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before mixing.

• Can this casserole be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole earlier and refrigerate. Just add the cracker topping right before baking to keep it crisp.

Easy Yellow Squash Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Southern comfort shines in this irresistible Yellow Squash Casserole, blending creamy textures with crisp breadcrumb toppings. Cheese-laden layers and garden-fresh squash promise a delightful side dish you’ll crave at every family gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Vegetables:

• 4 cups (960 milliliters) yellow squash, sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped

Dairy and Protein:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 1 egg, beaten

Seasonings and Topping:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) crushed Ritz crackers

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
2. Slice yellow squash and chop onions, then steam or boil until vegetables become tender and soft, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Thoroughly drain the cooked vegetables, removing excess moisture to prevent a watery casserole.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked squash and onions with shredded cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, beaten egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
5. Transfer the vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a smooth surface.
6. Crush crackers into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter until well combined.
7. Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture uniformly across the top of the casserole, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become slightly crispy.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, which helps the dish set and makes cutting easier.

Notes

• Use fresh, firm yellow squash for the best texture and flavor in your casserole.
• Drain squash thoroughly to prevent a watery, soggy dish that loses its creamy consistency.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or gruyère for a more complex flavor profile.
• Make it gluten-free by substituting crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed almond flour mixture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg