A Southern Favorite: Creamy Squash Casserole Recipe
This Cheesy Squash Casserole is the ultimate comfort food side dish. Made with fresh yellow squash, sharp Cheddar cheese, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping, it’s a southern classic that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or a casual family meal, this easy squash casserole delivers creamy, savory flavor in every bite.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Servings: 10
Yield: 1 (9×13-inch) casserole
🔁 Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly
Can you make squash casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble the entire casserole without the cracker topping and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the topping and pop it in the oven.
Want to freeze it? Line your baking dish with foil, assemble (again, without the topping), and freeze overnight. Once frozen, remove it from the dish, wrap it up, and store it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking and add the topping just before it goes into the oven.
🥶 How to Freeze Leftovers
Got leftovers? Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake uncovered at 350°F for about 25 minutes. Keep in mind the topping may not be as crisp after freezing.
📝 Ingredients
- 4 cups yellow squash, sliced
- ½ cup onion, chopped
- ¼ cup water (or more as needed)
- 35 buttery round crackers (Ritz), crushed
- 1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter, for topping
🔪 Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1 – Prep and Preheat:
Gather all the ingredients. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Set it aside.
Step 2 – Cook the Squash and Onion:
Add the sliced squash and chopped onion to a large skillet over medium heat. Pour in ¼ cup of water, cover, and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the squash is just tender. Drain thoroughly and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Step 3 – Add Crackers and Cheese:
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed cracker crumbs and shredded Cheddar cheese. Stir half of this mixture into the cooked squash and onions.
Step 4 – Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Pour this mixture into the squash bowl. Stir in ¼ cup melted butter, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix everything until well combined.
Step 5 – Top and Bake:
Transfer the squash mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cracker-cheese mixture over the top and dot with 2 tablespoons of butter.
Step 6 – Bake to Perfection:
Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Step 7 – Serve and Enjoy:
Remove from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then serve warm. Enjoy your delicious squash casserole!
🧂 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 224
- Total Fat: 16g (Saturated Fat: 8g)
- Carbs: 15g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 68mg
- Sodium: 469mg
- Calcium: 150mg
- Iron: 1mg
- Vitamin C: 5mg