When it comes to Southern comfort food, few dishes capture the warmth of home quite like Southern Squash Casserole. This creamy, cheesy, and perfectly golden casserole has been a staple at potlucks, Sunday suppers, and holiday tables for generations. Tender yellow squash and onions are baked in a rich, savory sauce topped with buttery crackers for that irresistible crunch. I first tasted this dish at a family gathering in Georgia, and from the very first bite, I knew it was pure Southern magic. It’s simple, nostalgic, and bursting with flavor—the kind of recipe that instantly feels like home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Southern Squash Casserole is everything you want in comfort food: creamy, cheesy, and perfectly balanced with the fresh, delicate flavor of summer squash. It’s easy to make and uses everyday ingredients, yet it delivers big, crowd-pleasing flavor. The buttery cracker topping adds texture, while the creamy filling melts in your mouth. It’s the perfect side dish for any occasion—whether served with fried chicken, roast turkey, or on its own as a hearty vegetarian option.
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Southern Squash Casserole — A Creamy, Cheesy Classic Straight from the Heart of the South
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Southern Squash Casserole is a classic comfort dish made with tender yellow squash, onions, creamy cheese, and a buttery cracker topping. It’s rich, flavorful, and the perfect side for family gatherings, holidays, or Sunday dinners.
Ingredients
- 5 medium yellow squash, sliced (about 6 cups)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 sleeve buttery crackers (such as Ritz), crushed
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add sliced squash and chopped onion, cooking for 8–10 minutes until tender. Drain any excess liquid and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, egg, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked squash and onions until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick of heat.
- You can substitute zucchini for part of the squash for extra color and flavor.
- This casserole can be made ahead — cover and refrigerate before baking, then bake when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Yellow Squash
Fresh yellow squash is the star of this dish. It’s tender, slightly sweet, and pairs beautifully with the rich sauce.
Onion
Adds sweetness and depth. A yellow or sweet onion works best for that classic Southern flavor.
Butter
Used for sautéing and flavoring the casserole, butter adds richness and that signature Southern comfort taste.
Eggs
Help bind the filling together and give the casserole its smooth, custard-like texture.
Mayonnaise or Sour Cream
Adds creaminess and tang that enhances the overall flavor.
Cheddar Cheese
Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and gives the dish a rich, cheesy bite.
Crushed Crackers (like Ritz or Saltines)
Used for the topping, crushed crackers add crunch and buttery flavor that contrasts the creamy filling perfectly.
Milk
Helps loosen the filling and ensures it bakes up smooth and creamy.
Salt and Pepper
Simple seasonings that bring out the natural sweetness of the squash and balance the richness.
Optional Add-ins
A pinch of garlic powder, paprika, or fresh herbs like thyme can elevate the flavor even further.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced squash and diced onion, cooking until soft and lightly golden, about 10–12 minutes. Drain any excess liquid to prevent a watery casserole.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked squash and onions with beaten eggs, mayonnaise (or sour cream), milk, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season generously with salt and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese. In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges. Let cool slightly before serving—it will set as it cools.
Equipment needed :
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6–8 people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, cooking the squash takes 10 minutes, and baking time is around 30 minutes—so you’ll have it ready in under an hour.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions. To freeze, bake the casserole without the topping, cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Add the topping and bake fresh when ready to serve.
Variations and Customizations
Bacon and Cheese Version
Add crumbled cooked bacon to the filling for a smoky, savory touch.
Spicy Southern Twist
Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for a mild kick.
Herb Garden Style
Add chopped parsley, thyme, or chives for a fresh, aromatic flavor.
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for the topping.
Lighter Version
Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheese for a lighter dish without losing flavor.
FAQs
Can I use zucchini instead of squash?
Yes, zucchini works well or you can use a mix of both for variety.
Why is my casserole watery?
Make sure to drain cooked squash thoroughly before mixing the filling.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Add the topping before baking.
Can I freeze squash casserole?
Yes, it freezes well unbaked—just thaw and bake before serving.
What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar gives classic flavor, but you can try Monterey Jack or Colby too.
Can I use frozen squash?
Yes, thaw and drain it well before using.
How do I make it vegetarian?
It’s already vegetarian—just use plant-based butter if preferred.
What can I serve it with?
It pairs perfectly with roasted chicken, ham, barbecue, or holiday roasts.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish and extend the baking time by about 10 minutes.
How do I keep the topping crispy?
Add the cracker topping right before baking, and avoid covering it with foil.
Conclusion
This Southern Squash Casserole is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with that buttery crunch, it’s a timeless Southern dish that never goes out of style. Whether you’re making it for a potluck, a Sunday dinner, or a holiday feast, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles and second helpings all around. One bite, and you’ll understand why this golden casserole has been loved across generations—it’s pure, simple, Southern comfort at its best.
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