Easy Yellow Squash Casserole Recipe: A Comforting Family Favorite

Summer’s bounty brings a golden treasure that turns ordinary meals into comfort classics: this easy yellow squash casserole recipe.

Crisp, fresh squash meets a creamy, cheesy embrace that promises pure satisfaction.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this humble vegetable’s potential to become something extraordinary.

Tender yellow squash slices nestle between layers of rich, velvety goodness that melt in your mouth.

Each forkful carries the warmth of home-cooked tradition and simple, wholesome ingredients.

The combination of soft squash and golden, crispy topping creates a harmonious dance of textures and flavors.

Gather your ingredients and prepare to transform a modest vegetable into a memorable side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients Checklist for Yellow Squash Casserole

• Yellow Squash: Fresh summer squash that provides the primary flavor and texture of the casserole.
• Onions: Sweet and savory vegetable that adds depth to the overall dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and creates a rich, creamy base.

• Sour Cream, Mayonnaise, Eggs: These ingredients help bind the casserole together and create a smooth, creamy consistency.

• Crackers, Butter, Salt, Pepper: Crispy crackers and melted butter form a golden, crunchy topping, while salt and pepper enhance the overall flavor of the casserole.

How to Cook Yellow Squash Casserole Perfectly

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F, getting it ready for a delightful squash adventure.

Step 2: Softening the Veggies

Toss sliced squash and chopped onions into boiling water.

Let them dance and soften for about 10 minutes.

Once tender, drain them completely, shaking off any excess water.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Mixture

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Smooth sour cream
• Creamy mayonnaise
• Fresh eggs

Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to wake up the flavors.

Stir everything until well-blended and looking irresistible.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and give it a light grease.

Pour your veggie mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 5: Add the Crunchy Topping

Crush some crackers and mix them with melted butter.

Shower this crispy mixture over the top of your casserole, creating a golden, appetizing layer.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges are bubbling with excitement.

Pro Tips for a Creamy Squash Casserole

• Pat squash and onions completely dry after boiling to prevent a watery casserole and ensure a creamy, thick texture.
• Use sharp cheddar for deeper flavor or mix cheeses like gruyere and cheddar for more complex taste profile.
• Experiment with different crackers like butter crackers or herb-seasoned varieties to add unique depth to the topping.
• Let casserole rest 10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier without falling apart.
• Substitute yellow squash with zucchini or mix both for a colorful, nutritious vegetable casserole variation.

Twists and Add-ins for Yellow Squash Casserole

• Gluten-Free Squash Casserole: Replace crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cornflakes for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Fat Alternative: Swap full-fat cheddar with reduced-fat cheese, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and replace mayonnaise with light mayonnaise to cut calories.
• Vegan Vegetable Casserole: Substitute eggs with silken tofu, use vegan cheese, replace sour cream with cashew cream, and swap mayonnaise with vegan mayonnaise for a plant-based option.
• Herb-Infused Squash Bake: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to enhance flavor and create a more aromatic casserole.

The Best Ways to Serve Squash Casserole

• Comfort Food Companion: Pair this creamy casserole with grilled chicken or roasted pork for a complete, satisfying meal.
• Potluck Perfection: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to family gatherings or summer barbecues as a delightful side that everyone will love.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Sprinkle chopped fresh chives, parsley, or basil on top before serving to add a bright, zesty flavor and beautiful green garnish.
• Leftover Magic: Enjoy cold leftovers the next day as a tasty lunch or reheat gently for a quick, comforting meal that tastes just as delicious.

How to Store Yellow Squash Casserole Properly

• 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 cooled casserole tightly in aluminum foil or freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove casserole from refrigerator 30 minutes before reheating to bring to room temperature. Cover with foil to prevent top from burning, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen squash instead of fresh?

Frozen squash works, but drain it thoroughly and pat dry to prevent excess moisture that could make the casserole watery.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace regular crackers with gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs to create a celiac-friendly version of the casserole.

• What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar cheese provides the most flavor, but mild cheddar or a cheese blend can also work well in this dish.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for maximum freshness.

Easy Yellow Squash Casserole – Why You’ll Want Seconds

• Whip Up Comfort: Dive into a creamy, cheesy casserole that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table with minimal kitchen effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Veggie Delight: Transform humble yellow squash into a mouthwatering dish that even picky eaters will love, making vegetable consumption a breeze.
• Quick Family Meal Solution: Prepare a complete side dish in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous family gatherings with simple, accessible ingredients.
• Versatile Potluck Star: Impress friends and neighbors with a classic Southern-style casserole that travels well and serves as a delicious complement to any main course.

Easy Yellow Squash Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets garden-fresh goodness in this irresistible Yellow Squash Casserole. Creamy, cheesy layers of tender squash and crisp breadcrumbs promise a delightful side dish that brings families together around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups yellow squash, sliced
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Dairy and Creamy Components:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Seasoning and Topping:

• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F, preparing a greased 8×8-inch baking dish for the casserole.
2. Submerge sliced squash and onions in boiling water, cooking until vegetables become soft and tender, approximately 10 minutes.
3. Thoroughly drain the cooked vegetables, removing excess moisture to prevent a watery casserole.
4. Combine drained squash and onions with cheddar cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and eggs in a spacious mixing bowl.
5. Season the vegetable mixture with salt and pepper, stirring until ingredients are evenly distributed.
6. Transfer the creamy vegetable blend into the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly.
7. Crush crackers into fine crumbs and blend with melted butter, creating a crispy topping.
8. Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly across the casserole surface.
9. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes.
10. Remove when the top turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly, indicating complete cooking.

Notes

• Drain squash thoroughly after boiling to prevent a watery casserole, using a colander and gently pressing out excess liquid with paper towels.
• Swap cheddar with gruyere or monterey jack for different flavor profiles, ensuring similar melting properties.
• Replace buttery cracker topping with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like thyme or parsley into the mixture for added depth and brightness in flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg