Easy Southern Squash Casserole

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Tender yellow squash is sliced thin, combined with a creamy, cheesy sauce, topped with buttery crackers, and baked. It’s ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or just when you’re craving some good ol’ comfort on a weeknight. And the best part? It just takes 30 minutes to make it.

In the South, it doesn’t matter if you don’t have a veggie garden. It’s common to come home to a large basket of veggies gifted by a neighbor. This Old-fashioned Southern squash casserole is one of those memorable dishes that my Grandma used to make and it’s stood the test of time.

When neighbors share their veggie bounty you squash, you make squash casserole, Instant Pot Stuffed Squash, Zucchini Fries, or Quick Pickled Zucchini!

Why Make This Recipe

• Southern Charm – This yellow squash casserole recipe is one of the best Southern comfort foods. It has nice rich flavors and a Ritz cracker topping.
• Perfect for an Abundance of Squash – If you find yourself with an abundance of summer squash (we’ve all been there!), this recipe is a great way to put them to delicious use.
• It’s a Classic Favorite – It’s part of our family tradition and made all the time. Once you’ve shared this recipe, it will become a go-to for your gatherings and special occasions.

Ingredient Notes

I’ve included gluten-free ingredients but you can swap them out for regular. Here are some tips and swaps so you can make it to your taste.

• Yellow squash – Thinly sliced fresh yellow squash adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor and texture to the casserole. Use fresh squash as frozen squash can be very watery.
• Gluten-free Ritz crackers – These crackers bring a buttery and crispy topping. You can use gluten-free or regular Ritz crackers based on your dietary needs.
• Butter – Butter gives a rich and flavorful base. You can use a light, neutral oil or margarine.
• Gluten-free Flour – This is a thickening agent for the sauce and gives it a creamy consistency. You can use regular flour.
• Milk – Milk adds creaminess to the casserole. You can use dairy-free milk but the flavor may vary.
• Sugar – A dash of sugar like your Grandma used to. Ok, maybe she added in a lot more. It adds to the natural sweetness of the squash. You can leave it out.
• Salt and Ground Black Pepper – Add seasoning to your taste.
• Onion – I grate the onion so it can be evenly distributed in the casserole for pops of flavor.
• Sour Cream – Sour cream gives it a nice tangy creaminess.
• Cheese – Shredded sharp cheddar cheese the more the better melts into a gooey, golden topping that no child can resist. It’s one way to get them to eat their veggies.

How To Make Squash Casserole

Use the process shots so you have a snapshot of how to make this casserole. Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card further below.

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F / 180 degrees C.
2. Slice and steam the squash for 10 minutes to soften it.
3. Prepare the crushed crackers topping by crushing the crackers and combining them with melted butter in a large bowl.
4. Whisk the remaining ingredients in a saucepan to make the cheese sauce.
5. Combine the drained squash mixture with the cheese sauce. Pour the cooked squash mixture into a casserole baking dish and top with the cracker crumbs.
6. Bake for 20 minutes until hot, bubbly and golden brown.

How Do You Cook the Squash?

You want the squash in this casserole recipe to be tender enough to almost melt in your mouth. It is important to cook it in advance.

• Steaming is a popular way to cook squash. Add squash slices in a steamer basket over a pan of water. Boil water and cover the pan with a lid. Steam for about 10 minutes or until squash is tender.

• You can microwave the squash as well. Place the sliced squash in a bowl with a bit of water. Cover with plastic wrap and heat on high for five minutes or until tender.

• Cook in a skillet. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil or butter in a skillet and saute squash until tender.  When cooked, decant and proceed with making the cheese sauce in the same skillet.

Bintu’s Tips

Here are a few tips and equipment I used to make things easier.

• Use a mandoline slicer to slice the yellow squash nicely and thinly.
• Slice the squash uniformly with a sharp knife. This helps it to cook evenly, so you don’t end up with some pieces undercooked while others are too soft.
• Taste the mixture before baking and adjust seasonings as needed.
• After baking, allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the dish to set so you can serve it easily.
• Sautéing the squash before baking removes excess moisture, intensifies the flavor, and gives it a better texture.

Delicious Variations

If you like a bit of experimentation in the kitchen here are a few suggestions to get you started.

• Feel free to mix in some zucchini with the squash or make this with just zucchini.
• Add more veggies. I like to add some finely diced red bell pepper.
• Add a pinch of homemade creole seasoning, crushed red pepper, garlic powder, or a seasoning blend of your choice for additional flavor.

Prep and Storage

If this is for a Southern potluck, you are coming home with an empty dish. But fingers crossed you do or else make an extra one to freeze.

• Prep – Prepare up to 24 hours in advance and bake when ready.
• Store – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze – If you freeze squash casserole in advance, prepare without the topping and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, add the cracker topping, and bake as directed.
• Reheat – Reheat in a toaster over to maintain the crispy topping. You can also reheat in the microwave.

Similar Recipes

Making casseroles is a great way to save time and money. Check out these casseroles for more flavorful ideas your family will love.  And don’t miss these squash recipes.

• Butternut Squash Muffins
• Kabocha  Squash Soup
• Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Serve with

We love serving this veggie casserole with protein like Instant Pot Chicken Breast, Air Fryer Pork Chops, or this Cajun Fish Fillet.

From meal trains to Sunday supper with crispy whole chicken, from BBQs to town potlucks, this squash casserole recipe is one you will return to all the time.

Weight Watchers Points

There are 7 Blue Plan SmartPoints in a serving of this Yellow Squash Casserole.

Thank you for reading my squash casserole with Ritz crackers recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice, and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot recipes, Southern Recipes, and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.

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