If comfort food had a shining star, this Deliciously Easy Squash Casserole Recipe would be it. Imagine tender, buttery squash melded with creamy cheddar and a crunchy, golden topping that makes every bite a delight. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests without breaking a sweat. This recipe combines simple ingredients in a way that brings out the best flavors and textures, making it a true kitchen favorite you’ll turn to time and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays an essential role in making this squash casserole irresistible. From creamy cheese to a crunchy topping, the combination balances taste, texture, and color effortlessly.
- Yellow squash, 4 cups sliced: The star vegetable, providing a tender, slightly sweet base that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sharpness that complements the squash perfectly when sautéed until soft.
- Cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded: Melts throughout with a rich, tangy flavor that brings depth to the dish.
- Sour cream, 1/2 cup: Introduces creaminess and a gentle tang, helping to bind the ingredients smoothly.
- Mayonnaise, 1/4 cup: Adds moisture and a silky texture for a luscious casserole filling.
- Egg, 1 beaten: Acts as a natural binder, ensuring the casserole holds together when baked.
- Garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon: A mild punch of garlic flavor that wakes up the other ingredients without overpowering them.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors in the dish.
- Crushed Ritz crackers or buttery breadcrumbs, 1 cup: Creates the crave-worthy crunchy topping that makes this recipe a standout.
- Melted butter, 2 tablespoons: Provides richness and helps the topping brown to golden perfection in the oven.
How to Make Deliciously Easy Squash Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×9 inch baking dish. This step sets the stage for your casserole to bake evenly and prevents sticking, making cleanup much simpler.
Step 2: Sauté Squash and Onions
Gently sauté the sliced yellow squash and finely chopped onion in a large skillet over medium heat with a pinch of salt. Stir and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant in color. Be sure to drain any excess liquid to avoid a watery casserole.
Step 3: Mix the Casserole Filling
In a spacious bowl, combine your cooked squash and onions with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, beaten egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated, creating a creamy, seasoned filling that promises a crowd-pleasing flavor.
Step 4: Transfer and Spread the Mixture
Pour this delightful mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure uniform baking and an inviting presentation.
Step 5: Add the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or buttery breadcrumbs with melted butter until crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture generously over your casserole to create a crunchy, golden crust once baked.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Bake your casserole in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the filling bubbles warmly beneath that irresistible crust.
Step 7: Let It Rest
Take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This resting period helps it set up nicely and makes serving easier — plus, your taste buds get a moment to anticipate the delicious flavors coming their way.
How to Serve Deliciously Easy Squash Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Though this casserole is charming on its own, adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives brings a pop of green freshness. A light dusting of paprika can also add a hint of color and subtle spice, elevating the presentation effortlessly.
Side Dishes
This squash casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp garden salad or roasted chicken, creating a balanced meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside buttery mashed potatoes or your favorite crusty bread to soak up every delicious bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Deliciously Easy Squash Casserole Recipe the star of a potluck by baking it in individual ramekins for personal servings. You can also layer it with extra cheese between layers for a richer experience, or add a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits on top for a smoky twist that friends will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this warm comfort food even after the initial meal.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly with foil or place it in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn. When frozen, the casserole stays fresh and flavorful for up to 2 months — perfect for convenient future meals.
Reheating
Reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the topping regains its crunch, usually about 15 to 20 minutes. Microwaving works too but may soften the crispy topping. A quick broil at the end revives the golden crust beautifully if needed.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of squash in this casserole?
Absolutely! While yellow squash is ideal for its mild sweetness and tender texture, zucchini or a mix of summer squashes will work nicely and still keep the dish deliciously easy.
Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the cheddar cheese for a dairy-free alternative and substitute sour cream and mayonnaise with vegan versions. The texture might be slightly different, but the casserole will remain flavorful and comforting.
Can I add other vegetables to the recipe?
Feel free to experiment! Chopped bell peppers, corn kernels, or even cooked mushrooms can add extra layers of flavor and nutrition, just make sure to sauté them along with the squash and onions.
What’s the best way to get a crunchy topping?
Using crushed Ritz crackers or buttery breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter is key to a perfect crunchy topping. For extra crispness, you can toast the crumbs lightly before sprinkling them on top.
How do I prevent the casserole from being watery?
Draining the cooked squash and onions well after sautéing is crucial. You can also pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the casserole hold its shape and bake to the perfect consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Deliciously Easy Squash Casserole Recipe is truly a treasure that brings warmth and joy to any table. Simple ingredients come together in perfect harmony, delivering a comforting dish packed with flavor and texture. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or sharing it at a special gathering, I promise it will become a beloved favorite. So, go ahead and give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Deliciously Easy Squash Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Deliciously Easy Squash Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any meal. Combining tender sautéed yellow squash and onions with creamy cheddar, sour cream, and mayonnaise, then topped with a buttery cracker crust, this casserole bakes to a golden bubbly perfection that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups yellow squash, sliced (about 4–5 medium squash)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or buttery breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish or a similarly sized casserole dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
- Sauté squash and onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the sliced yellow squash and finely chopped onion with a pinch of salt for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender. Drain any excess liquid from the pan.
- Mix casserole base: Transfer the cooked squash and onions into a large bowl. Add shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, the beaten egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine all flavors.
- Assemble casserole: Pour and spread the squash mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Prepare topping: In a small bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers or buttery breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Add topping and bake: Sprinkle the buttery crumb mixture evenly over the surface of the casserole. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Cool and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows it to set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- You can substitute the yellow squash with zucchini if desired.
- For a crunchier topping, use fresh buttery crackers rather than pre-packed breadcrumbs.
- Feel free to add herbs like thyme or parsley for added flavor.
- Make sure to drain excess liquid after sautéing to prevent a soggy casserole.
- This casserole reheats well and tastes great as leftovers.
