Easy Yellow Squash Casserole Recipe

There's something undeniably comforting about a classic Yellow Squash Casserole fresh from the oven. With its creamy texture, buttery cracker topping, and savory flavor, this dish is the perfect way to showcase summer squash. Whether you're making it as a side dish for a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, it's guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

this Recipe

I first fell in love with this casserole at a family gathering, where my grandmother made it using squash straight from her garden. It was warm, cheesy, and perfectly crispy on top—one bite, and I was hooked! Now, it’s a staple in my kitchen, especially when I have an abundance of fresh squash on hand.

Why You'll Love This Yellow Squash Casserole

Get ready to fall in love with this easy and delicious casserole! Here’s why it deserves a spot on your dinner table.

First, it’s incredibly simple to make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have this dish ready for the oven in no time.

It’s also budget-friendly. Yellow squash is one of the most affordable vegetables at the grocery store or farmer’s market, making this a great dish to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.

Not to mention, it’s the ultimate comfort food. The combination of tender squash, creamy cheese, and a crispy, buttery cracker topping makes for a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying.

Lastly, it pairs well with everything. Serve it alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a vegetarian main dish for a complete and hearty meal.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this casserole so special.

Yellow Squash: The star of the show! Fresh yellow squash provides a naturally sweet and mild flavor. Slice it thinly to ensure even cooking and a soft, tender texture.

Onion: A small, diced onion adds a hint of savory depth. Sautéing it before mixing it into the casserole enhances its sweetness and mellows out its sharpness.

Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is my go-to for this recipe. Its bold, tangy flavor pairs beautifully with the mild squash. You can also mix in some Parmesan for an extra layer of richness.

Eggs and Sour Cream: These ingredients help bind the casserole together while adding a creamy consistency. If you prefer a slightly lighter version, Greek yogurt can be used in place of sour cream.

Crushed Crackers: Buttery crackers (like Ritz) create that irresistible crispy topping. They add the perfect crunch to balance the softness of the squash and cheese mixture.

You’ll also need some basic pantry staples like butter, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to round out the flavors.

How To Make This Yellow Squash Casserole

Making this casserole is a breeze! Follow these steps to bring this comforting dish to life.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a baking dish to prevent sticking. While the oven warms up, slice your yellow squash into thin rounds and dice your onion.

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat, then add the sliced squash and diced onion. Cook until the squash is tender and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This step helps release excess moisture from the squash, ensuring your casserole doesn’t turn watery.

Once the squash mixture is ready, transfer it to a large bowl. Stir in shredded cheese, sour cream, eggs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, mixing until everything is well combined.

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, sprinkle crushed buttery crackers over the top for that signature crunchy finish.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving—this helps it set up nicely.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, don’t worry! This casserole stores beautifully.

To refrigerate, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze it. Wrap the cooled casserole in aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

To reheat, simply pop a serving in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm the whole dish in the oven at 325°F for about 10-15 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this casserole is its versatility! Here are a few ways you can customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs.

For a healthier twist, swap out sour cream for plain Greek yogurt and use whole wheat crackers for the topping. You can also reduce the cheese slightly to cut back on calories.

If you love extra crunch, add breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes instead of crackers for a different texture. Mixing in some chopped pecans can also add a delightful nutty flavor.

Looking for more protein? Stir in cooked bacon, sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier version.

Want to make it gluten-free? Use gluten-free crackers or crushed pork rinds in place of traditional crackers.

No yellow squash? No problem! Zucchini works just as well, or you can use a mix of both for a colorful and flavorful dish.

With so many ways to make this dish your own, you’ll never get tired of it. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this Yellow Squash Casserole is always a hit!

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