This Cozy Southern Squash Casserole is a tasty blend of fresh squash, creamy cheese, and crunchy toppings. It’s like a warm hug in a dish!
Every bite is cheesy and comforting, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. I love serving it with cornbread—it just completes the meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: This is the star of the dish! You can use zucchini or a combination of both if you’re in the mood. They each offer a mild, sweet flavor that works wonderfully.
Onion: A medium onion gives a lot of flavor. If you’re not a fan of onions, you might use shallots for a gentler taste, or even garlic for a different twist.
Sour Cream: For creaminess, sour cream is perfect. If you’re looking for a lighter version, Greek yogurt can be a great alternative with a similar taste and texture.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a nice flavor kick. Feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack or even a bit of pepper jack if you like some heat!
Mayonnaise: Some might find mayonnaise unusual, but it keeps the casserole moist. You can replace it with more sour cream for a tangy twist or Greek yogurt if you’re looking for a healthier option.
Crackers: Buttery crackers give a lovely crunch. You can substitute with panko bread crumbs for a lighter texture, or crushed cornflakes for a gluten-free version!
What’s the Best Way to Sauté Onions?
Sautéing onions properly brings out their sweet flavor, making your casserole even better. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat until it’s warm, not smoking.
- Add a drizzle of oil or a pat of butter to the pan.
- Once the oil is hot or the butter is melted, add the diced onions.
- Stir gently and keep an eye on them for about 4-5 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
- Don’t rush it—cooking them slowly helps to bring out their natural sweetness!
Once done, set the sautéed onions aside to cool for a moment before adding them to your squash mixture. Enjoy that rich aroma!
Cozy Southern Squash Casserole with Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups yellow squash, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz) or crushed saltine crackers
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and about 45 minutes to 1 hour of baking time. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes to get this cozy dish ready for the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This will help prevent sticking!
2. Sauté the Onion:
In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil or butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes, until it’s softened and translucent. Once it’s done, take it off the heat and set it aside.
3. Mix the Casserole Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced yellow squash, sautéed onion, eggs, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder if you’re using it. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and looking creamy!
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the squash mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly so it cooks nicely. Don’t worry; it doesn’t have to be perfect!
5. Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. This will create a delicious crispy topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the squash layer in the baking dish.
6. Bake the Casserole:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. You’re looking for it to be bubbly and for the topping to turn a lovely golden brown color.
7. Let It Rest:
Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. This will help it firm up a bit, making it easier to serve.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
If you like, sprinkle a little paprika over the top for a touch of color, then scoop it up and serve warm. Enjoy your cozy Southern squash casserole with cheese—it’s sure to be a hit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Squash?
Absolutely! While yellow squash is traditional, you can use zucchini or a mix of both if you prefer. Just make sure to slice them thinly so they cook evenly.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this casserole gluten-free, simply substitute the buttery crackers with gluten-free crackers or use crushed cornflakes. They will provide a similar crunch without the gluten!
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare everything up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions. Enjoy your leftovers!
