Name: Southern Squash Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 pounds yellow squash, sliced 1/4 inch thick (about 5 medium-sized squash); 1/4 cup butter, divided; 1/2 cup diced onion; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided; 1 cup butter crackers (such as Ritz), finely crushed (about 25 crackers)

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Alright, friend—if you’ve never had a true Southern Squash Casserole, get ready to fall in love at first bite. This dish is a warm hug straight from the heart of the South. We’re talking tender yellow squash, creamy filling, buttery cracker topping, and just enough cheese to make it irresistibly rich and comforting. It’s a must-have on any holiday table, but honestly? It’s too good to save just for special occasions. Whether you’re working with garden-fresh squash or picking up a few from the store, this casserole is a beautiful way to let this humble veggie shine.

Trust me, this one will have even the “I don’t like squash” crowd coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds).

Why You’ll Love Southern Squash Casserole

Comfort Food Classic: Creamy, cheesy, buttery—it’s everything you want in a cozy dish.
Perfect Side Dish: It pairs with just about anything—fried chicken, grilled pork chops, or roast turkey.
Great for Feeding a Crowd: This casserole stretches beautifully for potlucks, picnics, and Sunday suppers.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Nothing fancy here, just pantry staples coming together in a soul-satisfying way.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready. A total time-saver!

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Ingredients in Southern Squash Casserole

Yellow Squash
Fresh, sweet, and mild—this is the heart of the dish. You’ll want to slice it thin so it cooks down tender.

Onion
Adds a little savory punch and balances the sweetness of the squash.

Butter
Used for sautéing and in the topping—it adds rich, Southern flavor throughout.

Eggs
Help bind everything together, giving the casserole its classic structure.

Sour Cream or Mayonnaise
Adds creaminess and that little tangy something that keeps you coming back for another bite.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Melts into the filling for ooey-gooey, cheesy goodness.

Crushed Butter Crackers (like Ritz)
The golden, crunchy topping that’s borderline addictive. A Southern casserole must.

Salt, Pepper & Garlic Powder
Simple seasonings that round out the flavor and bring everything together.

(Note: Full ingredient list with measurements is included in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F to get things nice and toasty for baking.

Sauté the Squash and Onion
In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté sliced squash and chopped onion over medium heat until tender—about 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid browning.

Drain Excess Moisture
Once the squash mixture is soft, let it cool slightly, then press gently to drain off any excess liquid. This keeps your casserole from getting watery.

Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sour cream (or mayo), shredded cheese, and seasonings. Fold in the cooked squash and onion mixture until well combined.

Transfer to a Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish and smooth the top.

Add the Cracker Topping
Crush the crackers and mix them with a little melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture generously over the top of the casserole.

Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.

Cool Slightly and Serve
Let it rest for about 5–10 minutes before serving. The flavors settle, and slicing becomes easier.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 scoop (about 1/8 of casserole)
Calories: 310
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 480mg
Total Carbohydrates: 17g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 9g
Calcium: 15% DV
Iron: 6% DV

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Southern Squash Casserole

As a Side for Sunday Supper: Serve it with roast chicken, pork chops, or meatloaf.
With Holiday Meals: It’s a Southern staple at Thanksgiving, Easter, and Christmas.
Next to BBQ Favorites: Pair it with pulled pork or grilled ribs for a summer cookout side.
With a Fresh Salad: A simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully.
On Its Own for Lunch: Don’t sleep on this as a satisfying vegetarian main dish!

Additional Tips

Drain That Squash: Squash releases a lot of water, so draining after cooking is key to avoiding a soggy casserole.
Add a Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce for a little heat.
Try Panko or Cornbread Topping: For a twist, sub the cracker crumbs with panko or crumbled cornbread.
Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freeze Leftovers: It freezes well! Just portion it out, wrap tightly, and reheat in the oven.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use zucchini instead of yellow squash?
A1: Absolutely! You can swap or mix zucchini in for a slightly different flavor and texture.

Q2: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
A2: Yep! Greek yogurt works great and adds a bit more protein too.

Q3: How do I keep the casserole from being watery?
A3: Be sure to sauté the squash until soft and press out as much liquid as possible before mixing it in.

Q4: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A4: Totally! Use gluten-free crackers or crushed cornflakes for the topping.

Q5: What type of cheese is best?
A5: Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can mix in Parmesan or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.

Q6: Can I freeze this casserole?
A6: Yes! Let it cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven.

Q7: Can I add meat to this recipe?
A7: Sure! Cooked, crumbled sausage or diced ham are great add-ins if you want to make it a meal.

Q8: Can I make this in a smaller dish?
A8: Definitely—just halve the recipe and use an 8×8-inch dish. Adjust baking time as needed.

Q9: Can I prep this the night before?
A9: Yes! Assemble it fully, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake when you’re ready.

Q10: What if I don’t have crackers?
A10: Panko breadcrumbs, croutons, or even crushed potato chips make great alternatives!

Conclusion

There’s something timeless and comforting about Southern Squash Casserole. It’s simple, it’s soulful, and it brings people together. Whether you’re whipping it up for a holiday feast, a casual potluck, or just because squash is in season, this dish never fails to impress. Creamy, cheesy, and golden-topped—it’s everything we love about classic Southern cooking. Go ahead and scoop up a serving (or two). You’re gonna be hooked.