SOUTHERN SQUASH CASSEROLE

If you’re looking for a quintessential Southern dish that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing, this Southern Squash Casserole is a must-try! Packed with tender yellow squash, creamy cheese, and topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust, this casserole is a perfect side dish for any meal. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious dish!

Ingredients:

• 3 lb yellow squash, sliced
• ½ C diced Vidalia onion, optional
• 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
• 1 C mayonnaise
• 1 egg
• 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp fresh ground black pepper

TOPPING

• 2 sleeves of Ritz crackers, crushed
• 1 stick melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Squash
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F.
   • Wash and slice the squash into small medallions. If using large squash, dice them into smaller pieces. Place the sliced squash into a large mixing bowl.
2. Mix the Casserole Filling
   • In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, egg, shredded cheddar cheese, diced Vidalia onion (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
   • Pour this mixture over the sliced squash and stir until the squash is evenly coated.
3. Prepare the Topping
   • Crush the Ritz crackers while they are still in their packaging or place them in a resealable plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin or meat tenderizer.
   • Pour the crushed crackers into a bowl. Melt the butter in the microwave and stir it into the crackers until the mixture is moist.
4. Assemble and Bake
   • Pour the squash mixture into a casserole dish.
   • Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
   • Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes covered with foil to prevent the crackers from burning.
   • After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips

1. Let It Rest: After baking, allow the casserole to rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to serve without falling apart.
2. Pairing Suggestions: Southern Squash Casserole pairs well with a variety of main dishes. Consider serving it alongside roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or even a hearty steak. It also complements other Southern classics like fried chicken or pulled pork.
3. Garnish Options: For an extra touch of flavor and color, you can garnish the casserole with fresh chopped herbs such as parsley or chives. A sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese on top before baking can also add a nice touch.
4. Serving Size: This recipe serves about 6-8 people, depending on portion size. For larger gatherings, consider doubling the recipe and baking it in a larger dish.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To maintain its texture, cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap.
2. Freezing: If you have more leftovers or want to prepare it ahead of time, you can freeze the casserole. Cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
3. Reheating: To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes or until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent the topping from burning, and remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to crisp up the topping.
4. Individual Portions: For convenience, you can also freeze individual portions. This makes it easy to reheat just what you need for a quick meal. Place portions in freezer-safe bags or containers and follow the same reheating instructions.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Southern Squash Casserole at its best, whether fresh from the oven or reheated as leftovers.

Variations:

1. Vegetarian Option

• Ingredients: Replace the cream of chicken soup with a vegetarian version or use a vegetable broth to keep the dish vegetarian.
• Details: You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to increase the vegetable content and add extra flavor.

2. Gluten-Free Version

• Ingredients: Substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs.
• Details: Ensure that the cream of chicken soup used is gluten-free, or use a gluten-free cream soup alternative. You can also make your own gluten-free topping using crushed gluten-free crackers mixed with melted butter.

3. Spicy Southern Squash Casserole

• Ingredients: Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the squash mixture for some extra heat.
• Details: You can also mix in chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for added spice.

4. Meat Lover’s Casserole

• Ingredients: Incorporate cooked bacon, sausage, or ground beef into the squash mixture.
• Details: Cook the meat beforehand and crumble or chop it into small pieces before mixing it with the squash mixture. This adds a hearty, savory element to the casserole.

5. Dairy-Free Version

• Ingredients: Use dairy-free alternatives such as almond or soy milk instead of cream of chicken soup and a dairy-free cheese substitute.
• Details: Ensure that the mayonnaise used is also dairy-free. You can also use a non-dairy sour cream substitute to maintain the creamy texture.

6. Herbed Squash Casserole

• Ingredients: Add fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or basil to the squash mixture.
• Details: Chop the herbs finely and mix them into the filling for a fresh, aromatic flavor. You can also sprinkle some dried herbs on top before baking.

7. Southwestern Squash Casserole

• Ingredients: Mix in 1 cup of corn, black beans, and 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes with the squash mixture.
• Details: Add 1 teaspoon of chili powder and 1/2 teaspoon of cumin to give the casserole a Southwestern flair. Top with shredded Mexican cheese blend instead of cheddar.

8. Cheesy Squash Casserole

• Ingredients: Increase the amount of cheese to 2 cups and add a layer of cheese between the squash mixture and the topping.
• Details: You can use a combination of cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack for a more complex flavor profile.

9. Baked Squash and Sweet Potato Casserole

• Ingredients: Substitute half of the yellow squash with diced sweet potatoes.
• Details: Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into small pieces and mix them with the squash. The sweetness of the sweet potatoes complements the savory flavors of the casserole.

10. Mediterranean Squash Casserole

• Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup of black olives, and 1/4 cup of sun-dried tomatoes to the squash mixture.
• Details: Incorporate some chopped fresh basil or oregano to enhance the Mediterranean flavors. You can also drizzle a little olive oil over the topping before baking for extra richness.

These variations allow you to tailor the Southern Squash Casserole to suit different tastes, dietary preferences, and occasions. Feel free to experiment with these ideas to create a dish that perfectly fits your needs!

FAQs:

1. Can I use yellow zucchini instead of yellow squash?
Yes, yellow zucchini can be used as a substitute for yellow squash in this recipe. Both have a similar texture and flavor.

2. Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it the next day as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

3. Can I freeze Southern Squash Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

4. How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat, mix in cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or chopped jalapeños into the squash mixture. Adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.

5. Can I use low-fat or reduced-fat ingredients?
Yes, you can use low-fat versions of the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, and cheese. However, this may affect the creaminess and texture of the casserole.

6. What can I use as a substitute for the cream of chicken soup?
You can use cream of mushroom soup or a homemade cream sauce made with broth, flour, and cream as a substitute for cream of chicken soup.

7. Is it possible to make a smaller batch of this casserole?
Yes, you can halve the recipe and bake it in a smaller dish, such as an 8×8-inch pan. Adjust the baking time as needed, usually reducing it slightly.

8. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried ones?
Yes, fresh herbs can be used. Typically, you’ll need about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried. Add them to the mixture just before baking.