Description

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

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.
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.
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.
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.

Notes

Serving Tips

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.
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.
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.
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

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.
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.
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.
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.