Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of the South with our Southern Squash Casserole recipe. This dish combines tender squash, savory cheese, and a buttery cracker crust for a mouthwatering side that complements any meal. Perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, this casserole will become a staple in your recipe collection.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter, divided
4 small yellow squash (about 2 lbs.), sliced (about 6 cups total)
1 small onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
2 eggs
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
¼ cup sour cream
¼ cup mayonnaise
¾ cup crushed butter crackers (such as 18 Ritz crackers)

Instructions

Preparing and Cooking:

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced squash, diced onion, and diced bell pepper to the skillet, cooking and stirring for approximately 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
Whisk together eggs, grated cheddar cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise in a separate bowl until well combined.
Combine the egg mixture with the cooked squash mixture, stirring until evenly mixed.

Assembling and Baking:

Transfer the squash mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
In a separate bowl, mix crushed butter crackers with the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Enjoying Your Southern Squash Casserole:

Serve this delightful dish warm alongside your favorite main course. It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as part of a festive holiday meal.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.

Notes

Serving Tips:

Presentation: Serve the casserole straight from the oven to showcase its golden-brown, buttery cracker topping.
Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the casserole just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Pairing: Serve alongside grilled chicken, baked ham, or as a side dish to complement any Southern-inspired meal.
Portioning: Use a sharp knife to cut the casserole into squares for easy serving, ensuring each portion gets a delightful mix of squash, cheese, and crunchy topping.
Reheating: If reheating leftovers, warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through to maintain the crispy texture of the topping.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container or tightly covered with aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: While the casserole can be frozen, note that the texture of the squash and topping may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
Thawing: To thaw frozen casserole, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven to restore its original texture and flavors.
Handling: When handling and storing the casserole, ensure it is properly cooled before refrigeration or freezing to prevent condensation and maintain freshness.
Refreshing: If the topping loses its crispiness after storage, lightly toast it under the broiler for a few minutes before serving to regain its crunch.

Additional Tips:

Make-Ahead: Prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake it when ready to serve for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Variations: Experiment with different cheeses, such as Monterey Jack or Swiss, for varied flavors in your casserole.
Leftover Ideas: Use leftover casserole as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or as a topping for baked potatoes for creative meal ideas.