If you’re looking for a simple, comforting dish to add to your meal, squash casserole is a great choice. It combines tender squash with a creamy, cheesy sauce and a crunchy cracker topping. This mix of flavors and textures makes squash casserole a favorite side or even a main dish for family dinners and holidays.
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You don’t need fancy ingredients or special skills to make it. The dish often uses easy-to-find items like yellow squash, cheese, sour cream, and buttery crackers. Many people love it because it’s both hearty and fresh-tasting, perfect for sharing with friends or family.
Whether you’re new to squash casserole or want to try a new twist, the recipe fits any occasion. You’ll soon see why it’s a classic on Southern dinner tables and beyond.
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How to Make Squash Casserole
You’ll need a few basic ingredients to get started. The process involves preparing the squash, making a creamy cheese sauce, and topping it with a crispy, buttery layer. Paying attention to texture during cooking will make sure your casserole turns out just right.
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Creamy Squash Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 cups yellow squash, sliced into half-moons
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter (plus more for greasing)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
- 1 cup buttery crackers, crushed
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet, melt the butter and sauté the squash and onion until tender. Drain away any excess liquid to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked vegetables with cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, beaten egg, and heavy cream if using. Stir until smooth and creamy, then season with salt and pepper.
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Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, toss together the crushed crackers, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top.
Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the topping is golden brown. Allow it to rest for about 5 minutes before serving so it sets nicely.
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Tips for the Best Texture
To avoid a soggy casserole, drain any extra water from cooked squash before mixing. You can use a colander or pat the squash dry with a towel.
Make sure your topping is spread evenly and pressed lightly. This helps it stay crunchy during baking. You might also add a little melted butter to your crackers for extra flavor.
Bake until the edges are bubbly and the top is golden brown. Overbaking can dry it out, so check around 30 minutes.
Squash Casserole Variations and Serving Ideas
You can change up squash casserole by switching ingredients like cheese, toppings, or making it vegetarian. It also pairs well with many side dishes and main courses. These ideas help you customize it for any meal or dietary need.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
If you want a vegetarian or vegan squash casserole, start by skipping meat and dairy ingredients. Use plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast to add cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also mix in cooked lentils or beans for protein.
For the creamy part, swap sour cream or mayo with vegan versions made from cashews, tofu, or coconut yogurt. Add veggies like mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers to boost texture and flavor. Use oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter to keep it plant-based.
This way, you get a tasty, allergy-friendly casserole without losing the comfort of the dish.
Cheese and Topping Choices
Cheese is key in a squash casserole. You can use sharp cheddar for a bold taste or mild mozzarella for stretching meltiness. Mixing cheeses adds depth—try combining cheddar with Parmesan or Monterey Jack.
The topping usually adds crunch and extra flavor. Classic choices are crushed buttery crackers, breadcrumbs, or Ritz crackers. For a twist, you can add nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts.
You might even mix in herbs such as thyme, parsley, or chives for fresh notes. Don’t forget to butter or oil the topping well to help it brown nicely in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
Squash casserole works great as a side dish or a main dish for lighter meals. It pairs nicely with roasted chicken, pork chops, or grilled fish. For a vegetarian plate, serve it alongside a leafy green salad or steamed vegetables.
You can prepare it ahead of time and reheat it for easy weeknight dinners. Leftovers also make a filling breakfast or brunch with a fried egg on top.
Consider serving it in small portions as an appetizer for parties. It’s versatile and fits many occasions depending on your serving style.
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