Easy Cheesy Yellow Squash Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Summer gardens overflow with yellow squash, and this hearty casserole transforms those abundant vegetables into a creamy, comforting dish you’ll adore.

Crisp garden squash mingles with sharp cheddar and a golden breadcrumb topping that adds delightful crunch.

Cheesy layers promise rich flavor in every single bite.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated such simple, satisfying recipes that bring people together around the table.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation make this casserole perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend gatherings.

Unexpected hints of garlic and herbs elevate this classic side dish beyond ordinary expectations.

Warm, bubbling, and irresistibly delicious, this casserole might just become your new favorite way to enjoy fresh summer squash.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Yellow Squash Bake

• Yellow Squash: Fresh summer vegetable that provides the base and primary flavor for the casserole.
• Onion: Adds a savory depth and aromatic quality to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides rich, tangy flavor and creamy texture to the casserole.
• Sour Cream: Contributes a smooth, creamy consistency and slight tanginess.
• Eggs: Serve as a binding agent to hold the casserole together.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Crackers, Butter: Create a crispy, golden-brown crust that adds crunch and richness to the casserole.

• Mayonnaise: Adds extra moisture and a subtle creamy texture to the casserole mixture.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Yellow Squash Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sizzle and Soften Vegetables

Toss chopped yellow squash and diced onions into a skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the veggies become tender and release their moisture.

Drain any extra liquid to keep the casserole from getting soggy.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Mixture

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Beaten eggs
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until well blended.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the vegetable and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 5: Prepare the Crunchy Topping

In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter until they’re perfectly coated.

Sprinkle this golden topping across the entire surface of the casserole.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown top that signals it’s ready.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes.

This helps it set and makes serving easier. Enjoy your delicious yellow squash casserole warm!

Helpful Advice to Master This Comforting Casserole

• Drain squash thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole and ensure a creamy, rich texture.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like monterey jack or gruyere for unique flavor profiles.
• Use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Add fresh herbs like thyme or chives for an extra burst of freshness and complexity.
• Select young, tender yellow squash for the best taste and smoothest consistency in the dish.

Creative Flavors to Try with Your Squash Casserole

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cornflakes. Use gluten-free crackers for topping.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute squash with zucchini and use almond flour instead of crackers. Replace regular cheese with low-fat cheese options.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based cheese, silken tofu instead of eggs, and coconut cream in place of sour cream and mayonnaise. Top with nutritional yeast for crunch.
• Mediterranean Spin: Add chopped fresh herbs like basil and oregano. Incorporate feta cheese and swap crackers for toasted pine nuts as a crunchy topping.

Serving Ideas to Complement Your Casserole Dish

• Comfort Food Centerpiece: Serve this golden casserole as the star of your family dinner, nestled right in the middle of the table for everyone to enjoy warm and fresh.
• Southern Potluck Champion: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to community gatherings or church potlucks where hearty, cheesy sides always steal the show and get rave reviews.
• Brunch Side Delight: Pair the casserole alongside crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and fresh toast for a complete weekend morning meal that feels indulgent yet homey.
• Weeknight Meal Companion: Complement the casserole with a simple green salad or roasted chicken to create a balanced dinner that comes together quickly and satisfies hungry family members.

Storage Tips for Keeping Your Casserole Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking to ensure food safety and preserve the dish's quality.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen squash instead of fresh?

Yes, thaw and drain frozen squash completely before using. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

• Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?

Substitute eggs with 1/4 cup of cornstarch or use egg replacer to bind the ingredients together.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use low-fat cheese, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and whole wheat crackers for the topping to reduce calories.

• What type of crackers work best for the topping?

Ritz or butter crackers are traditional, but you can also use saltine crackers or breadcrumbs for a similar crunchy texture.

What Makes This Yellow Squash Casserole So Simple and Delicious

• Savor Simple Southern Comfort: A classic dish that brings warmth and nostalgia with every creamy, cheesy bite, perfect for family gatherings and potluck dinners.
• Master Quick Vegetable Magic: Transform humble yellow squash into a crowd-pleasing casserole that even picky eaters will love, requiring minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients.
• Create Versatile Meal Solution: Serves as a delightful side dish or standalone vegetarian main course that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as a standalone lunch option.
• Celebrate Stress-Free Cooking: Minimal prep work, straightforward ingredients, and simple mixing technique make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all experience levels, guaranteeing a delicious result every time.

Cheesy Yellow Squash Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets vegetable magic in this yellow squash casserole that blends creamy textures with crisp topping. Cheesy, herb-infused layers deliver hearty flavor you’ll savor with each comforting bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups yellow squash, sliced
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Dairy and Cream Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

Seasoning and Topping:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 cup crushed crackers (such as Ritz)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and coat a baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Heat a skillet over medium temperature and gently cook sliced squash and chopped onions until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Carefully drain any accumulated liquid from the vegetable mixture to ensure a creamy, not watery, casserole texture.
4. Combine the sautéed squash and onions in a large mixing bowl with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, beaten eggs, salt, and black pepper, stirring until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Transfer the creamy vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly to create an even layer.
6. Crush crackers into fine crumbs and mix thoroughly with melted butter to create a crispy topping.
7. Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture across the entire surface of the casserole, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become slightly crispy.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes, which helps the ingredients set and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Squash releases water during cooking, so drain thoroughly to prevent a soggy casserole and maintain a creamy, firm texture.
• Swap cheddar with gruyere, monterey jack, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles while keeping the creamy consistency.
• Replace cracker topping with gluten-free crackers or use crushed almond flour mixed with parmesan for a crispy, low-carb alternative.
• Prepare the casserole up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, which helps flavors meld and simplifies meal preparation.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 215 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 340 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg