Description
Southern comfort meets garden-fresh goodness in this yellow squash casserole, blending creamy cheese and buttery cracker crumbs into a nostalgic side dish. Home cooks can savor this simple, hearty recipe that celebrates seasonal produce with Southern charm.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups yellow squash, sliced
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
Dairy and Creamy Components:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Topping and Seasoning:
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 350°F (175°C) and coat a baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Heat a large skillet over medium temperature and gently cook diced squash and onions until they become tender and slightly translucent, approximately 10 minutes. Carefully drain any accumulated liquid to maintain the casserole’s texture.
- Combine the softened squash mixture with shredded cheddar cheese, creamy sour cream, rich mayonnaise, whisked eggs, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper in a mixing bowl, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the vegetable and cheese blend into the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly to create an even layer.
- Crush crackers into fine crumbs and blend with melted butter, creating a crispy topping that will add delightful texture to the casserole.
- Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture across the entire surface of the casserole, covering it completely for maximum crunch.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the interior becomes bubbly and heated through.
- Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help set the casserole and enhance flavor melding.
Notes
- Moisture Management is crucial when preparing yellow squash to prevent a watery casserole, so thoroughly drain cooked squash after sautéing.
- Experiment with cheese varieties like Gruyère or pepper jack for a flavor twist that can elevate the classic recipe’s taste profile.
- Gluten-free adaptation works perfectly by substituting regular crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour crackers or crushed gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- For a lighter version, replace full-fat sour cream and mayonnaise with Greek yogurt and reduce the cheese quantity to cut down on calories without sacrificing creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 245 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg