Southern Squash Casserole Recipe With Cheese

Growing up in Georgia, I learned that food is at the heart of family gatherings. My grandmother’s squash casserole recipe is a beloved tradition. It brings everyone together. This cheesy squash bake is more than a side dish; it’s a family memory.

Southern cooking is an art form, and this squash casserole recipe is its heart. It uses 24 ounces of yellow squash and lots of cheddar cheese. This turns simple ingredients into a comfort food that shows Southern hospitality.

Key Takeaways

• Classic Southern comfort food with rich, creamy texture
• Easy to prepare with simple, fresh ingredients
• Perfect for family gatherings and potlucks
• Versatile dish that can be customized
• Combines nutritious squash with delicious cheese

Introduction to My Favorite Squash Casserole Recipe

Southern cooking is dear to my heart, and butternut squash casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It brings families together. This fall casserole recipe was a cherished tradition passed down through generations.

Why Squash Casserole Is Special to Me

My love for squash casserole comes from childhood memories of Sunday family gatherings. The warm, cheesy goodness always symbolized love and connection. Each bite took me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where she would carefully prepare this beloved dish.

“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” – James Beard

The Versatility of Squash in Southern Cooking

Squash casseroles show the incredible flexibility of Southern cuisine. They can change with the seasons:

• Summer gatherings feature fresh yellow squash
• Fall celebrations highlight butternut squash varieties
• Potluck dinners showcase regional squash recipes

This fall casserole recipe is also nutritious. With about 284 calories per serving and lots of vitamins, it’s a tasty yet healthy choice for families looking for comforting meals.

Southern Squash Casserole Recipe With Cheese

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• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

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Description

A cheesy, creamy Southern squash casserole with a crispy, buttery Ritz cracker topping. A must-have comfort dish for family dinners and potlucks!

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Ingredients

• 4 cups yellow squash, sliced

• 1/2 cup onion, diced

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers

• 2 tbsp butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook squash and onion in 2 tbsp butter over medium heat until tender.

3. Mix squash mixture with sour cream, mayonnaise, cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

4. Spread mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.

5. Combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle on top.

6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

7. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• For extra crunch, add a handful of crispy bacon bits.

• Swap cheddar for Parmesan for a sharper flavor.

• Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern, American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: southern casserole, squash recipe, cheesy squash, easy side dish, holiday recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making a tasty and healthy squash dish starts with picking the right ingredients. I’ll guide you through what you need for a fantastic winter squash casserole. It’s sure to wow your family and friends.

Fresh Squash Varieties

For the best taste, use 4 small yellow squash. They give about 6 cups of sliced veggies. Smaller squash are tender and sweeter. Mixing yellow squash with zucchini adds variety.

• Yellow summer squash (4 cups)
• Zucchini (optional)
• Smaller squash preferred for less seeds

Essential Pantry Items

Your casserole needs some pantry staples for a creamy texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor

For more flavor, try these optional ingredients:

• Cayenne pepper (¼ teaspoon for heat)
• Crushed Ritz crackers for topping
• Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley

“The secret to a great casserole is using fresh, high-quality ingredients and letting their natural flavors shine through.”

Each serving of this casserole has about 249 calories. It’s a nutritious meal full of flavor. By choosing the right ingredients, you’ll make a dish everyone will enjoy.

Preparation Steps

Making a tasty roasted squash casserole needs careful prep. I’ll share my best steps to turn fresh yellow squash into a dish that wows everyone.

Preparing the Squash

Choosing and prepping the squash is key for a squash gratin. Use fresh yellow squash and cut it to ¼ inch slices. Cook it until it’s soft, which takes about 10 minutes.

Drain the squash well to avoid a soggy casserole. Let it sit for 10 minutes to get rid of extra moisture.

• Slice 2 pounds of yellow squash to ¼ inch thickness
• Sauté with 1 cup of chopped sweet onion
• Cook for 15 minutes until softened
• Drain excess liquid completely

Creating the Creamy Cheese Mixture

The cheese mix is what makes a squash casserole special. Mix 2 large eggs, ½ cup sour cream, ¼ cup mayonnaise, and 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese. Add a pinch of garlic powder, salt, and pepper for extra flavor.

Combining Ingredients

Mixing the ingredients is an art. Fold the cooked squash into the cheese mix gently. Top with crushed Ritz crackers and more cheese.

For a golden, bubbly finish, bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Check out this link for more baking tips.

Cooking Techniques

Making the perfect squash side dish needs precision and care. My method makes a delicious veggie casserole that will wow everyone.

Baking the Casserole to Perfection

Temperature and timing are key when baking this squash casserole. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes. This makes the crust golden and crispy, while keeping the inside creamy.

• Preheat oven to exactly 350°F
• Use a 9×13 inch casserole dish
• Fill dish no more than 80% full
• Cover for first 15 minutes
• Uncover for final 15-20 minutes

Texture Tips for an Irresistible Casserole

Getting the right texture is an art. Remove excess moisture from the squash before baking. I salt my squash and let it sit for 30 minutes to remove about 2 cups of water.

“The secret to a perfect veggie casserole is in the preparation, not just the cooking.” – Southern Cooking Wisdom

Pro tip: For a crispy topping, crush Ritz crackers and mix with melted butter. Sprinkle this over the casserole during the final baking for a crunchy delight.

Flavor Enhancements

Improving a classic squash casserole recipe means blending flavors well. A healthy squash dish can be exciting and tasty. It’s a journey for your taste buds.

Herbs That Transform Your Dish

I enjoy trying herbs that match the creamy squash casserole. Here are my favorites:

• Fresh thyme: Adds an earthy, subtle depth
• Chopped parsley: Brings brightness and color
• Dill: Provides a tangy, refreshing note
• Chives: Offers a mild onion-like flavor

Vegetable Additions for Complexity

Making your squash casserole healthier is easy. Try adding these veggies:

• Diced bell peppers for crunch and color
• Roasted carrots for natural sweetness
• Caramelized onions for depth of flavor
• Sautéed mushrooms for an umami touch

Pro tip: Make sure extra veggies are dry to avoid a soggy casserole. The goal is to add, not take over, the squash’s flavor.

“Cooking is about sharing and experiencing joy through food.” – Unknown

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to my favorite fall casserole recipe, presentation is key. The squash side dish I’ve perfected over years adds warmth and comfort to any meal. Let me share some creative ways to make this casserole shine!

Creative Presentation Techniques

I love serving this squash casserole in ways that surprise and delight my guests. Here are some elegant presentation ideas:

• Use a rustic cast-iron skillet for a Southern-style serving
• Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley
• Create individual ramekins for personalized portions

Perfect Pairings with Southern Entrees

This versatile squash side dish complements many Southern main courses. My top recommendations include:

1. Crispy fried chicken
2. Slow-roasted pulled pork
3. Grilled beef brisket
4. Blackened catfish

“A great side dish can elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary!” – Southern Cooking Wisdom

For those watching their diet, this fall casserole recipe is flexible. It serves about 8 people, with each serving around 108 calories. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance, making meal planning easy.

Pro tip: Try different cheese toppings or add a sprinkle of paprika for extra flavor. Your guests will be impressed!

Storing Leftovers

Enjoying a delicious squash casserole recipe is just the start. Knowing how to store and reheat leftovers makes a big difference. My favorite squash casserole is a treat that can last for days.

Best Practices for Refrigeration

Storing your cheesy squash bake is easy. Here are my top tips for keeping it fresh:

• Always use an airtight container
• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
• Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days

Reheating for Optimal Taste

Reheating your squash casserole recipe needs care to keep it creamy and crispy. I suggest two main methods:

Pro tip: Add a splash of milk when reheating to restore moisture and prevent drying out.

“Leftovers are the unsung heroes of home cooking – specially when it comes to a delicious squash casserole!”

Remember, a well-stored and carefully reheated casserole can taste just as amazing as when it first came out of the oven!

Nutritional Benefits of Squash

My veggie casserole is not just tasty; it’s also full of nutrients. Squash is a nutritional superstar that makes your meal healthier.

Let’s explore why squash is great for a healthy veggie casserole. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals.

Why Squash Is a Healthy Choice

Squash is full of health benefits:

• Low in calories (only 130 per serving)
• High in Vitamin A (7558 IU per serving)
• Excellent source of Vitamin C (16mg)
• Contains 2g of dietary fiber

Adding Nutrients Through Other Ingredients

I choose ingredients to make my squash dish even healthier. Cheese adds protein, and extra veggies bring more vitamins and minerals.

“Nutrition doesn’t have to be bland – it can be delicious and comforting!” – My Cooking Mantra

My veggie casserole shows that healthy food can be tasty and fulfilling. Enjoy the nutritional benefits of squash in every bite!

Variations on the Classic Recipe

Let’s dive into some fun ways to change our traditional butternut squash casserole. This dish can fit different diets and tastes. Cooking is all about being creative, and squash casserole is a great canvas for that!

Gluten-Free Alternatives

Making a gluten-free winter squash casserole is simpler than you might think. Here are some easy swaps to make it safe for those with celiac disease:

• Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cornflakes
• Use cornstarch instead of flour as a thickening agent
• Check that cream of mushroom soup is certified gluten-free
• Verify all cheese and dairy products are pure and uncontaminated

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

For those who don’t eat meat or dairy, I’ve found some smart substitutions. They keep the casserole creamy and tasty:

• Swap cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives
• Use cashew cream instead of milk and sour cream
• Replace eggs with ground flaxseed or chia seed mixture
• Add extra herbs to boost flavor complexity

“Cooking is about passion, creativity, and making food that brings people together.” – Unknown

Whether it’s for a special diet or just to try something new, these changes let everyone enjoy this comforting dish. The secret is keeping the creamy texture that makes squash casserole so loved.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

My Southern squash casserole recipe has been a family favorite for years. It reminds me of summer gatherings and family reunions. The simple yet delicious recipe connects me to my roots.

Making this casserole is more than cooking. It’s about keeping our culinary heritage alive and sharing love through food. It only takes 20 minutes to prepare and an hour to cook. It serves eight people and has 287 calories per serving.

My Favorite Memories with Squash Casserole

I remember my grandmother’s kitchen, filled with the warm aroma of this casserole. She would layer yellow squash, cheese, and cracker crumbs, sharing stories of her mother’s cooking. It showed me how a simple dish can connect generations and create lasting memories.

Encouragement to Try the Recipe

I encourage you to make this Southern squash casserole your own. Try different cheeses, add your favorite herbs, or adjust it to your taste. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a special event, it will become a cherished tradition in your home. Enjoy the journey, relish the flavors, and make your own delicious memories.