Description
This deliciously easy squash casserole is a comforting, cheesy side dish perfect for warm family meals. Featuring tender sautéed yellow squash and onions mixed with cheddar cheese, sour cream, and a buttery cracker topping, it bakes to golden perfection in just about 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 cups yellow squash, sliced (about 4–5 medium squash)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
Dairy & Eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Seasonings & Toppings
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or buttery breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch or a similar-sized baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the sliced yellow squash and finely chopped onion with a pinch of salt for 8–10 minutes, until tender. Drain any excess liquid to avoid a soggy casserole.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked squash and onion with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, beaten egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly blended.
- Prepare Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly for uniform baking.
- Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or buttery breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to create a crispy crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling, indicating it is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute the cheddar cheese with reduced-fat or part-skim cheese.
- You can add breadcrumbs instead of crushed Ritz crackers for a less buttery topping.
- Make sure to drain the excess liquid after sautéing to prevent a watery casserole.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead, assembled, refrigerated, and baked before serving.
- Optional: Add herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor.
