Southern Squash Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that's perfect for any meal or festive occasion. This delicious casserole combines tender squash with a creamy mixture of cheddar cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise, all topped with a crispy, buttery cracker topping. It's an easy and delightful side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as part of a holiday spread.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 small yellow squash (about 2 lbs.), sliced (about 6 cups total)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¾ cup crushed butter crackers (such as 18 Ritz crackers)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1: Preparing and Cooking:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced squash, diced onion, and diced bell pepper to the skillet, cooking and stirring for approximately 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
- Step 2: Mix Ingredients:
- Whisk together eggs, grated cheddar cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise in a separate bowl until well combined. Combine the egg mixture with the cooked squash mixture, stirring until evenly mixed.
- Step 3: Assembling and Baking:
- Transfer the squash mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. In a separate bowl, mix crushed butter crackers with the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Step 4: Enjoying Your Southern Squash Casserole:
- Serve this delightful dish warm alongside your favorite main course. It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as part of a festive holiday meal. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the Southern Squash Casserole warm as a side dish with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as part of a holiday meal.
- For added flavor, sprinkle some fresh herbs such as parsley or chives on top before serving.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.
- This casserole can also be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated. Simply bake it when you're ready to serve.
Helpful Notes
- Ensure the squash is cooked until tender to achieve the best texture in the casserole.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the butter crackers with gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or carrots for added variety and nutrition.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Gordon Ramsay suggests using freshly grated cheddar cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Chef Ina Garten recommends using high-quality mayonnaise for a richer taste.
- Chef Jamie Oliver advises letting the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together.