Yellow Squash Casserole Recipe
This comforting Yellow Squash Casserole is a creamy, cheesy baked dish perfect as a seasonal side or vegetarian main. Tender yellow squash is cooked with onions and seasoned with garlic and cayenne for a subtle kick. Combined with a rich mixture of eggs, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, then topped with buttery crushed Ritz crackers, this casserole bakes to a golden bubbly perfection with a crunchy topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 lb. yellow squash, sliced into 1/2“-thick coins
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 oz. Parmesan cheese, finely grated (about 1 cup)
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
Butter
- 4 tbsp. unsalted butter, divided
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Dish: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F. Lightly grease a 13” x 9” baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Squash and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Add the sliced yellow squash and finely chopped onion, stirring frequently until the squash is tender, approximately 8 minutes.
- Add Seasonings and Drain: Stir in the minced garlic and cayenne pepper, then season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Transfer the cooked squash mixture to a colander placed over a bowl and let it drain for 5 minutes, discarding any accumulated liquid.
- Combine with Dairy and Cheese: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth. Stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses, seasoning again with salt and black pepper. Gently fold the drained squash mixture into this creamy cheese blend.
- Prepare Topping: In a medium heatproof bowl, microwave the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted, about 20 seconds. Add the crushed Ritz crackers to the melted butter and toss until fully coated.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the cheese and squash mixture to the prepared baking dish, smoothing it evenly. Sprinkle the buttery crushed crackers evenly over the top. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly, about 20 minutes.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper slightly or add a pinch of smoked paprika.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead; assemble and refrigerate, then bake before serving.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute gluten-free crackers for the Ritz crackers.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set before serving.
Keywords: yellow squash casserole, baked squash recipe, cheesy squash casserole, Southern side dish, vegetable casserole, easy squash bake
Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/yellow-squash-casserole-recipe/
