This Easy Yellow Squash Casserole is the perfect blend of tender squash, creamy cheese, and crunchy breadcrumbs. It’s comforting and packed with flavor!
I love how simple it is to whip together, and it makes veggies taste amazing! Perfect for family dinners, and everyone goes back for seconds—no kidding! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: Fresh yellow squash is the star of this dish. If you can’t find it, zucchini is a great substitute. It will still give you that nice texture!
Cheddar Cheese: For that classic cheesy flavor, I recommend sharp cheddar. However, you can use mozzarella for a milder taste or any cheese you love.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess. For a lighter option, Greek yogurt works well too. It will give you similar creaminess with some extra protein.
Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise adds richness. If you’re looking to avoid it, plain yogurt is a delicious substitute that keeps the texture creamy.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole Has the Right Texture?
To get a great texture, the key is in how you prepare your squash. Boil it just long enough to soften but not too much to become mushy. After draining, pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step ensures your casserole isn’t watery.
- Slice squash thinly for even cooking.
- Drain and dry well to prevent sogginess.
- Mix everything gently to maintain the pieces of squash.
Easy Yellow Squash Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups yellow squash, sliced (about 4 medium squash)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers or Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy yellow squash casserole takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake. So, you’ll spend about 45 minutes total before it’s ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar sized casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Squash and Onion:
In a large pot, bring lightly salted water to a boil. Add the sliced yellow squash and chopped onion. Cook them for about 5 minutes, just until they are tender but not mushy. Once done, drain the squash and onion well and pat them dry with paper towels to soak up any extra moisture.
3. Mix the Casserole Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked squash and onions with the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, eggs, mayonnaise, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Prepare for Baking:
Pour the squash mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly so it cooks uniformly.
5. Make the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are well coated. This will create a delicious, crunchy topping.
6. Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole. This will give it a golden finish once baked!
7. Bake:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbly and the topping is a lovely golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This creamy and cheesy yellow squash casserole is best enjoyed warm as a tasty side dish. Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Yellow Squash Casserole
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Casserole?
Absolutely! While yellow squash is the star, you can mix in other vegetables like zucchini, shredded carrots, or bell peppers. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if using veggies that require more or less time to soften.
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance! Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge, uncover, and bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the refrigerator.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or you can microwave individual portions for convenience.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Definitely! To make this casserole gluten-free, substitute the buttery crackers with gluten-free crackers or panko breadcrumbs. Just check the labels to ensure they’re certified gluten-free for safety!
