I still remember the first time I tried making a Southern Squash Casserole. My youngest, Liam, was going through a picky eating phase, and I was desperate for a veggie dish he’d actually eat. I stumbled upon a squash casserole recipe from my grandma and figured it was worth a shot.

It wasn’t love at first bite, haha! It needed tweaking. But seeing even a tiny bit of yellow squash casserole disappear from his plate was a win. That’s how my journey with this Southern Squash Casserole began.

Over the years, I’ve tweaked and perfected it, always aiming for that balance of comfort and ease. Now, it’s a regular on our dinner table, and even Liam asks for it! It’s amazing how a simple Southern Squash Casserole can bring so much comfort to our family.

This Southern Squash Casserole isn’t just a recipe; it’s a sanity-saver on busy weeknights. It fits perfectly with my cooking goals: Simple ingredients, minimal fuss, and a guaranteed smile from my family. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get those veggies in!

Are you, like me, a busy mom looking for a comforting, no-fuss meal? Let’s get cooking together and discover the joy of a truly satisfying Southern Squash Casserole! I promise, this one is a dinnertime win!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

2 pounds yellow squash, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Trust me, this Southern Squash Casserole ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! No need for fancy ingredients here.

If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom works great too! It gives an extra layer of coziness to the cheesy squash casserole.

You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store. I usually grab an extra bag of yellow squash because the kids love it roasted, too. It is a great way to use summer squash casserole for our family.

This Southern Squash Casserole proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive. Yellow squash is usually super budget-friendly, especially in the summer. Gotta love a meal that’s easy on the wallet!

For a shortcut, buy pre-shredded cheese. Every minute counts when you’re juggling school lunches and soccer practice. My family gets extra comfort when I add a pinch of garlic powder. It elevates the Southern Squash Casserole just enough.

Here’s a Southern Squash Casserole comfort hack that changed our family’s dinnertime: I chop the onion while the squash is steaming. Double duty! This way, everything is ready when I need it. This easy squash casserole is the real deal!

Let’s Make it Happen!

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I use a little butter to grease the pan for my Southern Squash Casserole because it adds a yummy flavor!
Next, steam or boil the sliced yellow squash and onion until tender. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. I prefer steaming because it helps the squash retain more of its nutrients. Making this Southern Squash Casserole healthy is so important to me.
Drain the squash and onion well. This is crucial! Excess water will make your yellow squash casserole soggy. No one wants that. Use a colander and press gently to remove as much liquid as possible.
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 3/4 cup of the cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. This is where the magic happens! This step ensures your Southern Squash Casserole is creamy and flavorful.
Add the drained squash and onion to the bowl and mix well. Make sure everything is evenly coated. I like to give it a good stir to make sure the flavor is evenly distributed throughout the entire casserole. My easy squash casserole is really starting to come together!
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly. Now, it’s time to get ready for the topping for this summer squash casserole.
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the squash mixture. This topping gives the cheesy squash casserole a delightful crunch.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Your Southern Squash Casserole should smell amazing by now! The top should be nice and golden brown.
Let it stand for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set up a bit. Here’s where I used to struggle with my Southern Squash Casserole – learn from my experience! I’d cut into it too soon and it would be too watery.

In my busy kitchen, this comforting Southern Squash Casserole usually takes about 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch while it bakes!

While your Southern Squash Casserole is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! Dinnertime doesn’t have to be a battle. It can be a chance to connect and enjoy good food together.

Don’t worry if your Southern Squash Casserole looks a little uneven before baking. It will all even out in the oven. Plus, imperfections are part of the charm of home cooking!

How We Love to Eat This!

The kids devour this comforting Southern Squash Casserole when I serve it with grilled chicken and a side of green beans. It’s a complete, balanced meal that everyone enjoys.

This Southern Squash Casserole is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! It’s also a great dish to bring to potlucks or family gatherings. You might even want to try Old Fashioned Southern Squash Casserole!

For presentation, I like to sprinkle a little fresh parsley on top before serving. It adds a pop of color and makes the Southern Squash Casserole look extra appealing.

Leftovers are fantastic! We love to eat this summer squash casserole cold for lunch the next day. It’s also great reheated in the microwave or oven.

In the fall, I sometimes add a touch of nutmeg to the Southern Squash Casserole for a warm, seasonal twist. It complements the yellow squash beautifully.

One time, I brought this cheesy squash casserole to a friend’s house, and she raved about it for weeks! It’s always a crowd-pleaser, no matter who I share it with. You might even want to share some Southern Squash Casserole – Flavor Mosaic!

If your kids love this hearty recipe, they’ll go crazy for my Broccoli Cheese Casserole. It is another great way to add veggies to dinner.

For a quick and tasty side to this Southern Squash Casserole, whip up some quick garlic bread. It’s a sure win!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Is this Southern Squash Casserole really filling enough for growing kids? Absolutely! The combination of squash, cheese, and crackers makes it surprisingly hearty. Plus, you can always serve it with a protein like chicken or fish for a more complete meal.
What if my picky eater won’t try this Southern Squash Casserole? Start by offering a small portion alongside something they already love. You can also involve them in the cooking process. Sometimes, kids are more willing to try things they helped make.
Can I meal prep this Southern Squash Casserole for busy weeks ahead? Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I freeze Southern Squash Casserole? Yes, but the texture might change slightly. It’s best to freeze it before baking. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.
I don’t have Ritz crackers. What else can I use for the topping? You can use breadcrumbs, crushed potato chips, or even cornflakes. Get creative and use what you have on hand!
Can I use zucchini instead of yellow squash? Yes, zucchini works just as well in this recipe. You can even use a combination of both!
Is there a way to make this Southern Squash Casserole healthier? You can use low-fat sour cream and cheese. You can also add other veggies like carrots or bell peppers.
I’m not a fan of mayonnaise. Can I leave it out? You can reduce the amount of mayonnaise or substitute it with plain Greek yogurt. It will still be creamy and delicious! This easy squash casserole is very forgiving.
What about using different cheeses? You can experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a little Parmesan.

For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out my Green Bean Casserole!

Final Thoughts:

This Southern Squash Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a symbol of family comfort and connection. It’s a reminder that even on the busiest days, we can still create nourishing and satisfying meals for our loved ones.

Here are my Southern Squash Casserole Comfort Hacks:

Pre-chop veggies: Chop your veggies the day before and store them in the fridge.
Double the recipe: Make a double batch and freeze one for a future meal.
Involve the kids: Let the kids help with simple tasks like stirring or sprinkling the topping.

Here are a few family-tested variations:

Spicy Southern Squash Casserole: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Bacon Southern Squash Casserole: Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a smoky flavor. My husband, Marco, loves this version.
Cream Cheese Southern Squash Casserole: Add 4 ounces of softened cream cheese to the squash mixture for extra creaminess. The kids especially enjoy this variation.

I hope this recipe inspires you to create your own version of this classic comfort food. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own! The most important ingredient is love.

I hope you have dinnertime wins, not fights! I love sharing ways to make feeding our families easier.

Give this Southern Squash Casserole a try, and let me know what your family thinks! Happy cooking, fellow comfort seekers!

Southern Squash Casserole

Print Recipe

This Southern Squash Casserole is a creamy and comforting side dish, perfect for any occasion. Made with tender yellow squash, cheese, and a buttery cracker topping, it’s a crowd-pleasing classic.

Author: Beatriz
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds yellow squash, sliced
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup butter, divided
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 sleeve buttery crackers, crushed

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large skillet, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat. Add squash and onion and cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and 1/2 cup cheddar cheese. Stir in the cooked squash and onion, salt, and pepper.
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers and remaining 1/4 cup melted butter. Sprinkle over the squash mixture.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Let stand for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.