Southern Squash Casserole: Easy Traditional Family Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Southern Squash Casserole

This Southern Squash Casserole is a simple dish that’s perfect for anyone looking to bring a bit of Southern comfort to their table. With its fresh veggies and creamy texture, it combines ease of preparation with delicious flavors that make it a go-to for busy parents and home cooks alike. You’ll appreciate how it offers health benefits from ingredients like yellow squash, which is packed with vitamins and fiber to support overall wellness.

Beyond that, the recipe stands out for its versatility, adapting easily to fit dietary needs such as vegan or gluten-free options without losing its hearty appeal. Whether you’re cooking for family dinners or special occasions, this casserole delivers a distinctive flavor profile that’s both comforting and memorable, making it a favorite among baking enthusiasts and food lovers on sites like our Red Velvet Cake Recipe page for classic Southern dishes.

One of the best parts is how quickly it comes together, with prep time around 30 minutes and cook time just 25 minutes, totaling about 55 minutes. This means even working professionals or students can whip it up on a weeknight and still have time to relax. For more on the benefits of squash, check out reliable sources that highlight its role in balanced meals.

Essential Ingredients for Southern Squash Casserole

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Southern Squash Casserole shine, as each one adds to the dish’s creamy, savory goodness. Below is a complete list based on the recipe, ensuring you have everything measured out for success. This list pulls directly from the details provided, so it’s easy to follow and shop for.

• 2 pounds yellow squash, sliced ¼ inch thick (about 5 medium squash)
• ¼ cup butter
• ½ cup diced onion
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
• 1 cup butter crackers, finely crushed (about 25 crackers)

For special dietary options, you can swap items to make it fit your needs, like using vegan cheese alternatives for a plant-based version or gluten-free crackers to keep it friendly for those avoiding gluten. Remember, don’t peel the yellow squash before cooking to help it hold its shape just wash it thoroughly for the best results.

How to Prepare the Perfect Southern Squash Casserole: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting started with this Southern Squash Casserole is straightforward and fun, beginning with preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 1.5-quart baking dish to avoid any sticking issues. First, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large pan over medium heat and add the diced onion, sautéing it for 7-8 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. This step builds a sweet base that ties the whole dish together.

Next, add the sliced squash and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently to release moisture and soften the slices without making them mushy. After cooking, drain the squash and onions in a colander lined with a towel for at least 5 minutes, pressing out extra moisture to keep the casserole from turning watery it’s a simple trick that makes a big difference. In a large bowl, mix the drained veggies with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, sour cream, the beaten egg, shredded cheddar cheese, and ¼ cup of the Parmesan cheese for a creamy blend.

Now, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and stir it together with the crushed crackers and the rest of the Parmesan cheese to create a crunchy topping. Spread the squash mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, then sprinkle the cracker topping over it. Finally, bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes until the top turns golden brown, and let it cool slightly before serving. For more tips on handling watery veggies, remember to stir frequently during cooking as noted in our guide.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Southern Squash Casserole

Making this Southern Squash Casserole your own is easy with a few smart swaps, especially if you’re aiming for protein boosts or different flavors. For instance, use firm tofu or tempeh cubes instead of the egg to add plant-based protein while keeping the texture intact, or mix in cooked quinoa for extra heartiness. These changes work well for busy parents or diet-conscious folks looking to tweak the recipe without much fuss.

When it comes to veggies and seasonings, swap yellow squash for zucchini if that’s what you have on hand, or try different cheeses like pepper jack to spice things up. For vegan versions, go with plant-based cheese and nutritional yeast to mimic that cheesy taste, and use dairy-free cream for smoothness. Remember, adjusting seasoning with herbs like thyme can enhance the flavor, making it versatile for everyone from newlyweds to seniors exploring new tastes.

Mastering Southern Squash Casserole: Advanced Tips and Variations

To take your Southern Squash Casserole to the next level, try blanching the squash slices briefly before baking this keeps their color bright and texture just right. You can also play with flavors by adding diced jalapeños for a bit of heat or fresh herbs like basil to create something unique that suits food enthusiasts. Presentation matters, so serve it in individual ramekins for a special touch or top with toasted nuts for extra crunch that impresses celebration planners.

If you’re short on time, assemble the casserole ahead and store it in the fridge without the topping, then add it just before baking to keep everything fresh. For freezing, prepare the mixture ahead and freeze it for up to 3 months thaw overnight, add the topping, and bake as usual. These tips help make-ahead options simple, especially for working professionals who want meals ready to go.

When I make this casserole, I always stir the squash frequently while sautéing to release that extra moisture, ensuring a perfect, non-watery result every time just like the family favorites we share on our site.

How to Store Southern Squash Casserole: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your Southern Squash Casserole tasting great, so start by refrigerating leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 to 6 days to lock in freshness. If you’re freezing, portion it out and wrap tightly for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven at 350°F to maintain that crispy top. Remember, while microwaving works in a pinch, it might soften the texture, so oven reheating is best for keeping the dish enjoyable.

For meal prep, make a few casseroles at once and store them individually, which is ideal for busy families or travelers needing quick meals. Follow these steps to avoid any sogginess and enjoy your casserole throughout the week, aligning with tips for handling watery squash mentioned earlier.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Squash Casserole

Southern Squash Casserole

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🍲 This Southern Squash Casserole is a comforting classic that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family gatherings.
🌞 Combines tender yellow squash with a crispy, buttery topping for a satisfying side dish that everyone will love.

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

– 2 pounds yellow squash

– ¼ cup butter

– ½ cup diced onion

– ½ teaspoon garlic powder

– ¾ teaspoon salt

– ½ teaspoon black pepper

– ½ cup sour cream

– 1 large egg

– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1 cup butter crackers, finely crushed

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Instructions

1-Getting started: with this Southern Squash Casserole is straightforward and fun, beginning with preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 1.5-quart baking dish to avoid any sticking issues. First, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large pan over medium heat and add the diced onion, sautéing it for 7-8 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. This step builds a sweet base that ties the whole dish together.

2-Next, add the sliced squash and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently to release moisture and soften the slices without making them mushy. After cooking, drain the squash and onions in a colander lined with a towel for at least 5 minutes, pressing out extra moisture to keep the casserole from turning watery it’s a simple trick that makes a big difference. In a large bowl, mix the drained veggies with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, sour cream, the beaten egg, shredded cheddar cheese, and ¼ cup of the Parmesan cheese for a creamy blend.

3-Now, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and stir it together with the crushed crackers and the rest of the Parmesan cheese to create a crunchy topping. Spread the squash mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, then sprinkle the cracker topping over it. Finally, bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes until the top turns golden brown, and let it cool slightly before serving. For more tips on handling watery veggies, remember to stir frequently during cooking as noted in our guide.

Last Step:

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Notes

🥒 Do not peel yellow squash; the skin helps maintain texture and flavor.
💧 Sauté and drain squash well to avoid a watery casserole.
❄️ You can prepare the squash mixture ahead, freeze it without the topping, and bake later for convenience.

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving