Easy Southern Squash Casserole

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This Southern Squash Casserole with Ritz Crackers is a classic addition to any dining table. The buttery and flavorful yellow squash casserole is perfect for entertaining but easy enough to enjoy for a weeknight supper or any time you want to evoke the feelings of a Southern summer night.

Suitable for gluten free and vegetarian diets. Post includes Weight Watchers points.

a serving of yellowe squash casserole on a white plate in front of the full casserole dish

Southern Squash Casserole with Ritz Crackers is a down-home, comfort-food classic to share that’s bound to make your taste buds do a happy dance. It’s a simple and delicious true Southern gem that combines the goodness of summer squash with the irresistible crunch of Ritz Crackers.

In the South, it doesn’t matter if you don’t grow your own garden. It is common to come home to a large basket of squash and zucchini on your doorstep gifted by a neighbor with a well-producing garden. When life gives you squash, you make squash casserole, Instant Pot Stuffed Squash, Zucchini Fries or Quick Pickled Zucchini!

Tender yellow squash is sliced thin, combined with a creamy, cheesy sauce, topped with buttery crackers and baked to perfection. Old fashioned squash casserole is the type of dish that Grandma would have made but it stands the test of time. it’s ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or just when you’re craving some good ol’ comfort on a weeknight. And the best part? It’s easy-peasy to whip up!

From meal trains to Sunday supper with crispy whole chicken, from BBQs to town potlucks, this squash casserole recipe is one you will return to time and time again. 

finished casserole dish served on a white plate with a gold fork

Related Link : Candied Sweet Potatoes.

Why make this recipe

  • Southern Charm – This yellow squash casserole recipe encapsulates the heart and soul of Southern comfort food. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, it’s like a warm hug for your taste buds.
  • Perfect for an Abundance of Squash – If you find yourself with an abundance of summer squash (we’ve all been there!), this recipe is a fantastic way to put them to delicious use. It’s a celebration of seasonal produce that tastes like sunshine on a plate.
  • It’s a Classic Favorite – Simple squash casserole is the type of dish that becomes a family tradition. Once you’ve shared this recipe, it’s sure to become a go-to for gatherings and special occasions, creating lasting memories around the dinner table.

Making casseroles is a great way to save time and money. Check out these casseroles for more flavorful ideas your family will love. 

the ingredients needed to make southern yellow squash casserole

Related Link : Salmon Croquettes.

Ingredient Notes

  • Yellow squash – Thinly sliced fresh yellow squash adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a tender texture to the casserole. Zucchini or a combination of yellow squash and zucchini can also be used.
  • Gluten-free Ritz crackers – These crackers bring a delightful buttery and crispy element to the dish. The gluten-free version allows those with dietary restrictions to enjoy the same classic taste. Use regular ritz crackers if gluten isn’t an issue.
  • Butter – Butter is the key to a rich and flavorful base. You can use a light, neutral oil or margarine if preferred.
  • Gluten-free Flour – This serves as a thickening agent for the sauce, ensuring a creamy consistency. Use regular flour if preferred.
  • Milk – Milk adds creaminess to the casserole. You can use dairy-free milk but some options may alter the flavor.
  • Sugar – A touch of sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the squash, balancing the savory and sweet flavors in the dish. Omit if desired.
  • Salt and Ground Black Pepper – Salt and pepper enhance all of the flavors.
  • Onion – Grated onion infuses a savory depth to the casserole.
  • Sour Cream – Sour cream contributes a tangy creaminess, elevating the overall texture and flavor of the dish.
  • Cheese – Shredded sharp cheddar cheese brings a bold, cheesy flavor and melts into a gooey, golden topping that crowns the casserole.

How To Make Squash Casserole

Don’t forget to check out my casserole recipes for more delicious meal options..

Get complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card further below.

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F / 180 degrees C.
  2. Slice and steam the squash for 10 minutes to soften it.
  3. Prepare the crushed crackers topping by crushing the crackers and combining them with melted butter in a large bowl.
  4. Whisk the remaining ingredients in a saucepan to make the cheese sauce.
  5. Combine the drained squash mixture with the cheese sauce. Pour the cooked squash mixture into a casserole baking dish and top with the cracker crumbs.
  6. Bake 20 minutes until hot, bubbly and golden brown.
image collage showing the steps for making yellow squash casserole

Tips

  • Use fresh ingredients. Frozen squash can be very watery. Fresh squash is preferred.
  • Use a mandoline slicer to slice the yellow squash nice and thin.
  • Slice the squash uniformly. This helps in even cooking, so you don’t end up with some pieces undercooked while others are too soft.
  • Taste the mixture before baking and adjust seasonings as needed.
  • After baking, allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld, and it makes for easier serving.

Delicious Variations

  • Use zucchini – Feel free to mix in some zucchini with the squash or make this with all zucchini.
  • Saute instead of steaming – Sautéing the squash before baking removes excess moisture, intensifies the flavor and contributes to a better texture in the casserole.
  • Not gluten-free – If not gluten-free, then you can use regular flour and regular crackers.
  • Add veggies – Feel free to add in some finely diced red bell pepper to this.
  • Add more flavor – Add a pinch of homemade creole seasoning, crushed red pepper, garlic powder or a seasoning blend of your choice.

Prep and Storage

  • Prep – Prepare up to 24 hours in advance and bake when ready.
  • Store – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze – If you freeze squash casserole in advance, prepare without the topping and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, add the cracker topping and bake as directed.
  • Reheat – Reheat in a toaster over to maintain the crispy topping. You can also reheat in the microwave.

FAQS

How Do You Cook the Squash?

You want the squash in this casserole recipe to be tender enough to almost melt in your mouth so it is important to cook it in advance.

Steaming is a popular way to cook squash. Add squash slices in a steamer basket over a pan of water. Boil water and cover the pan with a lid. Steam for about 10 minutes or until squash is tender.


You can microwave the squash as well. Place the sliced squash in a bowl with a bit of water. Cover with plastic wrap and heat on high for five minutes or until tender.


Cook in a skillet. To eliminate a few dishes, heat 2 tablespoons of oil or butter in a skillet and saute squash until tender.  When cooked, decant and proceed with making the cheese sauce in the same skillet.

Can You Prepare Baked Yellow Squash Casserole in Advance?

Down south, any gathering with people will likely have food, and any gathering with food will likely attract a lot of people. You’ve never quite seen a spread like the ones laid out at a southern potluck supper!
This comforting casserole is a great make-ahead meal. Combine all the ingredients and place the casserole dish in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to extend the baking time for a few minutes to heat up cold ingredients.

Is Yellow Squash the Same as Zucchini?

Zucchini and yellow squash are related! While zucchini is green and yellow squash is, well, yellow…both have a similar taste and texture.
If you have zucchini on hand you can swap it for the yellow squash in this recipe. It’s also not uncommon for Southerners to use both zucchini and yellow squash in this recipe.

Can I make with frozen squash?

Fresh squash is recommended for the best texture and flavor. If you choose to use frozen squash, make sure to thaw and drain it well before incorporating it into the recipe.

a forkful of casserole

top down view of a baked yellow squash casserole

top down view of yellow squash casserole next to a plate and utensils

Similar Recipes

Serve with

  • A mandoline slicer makes slicing squash and zucchini a breeze.
  • Keep a variety of casserole dishes on hand for baking and serving.
  • For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.)

Weight Watchers Points

There are 7 Blue Plan SmartPoints in a serving of this Yellow Squash Casserole.

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a serving of yellowe squash casserole on a white plate in front of the full casserole dish
Print Recipe
5 from 7 votes

Southern Squash Casserole

This easy southern squash casserole is a delicious way to enjoy yellow squash.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, southern, Western
Servings: 8
Calories: 178kcal
Author: Bintu Hardy

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds fresh yellow squash thinly sliced
  • 1 ½ sleeves gluten free Ritz crackers
  • 4 tablespoons butter divided
  • 1 tablespoon gluten free flour
  • ¼ cup milk
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 3 Tablespoons grated yellow or green onion
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350F / 180C / gas 4.
  • Slice and steam the squash for 10 minutes to soften it.
  • Prepare the cracker topping by crushing the ritz crackers and combining them with melted butter.
  • Whisk the remaining ingredients in a saucepan to make the cheese sauce.
  • Drain the squash and combine it with the cheese sauce. Pour it into a casserole dish and top with the crackers.
  • Bake 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
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Video

Notes

  • Use fresh ingredients. Frozen squash can be very watery. Fresh squash is preferred.
  • Use a mandoline slicer to slice the yellow squash nice and thin.
  • Slice the squash uniformly. This helps in even cooking, so you don’t end up with some pieces undercooked while others are too soft.
  • Taste the mixture before baking and adjust seasonings as needed.
  • After baking, allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld, and it makes for easier serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 178kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 324mg | Potassium: 350mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 681IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 170mg | Iron: 1mg

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Recipe Rating




12 Comments

  1. Just like the vibrant energy of a Southern summer night, this squash casserole with Ritz Crackers brings comfort and joy to any table. A delightful dish that nourishes both body and soul.

  2. After reading all the instructions and especially the main ingredients to make this delicious dish, I know for sure that there will be many of us who will make your dish again. It a nyt wordle lot would be even better if there was an instructional video included.

  3. 5 stars
    First off, I had a blast driving the 1,461-cc, BS4 Kicks, which had enough torque, was great on the roads, and sms activate oozed toughness.

  4. 5 stars
    Can’t wait for summer squash to be ready this summer. This looks so yummy – a true Southern dish for a Southern gal like me! I’m assuming I could also use zucchini for this as well? Thanks for a delicious way to use up my bountiful harvest!

  5. Yum!!!! This recipe looks perfect for my mid week dinner repertoire! Love that neighbours would come around giving away fresh vegetables that they had grown in their own garden! What a lovely community.