Thank you for being here again—seriously, every visit feels like a little hug straight from my kitchen. And today? Oh, we’re heading deep into Southern comfort territory with a dish that has graced countless potlucks, Sunday dinners, and holiday tables.
This Southern Squash Casserole is creamy, cheesy, buttery, and topped with that iconic golden Ritz cracker crunch. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and absolutely anything but boring!! If you haven’t already, subscribe so you never miss a recipe—especially the ones that taste like home.
Let’s get this beautiful casserole into your oven.
What Is Southern Squash Casserole?
It’s a classic Southern side dish made with soft, sautéed yellow squash, melty cheddar cheese, sour cream, and a buttery egg mixture—all baked under a crispy, buttery cracker topping. It’s rich, comforting, and pairs well with just about everything.
Think soft, creamy veggies underneath and a golden, crunchy top you’ll be fighting over.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A true Southern classic
- Easy, simple ingredients
- Comforting, creamy, cheesy goodness
- Perfect for holidays, potlucks, and family meals
- Topped with buttery Ritz crackers (the best part!)
- Beginner-friendly
What Does It Taste Like?
Warm, savory, creamy squash with a lightly tangy richness from sour cream and melty cheddar throughout.
The topping? Golden, crisp, buttery perfection.
It’s one of those nostalgic dishes that feels like home with every bite.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Budget-friendly
- Quick to prep
- Great make-ahead dish
- Even picky eaters love it
- Works with fresh or frozen squash
- Easily doubled for a crowd
Ingredients
- 4 cups yellow squash, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tbsp butter (for sautéing)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)
Tools You’ll Need
- Skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Baking dish
- Oven
- Spoon or spatula
- Knife & cutting board
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
Add-Ins
- ½ cup cooked bacon pieces
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Diced bell peppers
- A pinch of cayenne
- A handful of mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra cheesiness
Substitutions
- Greek yogurt instead of sour cream
- Saltine or panko topping instead of Ritz crackers
- Zucchini instead of yellow squash
- Colby Jack instead of cheddar
How to Make Southern Squash Casserole (Step-by-Step)
1. Preheat
Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish.
2. Cook the Veggies
In a skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter.
Add sliced squash and diced onion.
Sauté until soft and tender.
Drain any excess liquid so the casserole isn’t watery.
3. Mix the Filling
In a bowl, combine:
- Cooked squash & onion
- Shredded cheddar
- Sour cream
- Beaten egg
- Salt & pepper
Stir until everything is creamy and fully combined.
4. Assemble
Spread mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
5. Make the Topping
In a small bowl, mix:
- Crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Sprinkle this buttery crumble evenly over the casserole.
6. Bake
Bake 25–30 minutes, until bubbling around the edges and golden on top.
Serve warm and enjoy that delightful mix of creamy + crunchy!
What to Serve With Squash Casserole
- Fried chicken
- Baked ham
- Meatloaf
- Grilled pork chops
- Southern green beans
- Mashed potatoes
- Cornbread
It pairs beautifully with almost any main dish!
Tips for the Best Squash Casserole
- Drain the squash well—this prevents sogginess.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar for better melt and flavor.
- Don’t skip the buttery Ritz topping—it MAKES the casserole.
- Add a pinch of cayenne for subtle warmth.
- Want it richer? Add 1–2 tablespoons of mayonnaise (very Southern!).
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Up to 4 days
- Freeze (unbaked): Up to 2 months
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F until warmed through
Note: The cracker topping is best fresh, so add it right before baking.
General Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: ~40 minutes
- Servings: 6
FAQ
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Assemble everything except the cracker topping. Add the topping just before baking.
Can I use frozen squash?
Yes—just thaw and drain very well.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Perfect for potlucks or holidays.
Can I add meat?
Bacon or cooked sausage works beautifully.
Conclusion
This Southern Squash Casserole is creamy, cozy, classic comfort food with a golden buttery crunch that makes every bite irresistible. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for any family meal or gathering.
If you love classics like this, you may also enjoy:
- Southern Corn Pudding
- Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
- Creamy Chicken & Rice Bake
Share the Love!
If you make this casserole, leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest—I LOVE seeing what you create!
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: ~220
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 14g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
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