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🍽️ Southern Squash Casserole – A Creamy, Cheesy, Classic Side Dish

 

You don’t need anything fancy to make this dish. Just fresh vegetables, pantry staples, and a few Southern favorites like sour cream and buttery crackers.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter, divided

  • 4 small yellow squash (about 2 lbs.), sliced (about 6 cups total)

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 1 red bell pepper, diced

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon pepper

  • 2 eggs

  • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese

  • ¼ cup sour cream

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise

  • ¾ cup crushed butter crackers (about 18 Ritz crackers)

🧀 Pro Tip: Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced cheesy flavor. Freshly grated cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced squash, diced onion, and red bell pepper. Cook and stir for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and softened.

Remove from heat and season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.

🧄 Optional Add-In: A clove of minced garlic sautéed with the vegetables adds a delicious depth of flavor.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Base

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Stir the egg mixture into the warm squash mixture until evenly combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the squash filling into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

In another small bowl, mix ¾ cup crushed butter crackers with the remaining tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Glory

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the cracker topping is golden brown.

Let cool slightly before serving to allow it to firm up.

Notes

🕒 Cooking Timeline

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 35 minutes

  • Total Time: ~50 minutes

  • Servings: 6–8 side dish portions

  • Author: niold.com