As the aroma of roasted squash wafts through my kitchen, I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia—one that takes me back to family gatherings where comfort food ruled the table. This Creamy Cheesy Squash Casserole is not just an ordinary side dish; it’s a heartwarming rendition of American cuisine that brings people together. With a luscious, cheesy filling enveloping tender squash and crowned with a buttery, crispy cracker topping, it’s a dish that combines simplicity with soul-satisfying flavor. Plus, its quick preparation makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or festive celebrations. So, are you ready to discover the magic of this ultimate comfort casserole that turns a classic ingredient into a favorite family centerpiece? Why Is Squash Casserole So Special? Comforting Warmth: This casserole embodies the essence of homestyle cooking, wrapping you in a cozy embrace with each bite. Rich, Cheesy Goodness: The melty cheddar cheese blends seamlessly with tender squash, creating a mouthwatering flavor. Quick and Easy: Just a few simple steps and ingredients to whip up this dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or holiday feast. Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Its cheesy, satisfying nature makes it a hit with both kids and adults alike—everyone will come back for seconds! Explore more comforting casseroles like Eggplant Casserole Savory or Joe Pasta Casserole to keep your meal ideas fresh and delicious. Squash Casserole Ingredients • Dive into the heart of comfort food with these tasty ingredients! For the Casserole 2 tablespoons butter – Adds richness and flavor; substitute with olive oil for a dairy-free option. 4 cups sliced yellow squash – The star ingredient providing texture; can substitute with zucchini if needed. 1 medium onion, chopped – Enhances flavor with its sweetness; use shallots for a milder taste. 2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients together, giving structure. 1 cup grated cheddar cheese – Provides creaminess and sharp flavor; substitute with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for variation. 1 cup milk – Contributes moisture; can replace with almond milk for a dairy-free version. For the Topping 2 tablespoons butter (for topping) – Melts into the cracker topping, making it crispy. ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) – Adds a hint of heat; omit for a milder casserole. ½ teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances the overall flavor. ½ teaspoon ground black pepper – Adds subtle warmth. 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed – Forms the crunchy topping; use gluten-free crackers for a gluten-free option. Get ready to create a Squash Casserole that will warm your heart and leave your guests asking for the recipe! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creamy Cheesy Squash Casserole with Crispy Cracker Topping Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350º F (175º C). This will ensure that your Creamy Cheesy Squash Casserole bakes evenly and reaches that delicious golden brown top. While the oven heats up, you can prepare the other ingredients, making sure everything is ready for assembly. Step 2: Sauté the Squash and Onions In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add 4 cups of sliced yellow squash and 1 medium chopped onion. Sauté the veggies for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and slightly caramelized, enhancing the flavorful base of the casserole. Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture In a large mixing bowl, crack 2 large eggs and whisk them until well combined. Then, add 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese and 1 cup of milk to the bowl. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth and creamy filling that will bind all the ingredients together in the upcoming steps of your squash casserole. Step 4: Combine the Ingredients Once the squash and onions are cooked, carefully stir them into the egg mixture. This integration allows the savory flavors of the squash and onion to meld with the cheesy filling, ensuring each bite of your creamy casserole is packed with taste and texture. Step 5: Add Seasonings and Remaining Butter In the same skillet used for the squash, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Pour this melted butter into the casserole mixture, followed by ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper (if desired), ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Mix everything well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the flavors. Step 6: Prepare the Casserole Dish Take a 9×13-inch casserole dish and spray it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Carefully pour your squash mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. This will form the hearty base of your Creamy Cheesy Squash Casserole, ready for its crispy topping. Step 7: Add the Cracker Topping Next, take 1 sleeve of crushed Ritz crackers and evenly sprinkle the crumbs over the top of the casserole mixture. The buttery texture of the crackers will create that irresistible crispy finish as it bakes, adding not only flavor but delightful crunch to your dish. Step 8: Bake to Perfection Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as you’ll know it’s ready when the top is beautifully golden brown and the casserole is set. The enticing aroma will fill your kitchen, tantalizing everyone’s taste buds. Step 9: Let It Rest Before Serving Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for about 3 minutes. This resting period helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier. Cut into squares to reveal the creamy layers within your delightful Squash Casserole, and it’s time to share this heartwarming dish with your loved ones. Make Ahead Options This Creamy Cheesy Squash Casserole is a meal prep dream! You can prepare the entire casserole mixture, including the cooked squash and onions, up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. To maintain its excellent quality, be sure to avoid overcooking the squash initially so it doesn’t release excess moisture. When ready to bake, uncover the casserole, sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers on top, then pop it into the preheated oven as per the original instructions. This way, you can enjoy a deliciously comforting dish without the last-minute rush—perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings! What to Serve with Creamy Cheesy Squash Casserole? Elevate your meal experience by complementing the creamy and savory flavors of this comforting dish with delightful sides and treats. Crispy Green Salad: A refreshing mix of crunchy greens adds brightness and contrasts the rich casserole beautifully. Roasted Chicken: Juicy roasted chicken provides a hearty protein option that pairs excellently with the cheesy squash flavor. The savory notes of the chicken enhance the overall meal. Honey-Glazed Carrots: Their sweetness beautifully offsets the savory squash, creating a balanced plate that dances with different flavors. Bread Rolls: Fluffy bread rolls are perfect for soaking up any delicious cheesy remnants left on the plate. Serve warm to bring comfort to your feast. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: These creamy potatoes add another layer of texture while complementing the casserole’s richness. Perfect for those who love indulgent comfort food! Sparkling Lemonade: A zesty, bubbly drink cleanses the palate and uplifts the dining experience, making each bite of the casserole that much more refreshing. These pairing ideas will transform your meal into a heartwarming family feast everyone will adore! Expert Tips for Perfect Squash Casserole Cook Moisture Out: Make sure to thoroughly sauté the squash and onions, eliminating excess moisture, which prevents your casserole from being watery. Make Ahead: For convenience, prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours—great for busy nights! Veggie Variations: Feel free to add other veggies, like bell peppers or spinach, for added flavor but remember to sauté them first to reduce moisture. Cheese Alternatives: Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella or Parmesan to find the flavor combo that delights your taste buds best in your squash casserole. Crispy Topping: Use gluten-free crackers if needed, and consider adding herbs or spices to the topping for an extra flavor boost! How to Store and Freeze Squash Casserole Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through for optimal flavor. Freezer: To freeze, cover the cooled casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil—this will keep it fresh for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen, adding extra baking time. Reheating: When reheating, aim for 350º F (175º C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. This helps maintain the creamy texture of your squash casserole. Make-Ahead Tips: Assemble the casserole up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, making dinner preparations a breeze! Squash Casserole Variations & Substitutions Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your ideal Squash Casserole—your taste buds will thank you! Dairy-Free: Replace the milk with almond milk and use dairy-free cheese for a creamy taste without the dairy. Zucchini Twist: Substitute half of the yellow squash with zucchini for a fresh flavor variation while keeping the texture. Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like thyme or basil to the filling for a fragrant and flavorful twist that elevates your casserole experience. Protein-Packed: Mix in cooked ground turkey or crumbled sausage to make the casserole more filling and add a savory kick. Different Cheese: Experiment with mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a melt-in-your-mouth texture or a spicy flavor boost. Spicy Kick: Increase the cayenne or add diced jalapeños for those who like a bit of heat—just remember to adjust your toppings accordingly! Veggie Supreme: Throw in sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for extra color and nutrition, making this casserole a hearty, veggie-loaded delight. Gluten-Free Delight: Swap out the Ritz crackers for gluten-free alternatives, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting dish without worry. By customizing your casserole, you can recreate this comforting dish over and over, each time with a unique twist. For more comforting favorites, check out Mexican Cornbread Casserole or Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole. Creamy Cheesy Squash Casserole Recipe FAQs What type of squash should I use? Absolutely! Yellow squash is the star of this dish, providing a lovely texture and flavor. If you can’t find yellow squash, feel free to substitute it with zucchini; just slice it the same way and follow the recipe as directed! How should I store leftover squash casserole? To keep your delicious squash casserole fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, pop it in the oven or microwave until it’s warmed through, ensuring every bite remains flavorful! Can I freeze my squash casserole? Very! To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. This will keep it fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, bake it straight from frozen at 350º F (175º C), adding an extra 10-15 minutes for thorough heating. What if my casserole is too watery? I often suggest cooking the squash and onions thoroughly to eliminate excess moisture beforehand. If you find your casserole still ends up watery, you can mix in a thickener like cornstarch or breadcrumbs to help absorb some of that liquid before baking. Is this squash casserole suitable for a gluten-free diet? Of course! Just use gluten-free crackers for the topping, and double-check your other ingredients (like the seasoning) to ensure they are gluten-free as well. Making small tweaks can accommodate various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor! How can I add more vegetables to the casserole? Great question! You can absolutely get creative by incorporating more veggies. Just sauté additional vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach, until they’re tender before stirring them into the casserole mixture. This will not only add nutrition but also extra color and flavor to your dish! Irresistibly Creamy Squash Casserole for Cozy Nights Delight in this creamy squash casserole, a comforting dish that perfectly embodies family gatherings while bringing the essence of American cuisine to your table. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 45 minutes minsResting Time 3 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 3 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 300 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Casserole2 tablespoons butter Adds richness and flavor; substitute with olive oil for a dairy-free option.4 cups sliced yellow squash The star ingredient providing texture; can substitute with zucchini if needed.1 medium onion, chopped Enhances flavor with its sweetness; use shallots for a milder taste.2 large eggs Binds the ingredients together, giving structure.1 cup grated cheddar cheese Provides creaminess and sharp flavor; substitute with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for variation.1 cup milk Contributes moisture; can replace with almond milk for a dairy-free version.For the Topping2 tablespoons butter (for topping) Melts into the cracker topping, making it crispy.¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper Adds a hint of heat; omit for a milder casserole.½ teaspoon kosher salt Enhances the overall flavor.½ teaspoon ground black pepper Adds subtle warmth.1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed Forms the crunchy topping; use gluten-free crackers for a gluten-free option. Equipment SkilletMixing bowlCasserole Dish Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350º F (175º C).Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Add 4 cups of sliced yellow squash and 1 medium chopped onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender.In a large mixing bowl, whisk 2 large eggs. Add 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese and 1 cup of milk. Mix until smooth.Stir the sautéed squash and onions into the egg mixture.Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet. Pour this melted butter into the mixture with ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Mix well.Spray a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray. Pour the squash mixture into the dish evenly.Sprinkle 1 sleeve of crushed Ritz crackers over the top.Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes until golden brown and set.Let the casserole rest for 3 minutes before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 10gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 140mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 1mg NotesFor best results, sauté the squash and onions thoroughly to reduce moisture. Consider adding other vegetables for a variation, and use different cheeses for unique flavors. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
