This Easy Cheesy Yellow Squash Casserole is a warm and comforting dish loaded with cheesy goodness. It features fresh yellow squash, creamy cheese, and a crispy topping that makes every bite delicious!
Making this casserole is fun and simple! I love to have it as a side dish during family dinner. It’s so tasty that I could eat it all by myself—shh, don’t tell anyone! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: Fresh yellow squash is the star of this dish, offering a mild flavor and lovely texture. If you’re in a pinch, zucchini is a great substitute since it cooks similarly.
Onion: I like using a medium onion for its sweetness, but if you’re not a fan, try garlic or shallots for a different flavor twist.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar gives a nice sharpness to the casserole. You could use Monterey Jack or Colby cheese if you want something milder. If dairy-free is your goal, look for plant-based cheese alternatives!
Sour Cream & Mayonnaise: These add creaminess. For a lighter option, Greek yogurt can work well in place of sour cream. If you’re avoiding mayo, just add a bit more sour cream or yogurt instead.
Buttery Crackers: I love garnish with crushed Ritz crackers for crunch. You can substitute with gluten-free crackers or even panko breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter for a crispy topping.
How Do I Make the Squash Tender Without Overcooking?
Pre-cooking the squash is essential to get rid of excess moisture and to make it tender. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil with some salt.
- Add your sliced yellow squash and chopped onion to the boiling water for just 3-4 minutes. This helps soften without turning mushy.
- Make sure to drain the mixture well and let it cool so it doesn’t steam in the casserole dish.
This method helps retain the squash’s color and flavor while ensuring your casserole turns out perfectly creamy and not watery! Enjoy the process of making this comforting dish!
Easy Cheesy Yellow Squash Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups yellow squash, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz)
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Easy Cheesy Yellow Squash Casserole takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 30-35 minutes of baking time. In total, set aside around 50 minutes to enjoy perfectly baked comfort in a dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a medium-sized casserole dish and lightly grease it to keep the casserole from sticking.
2. Cook the Squash and Onion:
In a large pot, bring some water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to it. Toss in the thinly sliced yellow squash and finely chopped onion. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they are just tender. Remember to drain them well afterward, and let the mixture cool slightly!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked squash and onion with the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Use a spatula or spoon to stir everything together until it’s well mixed. It should look creamy and cheesy!
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Carefully pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly across the bottom.
5. Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter. Make sure the crumbs are evenly coated in the butter for that perfect crunch!
6. Top Your Casserole:
Now, sprinkle those buttery cracker crumbs evenly over the top of the squash mixture. This will create a delicious crispy topping when baked!
7. Bake It:
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake it uncovered for 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for a lovely golden-brown topping and a bubbly filling.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, pull the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This waiting time helps it set a bit more and makes it easier to serve!
Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and crispy yellow squash casserole as a comforting side dish perfect for any meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Yellow Squash for This Casserole?
Yes, you can use frozen yellow squash! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain off any excess moisture. If it’s still quite wet, you may want to pat it dry with paper towels before mixing it into the casserole.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole and put it together in your dish, then cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the microwave or heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Recipe?
Of course! Feel free to add in other veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or even spinach for some added nutrients and flavor. Just be sure not to overcrowd the dish; you can sauté them lightly before adding to the casserole if needed.
