When summer’s golden squash meets the creamy, zesty magic of pimiento cheese, something truly special happens. This Pimiento Cheese Squash Casserole is a beloved Southern classic, elevated to new heights of deliciousness! Featuring tender yellow squash baked in a rich, cheesy sauce infused with pimiento cheese, and often topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust, it’s a hearty, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful dish. Perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, or any gathering that calls for a taste of genuine Southern hospitality.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of dishes that bring warmth, flavor, and a deep sense of tradition to the table, and this Pimiento Cheese Squash Casserole absolutely nails it! What I particularly adore is how it takes humble summer squash and transforms it into something so creamy, savory, and utterly addictive. The bold, tangy flavor of the pimiento cheese melts into the squash, creating a luscious sauce, and that crispy topping (whether from cheese or breadcrumbs) adds an essential textural contrast. It feels incredibly nostalgic and homemade, yet it’s surprisingly straightforward to assemble, making it a fantastic, fuss-free option for a satisfying family meal. It’s a dish that genuinely warms the heart and soul!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs yellow squash (about 3-4 medium), thinly sliced or chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 (4 oz) jar diced pimientos, drained
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup milk (whole milk recommended)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs, mixed with 2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)
- Optional: Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Swaps and Notes
- Yellow Squash: Use firm, medium-sized yellow squash. Zucchini can be substituted, but yellow squash has a slightly sweeter, milder flavor that’s traditional for this dish. Thinly slice or chop consistently for even baking.
- Pimiento Cheese: While the recipe calls for pimientos added to cream cheese, you can absolutely use 1 ½ cups of pre-made pimiento cheese for an even quicker shortcut. This is a crucial flavor element.
- Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature. This is essential for a smooth, lump-free, and creamy sauce.
- Mayonnaise & Milk: This combination creates the creamy, rich base. Whole milk is recommended for optimal creaminess.
- Cheddar & Parmesan Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a bold flavor. Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth. Adjust amounts to your preference.
- Onion & Garlic: Finely dicing the onion and mincing the garlic ensures they cook down and infuse the sauce.
- Optional Topping: A crispy topping of buttered Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs is a classic Southern touch and highly recommended for textural contrast. You can also just use extra shredded cheese.
- Seasoning: Adjust salt and pepper to taste. A tiny pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce can be added to the sauce for a subtle kick.
Instructions:
1. Prepare & Sauté Squash and Aromatics: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (or an 8×8-inch dish for a thicker casserole). In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced or chopped yellow squash and finely diced onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash softens slightly and the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. Season the vegetables with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Remove from heat.
2. Make the Creamy Pimiento Cheese Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 (8 oz) block softened cream cheese and 1 (4 oz) jar drained diced pimientos. Stir or beat until well combined. Add the ½ cup mayonnaise and ½ cup milk. Whisk until smooth and creamy, ensuring the cream cheese is fully incorporated with no lumps. Stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Combine & Assemble Casserole: Add the sautéed squash and onion mixture from the skillet to the large mixing bowl with the creamy pimiento cheese sauce. Stir everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce. Pour the entire mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Add Topping & Bake: If using the optional crispy topping, in a small bowl, combine ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Stir well. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. (Alternatively, you can just sprinkle with extra shredded cheddar cheese.) Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the topping (cheese or breadcrumbs) is golden brown and crispy.
5. Rest & Serve: Remove the Pimiento Cheese Squash Casserole from the oven. Let it cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set for easier scooping. If desired, garnish with fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and savor every creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting bite!
Tips for Success
- Softened Cream Cheese: This is absolutely crucial for a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- Thinly Sliced/Chopped Squash: Uniformly cut squash ensures even cooking and tenderness.
- Sauté First: Sautéing the squash and onion before baking softens them and builds flavor, preventing a watery casserole.
- Drain Pimientos: Ensure pimientos are well-drained to avoid adding excess liquid.
- Optional Crispy Topping: A buttered cracker or panko topping takes this casserole to the next level of texture.
- Rest Casserole: Allowing it to rest briefly after baking helps the cheese and ingredients set for cleaner scoops.
- Serve Warm: This casserole is best served warm when the cheese is gooey and the flavors are melded.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Pimiento Cheese Squash Casserole is a fantastic, hearty side dish that complements a wide array of main courses, especially those with a Southern flair.
- Classic Southern Mains: Perfect alongside roasted chicken (like Southern Smothered Chicken), baked ham, pork chops, or grilled meats.
- Holiday Feasts: A traditional and beloved side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinners.
- Potlucks & Gatherings: Easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Other Southern Sides: It fits perfectly into a spread with This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor).
- Cheese & Veggie Bakes: Pair it with other cheesy vegetable bakes like Zucchini and Potato Bake or Southern Cheesy Corn Bake.
- Crispy Veggies: A perfect partner to Fried Squash.
- Drinks: Iced tea, lemonade, or a crisp white wine (like a Sauvignon Blanc).
Storage and Leftover Tips
This casserole is fantastic for making ahead, and leftovers are a treat!
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the entire casserole (steps 1-3) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. Add the crispy topping during the last 20 minutes of baking.
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Pimiento Cheese Squash Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce may thicken considerably.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. For a crispier topping, reheat in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and golden.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Once completely cooled, cover tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Pimiento Cheese Squash Casserole is a true masterpiece of Southern comfort food – creamy, incredibly cheesy, and bursting with fresh, tender squash. It’s a simple recipe that yields a deeply satisfying and nostalgic dish, perfect for bringing smiles and warmth to any table. Get ready to bake a batch of this beloved classic and savor every delicious bite!
What are your go-to casserole recipes for using summer squash, or do you have a secret ingredient that makes your pimiento cheese extra special? Share your insights and feedback in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac for more exciting and delicious recipes!
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