If you love warm, cheesy, and buttery comfort food, this Squash Casserole is about to become your new go-to recipe. Made with tender squash, creamy soup, crunchy stuffing, and sharp cheddar cheese, this casserole is rich, satisfying, and packed with flavor.
Whether you’re serving it as a holiday side dish, a weeknight dinner addition, or a potluck favorite, this Southern-inspired casserole always steals the show. It’s simple to make, requires just a handful of ingredients, and delivers a golden, cheesy, and slightly crunchy topping that’s absolutely irresistible.
Why This Recipe Works
- Rich, Creamy, & Cheesy – A mix of melted butter, cheddar cheese, and cream of chicken soup makes this dish ultra-indulgent.
- A Perfectly Crunchy Topping – The Pepperidge Farm stuffing mix adds a delicious, buttery crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft squash.
- Easy to Prepare – Just steam, mix, and bake—no complicated steps!
- Great for Any Occasion – Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Sunday dinner, or a summer cookout, this dish pairs well with just about anything.
- A Make-Ahead Dish – Assemble it in advance and bake when ready for stress-free meal planning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 6-8 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 40-45 minutes)
- 1.5-2 lbs yellow squash, sliced
- 1 stick (½ cup) butter, melted
- 8 oz package Pepperidge Farm stuffing mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- ½ stalk celery, thinly sliced
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
I preheat my oven to 350°F and grease a 13×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Squash
In a large pot of lightly salted water, I steam the sliced squash until tender—about 5-7 minutes. Once done, I drain it well to remove excess moisture.
3. Mix Everything Together
In the prepared baking dish, I combine:
- Steamed squash
- Melted butter
- Stuffing mix
- Cream of chicken soup
- Chopped onion
- Sliced celery
- Shredded cheddar cheese
I stir everything together, making sure the squash is evenly coated with the creamy, cheesy mixture.
4. Bake Until Golden & Bubbly
I place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
5. Rest & Serve
Once baked, I let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes slicing easier.
Pro Tips for the Best Squash Casserole
- Drain the Squash Well – After steaming, I make sure to drain any excess water so the casserole doesn’t turn soggy.
- Use Fresh or Frozen Squash – Fresh squash is best, but frozen squash works too—just thaw and drain it wellbefore using.
- Want Extra Crunch? – Sprinkle a little more stuffing mix or crushed crackers on top before baking.
- Prefer a Softer Texture? – Sauté the onions and celery before mixing them into the casserole.
- Make it Vegetarian – Swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup for a meat-free version.
What to Serve with Squash Casserole
This rich and cheesy casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes:
- Southern Fried Chicken – The crispy, golden chicken complements the creamy squash perfectly.
- Grilled Pork Chops – The savory pork and cheesy casserole make an amazing combination.
- Oven-Roasted Turkey – A classic pairing for Thanksgiving or holiday dinners.
- BBQ Ribs or Pulled Pork – The sweet, smoky flavors of BBQ contrast beautifully with the creamy casserole.
- Fresh Green Salad – A light, crisp salad balances out the richness of the dish.
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
Q: Can I freeze squash casserole?
A: Yes! Bake it first, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until warmed through.
Q: Can I use zucchini instead of yellow squash?
A: Absolutely! Zucchini has a slightly different texture but works well in this recipe.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave in 30-second bursts until warm.
Q: Can I add protein to make this a full meal?
A: Yes! Add shredded rotisserie chicken, crumbled bacon, or diced ham for extra protein.
Why You’ll Love This Squash Casserole
This Squash Casserole is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, buttery, and crunchy—everything you want in a comforting, Southern-style side dish. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and pairs with just about any meal.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a holiday feast, or a potluck gathering, this casserole is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! Do you have any special add-ins for squash casserole? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your favorite twists on this classic dish!
Cheesy Squash Casserole: A Classic Southern Comfort Dish
Ingredients
- 8 oz package Pepperidge Farm stuffing mix
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 medium yellow squash, sliced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced squash, diced onion, sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the stuffing mix according to package instructions.
- Fold the prepared stuffing into the squash mixture until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top with shredded sharp cheddar cheese and dot with butter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
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