Get ready to indulge in a true taste of the South with this classic Southern Squash Casserole! Imagine tender slices of yellow squash and sweet onion, baked in a rich, creamy, and cheesy sauce, all crowned with a buttery, crunchy cracker topping. It’s a comforting, incredibly flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect as a side for any family dinner, holiday gathering, or potluck.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Southern Squash Casserole is pure nostalgic comfort food! What I love most is how it transforms simple summer squash into an absolutely irresistible dish. The key is how the squash and onion soften beautifully, and then get enveloped in that luscious, cheesy sauce made with cream of mushroom/chicken soup, mayonnaise, and evaporated milk – it creates an unparalleled creaminess. And that buttery, crispy cracker topping? It adds the perfect salty crunch that makes every bite a delight. It’s easy to assemble, incredibly satisfying, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings a genuine taste of Southern hospitality to your table.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting Southern Squash Casserole:
- 4-5 regular yellow squash, cut into circles (about 6-7 cups sliced)
- 1 large sweet onion, cut into small pieces
- 2 T bacon grease or butter (for cooking squash/onion)
- Salt/Pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or chicken soup (condensed)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk (not sweetened condensed milk)
- 3 eggs, large
- 2 sleeves saltine or ritz crackers (about 50-60 crackers total)
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, melted (for cracker topping)
Swaps and Notes
- Yellow Squash: Regular yellow summer squash is perfect. You can also use zucchini or a mix of both. Cut into uniform circles (rounds) or half-moons for even cooking.
- Sweet Onion: A large sweet onion (like Vidalia) complements the squash well. Yellow onion can also be used.
- Bacon Grease/Butter: Bacon grease adds a traditional smoky depth, but butter works perfectly fine.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp or mild cheddar works great. A Colby Jack blend or a mix with a touch of Parmesan would also be delicious.
- Cream of Mushroom/Chicken Soup: Condensed cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup provides the classic creamy base.
- Mayonnaise: Adds richness and tang. Do not substitute with Miracle Whip, as the flavor is different.
- Evaporated Milk: This is crucial for the creamy consistency; do not use sweetened condensed milk (which is very different and sweet!).
- Eggs: Act as a binder and help the casserole set.
- Saltine or Ritz Crackers: Both work wonderfully for the topping, providing a salty crunch. Ritz crackers will be more buttery. Crush them into small pieces.
- Butter (for topping): Melted butter mixed with the crushed crackers creates that irresistible golden, crispy topping.
Instructions
Let’s get this delicious Southern Squash Casserole baking!
- Boil Squash and Onion: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the 4-5 regular yellow squash (cut into circles) and 1 large sweet onion (cut into small pieces). Add 2 tablespoons of bacon grease or butter. Pour in about 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil and cook just until the squash and onion are softened, typically about 5-7 minutes. Drain incredibly well!! Drain!! Well!! LOL. Use a colander and shake thoroughly to remove as much excess water as possible. This step is crucial for preventing a watery casserole.
- Prepare Creamy Mixture: In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the 1 can of cream of mushroom or chicken soup, 3 large eggs, 1 can of evaporated milk, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Combine & Pour into Dish: Add the thoroughly drained squash and onion mixture to the wet mixture in the bowl. Gently fold to combine everything. Pour the entire mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish that has been well-sprayed or greased with cooking spray or butter. Spread evenly.
- Prepare Cracker Topping: Take the 2 sleeves of saltine or Ritz crackers. Crush them into small pieces (you can use a food processor, a rolling pin in a zip-top bag, or just your hands). In a small bowl, pour the 1 stick (1/2 cup) of melted butter over the crushed crackers. Stir with a fork until the crumbs are well coated.
- Top & Bake: Sprinkle the buttered cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole, creating a delicious, crunchy crust. Place the casserole into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center (it should not be jiggly), golden brown on top, and bubbly around the edges.
- Serve: Remove from the oven. Let it cool slightly for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Enjoy your cheesy, creamy, and comforting Southern Squash Casserole!
Tips for Success
- DRAIN THE SQUASH THOROUGHLY! This is the single most important tip for a non-watery casserole. After boiling, drain in a colander, then press out extra liquid with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
- Room Temperature Ingredients (Creamy Mix): While not explicitly stated, ensure your soup, mayonnaise, and evaporated milk are not ice cold if possible, to prevent curdling the eggs when mixed. Eggs should definitely be room temperature.
- Don’t Overcook Squash: Boil just until softened, not mushy, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Even Cracker Topping: Spread the cracker crumbs evenly for a consistent crunchy topping.
- Bake Until Set: Ensure the casserole is cooked through by gently shaking the dish – the center should be mostly firm.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking helps it set and makes for cleaner serving.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Southern Squash Casserole is a fantastic side dish for any hearty meal:
- Roasted or Fried Chicken: Pairs perfectly with baked chicken, fried chicken, or even our Fried Catfish.
- Holiday Dinners: A classic addition to Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter feasts.
- Potlucks & BBQs: Always a popular dish for sharing.
- Pork or Beef Roasts: Complements rich meat dishes beautifully.
- For other incredibly flavorful Southern comfort foods, you might also love our Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers or Shrimp & Grits w/Bacon.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This casserole makes excellent leftovers, often tasting even better the next day!
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. For larger amounts, you can cover it loosely with foil and reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven until hot and bubbly. The cracker topping might lose some crispness.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes relatively well. Cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the texture of the squash might be slightly softer after freezing and thawing, and the cracker topping will need re-crisping.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the cheesy, creamy, and comforting nature of this Southern Squash Casserole, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic Southern-inspired and hearty recipes:
- For another incredibly flavorful skillet meal packed with Southern charm, try This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor.
- If you’re a fan of comforting, hearty bowls, our This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort is a must-try.
- And for a unique spicy twist on a classic, don’t miss our Okra and Jalapeño Hushpuppies!
- Finally, for another incredibly tender and flavorful meat dish that’s perfect for lazy Sundays, our These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays are a winner.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Squash Casserole recipe is a brilliant solution for bringing true comfort, incredible flavor, and a genuine taste of Southern hospitality to your table. It’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply enjoying a cozy meal at home, promising a cheesy, creamy, and wonderfully satisfying experience every time.
Give this recipe a try and let the delicious aromas fill your kitchen! What’s your favorite Southern vegetable dish? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy baking!
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