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If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious side dish, our squash casserole is just what you need. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering, this casserole combines tender yellow squash, savory onions, and gooey cheddar cheese, all topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust. It’s the ultimate way to elevate a simple vegetable into a crowd-pleasing dish.

Squash Casserole

One of the best things about this squash casserole is how easy it is to prepare. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have this dish ready for the oven in no time. Plus, it’s a great way to use up an abundance of squash from your garden or the farmer’s market. The combination of melted cheese and crispy crackers creates a satisfying texture that everyone will love.

Not only is this squash casserole delicious, but it also brings a touch of nostalgia with its classic flavors. The rich, buttery sauce and the comforting taste of cheddar cheese make this dish feel like a warm hug from your grandmother’s kitchen. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a holiday meal or a weeknight dinner, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 6 Medium Sliced Yellow Squash, aprx 8 – 10 cups
• 1/2 Cup Chopped Sweet Onion, I use frozen chopped onions
• 2/3 Cup Salted Butter
• 1/2 Cup Water
• 1 1/2 TBSP Sugar
• 1 TSP Salt
• 1/2 TSP Black Pepper
• 1 1/3 Cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded
• 2 Eggs, beaten
• 1/3 Cup Milk
• 1 Sleeve Ritz Crackers, crushed (or something similar)

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 13 x 9 x 2 baking dish or something similar in size. Set aside.
• Add 3 TBSP butter to a skillet. Add in your chopped onions and squash. Cook for a few minutes. Give a few gentle stirs to start to coat and cook the squash.

• Add in 1/2 cup of water. Cover and cook over medium heat for 5-10 minutes.

• Drain squash well and pour into a medium sized bowl, add the cheese and gently fold to incorporate.

• In a small bowl, add your eggs, milk, sugar, salt, & pepper. Beat well.

• Pour egg mixture in to the squash. Gently stir to combine.

• Melt 1/3 Cup butter.
• Pour 1/2 of the squash mixture into your prepared baking dish.

• Top with 1/2 of the crushed crackers & drizzle half of the melted butter.

• Pour remaining squash mixture over the top of the cracker layer.

• Top with remaining crushed crackers and drizzle with remaining melted butter.

• Bake for aprx. 30-35 minutes until golden brown.

How to Know If Yellow Squash Is Ripe

Knowing if yellow squash is ripe involves observing its color, size, texture, and firmness. Here are some key indicators:

1. Color: Ripe yellow squash will have a vibrant, glossy yellow color. Avoid squash that is pale or has green tinges, as it may be underripe.
2. Size: Ideally, pick yellow squash when it’s about 6-8 inches long. Larger squash may become tough and develop seeds, while smaller ones are usually tender and flavorful.
3. Texture: The skin should be smooth and free of blemishes, cuts, or soft spots. Minor scratches or marks are usually fine as long as the squash feels firm overall.
4. Firmness: Give the squash a gentle squeeze. It should feel firm and not give in easily. Soft or mushy spots indicate overripeness or spoilage.
5. Stem: Check the stem end. A fresh, green stem indicates that the squash was recently harvested and is likely to be ripe.

Serve it as an easy vegetable casserole for dinner, take it as a potluck dish, or for holiday entertaining. 

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