Squash Casserole is a favorite at every potluck gathering. With grated Cheddar cheese, crumbled Ritz crackers, and fresh yellow squash, this casserole is a great way to use those summer vegetables!
Squash Casserole with Ritz crackers is ubiquitous on the Southern table in the summertime, probably because nearly everyone who has a garden grows squash and one plant produces about a million yellow squash. And don’t even get me started on zucchini!
If you’ve been to a church potluck or a classic meat-and-three diner anywhere in the South, chances are you happened upon some version of this easy squash casserole, usually sitting next to a platter of meatloaf or good fried chicken.
Southern Squash Casserole is made like most classic Southern dishes, with good, simple ingredients that your grandmother could get—nothing fancy!
Can you mix yellow squash and zucchini?
My family’s version of squash casserole uses only yellow squash, but you can absolutely substitute zucchini squash for all or some in this recipe.
Check out this post on the Difference Between Zucchini and Yellow Squash.
How to make squash casserole
You’ll need to cook and drain the squash before putting it in the dish because yellow squash contains a lot of moisture. It takes just a few minutes to cook though, so don’t think you’ll be spending hours in the kitchen.
Then you just mix everything together in a large bowl, sprinkle the cheese and cracker crumbs on top, and bake for about 45 minutes. Super easy!
Pro Tip: Using a paper towel, gently mash the squash and onion mixture in the colander so additional juice will drain out.
If you immediately see a lot of juice accumulate when you put the squash in the mixing bowl, put it back in the colander and drain again, then back in the bowl. I usually do this a couple of times.
How to freeze the squash casserole
- Mix the casserole completely but do not add the Ritz cracker crumb topping and do not bake. Place in a freezer container (I LOVE these containers) or wrap your dish tightly with tin foil and freeze.
- When ready to serve, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Add the cracker topping and bake as directed.
Serving suggestions
- Meatloaf Muffins
- Butter Beans
- Fried Green Tomatoes
- Homemade Biscuits or Cornbread
- Cream Cheese Pound Cake or
- Southern Peach Cobbler or
- Blackberry Cobbler
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Southern Squash Casserole
Southern squash casserole is a staple at any potluck gathering. With grated Cheddar cheese, crumbled Ritz crackers, and fresh summer squash, this squash casserole is a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped Vidalia onion
- 2-3 lbs. squash sliced (you want about 2 1/2 cups cooked squash/onion mixture, so usually about 4-5 cups sliced uncooked squash)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons diced pimentos
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 1/2 cups grated Cheddar cheese
- 2 cups buttery cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons butter divided (2 for skillet, the other 4 melted/divided)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350. Butter a 2-quart baking dish (I use a 9x9-inch square dish).
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter, then cook the onion 5 minutes. Add the squash and enough water to barely cover and bring to a boil. Turn down to a simmer and cook just until squash is tender and liquid has evaporated.
- Drain the squash and onion mixture in a colander and then gently mash in the colander (using a paper towel) so additional juice will drain out. Place squash and onion in a large mixing bowl. If you immediately see a lot of juice accumulate then put it back in the colander and drain again, then back in the bowl. I usually do this a couple of times.
- Once the squash is adequately drained, add 2 tablespoons melted butter, eggs, evaporated milk, pimentos, 3/4 cup of cracker crumbs, 1 cup grated cheese, and salt and pepper. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl or large zipper bag, mix the remaining cracker crumbs with the last 2 tablespoons melted butter.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of grated cheese over the squash and then the cracker crumbs over the cheese.
- Bake for about 45 minutes, until top is golden brown.
Notes
Freezer Option for Make Ahead Squash Casserole
- Make the recipe completely except for adding the topping and baking. Place in an airtight freezer container or just wrap your dish well with foil and freeze.
- When ready to use, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Then add the cracker topping and bake as directed.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 8 servingsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 323Saturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 107mgSodium: 397mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 2gSugar: 8gProtein: 12g
Update Notes: This Southern Squash Casserole recipe was originally published July 12, 2016, and on May 11, 2020, was updated with one or more of the following: step-by-step photos, video, updated recipe, new tips.
Looking for more Southern dishes you can take somewhere? Check out this list or Recipes for Potlucks from Deep South Dish.
I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.
Pete
Sunday 16th of August 2020
I made this for company last night & everyone loved it! I will make it again.
Lucy Brewer
Monday 17th of August 2020
I'm so glad you tried it and everyone loved it! One of our favorites for sure :)
Itsjustjamie
Thursday 29th of March 2018
Excellent recipe! Very similar to the one I grew up on in Vidalia, GA. Thank you, It's a keeper!
Lucy
Monday 2nd of April 2018
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!