Cheesy Baked Squash Casserole Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish that’s packed with cheesy goodness and a little bit of crunch, then you’re seriously going to love this Cheesy Baked Squash Casserole Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out — it’s buttery, cheesy, and that crunchy Ritz cracker topping? That’s what makes my family go crazy every single time. Whether it’s for holiday dinners, weeknight meals, or potlucks, this casserole fits right in. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through exactly how to make it just right.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cheesy Baked Squash Casserole Recipe lies in a few simple ingredients working beautifully together. Fresh yellow squash gives it a tender base, while cheddar cheese adds richness. I always recommend using freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melt and flavor!

• Butter: Adds that essential buttery richness and helps soften the veggies during cooking.
• Yellow Squash: Choose fresh and firm squash for the best texture and flavor.
• Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness that complements the squash perfectly.
• Eggs: These bind everything together and give the casserole its creamy structure.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar works best to give the casserole a bold, cheesy punch.
• Milk: Adds a little moisture and helps make the casserole luscious and creamy.
• Cayenne Pepper (optional): Just a pinch adds a lovely gentle kick — but you can skip it if you prefer mild flavors.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to pull all the flavors together.
• Ritz Crackers: The secret to that irresistible buttery, crispy topping. Crushing them fresh just before baking makes a difference.

Variations

What I really love about this Cheesy Baked Squash Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I’ve played around a lot with adding new twists, and you should totally feel free to customize it to what you like or what you have on hand.

• Adding Bacon: Crispy bacon bits stirred in before baking crank up the flavor and make this even more indulgent — my go-to for weekend dinners.
• Using Different Cheeses: Sometimes I blend in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a milder, gooey texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the Ritz crackers for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers, so everyone can enjoy it.
• Spicy Kick: Feel free to add a dash more cayenne or even a pinch of smoked paprika if you want a smoky heat.
• Veggie Boost: Mix in finely chopped bell peppers or zucchini if you want extra color and nutrients.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Squash Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Squash and Onions Until Tender

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. While that’s warming up, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Then toss in your sliced yellow squash and chopped onion. The goal here is to cook them gently until they’re tender but not mushy — typically about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep them from browning too fast. This step softens the veggies and draws out their natural sweetness, which really sets the stage for the casserole’s flavor.

Step 2: Mix the Eggs, Cheese, Milk, and Cooked Veggies

In a large bowl, lightly whisk your two eggs. Add the grated cheddar cheese and milk, then whisk again until everything is well combined. Now fold in the cooked squash and onions. This mixture is where the casserole gets that creamy texture and cheesy taste you’ll adore.

Step 3: Add Melted Butter and Seasonings

Go back to your skillet and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter — use the same pan to capture any leftover flavor from the veggies. Pour that melted butter into your bowl with the squash mixture. If you’re using cayenne pepper, add it now along with salt and black pepper. I like to taste the mixture to make sure the seasoning is just right — not too salty, perfectly balanced.

Step 4: Assemble and Top with Crushed Crackers

Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray so nothing sticks. Pour the entire squash mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Crush up a sleeve of Ritz crackers right before topping the casserole — this keeps the topping fresh and crispy after baking. Sprinkle the crumbs evenly over the top; they’ll bake up buttery and golden brown.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set

Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for 45 minutes. You’re looking for that bubbly, golden, crunchy top and a casserole that doesn’t jiggle when you gently shake the dish. That’s the sign the eggs have set and everything is cooked through. I always let it rest for about 3 minutes before serving; this helps it firm up just enough and cools slightly for easier serving.

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Squash Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Whenever I serve this casserole, I love to add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of green and freshness. It brightens up the rich, cheesy flavors beautifully. Sometimes, a light dusting of smoked paprika on the cracker topping adds a subtle smoky note that pairs perfectly too.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with dishes like roast chicken, baked ham, or grilled pork chops — comfort food that everyone loves. For a lighter meal, I sometimes offer it alongside a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to contrast all the creamy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or special occasions, I like to bake this casserole in individual ramekins for each guest — it makes the presentation feel a little fancier and super cozy. Another fun idea is layering the casserole in a clear glass baking dish to show off the golden layers of squash and cheese beneath the crispy topping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this cheesy baked squash casserole keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually cover it tightly and place it on the middle shelf where the temperature is most consistent. The casserole tends to firm up a bit in the fridge, which actually makes reheating easier.

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, I recommend baking the casserole fully first, then cooling completely before wrapping it tightly in foil and plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn. In my experience, it freezes well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350ºF oven uncovered for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cracker topping feels crispy again. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, but you might lose some of the crunch — to fix that, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two afterward.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Baked Squash Casserole Recipe has become one of those dishes I always fall back on when I want to wow guests or just enjoy some good old-fashioned comfort food. It’s simple, approachable, and so adaptable — you can tweak it to fit your family’s tastes or occasion. I really hope you give it a try because once you experience that indulgently creamy, cheesy, and buttery combination topped with crispy crackers, you’ll see why it’s a timeless favorite in my kitchen. Happy cooking, friend!

Print