Description
This classic Squash Casserole recipe is a comforting and flavorful side dish perfect for holidays and special occasions. Tender yellow squash and onions are combined with a cheesy custard base, topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust, and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cups sliced yellow squash
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350º F (175º C) to ensure it’s ready to bake the casserole evenly.
- Cook Vegetables: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced yellow squash and chopped onions, cooking them until they are tender and lightly softened.
- Mix Custard: In a large bowl, lightly whisk 2 large eggs. Add the grated cheddar cheese and milk, whisking thoroughly to combine into a smooth mixture.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked squash and onions into the egg mixture and stir until well combined. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet used for the vegetables and add it to the squash mixture. Season with cayenne pepper (if using), kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Stir well to incorporate all flavors.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the squash mixture evenly into the dish.
- Add Topping: Crush the sleeve of Ritz crackers finely and sprinkle them evenly over the top of the casserole to create a crunchy, buttery topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the cracker topping is lightly browned and the casserole is set, meaning it won’t jiggle when the dish is moved.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 3 minutes before serving to allow it to set further and cool slightly for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Squash Casserole is a traditional favorite for holiday dinners such as Thanksgiving or Christmas.
- The buttery Ritz cracker topping adds a delicious crunchy texture that complements the creamy squash filling.
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper amount or omit it entirely based on your preference for spice.
- For a gluten-free variation, substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 106 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
