I’m so excited to share my family’s favorite southern squash casserole recipe Cheddar Cracker Gold with you today! The moment it starts bubbling in the oven, that delightful aroma fills the kitchen, promising crispy edges and a creamy center. This easy dinner idea is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave a comforting, family-friendly meal, ensuring a happy table every time. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy garden-fresh squash.
Ingredients
Core ingredients for a classic southern squash casserole:
- Yellow Squash: 2 lbs (900g), thinly sliced, the star of our dish.
- Sweet Onion: 1 medium (about 150g), diced, for savory depth.
- Butter: 1/2 cup (113g/1 stick), for richness and sautéing.
- Milk: 1/2 cup (120ml) whole or 2%, to create a creamy base (or unsweetened almond milk for dairy-free).
- Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 (10.5 oz / 298g) can, for a shortcut to creaminess (or cream of mushroom soup if you prefer).
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups (226g), shredded, for gooey goodness.
- Cheddar Cracker Gold Topping: 1.5 sleeves (about 150g or 40 crackers) buttery crackers, crushed, for that irresistible crunch.
Optional add-ins & smart swaps for your southern squash casserole:
- Bell Pepper: 1/2 cup (75g), diced, for color and a hint of sweetness.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, for extra aromatic flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: 1 tbsp chopped parsley or thyme, for a fresh finish.
- Low-Sodium Cream of Mushroom Soup: A healthy swap for cream of chicken, or a homemade béchamel for a gourmet touch.
- Gluten-Free Crackers: For a gluten-friendly version of the Cheddar Cracker Gold topping.
- Almond Milk: A dairy-free alternative to cow’s milk for those with dietary needs.
Premium/healthy variations for a better-for-you squash casserole:
- Organic Yellow Squash and Onions: For peak freshness and flavor, supporting healthy eating choices.
- Grass-Fed Butter: Richer taste and nutritional benefits for a premium ingredient choice.
- Homemade Cream Soup: Control sodium and ingredients with a simple roux-based sauce for a healthier option.
Seasonal or freshness notes:
- Fresh summer squash is ideal for the best flavor.
- Look for firm, bright yellow squash without blemishes.
- Sweet Vidalia onions truly enhance the savory flavor.
- Garden-fresh bell peppers add vibrant color and freshness.
- Garnish with fresh chives or cherry tomatoes for a pretty plate.
- A pinch of nutmeg can elevate the flavor subtly.
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
Numbered cooking steps for your easy southern squash casserole:
- 1. Prep the Squash: Wash and thinly slice 2 lbs (900g) yellow squash. You want uniform slices for even cooking and consistent texture.
- 2. Cook the Squash: In a large pot, bring lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Add sliced squash and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain very well in a colander, pressing out all excess water; this is key to avoid a watery casserole, so I often press it with the back of a spoon for a full minute to ensure it’s dry!
- 3. Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add diced onion (and optional bell pepper/garlic) and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes, until translucent and fragrant.
- 4. Make the Creamy Base: In a large bowl, combine the cooked squash, sautéed onion mixture, remaining 6 tbsp melted butter, 1/2 cup milk, 1 can cream of chicken soup, and 1.5 cups shredded Cheddar cheese. Stir gently to combine the ingredients until fully incorporated. This creamy mixture is the heart of your southern squash casserole recipe, creating that beloved comfort food taste.
- 5. Prepare Topping: Crush 1.5 sleeves of buttery crackers finely to create the perfect Cheddar Cracker Gold topping. You want fine crumbs, not big pieces, for the best golden crust.
- 6. Assemble Casserole: Spoon the squash mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with the remaining 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, then top with the crushed Cheddar Cracker Gold. Ensure an even layer for consistent crispiness and perfect presentation.
- 7. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly around the edges and the cracker topping is golden brown and delightfully crispy.
- 8. Rest & Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly and makes for cleaner, more appealing scoops.
Inline options for special diets:
- Low-Carb: Substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade cheese sauce, omit cracker topping or use 1 cup crushed pork rinds for a crunchy, flavorful low-carb meal.
- Vegan: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, 2 cups vegan shredded cheese, and a plant-based cream soup alternative or a cashew cream for a delicious, family-friendly option that everyone can enjoy.
Brief troubleshooting tips:
- Watery Casserole: Ensure you press all excess liquid from the cooked squash. Squeeze it hard – every drop counts!
- Burnt Topping: If crackers brown too quickly, loosely tent the casserole with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking to prevent burning and ensure a perfectly golden top.
Best Times to Enjoy and Storage Tips
Situations for serving your southern squash casserole:
This comforting southern squash casserole recipe Cheddar Cracker Gold is incredibly versatile, fitting seamlessly into many meal occasions. It’s truly a dish for all seasons and gatherings.
- Family Dinners: A comforting and satisfying side dish, perfect for any night.
- Weeknight Meals: Easy to prepare ahead, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Holiday Potlucks: A crowd-pleasing dish that travels exceptionally well.
- Summer BBQs: Pairs perfectly with lighter grilled options.
Serving pairings to complement this delicious dish:
Elevate your meal by pairing this hearty casserole with complementary flavors and textures. It truly shines alongside simple, wholesome main courses.
- Main Course: Roasted chicken, grilled steak.
- Vegetable Sides: Green beans, corn on the cob, collard greens.
- Breads: Cornbread, biscuits, crusty dinner rolls.
- Beverages: Sweet tea, lemonade, light white wine.
Storage and reheating guidelines:
Proper storage ensures your southern squash casserole remains delicious for days, making it excellent for meal prep. My family loves having leftovers for quick lunches!
- Fridge: Store leftover southern squash casserole in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Cover and reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. Microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes. For a crispy topping, broil briefly until golden.
Health, Nutrition & Lifestyle Benefits of Southern Squash Casserole
Connect to diet and lifestyle needs:
Our southern squash casserole recipe offers more than just comfort; it’s a great way to incorporate vegetables into your diet. This dish supports easy healthy dinner ideas and can be adapted for various dietary needs.
- A hearty, satisfying side dish that adds essential vegetables to your meal.
- Can be adapted for lighter eating, fitting into easy healthy dinner ideas.
- An excellent option for quick meal prep recipes; assemble components ahead of time.
- Offers a good source of fiber from the squash and calcium from the cheese.
3-5 points on energy, balance, or nourishment:
This casserole provides a balanced mix of nutrients, offering sustained energy and supporting overall wellness. It’s a comforting choice that nourishes the body.
- Provides essential vitamins (A, C) and minerals from the yellow squash.
- Offers a comforting, balanced dish that can be part of a well-rounded, protein-rich meal.
- Satisfying and filling, helping to curb cravings for less healthy options.
- Naturally supports energy levels with its blend of carbs, fats, and vegetables.
How This Recipe Matches Everyday Goals
Link southern squash casserole to reader needs:
This southern squash casserole recipe Cheddar Cracker Gold is designed with real life in mind, offering solutions for common kitchen challenges. It’s a truly family-friendly recipe.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses common, affordable ingredients, making it an economical choice.
- Time-Saving: A simple process with minimal hands-on time, perfect for busy schedules.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by all ages, ensuring clean plates and happy families.
- Versatility: Easily adaptable to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
2-4 points on convenience, nutrition, or versatility:
From weeknight dinners to special occasions, this casserole delivers on convenience and wholesome goodness. It’s a smart choice for healthy eating.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Assemble the casserole a day in advance and bake when ready.
- Kid-Friendly: A delicious way to get vegetables into picky eaters.
- Nutritious Twist: A comforting dish that still delivers vitamins and minerals.
- Perfect for Potlucks: Easy to transport and serves a large group with ease.
Pro Tips and Adjustments with Southern Squash Casserole
Technique refinements for better flavor/texture:
Achieving the perfect southern squash casserole texture involves a few key steps. These small adjustments make a big difference in the final result.
- Drain Squash Thoroughly: This is the most important step for a creamy (not watery) southern squash casserole. Use a potato ricer or press through a colander to extract all excess liquid.
- Toast Crackers: For extra crunch and depth, lightly toast the crushed ‘Cheddar Cracker Gold’ in a dry skillet before sprinkling on top.
- Brown Butter: Brown your butter for a nutty, deeper flavor before adding it to the squash mixture.
Seasoning and spice adjustments for different palates:
Tailor your casserole’s flavor profile with these simple additions. Even a tiny pinch can transform the taste.
- A Pinch of Nutmeg: Elevates the classic flavor profile of the squash casserole, adding warmth.
- Dash of Hot Sauce: For a subtle kick, add a few drops to the squash mixture.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky depth to the topping or the casserole itself, complementing the cheese.
Allergy-friendly or kid-friendly modifications:
This recipe is easily adaptable to accommodate dietary needs or picky eaters. Everyone can enjoy a delicious version of this classic.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk, vegan cheese, and a dairy-free cream soup.
- Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free crackers for the ‘Cheddar Cracker Gold’ topping.
- Kid-Friendly: Use mild Cheddar cheese, reduce onion, and ensure crackers are finely crushed.
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked, shredded chicken for a complete meal.
FAQs
Is southern squash casserole good for weight loss?
While a traditional southern squash casserole is comforting, you can make lighter versions by reducing butter, using low-fat milk, and skipping the cracker topping for a lower-calorie, lower-fat option. Focus on increasing the squash and reducing high-calorie additions for a more diet-friendly approach.
Where to buy quality southern squash casserole ingredients?
Look for fresh, firm yellow squash at your local farmers market or grocery store produce section. Quality Cheddar cheese and buttery crackers are widely available in any supermarket. Opt for organic ingredients if you prefer.
Can I use southern squash casserole in meal prep plans?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole components ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. It also freezes well for up to 3 months, making it perfect for future easy family dinners. I always portion out leftovers into individual containers for quick weekday lunches.
What kind of crackers are best for the Cheddar Cracker Gold topping?
Buttery, flaky crackers like Ritz or Club crackers work perfectly to create the signature crispy, golden topping for your southern squash casserole recipe. Their rich flavor complements the creamy squash beautifully and they crush easily for even coverage.
Can I make this southern squash casserole dairy-free?
Yes, you can. Use a plant-based milk like almond milk, a dairy-free cream soup substitute, vegan shredded cheese, and ensure your crackers are dairy-free for a delicious dairy-free version of this dish.
How do I prevent this casserole from being watery?
The key is to thoroughly drain and press out as much excess liquid as possible from the cooked squash before mixing it into the casserole. This step, which I often do with a clean kitchen towel, prevents a soggy end result and ensures a perfectly creamy casserole every time.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, feel free to add diced zucchini, bell peppers, or even corn to the mixture for extra flavor and nutrients. Just be sure to cook them slightly first and drain any excess moisture before incorporating them, to maintain the casserole’s consistency.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can make a simple white sauce (béchamel) with butter, flour, and milk as a substitute. Alternatively, cream of mushroom soup can be used in place of the cream of chicken soup in this casserole, offering a slightly different but still delicious flavor profile.
Conclusion
This easy southern squash casserole recipe Cheddar Cracker Gold offers pure comfort, simple preparation, and a taste of Southern hospitality that will quickly become a family favorite. I hope you’ll enjoy this hearty dish as much as we do! Save it to your Pinterest board for your next potluck or family dinner and make healthy eating delicious!
southern squash casserole recipe Cheddar Cracker Gold
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
This southern squash casserole recipe features thinly sliced yellow squash and diced onion in a creamy base of milk, cream of chicken soup, and cheddar cheese, topped with a crunchy cheddar cracker crust. It’s a comforting and easy family-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs yellow squash, thinly sliced
- 1 medium (about 150g) sweet onion, diced
- 0.5 cup (113g) butter, melted
- 0.5 cup (120ml) whole or 2% milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
- 1 (10.5 oz / 298g) can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom soup)
- 2 cups (226g) cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1.5 sleeves (about 150g or 40 crackers) buttery crackers, crushed
- 0.5 cup (75g) bell pepper, diced, optional
- 2 cloves garlic, minced, optional
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley or thyme, fresh, optional
Instructions
- Prep the Squash: Wash and thinly slice 2 lbs (900g) yellow squash, ensuring uniform slices for even cooking and consistent texture.
- Cook the Squash: In a large pot, bring lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Add sliced squash and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain very well in a colander, pressing out all excess water.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add diced onion (and optional bell pepper/garlic) and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes, until translucent and fragrant.
- Make the Creamy Base: In a large bowl, combine the cooked squash, sautéed onion mixture, remaining 6 tbsp melted butter, 0.5 cup milk, 1 can cream of chicken soup, and 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently until fully incorporated.
- Prepare Topping: Crush 1.5 sleeves of buttery crackers finely to create the perfect topping.
- Assemble Casserole: Spoon the squash mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with the remaining 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese, then top with the crushed crackers.
- Bake Casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly around the edges and the cracker topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly and makes for cleaner, more appealing scoops.
Notes
Ensure all excess liquid is pressed from the cooked squash to prevent a watery casserole. If cracker topping browns too quickly, loosely tent with aluminum foil during baking. For low-carb options, use a homemade cheese sauce and crushed pork rinds instead of crackers. For vegan alternatives, substitute plant-based milk, vegan butter, vegan cheese, and a plant-based cream soup. Fresh summer squash, Vidalia onions, and a pinch of nutmeg enhance flavor. Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 400 calories
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: southern, squash, casserole, cheddar, cracker, easy dinner, family-friendly, comfort food, baking