Name: Mama’s Squash Casserole — A Comforting Southern Classic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Southern / American
Ingredients: Squash Mixture:; 4 cups fresh yellow squash, thinly sliced (about 3–4 medium squash); 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup sour cream; ½ cup mayonnaise; 2 large eggs, lightly beaten; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; Topping:; 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz) or breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

Few dishes evoke the warmth and nostalgia of home quite like Mama’s Squash Casserole. This classic Southern recipe transforms humble yellow squash into a creamy, cheesy delight topped with a golden, buttery crust. Its appeal lies not just in the flavors, but in the memories it carries—Sunday dinners, family gatherings, and the joy of sharing a hearty meal.

Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or simply as a side for a cozy weeknight dinner, this casserole balances tender squash with creamy sauce, onions, and a crunchy topping. With every bite, you get a satisfying mix of textures and flavors that feel like home. Today, we’ll dive into a step-by-step guide on how to make Mama’s Squash Casserole from scratch, tips to perfect it, and ways to put your own twist on this Southern favorite.

Ingredients

This recipe serves 6–8 people and requires the following ingredients:

For the Squash Mixture:

4 cups fresh yellow squash, thinly sliced (about 3–4 medium squash)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Topping:

1 cup crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz) or breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or nonstick spray. This ensures the casserole doesn’t stick and allows the topping to crisp beautifully.

Step 2: Cook the Squash and Onion

Place the sliced squash and chopped onion in a large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash becomes slightly tender but not mushy. Remove from heat and drain excess liquid if needed. This step prevents the casserole from becoming watery.

Step 3: Combine the Creamy Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked squash and onion with cheddar cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and beaten eggs. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, creating a creamy, flavorful base.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the squash mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 5: Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, combine crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole, creating a crunchy, golden layer that contrasts beautifully with the creamy squash beneath.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly around the edges. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make slicing easier.

Tips for Perfecting Mama’s Squash Casserole

Avoid Watery Squash: Cooking and lightly draining the squash before combining it with the creamy ingredients prevents a soggy casserole.
Cheese Variations: For a richer flavor, mix cheddar with Monterey Jack or Gruyère.
Season Thoughtfully: Taste the filling before baking to adjust salt and pepper; the topping adds some saltiness as well.
Crunchy Topping: For extra texture, sprinkle some chopped pecans or crispy fried onions over the top before baking.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole the day before, cover it, and refrigerate until baking. Add 5 extra minutes to the baking time if cold from the fridge.

Variations

Mama’s Squash Casserole is versatile, and you can adapt it to suit different tastes:

Gluten-Free Version: Substitute crushed gluten-free crackers or panko for the topping.
Low-Fat Option: Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream and reduce the cheese slightly.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the filling for a mild heat.
Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or chives to elevate the flavor profile.
Added Vegetables: Stir in cooked corn, bell peppers, or zucchini for a more colorful and nutrient-packed casserole.

Conservation and Storage

This casserole keeps well, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through.
Freezer: Assemble the casserole but do not bake. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding 10–15 extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating: Avoid microwaving large portions, as it may make the topping soggy. Oven reheating preserves texture best.

Serving Suggestions

Mama’s Squash Casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains and sides:

Meat Pairings: Roast chicken, baked ham, fried catfish, or grilled pork chops.
Additional Sides: Garlic mashed potatoes, green beans almondine, or cornbread.
Salads: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
Comfort Combo: Serve alongside a creamy macaroni and cheese for a Southern-style feast.

Conclusion

Mama’s Squash Casserole is a timeless Southern dish that brings comfort, flavor, and a touch of nostalgia to any table. Its creamy filling, cheesy goodness, and crunchy topping make it a hit for family dinners, holidays, or potlucks.

Versatile and easy to customize, this casserole allows you to incorporate different cheeses, vegetables, or seasonings to suit your taste. With proper preparation and these tips, you can ensure a perfectly balanced, flavorful dish every time.

Whether served as a side for roast meats or as a stand-alone vegetarian option, Mama’s Squash Casserole captures the essence of home-cooked goodness, making every bite a warm reminder of the heart of Southern cooking.

Save

Mama’s Squash Casserole — A Comforting Southern Classic

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: Serves 6–8 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Few dishes evoke the warmth and nostalgia of home quite like Mama’s Squash Casserole. This Southern favorite combines tender yellow squash with a creamy, cheesy base, topped with a golden, buttery crust. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or potlucks, it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish that captures the essence of home cooking.

Ingredients

Scale

Squash Mixture:

4 cups fresh yellow squash, thinly sliced (about 3–4 medium squash)

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

½ cup sour cream

½ cup mayonnaise

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Topping:

1 cup crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz) or breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Cook Squash & Onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook sliced squash and chopped onion with a splash of water for 5–7 minutes until slightly tender. Drain excess liquid.

Step 3: Mix Creamy Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine cooked squash and onion with cheddar cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and beaten eggs. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir gently until combined.

Step 4: Assemble Casserole
Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Step 5: Prepare Topping
Combine crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over casserole.

Step 6: Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the filling bubbles slightly. Cool 5 minutes before serving.