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
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.
Notes
Avoid Watery Casserole: Cook and lightly drain squash before combining with creamy ingredients.
Cheese Variations: Mix cheddar with Monterey Jack or Gruyère for extra flavor.
Crunchy Topping: Add chopped pecans or crispy fried onions for texture.
Make Ahead: Assemble a day before, refrigerate, and add 5 extra minutes to baking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern / American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: squash casserole, southern casserole, cheesy squash bake, comfort food, family dinner