You know the kind of dish that shows up at every holiday table, potluck, or backyard dinner? The one that disappears before the ham is even sliced? That’s this squash casserole.
It’s warm, creamy, and tucked under a golden topping that brings just enough crunch. No frills—just soft yellow squash, onions, a rich binder, and a buttery cracker crust that holds it all together.
I first had it at a friend’s family gathering where it sat modestly in the corner, half gone before I got to it. After one bite, I knew why. It’s the kind of dish that feels like comfort, memory, and generosity baked into one.
Whether you’re feeding six or sixteen, this casserole fills the table with something that feels like home.
Why This Squash Casserole Belongs on the Table
It’s simple but hits all the right notes—soft texture, mild sweetness from the squash, and a buttery topping that makes every bite better.
- Great way to use up summer squash
- Budget-friendly and crowd-pleasing
- Easy to prep ahead and bake later
- Familiar flavors with a comforting finish
What You’ll Need for Old-School Flavor
You don’t need anything fancy. This recipe sticks to the basics—ingredients that show up in most pantries and fridges.
- Yellow Squash – Fresh, sliced thin, and cooked until soft
- Onion – Adds depth and balances the sweetness of the squash
- Eggs – Binds the casserole and gives it structure
- Sour Cream or Mayo – Adds creaminess and helps blend everything together
- Cheddar Cheese – Melts into the mix for richness
- Salt & Black Pepper – Just enough to wake it all up
- Crushed Crackers (Ritz-style) – Buttery and crisp topping that finishes the dish
- Butter – Melted and mixed into the topping for extra crunch
The texture comes from the combo of soft squash and that golden, buttery crust.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Squash Casserole
You’ll cook the squash and onion first to soften them up and get rid of excess moisture. Then it all bakes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Cook the Squash and Onion – Sauté sliced squash and chopped onion in a pan with a bit of butter or oil. Cook until soft and most of the water has cooked off.
- Mix the Filling – In a large bowl, combine the cooked squash mixture with eggs, sour cream, shredded cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until fully combined.
- Make the Cracker Topping – Crush the crackers in a bag or bowl and mix with melted butter.
- Assemble in a Casserole Dish – Pour the squash mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the surface.
- Bake Until Golden – Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
Let it cool slightly before serving. It sets up just enough to slice easily without falling apart.
Serving Ideas That Go With It
This casserole is made for the middle of the table. It holds up next to main dishes and adds a soft, comforting contrast to any plate.
| What to Serve It With | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Grilled or Roasted Chicken | Mild squash pairs well with seasoned meats |
| Baked Ham | Slight sweetness in the squash complements the saltiness |
| Fried Pork Chops | Crisp vs. creamy contrast |
| Black-Eyed Peas or Pinto Beans | Rounds out a Southern-style plate |
| Fresh Sliced Tomatoes | Adds acidity and keeps the plate bright |
You can serve it warm, room temp, or even cold—it’s flexible and always welcomed.
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How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
This keeps well and is easy to reheat without drying out.
Cool completely, then store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power for 1–2 minutes.
To keep the topping crisp, reheat in the oven instead of the microwave when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use zucchini instead of yellow squash?
Yes. Zucchini works the same way, just be sure to cook off the excess moisture.
2. Can I freeze squash casserole?
You can freeze it before baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual. The topping might lose some crispness.
3. Do I have to use Ritz crackers?
Nope. Any buttery cracker will work. Even crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs can stand in.
4. Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Assemble the filling and topping separately. Store both in the fridge and combine before baking.
5. What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can mix in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even Parmesan for variety.
Old-school squash casserole isn’t flashy—but it’s always the first thing to go. It tastes like comfort, keeps well, and brings people back for seconds.
Old-School Squash Casserole
Equipment
- Large skillet For sautéing squash and onions
- Large Mixing Bowl To combine the casserole filling
- 9×13 Baking Dish For baking the casserole
Ingredients
- 6 cups yellow squash sliced thin
- 1 yellow onion chopped
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 sleeve Ritz-style crackers crushed
- 3 tablespoons butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, sauté the squash and onion over medium heat until soft and most of the moisture is gone. Let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked squash mixture with eggs, sour cream, shredded cheese, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the top is golden and edges are bubbling. Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Drain excess moisture from squash to avoid a watery casserole.
- Add cayenne or paprika for extra flavor if desired.
- Substitute mayo for sour cream if needed.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!