Classic Southern Squash and Cheese Casserole
Indulge in the rich flavors of the South with this Classic Southern Squash and Cheese Casserole, a beloved dish cherished by families for generations. Packed with fresh, tender yellow squash and savory onions, this comforting casserole features a creamy blend of sour cream and cheddar cheese, perfectly complemented by a crunchy topping of crushed saltine or Ritz crackers. This dish not only makes a delightful side for summer vegetable feasts but also shines at potluck dinners, family reunions, and gatherings with friends. Don’t forget to add a sprinkle of vibrant paprika on top for that classic Southern touch. Prepare to savor the taste of tradition, one bite at a time!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
yellow squash
7 (large, diced (about 8 cups))
white onion
1 (large, chopped)
butter
2 (tablespoons)
sour cream
1 1/4 (cups)
garlic salt
1 (teaspoon)
black pepper
1/2 (teaspoon)
cheddar cheese
3/4 (cup, shredded (reserve 1/4 cup for mixing and 1/2 cup for topping))
saltine crackers
3/4 (cup, crushed (or Ritz crackers))
paprika
1 (dash)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a small square casserole dish.
2
In a large pot, boil the diced yellow squash and chopped white onion together for 15 to 20 minutes or until they are tender.
3
Once cooked, pour the squash and onion mixture into a colander to drain. Press down firmly with a spatula or spoon to remove any excess moisture, ensuring the casserole won't be watery.
4
In a medium mixing bowl, add the drained squash and onion mixture. While it’s still warm, stir in the butter to allow it to melt smoothly.
5
Gently fold in the sour cream, garlic salt, black pepper, and 1/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
6
Transfer the combined mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
7
Top the casserole with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, followed by the crushed saltines or Ritz crackers for a crunchy finish.
8
Finally, sprinkle a dash of paprika over the top for color and flavor.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the topping is lightly golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
30g
Carbs
6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Southern Squash and Cheese Casserole?
It is a traditional Southern side dish made with tender yellow squash, onions, and a creamy cheese sauce, finished with a crunchy cracker topping.
What type of squash should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 7 large yellow squash, diced into pieces, totaling about 8 cups.
How do I prepare the squash and onions?
You should boil the diced yellow squash and chopped white onion together in a large pot for 15 to 20 minutes until tender.
How do I prevent the casserole from being too watery?
After boiling the vegetables, drain them in a colander and press down firmly with a spatula or spoon to remove all excess moisture.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What makes the casserole filling creamy?
The creaminess comes from a combination of 1 and 1/4 cups of sour cream and melted butter.
What kind of cheese is best for this squash casserole?
Shredded cheddar cheese is the recommended choice for both the filling and the topping.
How much cheese do I need in total?
You will need 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, divided between the mixture and the topping.
How much cheese goes into the actual squash mixture?
Reserve 1/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese to fold into the squash and sour cream mixture.
How much cheese is used for the topping?
Use 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to sprinkle over the top of the casserole before baking.
What provides the crunchy texture on top?
The crunch comes from 3/4 cup of crushed saltine crackers or Ritz crackers.
Can I substitute the saltine crackers?
Yes, Ritz crackers are a great alternative for the crushed topping if you prefer a more buttery flavor.
What seasonings are used in this recipe?
The dish is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of garlic salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and a dash of paprika.
Why is paprika added to the dish?
Paprika is sprinkled on top to provide a vibrant color and a classic Southern touch of flavor.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes.
How do I know when the casserole is finished cooking?
It is done when the cracker topping is lightly golden brown and the cheese has become bubbly.
What size baking dish should I use?
A small square casserole dish that has been lightly greased is ideal for this recipe.
How many calories are in a serving of this casserole?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 18 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this casserole provide?
This dish provides 6 grams of protein per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a great dish for potlucks, family reunions, and gatherings with friends.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe specifies using one large white onion, chopped.
Do I need to grease the casserole dish?
Yes, you should lightly grease the dish to prevent the squash and cheese from sticking.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
The instructions recommend tasting the mixture before transferring it to the baking dish and adjusting the seasoning if necessary.
When should I add the butter to the squash?
Stir in the butter while the drained squash and onion mixture is still warm so it melts smoothly.
Is this a summer recipe?
Yes, it is described as a delightful side for summer vegetable feasts when squash is in season.
Is there any fiber or sugar information available?
The provided nutritional data does not specify the fiber or sugar content for this recipe.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe requires 9 main ingredients.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease your casserole dish.