Squash Casserole Recipe with Cheesy Goodness and a Savory Steak and Shrimp Twist

Why You’ll Love This squash casserole recipe

• Ease of preparation: This squash casserole recipe is delightfully simple, requiring minimal ingredients and straightforward steps. It cooks quickly, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to prepare this creamy, comforting dish.
• Health benefits: Featuring nutrient-rich yellow squash packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, this recipe supports a balanced, wholesome diet. The combination of squash and onions contributes to overall wellness while the moderate use of cheese and eggs adds protein without excessive fat intake.
• Versatility: The squash casserole adapts well to a variety of dietary preferences. You can easily customize it with vegan cheese and egg substitutes, gluten-free cracker toppings, or lighter mayonnaise and Greek yogurt alternatives for low-calorie versions all without sacrificing the delicious flavor and texture.
• Distinctive flavor: The recipe balances the natural sweetness of fresh yellow squash with savory cheeses, buttery cracker crusts, and warming spices like cayenne pepper. This combination creates a rich, satisfying dish that stands out from traditional casseroles, making it a true crowd-pleaser.

Essential Ingredients for squash casserole recipe

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups sliced yellow squash (about 2 pounds) – forms the tender, creamy vegetable base with natural sweetness
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – provides richness and depth of flavor
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise – adds moisture and creamy texture
• 1/2 cup chopped onions – enhances aroma and savory depth
• 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (about one sleeve) – creates a crunchy, buttery topping
• 2 large eggs (optional) – bind the casserole for structure and stability
• 2 tablespoons butter – for sautéing and richness
• 1 cup milk – moistens the mixture
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) – provides mild heat
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – balances flavors
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper – adds warmth and subtle spice

Special Dietary Options:

• Vegan: Use plant-based cheese and mayonnaise along with flax eggs as egg substitutes.
• Gluten-free: Substitute crackers with gluten-free breadcrumb alternatives or crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Low-calorie: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or light alternatives and choose reduced-fat cheese to lighten the dish.

How to Prepare the Perfect squash casserole recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

First Step: Prepare and preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.

Second Step: Cook squash and onions

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter (or bacon grease for extra flavor) in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced yellow squash and chopped onions. Cook until tender but not mushy, about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess liquid thoroughly to avoid a watery casserole.

Third Step: Combine ingredients

In a large bowl, lightly whisk 2 eggs if using. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, milk, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine. Alternatively, for a creamier variation, fold in a can of cream of chicken and mushroom soup along with sour cream.

Fourth Step: Mix squash with the cheese mixture

Fold the cooked squash and onions into the cheese mixture thoroughly. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter and mix to incorporate flavor and richness evenly.

Fifth Step: Assemble with topping

Pour the squash mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Toss crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top, creating a crispy, golden crust once baked.

Sixth Step: Bake the casserole

Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-45 minutes, depending on the recipe version and your oven’s characteristics, until the top is lightly browned and the casserole is set (no longer jiggly).

Final Step: Rest and serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 3 to 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to firm up, making it easier to serve. Enjoy warm as a comforting side dish or a satisfying main for family meals.

Tip: Thoroughly draining cooked squash and onions is essential to prevent soggy casserole and maintain the ideal creamy yet firm texture.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your squash casserole recipe

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

• Replace traditional eggs with flaxseed eggs or chia seed eggs for vegan-friendly binding options.
• Use vegan cheese instead of cheddar for a dairy-free alternative without losing creamy texture.
• Incorporate cooked quinoa or lentils within the stuffing to boost plant-based protein content and nutrition.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

• Swap yellow squash with zucchini or summer squash for a subtle flavor change but similar moisture content.
• Replace mayonnaise with plant-based yogurt or cashew cream for a lighter, vegan-friendly sauce layer.
• Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, or fresh herbs like basil and thyme to enhance and diversify flavors.
• Consider substituting crushed crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or alternatives to accommodate gluten sensitivities.

Mastering squash casserole recipe: Advanced Tips and Variations

• Pro cooking techniques: Sautéing squash and onions before mixing intensifies flavor and reduces excess moisture for a creamier casserole. Grate part of the cheese finely to integrate more smoothly into the mixture.
• Flavor variations: Try fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, or stir in cooked bacon or caramelized onions for an added savory depth. For a spicy kick, add a touch of cayenne or hot sauce.
• Presentation tips: Garnish with chopped parsley or chives to add fresh color and aroma. Serving the casserole in individual ramekins can make for elegant plating for special occasions.
• Make-ahead options: Prepare the casserole fully up to the baking step and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the cracker topping just before baking for a fresh, crunchy finish, saving time on busy cooking days.

How to Store squash casserole recipe: Best Practices

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About squash casserole recipe

squash casserole recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

• Author: Isabella Hayes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

🎃 Enjoy a comforting squash casserole that blends creamy squash with a crunchy, buttery cracker crust.
🧀 This recipe is perfect for family meals and special occasions, offering cheesy goodness and versatile flavor options.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

4 cups sliced yellow squash

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup chopped onions

1 cup crushed buttery crackers

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons butter

1 cup milk

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

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Instructions

1-First Step: Prepare and preheat Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.

2-Second Step: Cook squash and onions Melt 2 tablespoons of butter (or bacon grease for extra flavor) in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced yellow squash and chopped onions. Cook until tender but not mushy, about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess liquid thoroughly to avoid a watery casserole.

3-Third Step: Combine ingredients In a large bowl, lightly whisk 2 eggs if using. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, milk, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine. Alternatively, for a creamier variation, fold in a can of cream of chicken and mushroom soup along with sour cream.

4-Fourth Step: Mix squash with the cheese mixture Fold the cooked squash and onions into the cheese mixture thoroughly. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter and mix to incorporate flavor and richness evenly.

5-Fifth Step: Assemble with topping Pour the squash mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Toss crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top, creating a crispy, golden crust once baked.

6-Sixth Step: Bake the casserole Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-45 minutes, depending on the recipe version and your oven’s characteristics, until the top is lightly browned and the casserole is set (no longer jiggly).

7-Final Step: Rest and serve Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 3 to 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to firm up, making it easier to serve. Enjoy warm as a comforting side dish or a satisfying main for family meals.

Notes

🍳 Sauté squash and onions in bacon grease for a smoky depth or use butter for a classic taste.
💧 Drain cooked squash thoroughly to avoid a watery casserole.
🥚 Eggs help bind the casserole but can be left out for a creamier texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Resting time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 240 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg

Keywords: squash casserole, cheesy casserole, southern side dish, baked squash