This creamy yellow squash casserole is a warm and comforting dish, filled with soft squash, a cheesy blend, and crunchy topping. It’s perfect as a side for any meal!
I love how easy it is to whip this up. Just mix, bake, and enjoy! Don’t be surprised if it disappears at dinner—everyone wants a second helping! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: Fresh yellow squash brings a vibrant color and a sweet flavor. If you can’t find yellow squash, zucchini can be a great substitute. Just make sure to slice them thinly too!
Onion: Diced onions add delicious flavor. Yellow onions are ideal, but you can also use white or even green onions for a milder taste. If onions aren’t your thing, feel free to leave them out!
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar gives a rich, creamy flavor. Cheese alternatives like Monterey Jack or Colby could work if you’re looking for something milder. Vegan cheese can be used for a dairy-free version.
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: These add creaminess. Greek yogurt is a great substitute for both, giving a healthy twist while keeping the creaminess. Plain yogurt would work too.
Crumble Topping: Crushed buttery crackers are traditional, but panko breadcrumbs can add a nice crunch. Mix in some parmesan cheese for extra flavor! For gluten-free, use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs.
How Do I Cook and Combine the Ingredients for Best Flavor?
Cooking the squash and onions before mixing them is crucial. This step not only softens the vegetables but also helps reduce excess moisture, preventing the casserole from being watery.
- Boil the sliced squash and onion in salted water for about 5 minutes.
- Drain them well to remove excess water. A good tip is to let them cool a bit before combining them with the other ingredients.
- Mix everything together gently to keep chunks of squash intact, ensuring a delightful texture in each bite.
Remember to spread the mixture evenly in the casserole dish for even cooking. Enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness!
How to Make Creamy Yellow Squash Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups sliced yellow squash (about 4 medium squash)
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy yellow squash casserole will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake. An hour is all you need for a delicious and comforting side dish that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready for your casserole!
2. Prepare the Squash:
Wash the yellow squash and slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds. This ensures that they cook evenly and blend well with the other ingredients.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the sliced squash and diced onions. Cook for about 5 minutes until the squash is just tender but still has a bit of crunch. After cooking, drain the veggies well and let them cool a little.
4. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked squash and onions, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, beaten eggs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if you’re using it). Stir everything together until it’s well mixed—you want all those flavors to come together!
5. Prepare the Casserole Dish:
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly, so it cooks nicely.
6. Make the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter. This will make a tasty, crunchy topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of your casserole.
7. Bake:
Pop your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. It’s done when it’s bubbly and the topping is golden brown—just the way you want it!
8. Serve:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help it set a little more and make it easier to scoop out.
Enjoy your creamy yellow squash casserole as a delicious side dish that adds flavor and comfort to any meal!
FAQ for Creamy Yellow Squash Casserole
Can I Use Frozen Yellow Squash?
Yes, you can use frozen yellow squash, but make sure to thaw it first! Drain any excess moisture before mixing it with the other ingredients, as frozen squash can hold a lot of water which may make the casserole soggy.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, you can substitute the cheddar cheese with dairy-free cheese options, use vegan mayonnaise and swap the sour cream for a dairy-free yogurt. These changes will still keep the casserole creamy and delicious!
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you’d like to replace mayonnaise, you can use Greek yogurt or a combination of equal parts Greek yogurt and sour cream. This will maintain the creaminess while adding a tangy flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through or microwave for a few minutes until hot.
