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Irresistible Squash Casserole Recipe with Easy Buttery Cracker Topping

squash casserole recipe - featured image

A creamy and tender squash casserole topped with a golden, buttery cracker crust. This easy-to-make side dish is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups sliced yellow squash (fresh and tender)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (half a stick)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk (2% works fine)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups crushed buttery crackers (e.g., Ritz crackers)
  • 1 large egg, beaten

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Slice about 4 cups of yellow squash and finely chop one small onion.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté the onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add the sliced squash to the skillet with the onions and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender but not mushy, stirring occasionally.
  5. In a separate saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
  6. Slowly add 1 cup of milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and bubbles.
  7. Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 4 ounces of softened cream cheese until smooth.
  8. Add 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
  9. In a large bowl, mix the cooked squash and onions with the cheese sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Beat one large egg and stir it into the mixture to help everything bind together.
  11. Pour the squash mixture into a prepared 9×9 inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
  12. Crush about 1 1/2 cups of buttery crackers until fine but still crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
  13. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
  14. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If squash seems watery, drain excess liquid before mixing to avoid soggy casserole. Watch the topping near the end of baking and cover with foil if browning too fast. Use softened cream cheese for smooth blending. Do not pulverize crackers into powder; keep some chunkiness for crunch. The egg helps bind the casserole for easy serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: squash casserole, buttery cracker topping, easy side dish, holiday recipe, comfort food, creamy squash casserole