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Crispy Cheesy Southern Squash Casserole with Ritz Cracker Topping

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This classic Southern squash casserole features tender yellow squash, creamy cheese, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping for irresistible comfort food. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups yellow squash, sliced (about 900g)
  • 1 cup Vidalia onion, finely chopped (110g)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 garlic clove, minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers, crushed)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Dash of hot sauce or cayenne (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Wash and slice yellow squash into 1/4-inch rounds.
  2. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add squash and onion; sauté for 10-12 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain excess liquid.
  3. Remove from heat and gently mash squash mixture with a potato masher or fork, leaving some chunks. Let cool for 5-10 minutes.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs, sour cream, cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in optional bell pepper or paprika if desired.
  5. Fold cooled squash mixture into the cheese mixture until just combined.
  6. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Pour in squash mixture and smooth the top. If watery, sprinkle 1 tablespoon flour or cornstarch and gently stir.
  7. Crush Ritz crackers and combine with melted butter and parsley in a small bowl. Toss until coated.
  8. Sprinkle Ritz mixture evenly over casserole.
  9. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, until bubbling and topping is golden brown. Tent with foil if topping browns too quickly.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest 5-10 minutes before serving. For extra crispiness, broil for 2 minutes at the end.

Notes

Drain squash well after sautéing to avoid a soggy casserole. Let squash mixture cool before adding eggs to prevent scrambling. For gluten-free, use GF buttery crackers. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese and sour cream. Broil topping for extra crunch. Casserole can be assembled ahead and baked later.

Nutrition

Keywords: squash casserole, Southern recipe, Ritz cracker topping, cheesy casserole, comfort food, potluck, vegetarian, easy casserole, summer squash, Vidalia onion

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/crispy-cheesy-southern-squash-casserole-recipe-easy-ritz-cracker-topping/