Squash casserole with ritz crackers is a dish that brings together all the comfort of home cooking. It’s creamy, cheesy, and topped with that buttery crunch we all love. This recipe is like a warm hug on a plate!
It solves bland flavors, long prep times, and costly weeknight meals by delivering a quick, kid friendly casserole with a crunchy Ritz topping.
I often find myself searching for recipes that are both tasty and friendly for my family’s dietary needs. My mom and siblings have gluten allergies, so I get a bit stressed trying to satisfy everyone. This casserole fits the bill, using fresh squash and gluten-free crackers!
This squash casserole is easy to make and won’t take all day. With about 45 minutes of prep and another 45 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a warm, cozy dish ready in just 1 hour and 30 minutes. And trust me, there’s nothing better than the smell of cheesy squash baking in the oven.
If you want to add a special touch to your meal, this dish pairs well with a Shrimp Tetrazzini, making your dinner even more delightful!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich, Creamy Texture The combination of evaporated milk and cheese results in a comforting creaminess that’s really satisfying, making every bite feel indulgent without being overly heavy.
- Savory and Slightly Sweet Flavor The blend of garden-fresh squash and buttery crackers creates a unique flavor that’s both savory and lightly sweet, appealing to a wide range of tastes.
- Convenient Storage You can prep the casserole ahead of time and freeze it without the cracker topping. Just thaw and bake when you’re ready to enjoy it.
- Classic Southern Comfort This dish brings together simple and classic Southern flavors, perfect for sharing with friends and family at any get-together.
Easy Squash Casserole with Ritz Crackers
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cool Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: casserole
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: vegetarian
- Diet: vegetarian
Description
A cozy and comforting squash casserole topped with buttery Ritz crackers.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped Vidalia onion
- 2–3 lbs. squash, sliced (about 4–5 cups sliced uncooked squash)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons diced pimentos
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 ½ cups grated Cheddar cheese
- 2 cups buttery cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons butter, divided (2 for skillet, 4 melted)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Mix Squash & Ingredients: Start by mixing the cooked squash with your chosen ingredients. You will notice the squash looks nice and fluffy as it blends with cheese and herbs. This step is crucial for flavor, so ensure everything is well-coated. Be careful not to over-mix or the squash might get mushy.
- Layer in Casserole Dish: Spread the squash mixture evenly into a greased casserole dish. You want to see a smooth top, which hints at a cozy, comforting bake. This helps everything cook evenly. Avoid pressing it down too hard, or you might lose that lovely texture.
- Top with Crackers: Generously sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers over the top. The golden, buttery smell will call for you! This adds a crispy finish that contrasts with the creamy squash. Do not skimp on the topping—too few crackers can result in a bland surface.
- Bake Until Golden Brown: Pop the casserole in the oven until the top turns golden and crispy. You will smell the comforting aroma wafting through the kitchen when it is ready. This cook time ensures the flavors meld together beautifully. Just keep an eye on it; you do not want the top to burn before it is cooked through.
- Let Cool & Serve: Give it some time to cool before serving. The casserole will firm up as it cools, making it easier to dish out. You will want to avoid the urge to dig in right away, or you might burn your mouth on the hot fillings. Enjoy with family or friends!
Notes
- Storage Tips: Mix the casserole completely but do not add the Ritz cracker topping before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding the topping and baking.
- Expert Tips: If the casserole turns out watery, make sure to drain the squash thoroughly before mixing in the other ingredients. When baking, covering the dish with foil for the first 20 minutes can help prevent the top from burning. For added flavor, consider mixing in herbs like thyme or rosemary, sparingly, to taste with your squash mixture. If using zucchini instead of yellow squash, check for tenderness about 5 minutes earlier than the recipe suggests. For a healthier option, using reduced-fat cheese could decrease the overall fat content while still providing great flavor.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve alongside fried chicken, pair with cornbread, or enjoy with a fresh garden salad.
- Recipe Variations: Add spices such as garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor. Mix in cooked ground beef or sausage for a heartier dish. Top with different types of cheese for varied flavor.
- Ingredient Notes: Select firm, fresh squash without blemishes for the best flavor. You can substitute zucchinis for yellow squash in this recipe if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 323
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 397mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 107mg
Find it online: https://bakeitwell.com/squash-casserole-with-ritz-crackers
Recipe Tips
- If the casserole turns out watery, make sure to drain the squash thoroughly before mixing in the other ingredients.
- When baking, covering the dish with foil for the first 20 minutes can help prevent the top from burning.
- For added flavor, consider mixing in herbs like thyme or rosemary, sparingly, to taste with your squash mixture.
- If using zucchini instead of yellow squash, check for tenderness about 5 minutes earlier than the recipe suggests.
- For a healthier option, using reduced-fat cheese could decrease the overall fat content while still providing great flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this squash casserole with fried chicken for a filling meal. It also pairs well with cornbread and a fresh garden salad.
This casserole works well as a side dish for summer potlucks and holiday meals. It complements family gatherings and other celebratory occasions.
Recipe variations
- You can use zucchini instead of squash for a lighter version of this casserole. It offers a similar texture and flavor profile.
- Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder or 1 teaspoon of paprika to the mix for an additional layer of flavor that truly elevates the dish.
- Either mix in cooked ground beef or sausage for extra protein, or top with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or Gouda.
- If making for a larger group, simply scale the ingredients by doubling them, use 4-6 lbs. of squash and 4 large eggs for perfect results.
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How to Store?
To keep your squash casserole with Ritz crackers fresh, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store the casserole in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This method is suitable for short-term use.
Refrigeration: Place the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. This maintains the flavor and texture.
Freezing: Mix the casserole without the topping and transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add topping before baking.
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