Ultimate Cheesy Southern Yellow Squash Casserole Ritz: 5 Stars

Get ready for a dish that’s pure comfort in a casserole dish! This Ultimate Cheesy Southern Yellow Squash Casserole Ritz is a recipe close to my heart. It’s the kind of food that brings everyone to the table, with its creamy, savory goodness and that delightful, buttery crunch. I’ve been making variations of this cheesy squash bake for years, ever since I first learned the magic of simple, fresh ingredients from my own grandmother. It’s a true taste of home, perfect for any gathering, big or small. I just know you’ll love it as much as my family does.

This casserole is a winner for so many reasons:

• It’s incredibly easy to make.
• The flavor is rich and satisfying.
• You get a fantastic contrast of creamy squash and crunchy topping.
• It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for potlucks or family dinners.
• It’s a wonderful way to use up garden squash.

This Ultimate Cheesy Southern Yellow Squash Casserole Ritz wouldn’t be the same without a little nod to my Italian roots, surprisingly! My grandmother, while Italian, always appreciated a good, hearty, comforting dish, and she had a knack for transforming simple vegetables into something spectacular. She taught me the importance of layering flavors and textures. When I first moved to the US and discovered the Southern love for yellow squash casseroles, I knew I had to bring my own touch to it. This recipe is my way of blending those cherished memories of my grandmother’s kitchen with the warm, inviting spirit of Southern cooking. It truly feels like a hug in a bowl.

Let’s get cooking! To make this delightful Ultimate Cheesy Southern Yellow Squash Casserole Ritz, you’ll need a few simple things from your pantry and fridge. Gather these fresh ingredients:

• 2 pounds of yellow squash, sliced really thin.
• 1 cup of onion, chopped up fine.
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) of cream of mushroom soup.
• 1 cup of sour cream.
• 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese, shredded.
• 1/4 cup of milk.
• 2 large eggs, all beaten.
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
• 1 cup of crushed Ritz crackers.
• 1/4 cup of butter, melted.

Having everything ready makes the whole process so much smoother!

When making this Ultimate Cheesy Southern Yellow Squash Casserole Ritz, using full-fat sour cream and cheddar cheese really makes it extra creamy and rich. But don’t worry if you don’t have them! You can use light versions if you prefer, though the texture might be a little less decadent. For the cheese, a sharp cheddar gives a nice bite, but Monterey Jack or a Colby blend works beautifully too. If you’re out of cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery or chicken soup can also work in a pinch. For the Ritz crackers, any buttery cracker you have on hand will do the job for that lovely crunchy topping. Just crush them up well!

Now for the fun part – bringing all those wonderful ingredients together! Let’s make this Ultimate Cheesy Southern Yellow Squash Casserole Ritz. First things first, get your oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when your casserole is ready. Grab a big bowl. Toss in your thinly sliced yellow squash and the chopped onion. Give them a gentle stir, just to get them acquainted.

In a separate bowl, let’s mix up the creamy magic. Combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, and those beaten eggs. Don’t forget the salt and pepper for that essential flavor boost. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth and lovely. Pour this creamy mixture over your squash and onion. Stir everything gently. You want every piece of squash coated in that cheesy goodness.

Now, transfer this delicious blend into your greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. This is where our topping comes in next.

Before we pop it in the oven, let’s talk about that irresistible topping. In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly all over the top of the casserole. This is what gives it that golden, crunchy finish we all adore. Pop the dish into your preheated oven. Bake for about 30 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for the casserole to be bubbly around the edges and that cracker topping to be a beautiful golden brown. Once it’s out, let it rest for a few minutes. This helps it set up perfectly. Then, serve and enjoy!

That crispy Ritz cracker topping is truly the crowning glory of this Ultimate Cheesy Southern Yellow Squash Casserole Ritz. For the best crunch, make sure your crackers are crushed finely, but not into dust. Tossing them with melted butter coats every crumb, ensuring a lovely golden-brown hue and a satisfying crispness when baked. Don’t skimp on this step; it adds a wonderful texture!

To whip up this delightful Ultimate Cheesy Southern Yellow Squash Casserole Ritz, you won’t need anything too fancy. Just a few trusty kitchen staples will do the trick! You’ll need:

• A good-sized mixing bowl for the squash and sauce.
• A smaller bowl for the cracker topping.
• A baking dish, preferably a 9×13 inch size, that’s been greased.
• A whisk or fork for mixing the sauce.
• A measuring cup and spoons.
• A knife and cutting board for slicing the squash and chopping the onion.

With these on hand, you’re all set!

This Ultimate Cheesy Southern Yellow Squash Casserole Ritz is so versatile! It’s a perfect partner for barbecue chicken, roasted pork, or even a simple grilled steak. It also shines as part of a larger holiday spread.

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let the casserole cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply scoop out a portion and warm it gently in the microwave or a moderate oven until heated through. The topping might lose a tiny bit of its crispness, but the creamy, cheesy goodness remains!

Got questions about this Ultimate Cheesy Southern Yellow Squash Casserole Ritz? I’ve got answers!

Can I freeze this yellow squash casserole recipe?

While you can freeze it, the texture of the squash might change a bit upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh! If you do freeze it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat thoroughly. The topping might not be as crisp.

What if I don’t have yellow squash?

You can often substitute zucchini for yellow squash in this recipe. Just be aware that zucchini can release more water, so you might want to lightly salt and drain the sliced zucchini before mixing it into the casserole. For more information on using zucchini in recipes, check out this guide to cooking zucchini.

Is this a very spicy dish?

No, this easy southern side dish is mild and creamy. The salt and pepper are the main seasonings. If you like a little heat, you could add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup mixture or sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top before baking.

How do I make this creamy squash bake ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole (without the cracker topping) up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the cracker topping and bake as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to account for the cold ingredients.

Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional values for one serving of this Ultimate Cheesy Southern Yellow Squash Casserole Ritz. Please remember these numbers are approximate and can change based on the specific brands and types of ingredients you use. Enjoy this delicious dish!

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 25g
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 20g

Ultimate Cheesy Southern Yellow Squash Casserole Ritz: 5 Stars

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• Author: Lina Kohn
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Ultimate Cheesy Southern Yellow Squash Casserole with Ritz crackers is a comforting and delicious side dish perfect for any meal. It’s creamy, savory, and has a delightful crunchy topping.

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Ingredients

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• 2 pounds yellow squash, thinly sliced
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
• 1/4 cup melted butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced yellow squash and chopped onion.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, beaten eggs, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Pour the soup mixture over the squash and onion mixture. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the squash mixture.
7. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
8. Let it stand for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• You can add a pinch of garlic powder to the cracker topping for extra flavor.
• For a richer casserole, use full-fat sour cream and cheddar cheese.
• If you prefer a softer topping, you can melt the butter and toss it with the crackers before sprinkling.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 75mg