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Crispy Southern Squash Casserole with Ritz Topping

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A comforting Southern-style squash casserole featuring tender yellow squash and a buttery, crispy Ritz cracker topping. Perfect for potlucks and family dinners, this easy recipe comes together quickly and delivers a deliciously creamy and crunchy side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups yellow squash, sliced (about 4 medium squash)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole or 2% milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups Ritz crackers, crushed
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 large egg, beaten

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Slice about 4 cups of yellow squash into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Do not peel.
  3. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
  4. Add the sliced squash to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender but not mushy, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess moisture.
  5. In a medium saucepan, melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.
  6. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of milk and continue stirring until the mixture thickens and bubbles gently, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  7. In a large bowl, combine the cooked squash and onion with the thickened milk mixture. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  8. Pour the filling into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  9. Crush about 2 cups of Ritz crackers into small chunks (not powder) using a fork or rolling pin. Toss the crushed crackers with 2 tablespoons melted butter.
  10. Evenly sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs over the casserole.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and crisp and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
  12. Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving to set the texture.

Notes

Do not overcook the squash during sautéing to avoid a mushy casserole. Crush Ritz crackers to pea-sized crumbs for the best crispy topping. Use room temperature butter and eggs for a smooth, creamy filling. If topping browns too quickly, tent with foil during baking. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and crackers. For dairy-free, substitute vegan butter, plant-based milk, and vegan cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: squash casserole, southern squash casserole, Ritz cracker topping, comfort food, potluck recipe, easy side dish

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/crispy-southern-squash-casserole-with-ritz-topping-easy-recipe/