Creamy Baked Yellow Squash Casserole with Cheddar and Ritz Crackers Recipe
This classic Squash Casserole is a comforting and flavorful side dish featuring tender yellow squash and onions baked in a creamy, cheesy mixture with a crunchy Ritz cracker topping. Perfect for family dinners or holiday meals, it’s easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 49 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 4 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter, divided
- 4 cups sliced yellow squash
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp crushed Ritz crackers
Instructions
- Preheat and Sauté: Preheat your oven to 350º F. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced yellow squash and onions, cooking them until they are tender but not browned, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, lightly whisk the two eggs. Add the grated cheddar cheese and milk to the eggs, whisking until well combined to form a smooth mixture.
- Mix Vegetables with Egg Mixture: Stir the cooked squash and onions into the egg, cheese, and milk mixture thoroughly to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Add Butter and Seasonings: Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet used earlier, then pour that melted butter into the squash mixture. Add cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper to taste, stirring well to incorporate all the flavors.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the entire squash mixture into a casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers over the top to create a crunchy topping. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set, showing no jiggle when gently shaken.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider using sharp cheddar cheese.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute gluten-free crackers for Ritz crackers or omit the topping.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Ensure the casserole is fully set before removing it from the oven to avoid a runny texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
