This creamy yellow squash casserole is a warm hug in a dish! It’s made with fresh yellow squash, cheese, and a touch of cream, making it super comforting and tasty.
I love how easy this casserole is to whip up. It’s perfect for a family dinner, and trust me, even the picky eaters can’t resist this one! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: Fresh yellow squash is the star here! If you can’t find yellow squash, zucchini works as a great substitute. Both have a similar texture and taste, making your casserole just as delicious.
Cheese: I used shredded cheddar cheese, which melts beautifully. If you’re looking for alternatives, consider Monterey Jack, gouda, or even a dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free version.
Sour Cream & Mayonnaise: These ingredients add creaminess. Greek yogurt can substitute sour cream nicely, adding a bit of tang. If you prefer a lighter option, use reduced-fat mayo or yogurt instead of regular mayonnaise.
Crushed Buttery Crackers: This adds a nice crunch on top. If you want to avoid gluten, try crushed gluten-free crackers or crush some cornflakes instead for a similar texture.
How Do You Cook Yellow Squash Without Making It Soggy?
A common issue when cooking squash is ending up with a watery dish. To prevent this, make sure to sauté the squash and onions until just tender, not brown, and drain any liquid that collects. Here’s the technique:
- Slice the yellow squash evenly for even cooking.
- Sauté over medium heat with the onion to release moisture. Cook for about 5-7 minutes.
- After cooking, drain any extra liquid before mixing with other ingredients.
A little patience here will ensure your casserole turns out creamy and not watery! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Creamy Yellow Squash Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups yellow squash, sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Topping:
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy yellow squash casserole will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and delicious side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, combine the sliced yellow squash and the finely chopped onion. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender—this should take about 5-7 minutes. After cooking, be sure to drain away any excess liquid to keep your casserole from getting soggy.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked squash and onion with the shredded cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything together until it’s well blended. This creates that delicious creamy filling!
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly, smoothing the top with your spatula for an even bake.
5. Add the Crunchy Topping:
If you like a crunchy topping, sprinkle the crushed crackers over the top of the casserole evenly. This step is optional but adds great texture!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for the casserole to be bubbly and for the topping (if using) to be golden brown.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This waiting time allows the casserole to set a bit, making it easier to serve.
Enjoy your creamy, comforting yellow squash casserole as a delicious side dish or even as a main meal!
FAQ for Easy Creamy Yellow Squash Casserole
Can I Use Frozen Yellow Squash for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen yellow squash! Just be sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before cooking. Sauté briefly in a skillet to remove extra moisture, then proceed with the recipe as usual.
Can I Prepare This Casserole in Advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave or warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, which should take about 10-15 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for the Mayonnaise and Sour Cream?
If you want to avoid mayonnaise and sour cream, you can use plain Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative. It adds creaminess and a slight tang, making it a great substitute!
