Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons butter for sautΓ©ing
– 4 cups sliced yellow squash The star for tender texture and natural sweetness
– 1 medium onion, chopped Adds savory aromatics that complement the squash casserole
– 2 large eggs Binds everything for a firm, sliceable baked squash casserole
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese Brings sharp, melty goodness
– 1 cup milk Adds creaminess without heaviness to the squash gratin
– 2 tablespoons butter additional, for mixing
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
– 1/2 teaspoon salt Seasons the dish perfectly
– 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper Balances flavors with mild heat
– 1 sleeve buttery round crackers (about 30-36 crackers) crushed for topping Creates that irresistible crispy crunch
Instructions
1-Preheat and Prep: Heat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and spray a 9Γ13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray. Slice 4 cups yellow squash thinly and chop 1 medium onion. This mise en place keeps things speedy at just 5 minutes prep. For firmer results, you can salt the slices briefly to draw out moisture, great for low-sodium tweaks by rinsing after.
2-SautΓ© the Vegetables: Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced yellow squash and chopped onion. Cook until tender, about 10 minutes. This step builds flavor in your cheesy squash casserole. For vegan, use oil; low-fat, skip half the butter.
3-Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, lightly whisk 2 large eggs. Stir in 1 cup grated cheddar cheese and 1 cup milk. Add the cooked squash and onions, combining well. This creates the creamy base. Adjust for dairy-free with plant milk and vegan cheese, or gluten-free stays the same here.
4-Add Butter and Seasonings: Melt the additional 2 tablespoons butter in the same skillet. Stir it into the squash mixture along with 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (if using), 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Taste and tweak for your perfect baked squash casserole.
5-Assemble and Top: Pour the mixture into the prepared dish. Crush 1 sleeve buttery round crackers (30-36 crackers) and sprinkle evenly on top. For gluten-free yellow squash casserole, swap in gluten-free crackers.
6-Bake to Perfection: Bake for about 45 minutes until the top is lightly browned and the center is firm with no jiggle. Place in the middle rack for even browning. Convection ovens may need 5 minutes less; high-altitude, add 5-10 minutes.
7-Rest and Serve: Let it rest 3 minutes for clean slices. Garnish with herbs. Pair with grilled chicken or other mains for a full meal. Scale up by doubling for crowds.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
π₯ Drain excess liquid from cooked squash if it seems watery to prevent a soggy casserole
π§ This casserole can be prepared ahead and frozen without the cracker topping – add topping just before baking
π½ For extra flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or paprika to the squash mixture
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Resting time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 106
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 380
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5
- Trans Fat: 0.3
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 65
