Easy squash casserole is pure comfort food. It's a tried-and-true classic, and there's almost no Southern gathering where it won't be welcome.
Keep it in your repertoire for bringing to the church potluck, for pulling together when you're entertaining guests over a long holiday weekend, or whenever you're asked to bring a side that serves eight to 10.
Learn how to make easy squash casserole. With its buttery, crisp cracker topping and bubbling, cheesy center, your guests will be happily gobbling up their veggies in no time.
![Easy Squash Casserole with a spoon and scoop taken out](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/PjOJRk2xD4n29J3tVes8-2M9Mow=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Easy_Squash_Casserole_011-0ebc2a00f5c74ccf80ad6247f5bc1d8d.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
A Southern Favorite: Easy Squash Casserole
Squash casserole is a hearty casserole. It's an easy recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation. It pleases—ahem, wows—a crowd. It never (ever) gets old.
When you're in the kitchen prepping one, go ahead and prepare another. And another. Make an extra casserole to have on hand for enjoying on a later day, or for serving at a celebratory occasion—or to take to a neighbor who can use a little homemade comfort food.
Creamy, cheesy, filling, and a little crunchy—wonderful for special occasions or any given Sunday. Celebrate the yellow squash, the summer vegetable overflowing at farmers' markets and stands across the South, by tasting its golden, bubbly goodness served straight from the oven.
Ingredients for Easy Squash Casserole
The true secret to easy squash casserole's long-term success can be found in the simple ingredient list:
- Squash: Yellow squash abounds during summer, but it's also available year round.
- Butter: This adds richness to the tender squash and the cracker topping.
- Onion: Like the squash, onions are cooked until tender and add a bit more flavor to the casserole.
- Sharp Cheddar cheese: This is a nice contrast to the slightly sweet squash. A milder cheese might get lost.
- Eggs: Delicately holds together the squash and onions.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess without being too soupy. Use your favorite brand.
- Sugar: Trust us—a little sugar draws out the squash's flavor.
- Salt: To even out all the flavors.
- Buttery crushed crackers: The crunch is nice against the silky squash.
![ingredients for easy squash casserole in bowls](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/WAi35xDTU15c7dxb9U-PQbFFxJ8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Easy_Squash_Casserole_001-af41c3b37fac4c8f9f7e863810cfc98c.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
How Do You Keep Squash Casserole From Getting Watery?
To eliminate any excess moisture in your casserole, be sure to drain the squash well after boiling. Use paper towels to soak up any remaining liquid.
Can You Make Squash Casserole Ahead of Time?
Prepare the filling of this casserole up to two days in advance, and refrigerate. For the crispiest topping, top with the buttery cracker topping on the day of serving and bake as directed.
How To Freeze Easy Squash Casserole
Yes, add "freezes beautifully" to the list of things we love about this hearty, soul-satisfying squash casserole.
Prepare fully without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before baking as directed.
You can also freeze any leftovers of the baked casserole. Thaw at room temperature and reheat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until hot throughout.
Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.
![Easy Squash Casserole without a scoop](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/ZCdURIlUO73JSyj7WXLbKACxzWo=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Easy_Squash_Casserole_009-0d1c000f50b54839ad8ab8429414c000.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Ingredients
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3 lbs. yellow squash, sliced
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5 Tbsp. butter or margarine, divided
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1 small onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
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1 cup (4 oz.) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
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2 large eggs, lightly beaten
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1/4 cup mayonnaise
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2 tsp. sugar
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1 tsp. salt
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20 round buttery crackers, crushed (about 3/4 cup)
Directions
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Boil squash:
Cook squash in boiling water to cover in a large skillet 8 to 10 minutes or just until tender.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Drain well; gently press between paper towels.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
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Sauté onion:
Melt 4 tablespoons butter in skillet over medium-high heat; add onion, and sauté 5 minutes or until tender.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Remove skillet from heat; stir in squash, cheese, and next 4 ingredients.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
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Add casserole to dish:
Spoon mixture into a lightly greased 11-by-7-inch baking dish.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
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Make cracker topping:
Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Stir together melted butter and crushed crackers; sprinkle evenly over top of casserole.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
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Bake casserole:
Bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes or until set.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Lighten Up
To make this squash casserole a bit lighter, reduce butter to 3 tablespoons, using 2 tablespoons to sauté onion. Substitute 1/2 cup egg substitute for eggs and low-fat versions of mayonnaise, cheese, and crackers. Proceed as directed.