When it comes to planning traditional holiday meals, it’s easy to get caught up in all of the Crockpot Mashed Potatoes and Cornbread Sausage Stuffing, but don’t forget about the veggies. Since (and we can be honest about this) no one wants a pile of sad broccoli next to their Thanksgiving Turkey and Turkey Gravy, it’s important to show some TCL to the vegetables on the table too. Giving vegetables the casserole treatment (baked up in a creamy sauce with a tantalizing crispy topping) is a surefire way to make them holiday-worthy. Healthy Green Bean Casserole might be the first that comes to mind, but it is by no means the only option, as this Brussels Sprouts Casserole and Cauliflower Casserole can readily attest. Squash casserole is traditional in the south, but the love of creamy fillings and crispy toppings has no boundaries. Whether this is your first time making it or your fiftieth, you’ll love this version. It’s 100% from scratch (no cream-of-soups here!), easy to make, and the squash stays crisp-tender as it bakes in the creamy cheddar Swiss filling (no mushy casseroles for us!).
How to Make Cheesy Squash Casserole
Thanks to its mild flavor (and the fact that it isn’t green) yellow squash is a friendly vegetable with wide crowd appeal…particularly once you cover it in breadcrumbs and cheese. I based this recipe on my Zucchini Casserole.
Comparatively, the yellow squash version is richer, a nod to its place on many southern holiday tables.It’s also faster because you don’t need to salt the squash dry prior to making it (time saver, yay!).
Instead of salting the squash to draw out the water, letting it sit, then blotting it dry, to keep squash casserole from getting watery, this easy squash casserole recipe uses two tricks:
The Ingredients
Yellow Squash. Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, yellow squash is not only a scrumptious veggie, but it’s healthy too!
Butter. Cooking the squash in melted butter helps add delicious richness and flavor right from the start. Butter is also used in the cracker topping.Eggs. Helps give structure to the casserole filling, making it more like a custard. Greek Yogurt. You’ll want to use unsweetened full-fat Greek yogurt here. It helps make the casserole rich and creamy. Plus, it adds protein and calcium.Milk. Any milk you have on hand will work great.Spices. I used black pepper, dried thyme, and cayenne. The mix is earthy and very subtly spicy, which cuts through the richness of the casserole.Cheese. Aside from the topping, the rich, bold, and nutty flavors of sharp cheddar and Swiss cheese will be the star of the show.Crackers. Round buttery crackers are essential to this casserole’s crispy, crowd-pleasing topping.
The Directions
Storage Tips
To Store. Refrigerate casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 days.To Reheat. Rewarm leftovers in a baking dish in the oven at 350 degrees F or in the microwave.To Freeze. Note the squash may become watery after freezing and reheating. Freeze leftovers in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
What to Serve with Squash Casserole
Turkey. This cheesy squash casserole is perfect alongside a Spatchcock Turkey for a holiday spread.Steak. Try a bite of squash casserole mixed with a bite of Air Fryer Steak for a tasty alternative to mashed potatoes.Salmon. Air Fryer Salmon and Salmon Wellington would pair nicely with this summer squash casserole.Pork. Serve this dish with everything from Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin to Crock Pot Pork Chops.More Sides! This squash casserole fits nicely with other traditional sides like Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole, Chestnut Stuffing, and Crockpot Green Bean Casserole.
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
Casserole Dish. Perfect for making this recipe.Large Skillet. Long-lasting and dishwasher safe.Whisk. A small whisk is easier to handle, meaning less splashing.
Looking for a side on which everyone can agree? This is the best squash casserole and it has you covered. Leave a rating below in the comments and let me know how you liked the recipe. After all, even veggie skeptics love a crispy cracker topping!
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