This creamy, cheesy Southern classic features tender yellow squash, sautéed onions, and a golden, buttery Ritz cracker topping. It’s a crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for holidays, potlucks, or Sunday dinners.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Category: Side Dish | Cuisine: Southern Comfort
Dietary Info: Contains dairy, eggs, gluten
🛒 Ingredients
Vegetables & Dairy:
2 lbs yellow squash, sliced
1 medium onion, diced
3 tbsp butter (for sautéing)
½ cup sour cream
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
2 large eggs, beaten
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings:
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Topping:
1½ cups crushed Ritz crackers
3 tbsp butter, melted
🔧 Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet
Mixing bowls
9×13-inch baking dish
Wooden spoon or spatula
Whisk
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Sauté the Squash & Onion
In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add sliced squash and diced onion. Sauté for 10–12 minutes until softened and lightly golden. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Mix the Casserole Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, beaten eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooled squash and onion mixture until well combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Spoon the squash mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
5. Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
💡 Tips & Variations
Make Ahead: Prepare up to a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then bake fresh.
Add a Protein: Mix in cooked, shredded chicken or crumbled bacon for a heartier version.
Vegetarian Swap: Use cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken for a meatless option.
Extra Crunch: Add a sprinkle of French fried onions to the cracker topping for even more texture.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions.
Freeze: Assemble (without the cracker topping), cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Add topping and bake when ready.
❓ FAQs
Can I use zucchini instead of yellow squash?
Yes! Zucchini works just as well, or you can use a mix of both for color and texture.
What if I don’t have Ritz crackers?
Panko breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers like Club® are a great substitute.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Definitely—it’s cheesy, creamy, and familiar. A guaranteed hit with picky eaters!
Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck or setting it down on a family dinner table, this Southern Squash Casserole is the kind of comfort food that gets devoured fast.
Let me know if you’d like a printable version or pin-worthy graphic for sharing!