Southern Style Squash Casserole Recipe • Just Four Ingredients! (2024)

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By Katie Moseman 35 Comments

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My mother’s classic Southern style squash casserole is the perfect comfort food side dish. It’s a Thanksgiving tradition at my house!

Southern Style Squash Casserole Recipe

I have never been a vegetable person. However, my mother’s squash casserole has always been one of my favorite side dishes- even when I was a kid! It’s only four ingredients, which makes it very simple to put together for a weeknight meal.

You can also make the casserole and put it in the fridge to bake the next day; I’ve done this almost every Thanksgiving to save prep time.

Or, you can completely make it, bake it, and refrigerate it—just reheat and serve! This is actually my favorite way, because this squash casserole tastes even better the next day.

Hungry for more good Southern food? Try these other winning recipes.

  • Southern broccoli casserole
  • Chick-Fil-A lemonade

And, although not strictly Southern, my tater tot hotdish andcrustless pumpkin pieare sure to please.

Tips for Making Squash Casserole

  • Make sure you use fresh yellow squash, not frozen squash. The taste and texture is totally different.
  • I always used to make this with Wheatsworth crackers, but they’re no longer available in stores. Since Wheatsworth became unavailable, I’ve been using Town House Wheat successfully. The important thing is to choose a wheat cracker with 0 grams of sugar. Look at the cracker nutrition info to be sure, because even a little bit of sugar will taste weird in a casserole like this one.
  • Use high quality cheese, and if you want optimum melting, buy chunk cheese and grate it yourself. Pre-grated cheese contains cornstarch that can interfere with smooth melting.
  • Pick up abake and take casserole dish so you can bring this along to a potluck gathering. This is the coolest thing ever!

Southern Style Squash Casserole Recipe • Just Four Ingredients! (2)Southern Style Squash Casserole Recipe • Just Four Ingredients! (3)

Special thanks goes out to my husband Jason Moseman, who took the action shot at the top of the post.

Southern Style Squash Casserole Recipe • Just Four Ingredients! (5)

5 from 4 votes

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Southern Style Squash Casserole Recipe

Classic Southern style squash casserole recipe made with just four ingredients!

CourseSide Dish

CuisineAmerican

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Servings 6

Calories 227 kcal

Author Katie Moseman

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2poundsyellow squash
  • 1 1/2cupsshredded cheddar cheeseplus more for topping
  • 1 1/2cupscrumbled Town House Wheat Crackersor similar, plus more for topping
  • 2tablespoonsmayonnaise

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 and set out a casserole dish (about 1 qt in size).

  2. Wash the squash and cut into 1/2 inch rounds. Put about a half an inch of water in a pot and bring to a boil. Add the squash, cover with a lid, and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes. Squash is done when the middle part of the largest rounds is starting to break up and the seeds are coming loose.

  3. Drain the squash. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked squash, cheese, and mayonnaise. Stir until the cheese is melted. Add the cracker crumbles and stir vigorously until well combined, allowing the squash to break up as you stir.

  4. Scrape the mixture into the casserole dish and smooth out evenly. Sprinkle with a little more cheese and some more cracker crumbles. Bake 30 minutes and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Southern Style Squash Casserole Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 227Calories from Fat 135

% Daily Value*

Fat 15g23%

Saturated Fat 6g38%

Cholesterol 31mg10%

Sodium 312mg14%

Potassium 376mg11%

Carbohydrates 14g5%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 2g2%

Protein 10g20%

Vitamin A 510IU10%

Vitamin C 19.3mg23%

Calcium 226mg23%

Iron 1.1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Today I’m joining the rest of the Sunday Supper Movement gang to celebrate the theme of recipes with 5 ingredients or less! This event is hosted by Gluten Free Crumbley, and you can find all the other 5 ingredient or less recipes at the bottom of this post.

More Recipes with 5 Ingredients or Less

Drinks

Appetizers and Snacks

Main Dish

Side Dish

Desserts

Southern Style Squash Casserole Recipe • Just Four Ingredients! (6)Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

Southern Style Squash Casserole Recipe • Just Four Ingredients! (7)

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Southern Style Squash Casserole Recipe • Just Four Ingredients! (8)

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Comments

  1. Renee

    I’ve always loved squash casserole and haven’t ever thought to use wheat crackers as a topping. Great idea and good luck in the contest.

    Reply

    • Katie

      Thanks, Renee! 🙂

      Reply

  2. Nichole

    I am not big on most squashes, but I do love spaghetti squash!

    Reply

    • Katie

      This is really worth a try. I’m not a veggie person, squashes included, but the cheese makes this a perfect comfort food.

      Reply

  3. BritishMumUSA

    Southern Style Squash Casserole Recipe • Just Four Ingredients! (9)
    Ok don’t get mad but I have never eaten yellow squash…. Last year I discovered and we are in love with Butternut Squash. Can you use that instead of the yellow? Saving this one for fall. PS your recipes add sounds to me, and all I do is read them… Sometimes 🙂

    Reply

    • Katie

      Oh, no, don’t use butternut squash! Butternut squash is very sweet. Yellow squash is more savory and has a very different texture. Like I said, I’m not a veggie person, but I love this stuff and could eat a whole dish of it. 🙂 Don’t wait for fall; it’s too good for that!

      Reply

  4. Liz

    I think this cheesy casserole would get my picky hubby to eat squash! It looks wonderful!

    Reply

  5. Hezzi-D

    Oh man, this looks liek the perfect casserole for getting kids to try squash! Love the cheese and crackers on this casserole.

    Reply

  6. Thalia @ butter and brioche

    This looks like the ultimate comfort food.. I never have made a casserole quite like this before but it sure looks like something I would love to eat!

    Reply

  7. Wendy, A Day in the Life on the Farm

    I love squash but have never made a casserole using summer squash. Just never thought of it. Thanks so much for sharing.

    Reply

  8. Tara

    Southern Style Squash Casserole Recipe • Just Four Ingredients! (10)
    This is similar to one that I have had before and just loved it. Usually I make a sweet squash so this is nice for something different.

    Reply

  9. Shaina

    This sounds absolutely delicious. I want to eat the whole dish!

    Reply

  10. Chelsea Dorroh

    Could this be made ahead of time and frozen? If so, would you bake first and then freeze or vice versa?

    Reply

    • Katie

      Chelsea, I’ve made it ahead and put it in the fridge many a time, but I’ve never frozen it either before cooking or after. I’m not sure what freezing it would do to the cheese and mayo (sometimes those ingredients break or get a weird texture after freezing). I wish I could be more helpful on this one! If you do decide to freeze it, let me know how it turns out- I’m very curious to know.

      I have put it in the fridge for up to two days before baking, and it also keeps just fine after baking in the fridge as long as you cover it tightly after it cools to keep the top from drying out.

      Reply

      • Chelsea Dorroh

        Thanks for such a quick reply! I will just make it the day before since it will be for Thanksgiving and I’d hate to ruin it in the freezer. If I do freeze in the future, I will let you know!

        Reply

        • Katie

          My pleasure! 🙂 Come back soon!

          Reply

  11. Debbie

    About how many servings is this?

    Reply

    • Katie

      Ha ha, it depends on how much everyone loves squash casserole! Seriously, though, it’s about 6 side dish sized portions, 4 if you scoop really big portions. I often make a double batch to make sure we have leftovers.

      Reply

  12. Debbie

    I am planning to make this for Thanksgiving. With the size of our gathering, thinking I will definitely double it then. Thanks for your quick response and I will let you know how it turns out!

    Reply

    • Katie

      Good call! Hope it works out well. 🙂 Glad to help if you have any other questions!

      Reply

      • Debbie

        Southern Style Squash Casserole Recipe • Just Four Ingredients! (11)
        It turned out perfectly and had rave reviews! Thanks again Katie and happy belated Thanksgiving!

        Reply

        • Katie

          Yay! Happy Thanksgiving to you, too! 🙂

          Reply

  13. sabrina

    Absolutely loved this recipe! I make it all the time!

    Reply

    • Katie

      Thank you so much, Sabrina! That means a lot to me. 🙂 So glad you like it.

      Reply

  14. karen

    ok ive never made squash before. was looking at anotherrecipe and it said to peel the squash – this was does not. does that matter?

    thanks!

    Reply

    • Katie

      Definitely DON’T peel the squash! The yellow part gives the casserole a great texture. Just cut off the ends of the squash, slice into rounds, and you’re good to go.

      Reply

  15. Annabella Moon

    This is similar to my family squash casserole that we’ve prepared for generations. We heat 1/4 cup sour cream to just hot, add salt/pepper, a few chives sometimes and a pinch of cayenne. Remove from heat and add cheese and stir in a beaten egg. Pour over squash and onions. Top with butter cracker crumbs and bake 30 minutes or until set.

    Reply

    • Katie

      That sounds good! There are so many variations of squash casserole. I’ve seen another casserole just like this one, except with the addition of onions, in a soul food restaurant.

      Reply

  16. Cindy Maddox

    Southern Style Squash Casserole Recipe • Just Four Ingredients! (12)
    Just made this squash casserole in two ‘mini’ oven dishes.
    Used Ritz crackers, squash, mayo, white onion, little butter, cheese, and salt & pepper.
    Woderrful!
    Note: made in two tiny oven dishes as my husband and I have had gastric bypass surgery!

    Reply

    • Katie Moseman

      Yay! So glad you liked it. It’s one of my all time favorites. I also do a similar casserole with broccoli.

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Southern Style Squash Casserole Recipe • Just Four Ingredients! (2024)

FAQs

What are the four components to a casserole? ›

Many casseroles also have both vegetables and proteins, as well as a crunchy element to give some textural contrast, and cheese. Seasoning elements can be a part of the starch or the sauce, as well as the crunchy part. But that's pretty much all you need.

How does Paula Deen cook squash casserole? ›

In separate medium size skillet, sauté the sliced onion in butter for 5 minutes. Remove from pan and, using a large bowl, add squash, onions, sour cream, Paula Deen's House Seasoning and sharp cheddar cheese. Pour mixture into a buttered casserole dish and top with cracker crumbs. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.

How do you keep squash casserole from getting watery? ›

Salting and sautéing the squash before baking helps to remove excess moisture and prevents the casserole from becoming watery. Cream cheese and sour cream lend the filling richness and tang. Tossing crushed crackers with butter and Parmigiano-Reggiano results in a satisfying and crunchy topping.

What are the main ingredients of casserole? ›

In the United States, a casserole or hot dish is typically a baked food with three main components: pieces of meat (such as chicken or ground meat) or fish (such as tuna) or other protein (such as beans or tofu), various chopped or canned vegetables (such as green beans or peas), and a starchy binder (such as flour, ...

What is the key to making a good casserole? ›

  1. Choose the right baking dish. If you're all about the crunchy topping, use a shallow dish. ...
  2. Undercook your pasta. ...
  3. Drain your meat. ...
  4. Beware of mushy vegetables. ...
  5. Know your cheeses. ...
  6. Master the art of casserole assembly. ...
  7. Don't skip the topping. ...
  8. Make it now, but bake it later.
Nov 1, 2021

What liquid to use in casserole? ›

Generally, when making a vegetable casserole, you will want to use enough liquid to keep the vegetables moist and tender as they bake, but not so much that the dish becomes soupy. A good rule of thumb is to use between 1/2 and 1 cup of liquid (water, vegetable broth, or other flavorful liquid) per pound of vegetables.

How many squash is 4 cups? ›

One 1 1/2 pound butternut squash will yield approximately 4 cups of 1/2-inch cubed squash.

Why cook squash cut-side down? ›

Putting it cut-side down creates a sort-of steam chamber for the flesh, helping it cook faster and retain moisture (no dried out squash here!). If you've added oil to the flesh before cooking, it will brown nicely where it's in contact with the sheet pan.

How does Gordon Ramsay cook butternut squash? ›

In a large bowl mix the cubed squash, garlic cloves and ginger with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the spice mix. Season with salt and pepper and scatter in a single layer in a roasting tray. Place in the preheated oven and cook for 30 minutes until tender all the way through.

Why is my cooked squash mushy? ›

Not Using the Right Cooking Technique

Squashes behave very differently when cooked in the oven or on the stovetop. Generally, a squash that is roasted in the oven is going to have a much softer texture, one that can get mushy if mixed with other ingredients, but making it ideal for a purée, soup, or being mashed.

Why are my squash turning to mush? ›

Blossom end rot, a physiological disorder not a disease, usually occurs due to one or both of the following two factors. Plants are either allowed to dry out too long between waterings, or plants affected are lacking a sufficient amount of calcium needed to build a stable structure. Uneven watering.

How do you add moisture to a casserole? ›

Another moisturizing fix: Melt some butter and drizzle over the top; or season and warm some cream and use that to baste your dish. Finally, serve with a wedge of lemon or lime for squeezing, which can add some acidity balance in addition to a bright hit of flavor.

What is the oldest known casserole? ›

Macaroni and cheese is the oldest written casserole recipe found in 1250.

What are the 5 parts needed for a casserole? ›

According to food blog High Heeled Homemaker, your basic casserole requires five ingredients: a protein, starch, vegetable, sauce, and cheese. If you have those five ingredients in your casserole dish, congratulations; you just made a casserole, whether it's a beloved recipe or a concoction of your own creation.

What are the 5 parts of a casserole? ›

Let's talk anatomy: A standard dinner casserole usually includes a protein, a starch, a vegetable, a sauce (or other binding ingredient), and cheese. But making a casserole is not an exact science, and you can definitely break away from this formula.

What are five basic components of most casseroles? ›

According to food blog High Heeled Homemaker, your basic casserole requires five ingredients: a protein, starch, vegetable, sauce, and cheese. If you have those five ingredients in your casserole dish, congratulations; you just made a casserole, whether it's a beloved recipe or a concoction of your own creation.

What holds a casserole together? ›

A perfect casserole needs one or more binders: cheese, eggs, condensed soup, Greek yogurt or noodles, for example.

What binds a casserole together? ›

For lots of casseroles, a sauce or egg mixture will be added to the ingredients to keep everything bound together. In Midwestern cuisine, this often takes the form of Cream of Mushroom soup, but béchamel, curry, whipped egg, pasta sauce, or other ingredients are likewise common, depending on the ingredients used.

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