Southern Squash Casserole Recipe

Discover this authentic Southern homemade squash casserole recipe from www.podiumrecipes.com. This easy cheesy baked side dish is perfect for potluck gatherings and holiday recipes. Quick to prepare and absolutely delicious!

Southern Squash Casserole

Nothing says Southern comfort food like a perfectly crafted squash casserole that brings families together around the dinner table. This traditional Southern squash casserole recipe transforms humble yellow squash into a rich, cheesy masterpiece that’s become a staple at potluck dinners and holiday gatherings across the South. Whether you’re hosting a family reunion or simply want to elevate your weeknight dinner with an irresistible side dish, this baked vegetables casserole delivers the perfect balance of creamy textures and savory flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This Southern squash casserole combines tender squash with a luscious cream sauce, topped with golden cheesy goodness that creates the ultimate comfort food experience. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way it showcases the natural sweetness of fresh squash while creating a dish that’s both satisfying and memorable.

Ingredients

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 245 per serving
• Protein: 12g
• Carbs: 18g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Calories from fat: 135

Nutrition information is approximate and based on 8 servings

Preparation Instructions

1. Prepare the squash: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wash and slice the yellow squash into 1/4-inch rounds. Place the sliced squash in a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for 10-12 minutes until tender but not mushy.
2. Drain and mash: Drain the cooked squash thoroughly and gently mash with a fork, leaving some texture. The key to a perfect Southern squash casserole is not over-mashing the squash – you want some pieces to remain for texture.
3. Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent. This step adds essential flavor to your casserole.
4. Create the base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed squash, sautéed onion, beaten eggs, sour cream, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix gently until all ingredients are well incorporated.
5. Assemble the casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with the remaining butter. Transfer the squash mixture to the prepared dish and spread evenly. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and bread crumbs for that perfect golden crust.
6. Bake to perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set. The casserole should be bubbly around the edges and firm to the touch.

Serving Suggestions

This Southern squash casserole makes an exceptional side dish that pairs beautifully with classic Southern comfort food favorites. Serve alongside fried chicken, barbecue ribs, or honey-glazed ham for a complete meal that celebrates traditional Southern flavors. The casserole also complements roasted turkey perfectly, making it an ideal addition to your holiday recipes collection.

For a lighter meal, pair this cheesy squash casserole with a fresh garden salad and cornbread. The creamy texture and rich flavors of this dish create a satisfying vegetarian meal that even meat lovers will appreciate. Consider serving it at your next potluck gathering where it’s sure to be the star side dish that disappears first.

Pro Tips

Here are essential tips to ensure your Southern squash casserole turns out perfectly every time. First, don’t skip the step of thoroughly draining the cooked squash – excess moisture will make your casserole watery and prevent it from setting properly. Press the squash gently with paper towels to remove as much liquid as possible.

Choose fresh, firm yellow squash for the best results. Avoid squash that feels soft or has blemished skin, as these won’t hold their shape during cooking. When mashing the squash, leave some texture rather than creating a completely smooth puree – this easy technique gives the casserole more character and prevents it from becoming mushy.

For extra flavor depth, try adding a tablespoon of fresh herbs like thyme or sage to complement the squash. This simple tip elevates the dish from good to extraordinary and adds a sophisticated touch to this classic comfort food recipe.

Variations

Transform this classic Southern squash casserole recipe with these creative variations that accommodate different dietary needs and preferences. For a gluten-free alternative, substitute the bread crumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or cornflake crumbs. This simple swap maintains the crispy topping while making the dish accessible to those avoiding gluten.

Create a protein-rich variation by adding cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham to the squash mixture. This alternative transforms the side dish into a hearty main course that’s perfect for brunch or a light dinner. The smoky flavors pair beautifully with the creamy squash base.

For a lighter variation, substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream and reduce the cheese by half. This alternative significantly reduces calories while maintaining the creamy texture that makes this casserole so appealing. You can also experiment with different cheese types – sharp white cheddar or Gruyere create interesting flavor profiles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this squash casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this Southern squash casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble the casserole completely, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store leftover casserole in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 325°F oven until heated through.

Can I freeze this squash casserole? This recipe freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What if my squash casserole is too watery? If your casserole seems watery, you likely didn’t drain the squash thoroughly enough. Next time, press the cooked squash with paper towels and let it sit in a colander for 15 minutes before mixing.

Conclusion

This authentic Southern squash casserole recipe represents the heart of Southern comfort food cooking – simple ingredients transformed into something truly spectacular. The combination of tender squash, cheesy goodness, and that perfect golden crust creates a side dish that’s destined to become a family favorite. Whether you’re preparing this casserole for a special holiday gathering or adding it to your weekly meal rotation, you’ll find that this easy recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every time.

The beauty of this Southern squash casserole lies not just in its incredible taste, but in its versatility and the way it brings people together. It’s the perfect potluck contribution, an ideal holiday side dish, and a wonderful way to showcase fresh vegetables in your everyday cooking.

Ready to create your own Southern squash casserole masterpiece? Try this recipe today and discover why it’s been a beloved Southern tradition for generations. Don’t forget to share your results and any creative variations you discover – we’d love to hear how this comfort food classic becomes part of your family’s recipe collection.

For more authentic Southern recipes and comfort food classics, visit www.podiumrecipes.com where you’ll find hundreds of easy, homemade recipes that bring families together around the dinner table. From traditional side dishes to complete meal solutions, we’re your go-to source for delicious, tried-and-true recipes that never disappoint.

Southern Squash Casserole Recipe

Recipe by amine

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

245

kcal

Ingredients

• 3 lbs yellow squash (sliced)

• 4 tbsp butter

• 1 medium onion (diced)

• 2 eggs (beaten)

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup bread crumbs

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/4 tsp paprika

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Boil squash for 10–12 min until tender, then drain and lightly mash.
• Sauté onion in 2 tbsp butter until soft (about 5 min).
• Mix everything: In a big bowl, combine mashed squash, sautéed onion, eggs, sour cream, 1 cup cheese, and seasonings.
• Assemble: Grease a 9×13 baking dish with remaining butter. Add the mixture. Top with remaining cheese and bread crumbs.
• Bake for 25–30 min until golden and set.

Notes

• Perfect as a side dish for any Southern meal or holiday table!