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Southern Yellow Squash Casserole with Cheddar and Ritz Topping

Southern yellow squash casserole is baked with sharp cheddar and a buttery Ritz cracker topping. Tender squash and a creamy filling are finished with a golden, crisp crust.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Resting time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 305
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the squash filling
  • 2 lb yellow squash cut into 1/4-inch slices
  • 1 yellow onion small, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 eggs large
  • 1.5 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
For the Ritz topping
  • 1 sleeve (about 30) Ritz crackers
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted

Equipment

  • 1 2-quart baking dish
  • 1 12-inch skillet

Method
 

Prepare the filling
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Grease a 2-quart baking dish.
  3. Heat the vegetable oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat.
  4. Add the yellow squash, yellow onion, kosher salt, and black pepper, and cook uncovered, stirring often, for 12–15 minutes, until the squash is very tender and excess moisture has cooked off.
  5. Transfer the squash mixture to a colander and let it drain for 5 minutes, gently pressing out excess liquid.
  6. In a large bowl, whisk the sour cream and eggs.
  7. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and drained squash mixture.
  8. Spread the filling in the prepared baking dish.
Make and bake the topping
  1. Crush the Ritz crackers into coarse crumbs.
  2. Toss the cracker crumbs with the melted unsalted butter.
  3. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the filling.
  4. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the topping is golden and the center reaches 160°F.
  5. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a casserole that is not watery, gently press excess liquid from the squash after draining. Refrigerate leftovers for 3–4 days; freezing is not recommended because it can affect the texture. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crackers.