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Cozy Southern Loaded Squash Casserole Recipe with Ritz Crunch Easy and Perfect

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A comforting Southern-style squash casserole featuring tender yellow squash in a creamy, cheesy sauce topped with a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker crust. Perfect for cozy family meals or holiday dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups yellow squash, sliced thin
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 ½ cups Ritz crackers, crushed
  • ¼ cup milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Slice about 4 cups of yellow squash thinly. To reduce moisture, sprinkle a pinch of salt on the slices and let them sit in a colander for 10-15 minutes, then gently squeeze out excess water.
  3. In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and milk until smooth. Stir in the sautéed onion and garlic mixture and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika if using.
  5. Fold the sliced squash into the creamy mixture, then stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until well coated.
  6. Pour the squash mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  7. In a small bowl, crush 1 ½ cups of Ritz crackers until fine crumbs form. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and mix it with the crumbs until well combined and crumbly.
  8. Evenly sprinkle the buttery Ritz crumbs over the squash mixture.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
  10. Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to set and meld flavors.

Notes

Salting and squeezing the squash slices helps reduce moisture and prevents a soggy casserole. Use freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese for better melting and flavor. Toasting the crushed Ritz crumbs in a dry skillet before mixing with butter adds a nutty flavor. Rest the casserole 5-10 minutes before serving for best texture. To keep topping crispy when reheating, warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes instead of microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: squash casserole, southern casserole, Ritz cracker topping, cheesy squash casserole, comfort food, easy side dish

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/cozy-southern-loaded-squash-casserole-recipe-with-ritz-crunch-easy-and-perfect/