Ingredients
Filling
- 3 Tablespoons salted butter
- 2 pounds yellow squash, sliced about ¼-inch thick
- 1 cup chopped sweet onion (Vidalia onion recommended)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 3 Tablespoons salted butter, melted
- Dried parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 11×7-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Squash Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of salted butter. Add the 2 pounds of sliced yellow squash, 1 cup chopped sweet onion, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon paprika. Stir well to coat the squash and onions evenly with the butter and spices. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the squash begins to soften, approximately 10 minutes.
- Drain Squash: Place a colander over a large bowl and transfer the cooked squash mixture into it. Let it drain for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture, which helps prevent a watery casserole.
- Mix Wet Ingredients and Cheese: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, ½ cup sour cream, ¼ cup mayonnaise, and 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese until combined.
- Combine Squash and Egg Mixture: Add the drained squash mixture to the egg mixture bowl and gently stir to combine, discarding any liquid drained off the squash to keep the casserole from becoming soggy.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the squash and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Prepare Topping: Crush 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers, leaving some larger chunks for texture, and place them in a medium-sized bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of melted salted butter and stir until the crumbs are well coated.
- Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the buttered cracker topping evenly over the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling at the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle dried parsley on top for color and serve warm.
Notes
- Draining the cooked squash is important to prevent the casserole from being watery.
- You can substitute sharp cheddar with your favorite cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to set before serving.
- Make sure not to overcook the squash during sautéing to retain some texture.
- Dried parsley garnish is optional but adds a nice color contrast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American