Southern Squash Casserole with Ritz Cracker Topping Recipe

Southern squash casserole represents the heart of comfort food cooking, transforming humble yellow summer squash into an irresistible side dish that steals the show at every gathering. This recipe combines tender squash with a creamy, cheesy base and tops it with the most addictive element: crispy, buttery Ritz crackers that create the perfect textural contrast. When summer gardens overflow with squash, this casserole becomes the ultimate solution for using abundance while creating something delicious.

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 What makes this recipe for squash casserole amazing

This recipe elevates ordinary squash into something extraordinary by carefully layering flavors and textures. The cream of celery soup provides rich foundation while mayonnaise adds subtle tanginess and moisture. Sharp cheddar cheese contributes depth and richness, while the iconic Ritz cracker topping delivers the irresistible crunch that makes this casserole absolutely unforgettable. The combination perfectly balances a creamy interior and a crispy exterior.

What Makes This Squash Casserole Special

Unlike regular vegetable casseroles, this Southern classic features an exceptional topping that sets it apart from ordinary sides. The mixture of buttery Ritz crackers and cheese creates a golden, crunchy crown that contrasts beautifully with the tender squash below. This textural contrast transforms simple ingredients into restaurant-quality comfort food that guests will crave for days after tasting.

Cheesy squash casserole ingredients

Here’s a list of what you need:

• Yellow summer squash – Provides tender base with mild, sweet flavor that absorbs surrounding seasonings beautifully
• Sweet onion – Adds aromatic foundation and subtle sweetness that complements squash perfectly
• Condensed cream of celery soup – Creates rich, creamy binding sauce with savory depth
• Large egg – Acts as binding agent that helps casserole set properly during baking
• Sharp cheddar cheese – Contributes rich, tangy flavor and melty texture throughout
• Mayonnaise – Adds moisture and subtle tanginess while creating sa mooth, creamy consistency
• Salt – Enhances natural flavors and draws out excess moisture from squash
• Ground black pepper – Provides gentle heat and aromatic complexity
• Ritz crackers – Create a signature crispy, buttery topping that defines this dish
• Unsalted butter – Binds cracker topping and adds a rich, golden finish

How to make squash casserole

1. Cut the squash into bite-sized pieces.

2. Boil squash and onion until tender. Drain and place it in a bowl.
3. Mix the soup, egg, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper together.

4. Add the soup mixture to the drained squash and onions. Stir to combine.
5. Place the squash mixture into a casserole dish.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until bubbly.
7. Combine crushed Ritz crackers with butter.
8. Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the cracker mixture over the top.
9. Return the casserole to the oven and bake it for 15 minutes until browned.

What to serve with this cheesy squash casserole

Squash is plentiful and cheap in the early fall, whether you have a productive garden or a favorite farmers’ market. That means this Squash Casserole with Ritz Crackers recipe is the perfect autumn side dish, but what will you eat with it? Here are a few suggestions:

• Mississippi Sin. Don’t think, just make it. You’ll be glad you did. 
• Deep-Fried Turkey Legs. Turkey’s not just for Thanksgiving anymore. Nope. 
• Jalapeno Cornbread. Spicy and delicious, this cornbread recipe is from Luby’s cafeteria. 
• Grilled Chicken Tenders. Simple to cook, but still flavorful.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

• Freezer to Table: Thaw frozen casserole for 24 hours in the refrigerator, bake 20 minutes, add fresh cracker topping, then bake for an additional 15 minutes
• Refrigerator Storage: Cover tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store for up to 3-4 days in refrigerator
• Reheating Method: Preheat oven to 350°F and heat covered casserole until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes
• Freezing Instructions: Assemble the casserole without cracker topping in the freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months

Love casseroles? Try these recipes!

• Asparagus Casserole
• Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
• Cheesy Potatoes with Corn Flakes
• Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
• Ham and Scalloped Potato Casserole
• Hamburger Bean Casserole

Favorite Side Dish Recipes

• Air Fryer Potato Wedges
• Baked Red Potatoes
• Fried Apples
• How to Cook Cabbage
• Steamed Green Beans

Check out my easy casserole recipes and the best side dish recipes here on CopyKat!

Thanks Mari for sharing this recipe with us!!