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Crispy Yellow Squash Casserole Recipe with Easy Ritz Cracker Topping

crispy yellow squash casserole - featured image

A comforting and easy-to-make squash casserole featuring a creamy, cheesy base topped with a crispy, buttery Ritz cracker crust. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or cozy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups yellow squash, sliced thin
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 ½ cups Ritz crackers, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Wash and slice the yellow squash thinly, about ¼ inch thick. Finely chop the onion.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add the squash to the skillet and cook until slightly softened, about 6-7 minutes. Drain any excess liquid from the pan.
  5. In a medium saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbling but not browned.
  6. Slowly whisk in the milk and continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  8. In a large bowl, mix the cooked squash and onions with the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
  9. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
  10. Crush the Ritz crackers finely but not to dust. Mix the crumbs with the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese.
  11. Sprinkle the cracker and cheese topping evenly over the casserole.
  12. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
  13. Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Drain the cooked squash and onions thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole. Crush Ritz crackers to a medium-fine size for the best crispy topping. If topping browns too quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking. Let casserole rest before serving to firm up.

Nutrition

Keywords: yellow squash casserole, crispy casserole, Ritz cracker topping, cheesy squash casserole, easy squash recipe, potluck side dish