Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman 5-Ingredient Squash Casserole is a creamy and cheesy recipe, which is made with tender yellow squash and a buttery Ritz cracker topping. It’s the ultimate comfort food, a classic Southern side dish that’s incredibly easy to make, ready in about an hour.
Pioneer Woman 5-Ingredient Squash Casserole Ingredients
The 5 core ingredients for a classic Southern side dish.
- 1 pound yellow squash, sliced
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 20 Ritz crackers
- Salt and pepper to taste
How To Make Pioneer Woman 5-Ingredient Squash Casserole
A step-by-step guide to this classic and comforting vegetable bake.
- Prep Oven and Sauté Squash: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Add the sliced squash, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5 minutes until it begins to soften.
- Drain the Squash: Transfer the cooked squash to a colander and let it drain for about 5 minutes to remove any excess moisture.
- Combine the Casserole: In a medium bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup and the shredded cheddar cheese. Place the drained squash in a casserole dish, then pour the soup and cheese mixture over the top and stir to combine.
- Make the Cracker Topping: In a separate small bowl, crush the Ritz crackers. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and pour it over the crackers, stirring to coat them evenly.
- Bake and Serve: Sprinkle the buttered cracker topping evenly over the casserole. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the sides are hot and bubbly.
Recipe Tips
For the most delicious and perfectly creamy squash casserole.
- How to prevent a watery casserole? Sautéing the squash first and then letting it drain in a colander is the most crucial step. This removes a significant amount of water from the squash before it’s added to the creamy filling, ensuring a thick, rich casserole, not a soupy one.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, this is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble the entire casserole (but wait to add the cracker topping), cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, prepare the topping, sprinkle it on, and you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- What kind of crackers are best? Classic, round, buttery crackers like Ritz provide the perfect salty, crunchy contrast to the creamy filling. As the recipe tip notes, keep the pieces a bit bigger for the best texture.
- Can I use zucchini instead of yellow squash? Yes, but zucchini holds even more water than yellow squash. If you use zucchini, the initial sautéing and draining step is even more critical. Be sure to press out as much liquid as you can.
What To Serve With Squash Casserole
Classic Southern mains that pair perfectly with this comforting side.
This creamy, cheesy casserole is a staple at any Southern potluck or family dinner. It pairs wonderfully with:
- Fried chicken or a simple roast chicken
- Glazed ham or a roasted pork loin
- BBQ pulled pork or ribs
- Grilled steak
How To Store Squash Casserole
Keeping your delicious leftovers creamy.
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: The cracker topping will soften upon storage. For the best texture, reheat the casserole in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, until heated through and the topping has re-crisped slightly.
Pioneer Woman 5-Ingredient Squash Casserole Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per serving.
- Calories: 259kcal
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 20g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Do I have to peel the squash?
No, it’s not necessary for young, tender yellow summer squash. Their skin is very thin and will become tender during cooking. Just be sure to wash and dry it well.
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Yes. While sharp cheddar is a classic, this casserole would also be delicious with a Colby Jack blend, Gruyère, or a spicy pepper jack for a bit of a kick.
Can I use a different soup?
Cream of chicken is classic, but cream of celery or cream of mushroom soup would also be delicious substitutes in this casserole.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Spanish Rice Casserole Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Stuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Nacho Cheese Casserole Recipe
Pioneer Woman 5-Ingredient Squash Casserole Recipe
Description
An incredibly easy, 5-ingredient Southern squash casserole that is creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crunchy, buttery Ritz cracker crust. The perfect potluck side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter. Sauté the sliced squash with salt and pepper for 5 minutes until softened. Drain well in a colander.
- In a medium bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup and shredded cheese.
- Place the drained squash in a casserole dish. Pour the soup and cheese mixture over the squash and stir to combine.
- Crush the Ritz crackers and toss them with the remaining 2 tbsp of melted butter.
- Sprinkle the buttered cracker topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Notes
- u003cliu003eSautéing and draining the squash before assembling is the crucial secret to preventing a watery casserole.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor the best crunch, don’t crush the crackers into fine crumbs; keep some larger pieces.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis casserole can be assembled ahead of time (without the topping) and refrigerated. Just add the topping before baking.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eA sharp cheddar provides a great flavor contrast to the sweet squash and creamy filling.u003c/liu003e
