Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Squash Casserole is a creamy and cheesy recipe, which is made with tender yellow squash and a buttery Ritz cracker topping. It’s the perfect side dish for a potluck, ready in about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Pioneer Woman Squash Casserole Ingredients
A classic Southern combination for a crowd-pleasing side dish.
- 3 lb. yellow squash, cut into 1/4-inch thick slices
- 1 yellow onion, peeled and chopped
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 tsp. ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 8 oz. sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 3 Tbsp. butter, melted, plus more for the pan
- 1 1/2 sleeves round butter crackers (such as Ritz), broken into pieces (about 3 cups)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
How To Make Pioneer Woman Squash Casserole
A step-by-step guide to this classic and comforting vegetable bake.
- Roast the Squash and Onions: Preheat the oven to 400°F. On a large tray, combine the sliced squash and chopped onion. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Toss well, then roast for 25 minutes until the squash is slightly softened and has released its liquid. Drain the mixture in a colander and gently press with paper towels to remove any extra moisture. Let it cool.
- Make the Creamy Filling: Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, and thyme and stir everything together. Gently fold in the cooled, drained squash and onion mixture.
- First Bake: Transfer the mixture to a lightly-greased 3-quart baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Make Topping and Final Bake: While the casserole bakes, combine the melted butter, broken cracker pieces, and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. After 20 minutes, remove the foil from the casserole and sprinkle the buttered cracker mixture evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake, uncovered, for another 25 to 30 minutes, until the crackers are golden brown and the edges are bubbly. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Recipe Tips
For the most delicious and perfectly creamy squash casserole.
- How to prevent a watery casserole? Roasting the squash and onions first and then draining them well is the most crucial step. This removes a significant amount of water from the vegetables before they are 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 initial covered 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 roasting 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 Squash Casserole Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per serving.
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Fat: 35 g
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 roasting. 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.
My cracker topping is soggy. Why?
This can happen if the casserole released too much steam while covered. Make sure your squash and onion mixture is well-drained. Also, ensure you bake it uncovered for the final 25-30 minutes to allow the topping to get golden brown and perfectly crisp.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Cabbage Casserole Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Taco Casserole Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Pioneer Woman Squash Casserole Recipe
Description
A classic Southern-style squash casserole that is incredibly creamy and cheesy, featuring tender roasted yellow squash and a crunchy, buttery Ritz cracker and Parmesan topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss the sliced squash and onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25 minutes. Drain the vegetables well in a colander.
- Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Grease a 3-quart baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs. Stir in the sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar, and thyme. Gently fold in the drained, cooled squash mixture.
- Pour into the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, toss the broken crackers with the melted butter and Parmesan cheese.
- Uncover the casserole and sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the top.
- Bake, uncovered, for another 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- u003cliu003eRoasting and draining the squash and onions 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 them in larger, bite-sized 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
