Name: Cheesy Squash Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 pounds yellow squash, cut into 1/4 inch slices; 1 cup white onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup milk; 2 large eggs; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated; 2 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded; 2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed; 4 tablespoons butter, melted

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 2 reviews

I am absolutely thrilled to share my Cheesy Squash Casserole Recipe with you! This dish has become one of my ultimate comfort foods, especially when I crave something rich, cheesy, and a little bit buttery. The squash brings a lovely mild sweetness and tender texture, perfectly balanced with the creamy cheese sauce and that irresistible crunchy topping. Whenever I make it, I feel like I’m wrapping myself in a cozy blanket of flavors. It’s an easy recipe that delivers big on taste, and I can’t wait for you to try it.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Squash Casserole Recipe

One of the things that I adore most about this Cheesy Squash Casserole Recipe is the way the flavors all come together so naturally. The softness of the yellow squash melds beautifully with the sharpness of the Parmesan and Colby Jack cheeses, while the hint of cayenne pepper gives just the right amount of warmth without overpowering the other ingredients. When you take a bite, it’s creamy and cheesy but also fresh and light thanks to the squash. It’s such a satisfying combination that I find myself craving it again and again.

From a preparation standpoint, this recipe is a winner because it’s straightforward yet yields a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to make. I especially love that it doesn’t require any fancy ingredients or complicated steps—it’s all in the balancing of simple, quality components. Plus, this casserole is super versatile, perfect for cozy family dinners, holiday gatherings, or a potluck where you want to impress with minimal effort. It’s the kind of dish I’m always happy to share and even happier to make again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows many yellow circular slices of squash spread out on a wooden surface. Each slice has a bright yellow outer edge with a lighter, almost white center that has small, pale seeds embedded inside. The slices vary in thickness but are mostly thick and round, overlapping each other. A large kitchen knife with an etched blade lies near the lower edge of the wooden surface. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients in this Cheesy Squash Casserole Recipe are simple but essential, each playing a crucial role in flavor, texture, and color. From the tender yellow squash and sautéed onions to the creamy blend of cheeses and the irresistible buttery cracker topping, every element combines to create a truly memorable dish.

Yellow squash (2 1/2 pounds): Sliced thinly, it adds mild sweetness and a tender bite that holds up well in the casserole.
Butter (2 tablespoons + 4 tablespoons melted): Provides richness for sautéing and binds the cracker topping for that perfect crunch.
White onion (1 cup, diced): Adds a subtle savory sweetness and depth of flavor when cooked.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings aromatic warmth that complements the other ingredients.
Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Helps create a creamy, tangy texture in the cheesy sauce.
Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds tang and richness to balance the cheese.
Milk (1/2 cup): Thins out the sauce slightly for smooth consistency.
Eggs (2 large): Bind everything together to create a cohesive casserole.
Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a gentle kick of heat to brighten the flavors.
Salt (1 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Enhance and balance all the flavors.
Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Adds a salty, nutty punch that elevates the dish.
Colby Jack cheese (2 cups, shredded): Melts beautifully to create creamy indulgence.
Fresh thyme (2 teaspoons) or dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a fragrant herbal touch that complements the squash.
Ritz crackers (1 sleeve, crushed): Forms a deliciously buttery and crunchy topping.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and help with an even bake.

Step 2: Slice the yellow squash into 1/4-inch rounds. Make sure they aren’t any thinner, or they might become too mushy during cooking. The correct thickness keeps the texture just right.

Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter, then sauté the sliced squash and diced onion together. Cook for about 8 minutes until they become just soft and slightly translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds for maximum aroma before removing the skillet from heat.

Step 4: Transfer the sautéed squash mixture to a colander and gently stir to help release excess moisture. Let it drain for roughly 10 minutes so your casserole won’t turn out watery.

Step 5: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, eggs, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, Parmesan, Colby Jack cheese, and thyme until combined. This cheesy sauce is what binds the whole casserole and gives it that signature rich flavor.

Step 6: In a separate small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the 4 tablespoons of melted butter until every cracker is coated. This will create the golden, crispy topping that I just love.

Step 7: In your prepared baking dish, spread about one-third of the cheesy sauce evenly on the bottom. Add half of the drained squash mixture on top, then spread another third of the sauce over the squash. Layer on the remaining squash and top it with the rest of the sauce.

Step 8: Finally, sprinkle the buttery crushed cracker topping evenly over the entire casserole.

Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the casserole is bubbling and cooked through. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

This Cheesy Squash Casserole Recipe makes about 6 generous servings, perfect for a family meal or sharing with friends. It takes roughly 15 minutes to prep the ingredients and get everything ready for baking. The cook time is around 30 minutes, so from start to finish, you’re looking at about 45 minutes total. There’s a bit of resting time after baking, which helps the casserole set so it slices cleanly and tastes even better.

How to Serve This Cheesy Squash Casserole Recipe

A white plate holds a serving of layered yellow and white dish topped with a crumbly golden-brown crust sprinkled with small green parsley pieces. The layers include a creamy white base mixed with soft yellow slices, all covered by a crumbly top that adds a crunchy texture. A silver fork rests on the edge of the plate with some crumbs scattered around. In the background, there are round golden crackers and part of a white dish containing more of the same layered food, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this casserole, I love to keep the sides simple to let those cheesy, buttery flavors shine. A fresh green salad with a crisp vinaigrette or a light steamed vegetable like green beans or asparagus pairs beautifully and adds some brightness to the plate. I also enjoy it alongside roasted chicken or ham for a comforting, well-rounded dinner.

For presentation, I like to garnish the casserole with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or chopped parsley to add a pop of color and a fresh herbal note. Serving it straight from the oven while still warm makes the cheesy sauce luscious and the cracker topping perfectly crunchy. If you want to make it a bit more special for a holiday or party, individual ramekins with their own crunchy topping make for charming presentation and easy serving.

When it comes to drinks, I find a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay complements the casserole’s richness perfectly. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or a lightly brewed iced tea refreshes the palate nicely. This dish works well for weeknight dinners, potlucks, holiday feasts, or anytime you want a cheesy, comforting side that feels homemade and thoughtful.

Variations

I always encourage experimenting with this Cheesy Squash Casserole Recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. For example, if you want to cut back on fat, using Greek yogurt in place of sour cream and mayonnaise can lighten it up without losing creaminess. For a gluten-free version, swapping Ritz crackers for gluten-free buttery crackers makes it easy to adapt.

If you’re not a fan of yellow squash or want to mix things up, zucchini makes a fabulous substitute and keeps the texture nice and tender in the casserole. You can also add some finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms into the sauté step to boost the veggie content and flavor complexity. For a vegan twist, I recommend using dairy-free cheese alternatives, vegan mayo, and plant-based milk, though the texture will vary slightly.

Another fun variation is to switch the cracker topping out for seasoned panko breadcrumbs or even crushed cornflakes for a different kind of crunch. I’ve even baked this casserole in individual muffin tins for portable portions that are perfect for potluck parties or lunchboxes. No matter how you customize it, this recipe remains a crowd-pleaser and a cozy, cheesy delight.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying this cheesy squash casserole, I store any leftovers in an airtight container placed in the refrigerator. It keeps well for about 3 to 4 days and reheats beautifully without losing much of its texture or flavor. Make sure to let the casserole cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing

This casserole freezes wonderfully if you want to prepare ahead of time. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or wrap the baking dish tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It stays good for up to 2 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For reheating, I recommend warming the casserole in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and the topping crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the topping soggy and the casserole less appealing texture-wise. If you must use a microwave, try reheating in short bursts and finishing with a quick broil to restore the crunch.

FAQs

Can I use zucchini instead of yellow squash in this casserole?

Absolutely! Zucchini is a great substitute if you want a similar texture and mild flavor. Just slice it the same thickness and follow the recipe as normal. It will yield a tasty, slightly different variation of the squash casserole.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, you can easily make this Cheesy Squash Casserole Recipe gluten-free by replacing the Ritz cracker topping with gluten-free crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Just be sure any other ingredient you use is certified gluten-free.

How spicy is the casserole with cayenne pepper?

The cayenne pepper is added in a small amount (1/4 teaspoon), so it provides just a gentle warmth without making the dish spicy. If you prefer no heat at all, feel free to omit it. For a little more kick, you can add slightly more according to your taste.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole fully, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it great for preparing meals in advance or for a potluck. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

What can I serve this casserole with for a complete meal?

I love pairing this casserole with roasted or grilled chicken, pork chops, or baked ham. Adding a simple green salad or steamed veggies rounds out the meal with freshness. It’s also fantastic alongside a hearty soup for a cozy dinner.

Conclusion

I truly hope you enjoy making and eating this Cheesy Squash Casserole Recipe as much as I do. It’s one of those feel-good dishes that’s easy to prepare but tastes indulgently homemade, combining creamy cheese, tender squash, and that buttery, crunchy topping. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try, and I’m confident you’ll be hooked on this cozy classic!