Comforting Squash Casserole with 1 Ritz Topping

Oh, this squash casserole with Ritz crackers! It’s like a warm hug from my grandmother’s kitchen, you know? It’s that perfect blend of creamy, tender yellow squash nestled under a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker topping that just screams comfort food. My Nana used to make something similar, and every time I whip this up, I can almost hear her humming. It’s become my go-to for family dinners, potlucks, you name it. Seriously, it’s so easy and always a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Squash Casserole with Ritz Crackers

• Super Easy to Make: Seriously, it comes together in a flash, perfect for busy weeknights!
• Always a Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone, even the pickiest eaters, devours this creamy, dreamy casserole.
• Holiday Ready: It’s a fantastic side dish that’ll be the star of any holiday table.
• Creamy & Crunchy Perfection: That delightful contrast between the tender squash and the buttery Ritz topping is just divine.

Ingredients for the Perfect Squash Casserole with Ritz Crackers

Alright, let’s get down to what you’ll need for this little slice of heaven. It’s pretty straightforward, which is exactly how I like it! You’ll want about a tablespoon of butter to get things started in the pan. Then, grab yourself a good pound of yellow squash and slice it up – I usually go for about 1/4-inch thick rounds. Don’t forget half a cup of chopped onion and a quarter cup of chopped green bell pepper; they give it a lovely little flavor boost. For that signature creamy base, grab a can of condensed cream of mushroom soup (that’s 10.5 ounces). Then, stir in half a cup of sour cream, a quarter cup of shredded cheddar cheese (because cheese makes everything better, right?), and a quarter cup of milk. We’ll also need one beaten egg to help bind it all together. For that irresistible crunchy topping, you’ll need about half a cup of crushed Ritz crackers and two tablespoons of melted butter to make them nice and golden.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Squash Casserole with Ritz Crackers

That cream of mushroom soup is really the magic binder here, giving it that super creamy texture we all love. But hey, if mushrooms aren’t your jam, cream of chicken soup works just as beautifully. And for the Ritz crackers, you want them crushed, but not into dust! A good way to do it is to put them in a zip-top bag and give them a good whack with a rolling pin or the bottom of a sturdy mug. It gives you those nice little buttery, crunchy bits. If you’re feeling extra cheesy, which, let’s be honest, I usually am, just toss in an extra quarter cup of cheddar right into the squash mixture before you bake it. It never hurts!

How to Prepare This Easy Squash Casserole with Ritz Crackers

Alright, let’s get this deliciousness made! It’s really not complicated at all, and honestly, the best part is how quickly it comes together. First things first, go ahead and preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (that’s 190 Celsius). While that’s warming up, we’ll get the veggies ready.

Step 1: Preparing the Squash Mixture

Grab a large skillet and melt that first tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Toss in your sliced yellow squash, along with the chopped onion and green bell pepper. You just want to cook these until they’re nice and tender, so give them about 5 to 7 minutes. You’re not trying to brown them or anything, just soften them up a bit. It smells so good at this stage!

Step 2: Combining the Casserole Base

Once your veggies are tender, you’re going to put them in a big bowl. Now, add in that can of condensed cream of mushroom soup, the sour cream, the shredded cheddar cheese, the milk, and that one beaten egg. Stir it all up really well. You want everything to be nicely combined and creamy. No lumps allowed!

Step 3: Assembling the Squash Casserole with Ritz Crackers

Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish – a little spray or a swipe of butter works perfectly. Pour that creamy squash mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Now for my favorite part – the topping! In a little separate bowl, mix together your crushed Ritz crackers and the melted butter. Sprinkle this buttery, crumbly goodness all over the top of the squash mixture. Make sure it’s covered!

Step 4: Baking the Squash Casserole to Golden Perfection

Pop that dish into your preheated oven. You’ll want to bake it for about 25 to 30 minutes. What you’re looking for is for it to get all bubbly around the edges and for that cracker topping to turn a beautiful golden brown. Trust me, the smell that fills your kitchen during this time is just heavenly.

Tips for a Truly Delicious Squash Casserole with Ritz Crackers

You know, the best part about cooking at home is that little bit of magic you add yourself, that instinct. For this squash casserole, it’s all about the details that make it sing. Make sure those Ritz crackers are crushed up nicely, not too fine, so you get that lovely crunch. And if you’re like me and believe there’s no such thing as too much cheese, definitely add that extra bit of cheddar. It just takes the creaminess and the flavor over the top. Cooking should be fun, so don’t be afraid to play around a little!

Achieving the Perfect Ritz Cracker Topping

Seriously, the topping is key! You want those buttery crumbs spread evenly over the whole casserole. This ensures every bite gets that delicious crunchy contrast to the creamy squash. Don’t pack it down too much, just a nice, even layer so it can get nice and golden in the oven.

Enhancing the Flavor of Your Squash Casserole

Want to kick it up a notch? Adding that extra quarter cup of cheddar cheese right into the squash mixture before baking is a game-changer. You could even mix in a little bit of garlic powder with your cracker crumbs for an extra flavor punch. Sometimes I’ll even add a pinch of nutmeg to the squash mixture itself; it just gives it this lovely warmth that pairs so well with the squash.

Serving Suggestions for Your Squash Casserole with Ritz Crackers

This creamy squash casserole with its crunchy Ritz topping is just fantastic alongside pretty much anything! It’s especially wonderful with roasted chicken or ham. Think of it as the perfect partner for your holiday turkey or a simple weeknight pork chop. It also plays nicely with other Southern staples like mac and cheese or a big, fresh green salad. It really just makes any meal feel a little bit more special and comforting.

Storing and Reheating Your Squash Casserole with Ritz Crackers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Once it’s cooled down a bit, just pop any extra squash casserole into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep nicely for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready for a second helping, the best way to reheat it is in a moderate oven, around 350°F (175°C), until it’s warmed through and bubbly again. This helps keep that lovely crunchy topping from getting too soggy. You can also gently reheat it in the microwave, but be aware the cracker topping might soften a bit.

Frequently Asked Questions about Squash Casserole with Ritz Crackers

Can I make this squash casserole ahead of time?

Oh, absolutely! This is one of those dishes that’s actually even better made ahead. You can assemble the whole thing, right up to adding the cracker topping, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge for a day. When you’re ready to bake, just let it sit out for about 15-20 minutes to take the chill off, add that buttery Ritz topping, and bake as usual, maybe adding a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’s starting out colder. It’s a lifesaver for holiday meals!

What other crackers can I use for the topping?

While I just adore the buttery crunch of Ritz crackers, you’ve got options! Club crackers have a similar texture and flavor that work wonderfully. You could even try crushed saltines for a slightly different, saltier bite, or even some buttery round crackers. The key is to get a nice, buttery cracker that crushes up well to create that golden crust. Just make sure you mix them with that melted butter before sprinkling!

How do I prevent my squash casserole from being watery?

That’s a great question, and something I learned early on! Yellow squash can release a lot of liquid. When you cook the squash, onion, and bell pepper in that first step, don’t be afraid to cook them just a little longer than the minimum time, especially if you see a lot of liquid pooling in the pan. You can even drain off any excess liquid before you mix it into the casserole base. It just helps keep everything nice and creamy, not soupy!

Nutritional Estimate for Squash Casserole with Ritz Crackers

Just a little note that all the nutritional info you see for this squash casserole is an estimate, you know? It depends on the brands you use, exactly how much of everything you put in, and how big a scoop you take. So, think of it as a general guide rather than a strict rule!

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