Description
This Savory Summer Squash Casserole with Crunchy Cracker Topping is a comforting, creamy dish perfect for using fresh yellow squash. Featuring a rich blend of cream cheese, cream of mushroom soup, sharp cheddar, and sweet sautéed onions, it’s topped with buttery crushed crackers baked to a golden crisp. Perfect as a hearty side or vegetarian main, this easy-to-make casserole brings out the best of summer produce with a satisfying crunchy topping.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 3 cups Yellow Squash, sliced â…“ inch thick
- 1 cup Sweet Onion, diced
Dairy & Eggs
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- 8 oz Cream Cheese
- 1 large Egg
- 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
Condiments & Pantry
- 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 cup Ritz Crackers, crushed
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Slice the Squash: Slice the yellow squash into â…“ inch thick pieces and place them in a bowl for mixing.
- Sauté the Onion: Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add the diced sweet onion. Cook for 5-6 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Melt the Cream Cheese: Stir the cream cheese into the warm onion mixture until fully melted, creating a creamy base.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the sautéed onion and cream cheese with cream of mushroom soup, egg, half the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Add the Squash: Gently fold the sliced squash into the creamy mixture, ensuring even coating, then pour it into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the Topping: Crush the Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag and mix with melted butter. Sprinkle this evenly over the casserole.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and casserole is heated through.
Notes
- For a lighter dish, substitute ricotta cheese instead of cream cheese.
- Green onions can replace sweet onions for a milder flavor.
- Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and crackers to make this casserole gluten-free.
- Vegans can substitute the egg with a flax egg and use plant-based cheese and butter alternatives.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste preference.
