Creamy Countryside Paula Deens Squash Casserole Recipe

Southern comfort shines through this creamy squash casserole recipe that captures the essence of homestyle cooking.

Summer’s golden squash blends perfectly with rich cheese and buttery crackers in this classic paula deen creation.

Soft, tender squash meets a crispy, golden topping that melts in your mouth with every bite.

Generations of families have cherished this hearty side dish that brings warmth to any dinner table.

Fresh squash transforms into a luxurious casserole that celebrates simple, honest ingredients.

Each forkful promises a delightful mix of textures and flavors that speaks to true southern hospitality.

You’ll want to savor every delicious spoonful of this comforting southern classic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 7

What You’ll Need For Paula Deens Squash Casserole Recipe

• Yellow Squash: Tender and mild vegetable bringing the core flavor profile to the casserole, select firm and bright yellow squash without blemishes.
• Onion: Adds sweet and savory depth, choose fresh yellow or white onions with no soft spots or sprouting.
• Butter: Provides rich, creamy texture and enhances vegetable flavors, use unsalted for better control of recipe's saltiness.
• Vegetable Oil: Creates smooth cooking base for vegetables, select neutral-flavored oil with high smoke point.

• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers sharp, nutty undertone, grate fresh for most intense flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: Contributes bold, tangy richness, opt for medium or sharp variety for deeper taste.
• Sour Cream: Adds creamy consistency and slight tanginess, select full-fat version for best texture.

• Butter Crackers: Creates crispy, golden crust, crush crackers just before adding to maintain crunchiness.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhances overall seasoning, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum flavor impact.

Gear To Make Paula Deens Squash Casserole Recipe

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking squash and onions to soft perfection.
• 2-quart casserole dish: Crucial for baking and presenting the casserole.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining squash, cheese, and sour cream.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Colander or strainer: Useful for draining excess liquid from cooked vegetables.

Steps To Bake Paula Deens Squash Casserole Recipe

• Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F and give your baking dish a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

• Sauté The Vegetables

Toss your chopped squash and onions into a sizzling skillet with butter. Dance them around until they soften and release their moisture, about 10 minutes. Drain any extra liquid.

• Create The Creamy Mixture

Combine your sautéed veggies with rich cheeses and tangy sour cream. Season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, mixing until everything hugs together perfectly.

• Build Your Casserole Layer

Pour the veggie-cheese blend into your prepped baking dish. Crush some crackers and shower them across the top for a crispy crown.

• Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the heated oven and let it transform for 20-25 minutes. Watch for a gorgeous golden-brown cracker topping and bubbling edges.

• Rest And Serve

Give your casserole a short 5-10 minute break after baking. This helps it set up and makes slicing a breeze. Enjoy your southern-style comfort dish!

Tips To Try With Paula Deens Squash Casserole Recipe

• Cheese Lover's Swap: Replace cheddar with Gruyère or gouda for a more complex, nutty flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, perfect for busy meal planners wanting to save time.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Substitute crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cornflakes to make the recipe celiac-friendly without losing the crunchy topping.
• Veggie Boost: Experiment by adding diced bell peppers or spinach to increase nutrient density and introduce extra color and flavor to the classic squash casserole.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace crackers with crushed pork rinds or almond flour crumbs to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining a delightful crispy texture on top.

How To Serve Paula Deens Squash Casserole Recipe

• Southern Comfort Companion: Pair this creamy squash casserole with grilled chicken breasts for a hearty protein boost that complements the rich vegetable base.
• Picnic Perfect Plating: Serve alongside smoked pulled pork or barbecue ribs to create a classic Southern-style meal that will delight friends and family during summer gatherings.
• Vegetarian Veggie Feast: Transform this side dish into a main course by adding roasted chickpeas or grilled tofu on top, making it a satisfying vegetarian option with extra protein and texture.
• Brunch Brilliance: Slice cold casserole into squares and serve as a unique breakfast side with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon, offering a delightful morning twist on this comforting recipe.

Store Paula Deens Squash Casserole Recipe The Right Way

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftovers in airtight containers inside the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The casserole maintains its delicious flavor and texture when properly sealed.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish up to 24 hours before baking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator. Remove 30 minutes before baking to reach room temperature.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap the unbaked casserole securely in freezer-safe wrap. Store frozen for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to original baking time when cooking from frozen state.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm individual portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes. For larger servings, use oven at 350F, covering with foil to prevent cracker topping from burning. Splash tiny amount of water to maintain moisture and restore original creamy consistency.

Hearty Paula Deens Squash Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Southern squash casserole blends creamy comfort with garden-fresh goodness. Crisp buttery topping and rich cheese create a classic side dish that brings southern hospitality right to your plate.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 (medium) yellow squash (thinly sliced)
• 1 (large) Vidalia onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 cup (shredded) sharp cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup (grated) Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 sleeve buttery crackers (like Ritz, crushed)
• Salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
2. Vegetable Sauté: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add squash, onions, and butter, sautéing until vegetables soften and turn translucent, approximately 10 minutes. Drain excess liquid to maintain casserole’s desired consistency.
3. Cheese Mixture: Combine sautéed vegetables in a mixing bowl with Parmesan, cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Season with salt and pepper, mixing thoroughly to create a uniform flavor profile.
4. Assembly and Topping: Spread the vegetable-cheese mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Crush crackers and sprinkle uniformly over the top, creating a crispy golden layer.
5. Baking and Finishing: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cracker topping turns golden brown and edges begin to bubble. Allow the casserole to rest 5-10 minutes after removing from oven, enabling ingredients to set and facilitating cleaner serving.

Notes

• Manage Moisture Content: Thoroughly drain sautéed squash to prevent excess liquid from making the casserole soggy, ensuring a creamy yet firm texture.
• Cheese Selection Flexibility: Experiment with different cheese combinations like Gruyère or Monterey Jack to customize flavor profiles while maintaining the dish’s creamy consistency.
• Cracker Topping Variations: Swap traditional crackers with gluten-free alternatives or use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture, accommodating different dietary needs without compromising taste.
• Temperature Control Technique: Let the casserole rest after baking to allow ingredients to set, creating more stable and beautifully presented servings with enhanced flavor melding.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg