Squash Casserole Paula Deen: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Squash Casserole Paula Deen style is the ultimate comfort food, and I’m thrilled to share my take on this Southern classic with you! Imagine a creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious dish that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or even a cozy weeknight dinner. This isn’t just any casserole; it’s a warm hug in a baking dish, guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone at the table.

Squash casserole has deep roots in Southern cuisine, often appearing at Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts. It’s a testament to resourcefulness and the celebration of seasonal produce. While variations abound, the core ingredients of yellow squash, cheese, and a creamy binder remain constant, creating a dish that’s both familiar and endlessly adaptable. Paula Deen’s version, known for its richness and generous use of butter and cheese, has become particularly beloved.

What makes this squash casserole Paula Deen inspired so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures – the tender squash, the crispy topping, and the gooey, melted cheese. The flavor is rich and savory, with a hint of sweetness from the squash. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, making it a go-to recipe for busy cooks. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, you can whip up this crowd-pleasing casserole with ease. Get ready to experience a taste of Southern hospitality with every bite!

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds yellow squash, sliced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup butter, divided
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers

Preparing the Squash and Onion:

Okay, let’s get started! First things first, we need to get our squash and onion ready. This is a crucial step because properly cooked vegetables are the foundation of a delicious casserole. Trust me, nobody wants crunchy squash in their casserole!

1. Wash and Slice the Squash: Give those yellow squash a good wash under cool water. We want to remove any dirt or debris. Then, using a sharp knife, slice the squash into approximately 1/4-inch thick rounds. Don’t worry about making them perfectly uniform; a little variation is fine. The key is to ensure they’re not too thick, or they’ll take forever to cook.
2. Chop the Onion: Next up, the onion. Peel the onion and chop it into small, even pieces. I know, I know, chopping onions can be a tearjerker! If you’re sensitive, try chilling the onion in the freezer for about 15 minutes before chopping, or light a candle nearby. The goal is to have finely chopped onion that will cook evenly and blend seamlessly into the casserole.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: Now, grab a large skillet and melt 1/4 cup of the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the sliced squash and chopped onion to the skillet. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.
4. Cook Until Tender: Cook the squash and onion, stirring occasionally, until the squash is tender and the onion is translucent. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. You want the squash to be soft enough to easily pierce with a fork. Don’t rush this step! Properly cooked squash is essential for the right texture in the final casserole. If the squash starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
5. Drain Excess Liquid (Important!): This is a super important step! Once the squash and onion are tender, drain off any excess liquid. You can do this by transferring the vegetables to a colander or using a slotted spoon to remove them from the skillet, leaving the liquid behind. Excess liquid will make your casserole watery, and we definitely don’t want that.

Making the Casserole Mixture:

Alright, with the squash and onion prepped, we can move on to creating the creamy, cheesy base of our casserole. This is where the magic happens!

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked squash and onion, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps of sour cream or soup.
2. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Give the mixture a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Does it need a little more salt? A pinch of pepper? Now’s the time to make it perfect! Remember, you can always add more seasoning, but you can’t take it away.

Preparing the Ritz Cracker Topping:

No squash casserole is complete without a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker topping! This adds a delightful textural contrast to the creamy squash mixture.

1. Crush the Ritz Crackers: Place the Ritz crackers in a resealable plastic bag and crush them into coarse crumbs. You can use a rolling pin or your hands to do this. Alternatively, you can pulse them in a food processor, but be careful not to over-process them into a fine powder. We want some texture!
2. Melt the Remaining Butter: Melt the remaining 1/4 cup of butter in a small bowl.
3. Combine Butter and Cracker Crumbs: Pour the melted butter over the crushed Ritz crackers and toss to combine. Make sure all the cracker crumbs are evenly coated with butter. This will help them crisp up nicely in the oven.

Assembling and Baking the Casserole:

We’re almost there! Now it’s time to put everything together and bake our delicious squash casserole.

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Grease the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish and make it easier to serve.
3. Pour in the Squash Mixture: Pour the squash mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
4. Top with Cheese and Cracker Crumbs: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the squash mixture. Then, sprinkle the buttered Ritz cracker crumbs over the cheese. Make sure the entire surface is covered with cheese and cracker crumbs for maximum flavor and texture.
5. Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the topping is golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to prevent the topping from burning. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the casserole with aluminum foil.
6. Let it Rest: Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the casserole to set up slightly and make it easier to slice and serve.

Serving Suggestions:

This squash casserole is a perfect side dish for just about any meal! Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Serve it alongside grilled chicken, pork chops, or steak.
• It’s a great addition to a holiday meal, like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
• Enjoy it as a vegetarian main course with a side salad.
• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Enjoy your delicious, homemade squash casserole! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

Well, there you have it! My take on a classic, comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. This squash casserole, inspired by the queen of Southern cooking herself, Paula Deen, is more than just a side dish; it’s a warm hug on a plate. The creamy texture, the subtle sweetness of the squash, and the satisfying crunch of the topping all come together in perfect harmony. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe, especially if you’re looking for something that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious.

But why is this particular squash casserole so special? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s not overly sweet, thanks to the savory elements we’ve incorporated. And the buttery cracker topping? Oh, it’s simply divine! It adds that delightful crunch that elevates the entire dish. Trust me, even the pickiest eaters will be reaching for seconds.

Now, let’s talk about serving suggestions and variations. This casserole is fantastic as a side dish for just about any meal. Think roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or even a hearty vegetarian lentil loaf. It’s also a wonderful addition to holiday gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners.

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe to your liking. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the squash mixture. If you prefer a sweeter casserole, you can increase the amount of sugar slightly. You could also experiment with different types of cheese. A sharp cheddar or a smoky Gruyere would be delicious additions.

Another variation I love is adding some cooked bacon or ham to the casserole. It adds a salty, savory element that complements the sweetness of the squash beautifully. You could also try using different types of crackers for the topping. Ritz crackers are a classic choice, but you could also use saltines, graham crackers, or even some crushed potato chips for a unique twist.

And don’t forget about the herbs! Fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage would all be wonderful additions to this casserole. Just a sprinkle of fresh herbs can really elevate the flavor profile.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I know you’re going to love it as much as I do. It’s a simple, comforting, and incredibly satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Once you’ve made this squash casserole, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories with me in the comments below! I can’t wait to see what you create. Happy cooking! Let me know if you have any questions, I’m always happy to help. I hope this becomes a staple in your home, just like it is in mine. Enjoy!

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