Squash Casserole with Ritz Crackers Easy Homemade Comfort Recipe

Comfort food holds a special place in home kitchens. Squash casserole with Ritz crackers stands out as one of those recipes that feels familiar yet exciting every time it comes out of the oven.

Warm aromas fill the house. Golden topping crackles gently. The first bite delivers soft squash, creamy filling, and buttery crunch all at once. Many cooks grew up with a version of this dish at family gatherings. Others discovered it later while searching for easy vegetable sides that everyone actually enjoys.

Ingredients Needed

Quality ingredients shape the final flavor. Fresh squash matters. Butter adds richness. Cheese binds everything together. Ritz crackers supply crunch and nostalgia. Measuring carefully ensures consistent results. The table below lists common ingredients along with estimated calorie counts per typical serving amount. Values remain approximate and vary by brand.

Ingredient	Quantity	Approximate Calories
Yellow squash	Four cups sliced	One hundred twenty
Onion	One medium chopped	Forty five
Butter	Half cup	Eight hundred
Cheddar cheese	Two cups shredded	Eight hundred twenty
Sour cream	One cup	Four hundred ninety
Eggs	Two large	One hundred forty
Ritz crackers	Two sleeves crushed	Four hundred fifty
Salt	One teaspoon	Zero
Black pepper	Half teaspoon	Zero

Each ingredient plays a role. Squash provides body and mild sweetness. Onion deepens flavor. Butter creates silkiness. Cheese melts and binds. Sour cream adds creaminess with slight tang. Eggs help the casserole set. Ritz crackers crown the dish with a golden top.

Step by Step Cooking Instructions

Preparation starts with the squash. Wash it well. Slice it evenly. Uniform slices cook at the same pace. Place squash in a large pot. Add enough water to cover lightly. Bring to a gentle boil. Cook until tender. This usually takes about ten minutes. Drain well. Excess water can make the casserole soggy. Let the squash cool slightly.

Onions come next. Melt a small portion of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion. Stir often. Cook until soft and translucent. This step removes sharpness. Sweetness develops. Set onions aside.If you want more information, you can also check out our article on –Squash Butternut Baked-.

Move to a large mixing bowl. Add cooked squash. Use a fork or spoon to break it up slightly. Some texture remains. Add sautéed onions. Stir gently. Add sour cream. Mix until combined. Crack in the eggs. Beat lightly within the mixture. Sprinkle salt and black pepper. Stir again. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese. The mixture should look thick and creamy.

Prepare the baking dish. Use a medium size casserole dish. Grease it generously with butter. This prevents sticking and adds flavor. Spoon the squash mixture into the dish. Spread it evenly. Smooth the top.

Crush the Ritz crackers. Place them in a large bag. Use a rolling pin or hands. Aim for coarse crumbs. Melt the remaining butter. Pour it over the crushed crackers. Toss until coated. This step ensures even browning. Sprinkle the buttery crackers evenly over the casserole. Cover every corner.

Preheat the oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Place the dish on the center rack. Bake uncovered. Cooking time usually ranges from thirty to forty minutes. Watch the top. It should turn golden brown. The edges may bubble slightly. Remove from oven when the center feels set.

Let the casserole rest for ten minutes before serving. Resting helps it firm up. Flavors settle. Slices hold their shape better. Serve warm. Enjoy the contrast between creamy squash and crunchy topping.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

Personal touches make this dish memorable. Many cooks adjust ingredients based on taste or dietary needs. Cheese options offer easy variation. Sharp cheddar brings bold flavor. Colby Jack adds mild creaminess. Parmesan creates a nutty note when mixed into the topping.

Protein additions turn this side into a main dish. Cooked chicken works well. Shred it finely. Mix it into the squash base. Cooked bacon adds smoky depth. Crumble it before mixing. Ham also pairs nicely with squash and cheese.

Vegetable additions increase texture and nutrition. Diced bell peppers add color. Sauté them with onions. Mushrooms bring earthiness. Spinach offers freshness. Cook spinach first and squeeze out moisture.

Seasonings change the profile. Garlic powder enhances savoriness. Paprika adds warmth. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley brighten the dish. Add herbs at the mixing stage.

Texture adjustments suit different preferences. Some like a smoother filling. Mash squash more thoroughly. Others enjoy chunks. Leave slices larger. Topping crunch can increase by adding chopped nuts like pecans to the crackers.

Lighter versions remain possible. Use reduced fat cheese. Replace some sour cream with Greek yogurt. Use less butter in the topping. Flavor still shines while calories drop slightly.

Nutritional Information

Squash casserole with Ritz crackers delivers comfort but also nutrients. Yellow squash contains vitamins A and C. It offers fiber that supports digestion. Onions add antioxidants. Eggs supply protein. Cheese contributes calcium.

A typical serving contains moderate calories due to butter and crackers. Portion control matters. Pairing with lean protein balances the meal. Those watching sodium should adjust salt and choose low sodium crackers and cheese.

Approximate nutrition per serving includes three hundred to four hundred calories depending on portion size. Fat content remains higher due to dairy and butter. Protein averages around ten to twelve grams. Carbohydrates come mostly from crackers and squash. Fiber content remains modest but beneficial.

This dish fits best as part of a balanced meal. Fresh salads and roasted meats complement it well. Occasional indulgence supports enjoyment without guilt.

Serving Suggestions

Presentation enhances enjoyment. Serve squash casserole with Ritz crackers directly from the baking dish. The golden top looks inviting. Garnish lightly with chopped parsley for color. Serve with a large spoon to capture both filling and topping.

Holiday meals benefit from this casserole. It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey. Ham dinners gain a creamy side that offsets saltiness. Thanksgiving tables often include it alongside stuffing and green beans.

Weeknight dinners feel complete when paired with grilled chicken or baked fish. Add a simple salad with vinaigrette. Balance richness with acidity. Crusty bread helps scoop up creamy bites.

Potlucks welcome this dish. Transport it covered. Reheat gently if needed. The topping stays crunchy. Guests often ask for the recipe.

Leftovers store well. Refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven for best texture. Microwave works but softens the topping slightly. Flavor remains excellent the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can squash casserole with Ritz crackers be made ahead of time

Yes. Assemble the casserole fully except for the cracker topping. Cover tightly. Refrigerate for up to one day. Add the buttery crackers just before baking. This keeps the topping crisp.

Can frozen squash be used instead of fresh

Frozen squash works in a pinch. Thaw it completely. Drain excess moisture well. Texture may be softer than fresh. Flavor remains pleasant.

How do you keep the casserole from becoming watery

Proper draining is key. Cook squash until just tender. Drain thoroughly. Allow steam to escape before mixing. Avoid excess liquid ingredients.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians

Yes. The classic version contains no meat. It fits vegetarian diets that include dairy and eggs.

Can gluten free crackers replace Ritz crackers

Gluten free butter crackers make a good substitute. Choose a brand with similar texture. Crush and butter them the same way.

What size baking dish works best

A nine by thirteen inch dish works well for larger batches. Smaller households can use an eight by eight inch dish. Adjust baking time slightly.

Conclusion

Squash casserole with Ritz crackers remains a timeless recipe for good reason. Simple ingredients come together in a way that feels generous and comforting. Each bite delivers creaminess, warmth, and crunch. Home cooks appreciate how forgiving and flexible the dish can be. Guests appreciate how familiar and delicious it tastes.