Rustic Paula Deen Squash Casserole Recipe with Nutty Goodness

Southern squash casserole delivers a nostalgic symphony of comfort and flavor that dances across your palate with every creamy, golden-crusted bite.

Layers of tender vegetables whisper stories of family gatherings and cherished recipes passed down through generations.

Crisp cracker toppings crunch against silky smooth squash, creating a textural masterpiece that elevates humble ingredients.

Melted cheese weaves through soft vegetable layers, infusing each spoonful with rich, savory notes.

Onions and butter collaborate to build depth that transforms this simple side into a culinary treasure.

Home cooks have long understood the magic of transforming seasonal produce into something extraordinary.

This recipe promises a delectable journey through Southern culinary tradition that will leave everyone at the table craving seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Squash Casserole à la Paula Deen

• Squash: Choose fresh, firm squash with vibrant color and no soft spots for optimal flavor.
• Onions: Select crisp, heavy onions with tight, papery skins for maximum sweetness.
• Vegetable Oil: Pick a neutral-flavored oil with high smoke point for even sautéing.
• Butter: Use high-quality, unsalted butter for rich, clean taste.

• Parmesan Cheese: Opt for freshly grated cheese for more intense, authentic flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: Select sharp or aged cheddar for deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Sour Cream: Choose full-fat version for creamier, more luxurious texture.

• Crackers: Use buttery, crisp crackers that provide excellent crunch and subtle saltiness.
• Salt, Pepper: Select freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt for robust seasoning.
• Cooking Spray: Look for non-stick spray with minimal additives for clean release.

Bakeware Essentials for Paula’s Squash Casserole

• Large Skillet: Perfect for sautéing vegetables with even heat distribution.
• Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for blending cheese, vegetables, and sour cream smoothly.
• Measuring Spoons: Essential for precise seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Cheese Grater: Ideal for creating fresh, fluffy Parmesan and cheddar cheese shreds.
• 2-Quart Casserole Dish: Sturdy ceramic dish for baking and serving the squash casserole.
• Cooking Spray or Butter: Used to grease the casserole dish and prevent sticking.
• Cutting Board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing squash and chopping onions with precision.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring and transferring sautéed vegetables.
• Oven Mitts: Crucial for safely handling hot dishes and preventing burns.

Easy How-To: Squash Casserole from Paula’s Recipe

• Prepare Your Cooking Space

Warm the oven to 350°F and grease a casserole dish with cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks.

• Sauté Veggie Medley

Heat oil in a skillet and cook squash and onions until they turn soft and develop a rich golden color, adding a touch of butter for extra flavor.

• Blend Creamy Goodness

Mix the golden vegetables with tangy cheeses and sour cream, seasoning with salt and pepper to create a mouthwatering base that tingles your taste buds.

• Assemble and Top

Spread the vegetable cheese mixture into the prepared dish, then sprinkle crackers on top to create a crispy, crunchy surface that adds delightful texture.

• Bake Until Golden

Pop the casserole into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, looking for a beautiful golden-brown top and bubbling edges that promise a delicious meal waiting to be devoured.

Southern Serving Ideas for Squash Casserole

• Serve Alongside Protein: Pair this cheesy vegetable casserole with grilled chicken breast or baked fish for a complete, satisfying meal that balances the creamy texture.
• Create a Colorful Plate: Add a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli to complement the rich, golden casserole and boost the nutritional value of your dinner.
• Perfect Weekend Comfort: Enjoy this dish during family gatherings or cozy weekend dinners, where its warm, cheesy goodness brings everyone together around the table.
• Make it a Potluck Star: Bring this casserole to community gatherings or potluck events, where its golden, crispy topping and creamy interior will earn you rave reviews from fellow food lovers.

Reheat & Storage Tips for Squash Casserole Dishes

• Maximize Freshness: Store your squash casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to lock in those delicious flavors and prevent moisture from seeping in.
• Freeze with Ease: Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Pop it in the freezer for a make-ahead meal that stays good for 2-3 months, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Reheat Like a Pro: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to keep the top from burning while ensuring the center heats evenly.
• Portion and Preserve: Divide leftovers into individual serving containers for quick grab-and-go lunches. Label with the date to keep track of freshness and enjoy your delicious creation throughout the week.

Tips for Making Squash Casserole More Flavorful

Experiment with different cheese combinations like gouda, monterey jack, or gruyère to create unique flavor profiles that elevate the casserole’s taste.

Add cooked diced chicken, crumbled bacon, or ham to transform the dish into a more substantial main course that satisfies hearty appetites.

Replace squash with zucchini, bell peppers, or cauliflower to keep the recipe fresh and adaptable to seasonal produce or personal preferences.

Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and herbs like thyme or parsley for an extra-crunchy, golden-brown casserole top that adds exciting texture and flavor.

Hearty Paula Deen Squash Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Southern comfort shines in this Paula Deen squash casserole, combining garden-fresh yellow squash with creamy cheese and buttery cracker topping. Hearty side dishes like this bring family and friends together around warm, inviting meals.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 medium yellow squash (thinly sliced)
• 1 large Vidalia onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 sleeve buttery crackers (crushed, medium to fine)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Vegetable Preparation: Sauté summer squash and onions in vegetable oil and butter over medium heat until tender and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
2. Cheese Fusion: Transfer sautéed vegetables to a mixing bowl and blend with Parmesan, cheddar cheese, and sour cream, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
3. Seasoning Enhancement: Incorporate kosher salt and black pepper, adjusting the flavor profile to personal taste preferences.
4. Casserole Assembly: Spread the vegetable-cheese mixture uniformly in a greased 2-quart casserole dish, creating a smooth, even layer.
5. Cracker Topping: Crush butter crackers into fine crumbs and generously sprinkle over the casserole surface, creating a crispy golden finish.
6. Baking Process: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes until the top achieves a golden-brown color and cheese edges become bubbly.

Notes

• Optimize Vegetable Texture: Sauté squash and onions carefully to prevent mushiness, ensuring they remain tender-crisp for the best casserole consistency.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Use room temperature cheeses for smoother blending and more even distribution throughout the casserole.
• Cracker Topping Trick: Crush crackers just before adding to maintain maximum crunchiness and prevent soggy texture.
• Temperature Control: Watch the casserole closely during final baking to achieve perfect golden-brown top without burning the crackers.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 40mg