Hearty Paula Deen Yellow Squash Casserole Recipe to Satisfy

Yellow squash casserole transports Southern culinary magic directly to your plate with its velvety, mouthwatering charm.

This rustic dish celebrates summer’s golden bounty in the most delectable way possible.

Melted cheese and buttery cracker crumbs transform ordinary squash into an extraordinary comfort food sensation.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this timeless recipe that sings with simplicity and flavor.

Creamy layers intermingle with a crisp, golden topping that promises pure satisfaction in every forkful.

Seasonal vegetables become a luxurious experience, elevating a humble side dish to star status.

One bite promises to whisk you away to a sun-drenched Southern kitchen where love is measured in spoonfuls of pure deliciousness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s in Paula Deen’s Yellow Squash Casserole

• Butternut Squash: Select firm, heavy squash with smooth, matte skin and no soft spots.
• Yellow Squash: Choose bright, unblemished squash with glossy surfaces and minimal bruising.

• Sour Cream: Pick full-fat version for richer, creamier texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Select sharp variety for deeper, more robust flavor profile.
• Paula Deen's House Seasoning: Ensures balanced and zesty taste throughout dish.

• Butter: Use unsalted for better control of overall saltiness.
• Crackers: Opt for buttery, crisp varieties like Ritz for perfect golden-brown crunch.
• Onions: Select sweet yellow onions for gentle, caramelized undertones.

Tools for Squash Casserole Prep

• Oven: Preheats to the perfect temperature for baking the casserole.
• Large pot or skillet: Essential for cooking squash and sautéing onions.
• Colander: Helps drain excess moisture from cooked squash.
• Clean cloth or cheesecloth: Assists in removing extra liquid from squash.
• Large mixing bowl: Combines all ingredients for the casserole.
• Casserole dish: Holds the final mixture for baking.
• Spoon: Used for stirring and pressing moisture from squash.
• Grater: Helps shred the cheddar cheese.
• Measuring tools: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Cutting board: Provides a surface for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.

Instructions for Yellow Squash Casserole

• Prep the Cooking Space

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F, creating the perfect warm environment for your squash adventure.

• Tenderize the Squash

Transform your squash using a quick cooking dance – either simmer it gently in a pot with water or sizzle it in a butter-kissed skillet until it reaches peak softness and flavor.

• Drain and Dry

Rescue your squash from excess moisture by nestling it in a cloth-lined colander, giving it a gentle press to release any lingering liquid.

• Awaken the Onion Flavor

Melt butter in a skillet and coax chopped onions into a soft, translucent state that whispers of deliciousness.

• Create the Casserole Magic

Blend your squash, onions, sour cream, House Seasoning, and cheddar cheese in a bowl, stirring until the ingredients become best friends and form a harmonious mixture.

• Bake to Perfection

Butter up a casserole dish, pour in your luscious mixture, crown it with a cracker crumble, and slide it into the waiting oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the entire dish radiates warmth and comfort.

Tips for a Flavorful Squash Casserole

Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a zesty kick that transforms the classic recipe into a more adventurous dish.

Experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyère, monterey jack, or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles that complement the squash’s natural sweetness.

Replace traditional crackers with panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or toasted pecans for an unexpected textural surprise that elevates the entire casserole.

Incorporate diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to add extra nutrients and create a more robust vegetable medley that makes the dish even more satisfying.

Plating and Serving the Casserole

• Pair with Protein Perfection: Serve this creamy squash casserole alongside grilled chicken breasts or roasted pork tenderloin for a balanced, hearty meal that satisfies every taste bud.
• Create a Southern Spread: Complement the dish with classic sides like buttermilk biscuits, fresh green beans, or a crisp garden salad to bring a traditional southern comfort food experience to your table.
• Elevate with Garnish Glory: Sprinkle fresh chopped chives or parsley on top just before serving to add a pop of color, fresh flavor, and a touch of elegance to this rustic casserole.
• Make it a Potluck Star: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to family gatherings or community events, as it travels well and can be easily reheated, making it a perfect shareable comfort food.

Storage Tips for Squash Casserole

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Strategic Meal Prepping: Cook this squash casserole ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Smart Portion Freezing: Divide the casserole into individual servings, wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers, and store for 2-3 months for quick future meals.
• Reheating Revival: Warm refrigerated portions in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to restore crispy cracker topping and maintain the creamy texture.
• Fresh Ingredient Check: Store unused fresh squash in the refrigerator's vegetable drawer, wrapped in a paper towel, for maximum freshness up to 5 days before cooking.

Hearty Paula Deen Yellow Squash Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Southern Yellow Squash Casserole celebrates summer’s bounty with creamy cheese and buttery cracker topping. Comforting layers of sliced squash meld with sharp cheddar, creating a rich side dish home cooks adore.

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Ingredients

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• 6 to 8 cups raw squash
• 1 large chopped onion
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• 4 tbsps (¼ cup) butter
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp Paula Deen’s House Seasoning
• 1 cup crushed buttery crackers

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C), creating an ideal baking environment for the squash casserole.
2. Squash Cooking: Simmer sliced squash in water for 7-8 minutes until tender, then drain thoroughly using a towel-lined colander to remove excess moisture.
3. Onion Sautéing: In a skillet, caramelize onions in butter until they turn translucent and develop a soft, golden color, releasing their sweet aromatics.
4. Mixture Creation: Blend the drained squash with sautéed onions, sour cream, Paula Deen’s House Seasoning, and cheddar cheese, mixing until ingredients are fully incorporated and evenly distributed.
5. Dish Assembly: Generously butter a casserole dish, transfer the squash mixture, and spread it evenly to ensure consistent cooking and flavor distribution.
6. Topping Application: Generously scatter crushed crackers across the surface, creating a crunchy, golden-brown layer that will add textural contrast to the creamy base.
7. Baking Process: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the interior is heated completely through.

Notes

• Moisture Management: Squeeze excess water from cooked squash to prevent a soggy casserole and maintain a rich, concentrated texture.
• Onion Caramelization: Sauté onions slowly until translucent and golden for deeper, sweeter flavor that enhances the overall dish.
• Seasoning Balance: Use Paula Deen’s House Seasoning generously to elevate the squash’s natural taste and create a well-rounded flavor profile.
• Cracker Topping Technique: Crush crackers evenly to create a consistent, crispy golden-brown crust that adds delightful crunch and texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 40mg