Experience the heartwarming flavors of Southern cooking with this classic Southern Squash Casserole. Tender, buttery squash combines with savory onions, creamy cheese, and a crunchy topping to create a dish that’s both comforting and full of texture. Perfect as a side for family dinners, holiday meals, or potlucks, this casserole brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Easy to make and loved by all ages, it’s a timeless recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Southern Squash Casserole
Comfort food classic: Rich, cheesy, and full of Southern charm.
Perfect texture: Creamy squash with a crispy, golden topping.
Simple ingredients: Uses everyday items you likely have on hand.
Versatile side dish: Pairs well with a variety of mains, from grilled meats to roasts.
Family-friendly: A crowd-pleaser that kids and adults both enjoy.
Make-ahead option: Prepare in advance and bake when ready to serve.
Ingredients for Southern Squash Casserole
A quick sauté of squash and onions sets a flavorful base that’s hard to resist. Here’s what you’ll need:
Yellow Squash: Fresh and vibrant, this is the star of the dish, providing a mild flavor and tender texture.
Zucchini: Adds a lovely green color and complements the yellow squash perfectly, enhancing the overall taste.
Onion: A chopped onion brings sweetness and depth, making the casserole more flavorful.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables, it adds richness and helps to soften them.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the vegetables.
Garlic Powder: A sprinkle of this adds a subtle garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
Cooked Rice: This ingredient gives the casserole a hearty base, making it more filling. You can use white or brown rice based on your preference.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds creaminess and a sharp flavor that pairs beautifully with the squash.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan brings a nutty taste and a lovely crust when baked.
Eggs: These act as a binder, helping to hold everything together while adding richness.
Milk: A splash of milk makes the mixture creamy and smooth.
Fresh Basil: Chopped fresh basil adds a burst of freshness. If you don’t have it, dried basil works too.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These create a delightful crunchy topping that contrasts with the creamy filling.
Butter: Melted butter mixed with panko gives the topping a golden, crispy finish.
For those looking to spice things up, consider adding red pepper flakes for a kick or swapping cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a creamy, spicy twist. You can find the exact quantities for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Southern Squash Casserole
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Making Southern Squash Casserole is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dish that’s sure to please.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly. While the oven warms up, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it with cooking spray or butter. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Next, toss in the sliced yellow squash and zucchini. Season them with 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the squash is tender. This step brings out the flavors and makes the veggies shine!
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with 1 cup of cooked rice, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 3 large eggs, ¼ cup of milk, and ¼ cup of chopped fresh basil. Mix everything well until it’s evenly combined. This mixture is where the magic happens, blending all those flavors together!
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Now, let’s make that topping! In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle this crunchy goodness evenly over the casserole. This will create a delightful texture contrast when baked.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the casserole is set. Keep an eye on it, as oven times can vary. Once it’s out, let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This waiting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
Tips for Success
Use fresh squash and zucchini for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t skip the sautéing step; it enhances the vegetables’ sweetness.
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to help it set.
Experiment with different cheeses for unique flavor profiles.
For a creamier texture, add an extra splash of milk.
Equipment Needed
9×13-inch baking dish: A standard size for casseroles; a similar-sized dish works too.
Large skillet: Essential for sautéing; a pot can work in a pinch.
Mixing bowl: Any large bowl will do for combining ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: For accuracy; use a kitchen scale if you prefer.
Spatula: Great for mixing and serving; a wooden spoon is a good alternative.
Variations
Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sautéed vegetables for a zesty twist.
Cheesy Delight: Swap out cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a creamy, spicy flavor.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or oregano for a unique taste.
Meat Lover’s Option: Incorporate cooked ground sausage or bacon for a heartier dish.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko for a gluten-free casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a Salad: A fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the casserole beautifully.
Serve with Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread adds a Southern touch to your meal.
Drink Options: Sweet tea or a light white wine enhances the flavors of the dish.
Presentation Tip: Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
FAQs about Southern Squash Casserole
Can I make Southern Squash Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.
What can I substitute for rice in this recipe?
If you want to skip the rice, consider using quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Both alternatives will still provide a nice texture and absorb the flavors beautifully.
How do I store leftovers of Southern Squash Casserole?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. It’s just as delicious the next day!
Can I freeze Southern Squash Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.
Is Southern Squash Casserole suitable for vegetarians?
Definitely! This dish is vegetarian-friendly, packed with wholesome vegetables and cheeses. It’s a great way to enjoy a hearty meal without meat!
Final Thoughts
Southern Squash Casserole is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and memories. Each bite transports me back to family gatherings, where laughter and love filled the air. This recipe is a reminder that cooking can be simple yet rewarding. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, bringing everyone together around the table. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this casserole is sure to impress. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the joy of cooking, and let this comforting dish become a cherished part of your family’s culinary tradition!
Southern Squash Casserole is a comforting dish made with fresh squash, zucchini, and a blend of cheeses, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
2 medium yellow squash, sliced (about 4 cups)
2 medium zucchini, sliced (about 4 cups)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried basil)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Add the sliced yellow squash and zucchini to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the squash is tender. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, milk, and chopped basil. Mix well.
Stir in the sautéed squash mixture until everything is evenly combined.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the squash mixture.
Substitute the cheddar cheese with pepper jack for a creamy, spicy twist.
