Irresistible Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole Recipe Magic

The legendary Cracker Barrel squash casserole transforms ordinary vegetables into a mouthwatering Southern comfort masterpiece.

Golden summer squash dances with creamy cheese in this irresistible side dish that sparks instant culinary excitement.

Velvety textures meld together, creating a symphony of flavors that whispers of home-cooked memories.

Humble ingredients become something extraordinary through simple magic and traditional techniques.

Sharp cheddar weaves through tender squash, delivering pure deliciousness in every single bite.

Home cooks adore this no-fuss recipe that elevates dinner from mundane to magnificent.

One taste will transport you straight to a cozy kitchen filled with love and warmth.

How to Serve Squash Casserole by Cracker Barrel

• Pair with Protein Powerhouses: Serve alongside grilled chicken breasts or tender roasted pork tenderloin to create a complete, satisfying meal that balances the creamy squash casserole's richness.
• Create a Colorful Plate: Complement the dish with bright green steamed broccoli or a crisp mixed salad to add freshness and nutritional variety to your dining experience.
• Enhance with Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped chives, parsley, or dill on top just before serving to add a pop of color and a burst of aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Wine Pairing Suggestion: Select a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which will cut through the casserole's creaminess and provide a refreshing contrast to the buttery cracker topping.

Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole: Storage Instructions

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftover squash casserole in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain texture and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap the cooled casserole in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve its creamy consistency.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or restore the entire dish's crispiness by baking in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Add a sprinkle of fresh crackers on top to revive the crunchy texture.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients Inside Cracker Barrel’s Squash Casserole

• Cream Cheese: Select full-fat, room temperature variety for smoothest texture.
• Sour Cream: Choose high-quality, thick brand for richer consistency.
• Garlic Powder: Opt for fresh, fragrant powder without clumping.

• Yellow Squash: Pick firm, bright yellow squash without blemishes or soft spots.
• Onion: Select crisp, sweet white or yellow onion for mild flavor.

• Buttery Crackers: Grab classic Ritz for golden, crispy texture.
• Butter: Use unsalted, high-quality butter for best melting performance.

• Salt: Select fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Black Pepper: Choose freshly ground for vibrant, robust taste.

Kitchen Gear for Squash Casserole from Cracker Barrel

• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for blending creamy squash ingredients smoothly.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Ideal size for creating an even casserole layer.
• Cooking Spray: Ensures no sticking and easy dish release.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Spatula: Great for spreading mixture evenly and scraping bowls clean.
• Cheese Grater (optional): Helpful if using block cream cheese.
• Oven Mitts: Protects hands when handling hot baking dish.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for chopping onions and slicing squash.
• Cutting Board: Provides safe surface for ingredient preparation.
• Cracker Crusher: Can use hands or rolling pin to crush buttery crackers.
• Whisk or Fork: Perfect for mixing cream cheese and sour cream.

How to Make Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole

• Preheat and Prepare Oven

Crank up your oven to a cozy 350°F and grab a baking dish. Spray it generously with cooking spray so nothing sticks.

• Whip Up Creamy Squash Base

Grab a big mixing bowl and blend softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, chopped onions, and sliced yellow squash until silky smooth. Toss in a sprinkle of salt and pepper to wake up those flavors.

• Create Crunchy Cracker Topping

Melt some butter and crush those buttery crackers into fine crumbs. Mix them together until every cracker bit is swimming in golden butter goodness.

• Assemble and Bake

Spread the creamy squash mixture evenly in the baking dish. Shower the top with the buttery cracker mixture, making sure it’s covered from edge to edge. Slide the dish into the oven and let it bake for 30-35 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the squash becomes tender.

• Serve and Savor

Pull the casserole out and let it rest for a few minutes. This magical pause helps everything set up perfectly. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the creamy, crunchy deliciousness you’ve just created.

Flavor Variations for Cracker Barrel Casserole

Experiment with different types of crackers like whole wheat, garlic-flavored, or even saltine crackers to add unique texture and taste to your squash casserole.

Swap or mix yellow squash with zucchini, add diced bell peppers, or incorporate spinach for extra nutrition and color in your creamy casserole.

Sprinkle shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan cheese between the squash mixture and cracker topping for an extra rich and gooey layer of flavor.

Fold in cooked, crumbled bacon, diced ham, or shredded chicken to transform this side dish into a hearty main course that’ll satisfy hungry appetites.

Hearty Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Cracker Barrel squash casserole delights Southern palates with creamy, cheesy goodness. Comfort cooking reaches new heights with this simple, hearty side dish that connects generations through shared meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups squash (cubed)
• 8 oz/226 g cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups ritz crackers (crushed)
• ½ cup onion (diced)
• 4 tbsps butter (melted)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• salt (to taste)
• pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Mixing Base: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion, and squash, blending until smooth and uniform in texture.
3. Seasoning: Incorporate kosher salt and black pepper, tasting and adjusting the flavor profile to achieve a balanced and satisfying result.
4. Assembly: Evenly distribute the vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating a consistent layer across the surface.
5. Cracker Topping: Merge melted butter with crushed crackers, ensuring complete and even coating of the crumbs for maximum flavor and crunch.
6. Layering: Scatter the buttery cracker mixture over the squash base, creating a golden, crisp blanket that will provide textural contrast.
7. Baking: Place the casserole in the oven and cook for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until the top turns a rich golden-brown and the squash becomes perfectly tender.
8. Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the dish set and makes serving more manageable.

Notes

• Optimize Squash Selection: Choose fresh, firm yellow squash with smooth, unblemished skin for the best texture and flavor in the casserole.
• Master Moisture Control: Drain excess liquid from diced squash by lightly salting and letting it sit for 10 minutes, then patting dry to prevent a watery casserole.
• Customize Cracker Crunch: Experiment with different cracker types like Ritz or butter crackers to create unique topping variations and add personal flair.
• Temperature Timing: Let the casserole rest after baking to allow flavors to meld and ensure a creamy, cohesive texture that’s easy to serve and enjoy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg