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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Mixing Base: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion, and squash, blending until smooth and uniform in texture.
- Seasoning: Incorporate kosher salt and black pepper, tasting and adjusting the flavor profile to achieve a balanced and satisfying result.
- Assembly: Evenly distribute the vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating a consistent layer across the surface.
- Cracker Topping: Merge melted butter with crushed crackers, ensuring complete and even coating of the crumbs for maximum flavor and crunch.
- Layering: Scatter the buttery cracker mixture over the squash base, creating a golden, crisp blanket that will provide textural contrast.
- 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.
- 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