Perfect Paula Deen Squash Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Southern comfort food reaches new heights with this squash casserole that promises warm, nostalgic flavors in every delightful bite.

Rich layers of creamy textures blend seamlessly with crisp, golden cracker toppings that crunch against soft, tender vegetables.

Hearty ingredients transform simple seasonal produce into a memorable side dish that feels like a celebration of home cooking.

Savory cheese and sweet onions mingle to create a complex flavor profile that surprises and satisfies hungry diners.

Regional culinary traditions shine through in this classic recipe that connects families around the dinner table.

Fresh vegetables become something extraordinary when carefully combined with classic Southern ingredients.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this comforting dish that speaks to the heart of traditional cuisine: dig in and savor every mouthwatering spoonful.

Pro Tips for Paula Deen’s Squash Casserole

• Melt Cheese Strategically: Grate cheese just before adding to ensure maximum melting potential and rich flavor throughout the casserole.
• Control Squash Moisture: Pat sliced squash with paper towels to remove excess water, preventing a watery final dish that loses its creamy texture.
• Layer Crackers Carefully: Distribute cracker crumbs evenly across the top, creating a uniform golden-brown crust that adds delightful crunch to every bite.
• Balance Seasoning Subtly: Taste your mixture before baking and adjust salt and pepper to complement the natural sweetness of the squash and cheese.
• Prep Ahead Wisely: Chop vegetables and grate cheese in advance, making the final assembly quick and stress-free during busy cooking times.

How to Store Paula Deen’s Squash Casserole

• Vacuum Seal Method: Preserve the casserole's flavor and texture by vacuum sealing individual portions. Keep contents completely airtight, preventing moisture and freezer burn while maintaining freshness for up to 3 months.
• Glass Container Strategy: Transfer cooled casserole into glass containers with tight-fitting lids. Stack portions carefully, creating maximum space efficiency in your refrigerator. Label each container with the date to track storage duration and ensure optimal taste.
• Flash Freezing Technique: Spread casserole on a parchment-lined baking sheet before transferring to freezer containers. Allow individual portions to freeze separately, preventing large clumpy blocks. This method enables easier portioning and quicker thawing when you're ready to enjoy your meal again.

Creative Twists on Paula Deen’s Squash Casserole

• Southern Garden Veggie Medley: Incorporate additional colorful garden vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots to enhance nutritional value and create a more vibrant casserole.
• Herb-Infused Cheesy Squash Bake: Add fresh chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, and chives to elevate the flavor profile and introduce aromatic complexity to the traditional recipe.
• Spicy Southwestern Squash Casserole: Mix in diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, southwest-inspired version with a kick of heat.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Casserole: Replace buttery crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cornflakes, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can enjoy this classic dish.

Paula Deen’s Squash Casserole: A Savory Side You Can’t Forget

Southern comfort meets culinary charm in Paula Deen’s squash casserole, a delightful dish that whispers memories of family gatherings.

Creamy cheese, tender squash, and crispy cracker topping create a harmonious symphony of flavors and textures.

Generations of home cooks have embraced this classic recipe, transforming simple ingredients into a memorable meal.

Family-style dining reaches new heights with this comforting casserole that celebrates seasonal produce and southern hospitality.

Crisp cracker crumbs add a delightful crunch to the silky vegetable base, making each bite a delectable experience.

Passionate cooks seeking a crowd-pleasing side dish will find pure joy in this nostalgic recipe – share its magic, spread deliciousness, and let Paula Deen’s culinary wisdom inspire kitchen adventures you won’t forget.

Why Paula Deen’s Squash Casserole is a Family Favorite

• Celebrate Southern Comfort: Dive into a creamy, cheesy casserole that captures the heart of traditional Southern cooking with its rich, homestyle flavors and warm, inviting textures.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: Whip up this delightful dish in just 35 minutes, making it a perfect solution for busy families craving a delicious, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Veggie Transformation Magic: Transform humble squash into a decadent, crowd-pleasing side dish that even picky eaters will love, thanks to the magical combination of melted cheeses and crispy cracker topping.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Paula Deen’s Squash Casserole

• Yellow Squash: Fresh summer squash that provides the base of the casserole and offers a mild, tender vegetable texture.
• Onion: Adds depth of flavor and sweetness to the vegetable mixture.
• Parmesan Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Provide rich, savory flavor and creamy texture to the casserole.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Butter: Enhances flavor and helps sauté the vegetables.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for cooking the vegetables smoothly.
• Crackers: Creates a crispy, crunchy topping for the casserole.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

How to Make Paula Deen’s Squash Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F and generously coat a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sizzle The Veggies

• Sliced squash
• Chopped onions
• Butter

Sauté the mixture until vegetables become tender and develop a lovely golden color.

Step 3: Create The Creamy Mixture

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream

Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors, adjusting to your taste preferences.

Step 4: Layer The Casserole

Spread the vegetable and cheese mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle a generous layer of crushed crackers across the top, creating a delightful crunchy surface.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Watch for a gorgeous golden-brown top and bubbly edges that signal it’s ready to serve.

Paula Deen Squash Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Southern comfort shines through Paula Deen’s irresistible squash casserole, a creamy classic packed with cheesy goodness. Golden-brown and bubbling with rich flavors, this dish promises a delightful journey into homestyle Southern cooking you’ll savor with every comforting bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 medium yellow squash, thinly sliced
• 1 large Vidalia onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Dairy and Creamy Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ cup sour cream

Cooking and Topping Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 sleeve of buttery crackers, crushed (medium to fine)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the kitchen workspace by preheating the oven to 350°F (177°C) and thoroughly greasing a 2-quart (1.9-liter) casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced summer squash, diced onions, and 2 tablespoons of butter, gently sautéing the vegetables until they become tender and slightly translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the softened vegetables to a spacious mixing bowl, allowing them to cool slightly and release excess moisture.
4. Incorporate 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup of sour cream into the vegetable mixture, stirring until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting the seasoning to ensure a balanced flavor profile.
6. Spread the vegetable and cheese mixture uniformly into the prepared casserole dish, creating an even layer.
7. Crush butter crackers or Ritz crackers into fine crumbs and sprinkle them generously across the top of the casserole, creating a crispy golden topping.
8. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges are bubbling with melted cheese.

Notes

• Perfectly balanced slicing ensures even cooking and a harmonious texture throughout the dish.
• Gentle sautéing preserves the squash’s delicate flavor and prevents a soggy casserole consistency.
• Opt for block cheese you grate yourself, unlocking maximum melting potential and robust flavor profiles.
• Cracker crumbs create a golden, crispy topping that adds delightful crunch and buttery richness to the final presentation.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 75mg