Easy Paula Deen Yellow Squash Casserole Recipe: Creamy Comfort

Yellow squash casserole brings Southern comfort straight to your dinner table with its rich, creamy texture and irresistible golden-brown topping.

Home cooks adore this classic side dish for its simple yet satisfying flavor profile that transforms humble vegetables into something magical.

Robust cheese and crispy crackers elevate the mild squash into a crowd-pleasing accompaniment that feels both nostalgic and indulgent.

Families gather around this warm, hearty casserole that speaks to traditional Southern cooking traditions with its decadent layers of flavor.

Soft, tender vegetables meld perfectly with the crunchy exterior, creating a delightful contrast in every single bite.

Seasonal produce shines through in this unpretentious recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Comfort food lovers will find themselves returning to this familiar and delicious dish time and again: get ready to savor every delectable spoonful!

Pro Tips for Paula Deen’s Yellow Squash Casserole

• Boost Flavor Depth: Sauté squash in butter instead of water to enhance its natural sweetness and create a richer taste profile.
• Cracker Topping Trick: Sprinkle a pinch of salt into crushed crackers to elevate the overall seasoning and complement the creamy casserole base.
• Grate Fresh Cheese: Hand-grate your cheese for a smoother melting texture and more authentic flavor compared to pre-shredded options.
• Moisture Management: Press cooked squash thoroughly with a kitchen towel to remove excess liquid, preventing a watery casserole texture.
• Cooking Precision: Cook squash just until tender, maintaining a slightly firm consistency to avoid a mushy final dish.

How to Store Paula Deen’s Yellow Squash Casserole

• Preserve Freshness: Transfer cooled casserole to vacuum-sealed containers, removing excess air to prevent moisture and freezer burn. Vacuum sealing extends storage life up to 4 months and maintains original texture and flavor perfectly.
• Portion Control: Divide casserole into individual serving-sized containers before refrigerating or freezing. This strategy allows quick single-serving reheating, reduces waste, and provides convenient meal prep for busy days.
• Defrosting Technique: Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator for optimal texture restoration. Never leave at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth. When ready to serve, reheat directly from the refrigerator at 350°F, covering with foil to retain moisture and prevent top from becoming dry or burnt.

Creative Twists on Paula Deen’s Yellow Squash Casserole

• Zesty Herb Squash Bake: Add fresh chopped basil, thyme, and rosemary to enhance the flavor profile and create a more aromatic dish.
• Spicy Pepper Jack Version: Replace cheddar cheese with pepper jack for a kick of heat and extra complexity in the casserole.
• Vegetarian Protein Boost: Incorporate quinoa or diced tofu for added protein and texture, making the casserole more substantial and nutritious.
• Gluten-Free Crunch Topping: Swap traditional crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed almond flour to create a crispy alternative for those with dietary restrictions.

Final Thoughts on Paula Deen’s Yellow Squash Casserole

Southern comfort radiates through Paula Deen’s yellow squash casserole, blending rustic charm with culinary elegance.

Classic ingredients dance together, creating a harmonious melody of flavors that whisper southern hospitality.

Cheese melts into creamy textures, while buttery crackers crown this delightful dish with crisp perfection.

Heritage recipes like these connect generations, sharing stories through each delectable bite.

Comfort emerges from simple ingredients transformed with love and southern expertise.

Hearty and satisfying, this casserole invites you to savor, share, comment, and spread the joy of southern cooking across your favorite social platforms.

Why Paula Deen’s Yellow Squash Casserole Is a Classic Side

• Unpack Comfort in Every Bite: This yellow squash casserole delivers pure Southern comfort with its creamy, cheesy texture that wraps you in a warm culinary hug. Each spoonful brings together tender squash, melted cheese, and buttery cracker topping for an irresistible home-style experience.
• Quick and Foolproof Cooking: Designed for both novice and experienced cooks, this recipe requires minimal technical skills and can be prepared in under an hour. Simple techniques like sautéing and mixing make it accessible for anyone wanting to create a delicious side dish without complicated steps.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, this casserole transforms humble yellow squash into a crowd-favorite dish. Its rich flavors and satisfying texture appeal to both vegetable lovers and those typically hesitant about eating squash, making it a reliable recipe for diverse palates.

Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Yellow Squash Casserole

Main Ingredients:

• Yellow Squash: Fresh summer vegetable with delicate flavor, best when young and tender.
• Onion: Adds aromatic base and sweetness to the casserole, preferably sweet yellow or white varieties.

• Sour Cream: Provides creamy richness and tangy depth to the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds rich, melty texture and bold flavor, aged varieties recommended.
• Butter: Essential for sautéing and adding richness, unsalted preferred for better flavor control.

• Paula Deen's House Seasoning: Signature blend that enhances overall dish flavor.
• Crackers: Provides crispy, crunchy topping for textural contrast, saltine or butter crackers work best.
• Water: Used for initial squash cooking and moisture control.

How to Make Paula Deen’s Yellow Squash Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.

Step 2: Cook the Squash

• Stewing method: Add sliced squash and water to a pot, cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Sautéing method: Melt 2-of butter in a skillet. Add squash slices. Cook until tender and fully soft.

Step 3: Remove Excess Moisture

Drain cooked squash using a colander lined with a clean cloth or cheesecloth. Gently press with a spoon to remove extra liquid.

Step 4: Sauté Onions

In a skillet, melt of butter and cook chopped onions for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

• Drained squash
• Sautéed onions
• Sour cream
• Paula Deen's House Seasoning
• Grated cheddar cheese

Stir until ingredients are thoroughly mixed.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

• Grease a casserole dish with butter.
• Pour squash mixture into the dish.
• Sprinkle crushed crackers evenly across the top.
• Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
• Cook until topping turns golden and casserole is heated through.

Paula Deen Yellow Squash Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Southern comfort shines through Paula Deen’s yellow squash casserole, blending creamy cheese and buttery cracker layers into a heartwarming side dish. Cheesy, crisp, and irresistibly rich, you’ll savor each comforting forkful of this classic Southern recipe.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 to 8 cups raw squash
• 1 large chopped onion
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Liquid and Dairy Ingredients:

• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup water or 4 tablespoons (¼ cup) butter
• 4 tablespoons (¼ cup) butter

Seasoning and Topping:

• 1 teaspoon Paula Deen’s House Seasoning
• 1 cup crushed buttery crackers

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (180°C), preparing a cozy environment for the squash casserole.
2. Place sliced squash in a simmering pot with water, allowing it to tenderize and soften for 7-8 minutes, stirring gently to prevent sticking.
3. Transfer the cooked squash into a colander lined with a clean kitchen towel, pressing softly to extract excess moisture and ensure a rich, concentrated flavor.
4. In a separate skillet, melt butter and sauté finely chopped onions until they become translucent and develop a delicate, golden hue, approximately 4-5 minutes.
5. Combine the drained squash, caramelized onions, creamy sour cream, Paula Deen’s House Seasoning, and sharp cheddar cheese in a spacious mixing bowl, stirring until the ingredients create a harmonious blend.
6. Grease a casserole dish generously with butter, then pour the squash mixture into the prepared vessel, creating an even layer.
7. Sprinkle crushed crackers across the surface, forming a crisp, golden-brown topping that will provide delightful texture.
8. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and ensuring the entire dish is heated thoroughly.

Notes

• Sautéing squash in butter deepens its natural sweetness and creates a richer flavor profile for the entire casserole.
• Grate cheese fresh from the block to avoid anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting and compromise texture.
• Pressing cooked squash with a kitchen towel eliminates excess moisture, preventing a watery and disappointing casserole result.
• Sprinkling a pinch of salt into cracker crumbs elevates the topping’s overall taste, balancing the creamy interior perfectly.
• Maintaining a slightly firm texture when cooking squash prevents waterlogged ingredients and ensures a more appetizing final dish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 345 kcal
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 715mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 43mg