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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F (180°C), preparing a cozy environment for the squash casserole.
- Place sliced squash in a simmering pot with water, allowing it to tenderize and soften for 7-8 minutes, stirring gently to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Grease a casserole dish generously with butter, then pour the squash mixture into the prepared vessel, creating an even layer.
- Sprinkle crushed crackers across the surface, forming a crisp, golden-brown topping that will provide delightful texture.
- 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