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Cheesy Baked Yellow Squash Casserole Recipe with Crispy Ritz Topping Made Easy

cheesy baked yellow squash casserole - featured image

A comforting and easy cheesy baked yellow squash casserole topped with crispy Ritz crackers, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium yellow squash, sliced (about 4 cups)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk (240 ml)
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Add the sliced yellow squash to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender but not mushy, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess liquid.
  4. In a medium saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux.
  5. Gradually whisk in the milk and continue stirring until the mixture thickens and bubbles gently, about 3-5 minutes.
  6. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and melted. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  7. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked squash and onions with the cheese sauce. Stir in the mayonnaise and beaten egg until well combined.
  8. Transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread evenly.
  9. Crush the Ritz crackers by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and gently pounding with a rolling pin. Sprinkle the cracker crumbs evenly over the casserole.
  10. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and the topping is golden and crispy.
  11. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Drain cooked squash well to avoid watery casserole. Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for best melt. Crush Ritz crackers by hand for a chunky, crispy topping. Tent casserole with foil if topping browns too quickly. Add egg last if prepping ahead to prevent premature setting.

Nutrition

Keywords: yellow squash casserole, cheesy casserole, baked squash, Ritz cracker topping, comfort food, easy casserole, side dish