This easy Cheesy Squash Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for fall. Tender yellow squash is layered with a creamy, cheesy sauce and finished with a golden buttery cracker topping. Whether you’re looking for a holiday side or a cozy weeknight dish, this recipe brings warmth and flavor to the table with minimal effort.

Cheesy Squash Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple and satisfying – A down-home Southern classic that uses everyday ingredients.
Family-friendly – Creamy, cheesy, and topped with buttery Ritz crackers—what’s not to love?
Perfect for gatherings – An excellent side dish for potlucks, holidays, or Sunday dinners.
Customizable – Swap cheeses, add herbs, or toss in extras like mushrooms to make it your own.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Yellow squash
Butter
White onion
Garlic

For the cheesy sauce:

Mayonnaise
Sour cream
Milk
Eggs
Cayenne pepper
Salt
Black pepper
Parmesan cheese
Colby Jack cheese
Fresh or dried thyme

For the cracker topping:

Ritz crackers (or any buttery cracker)
Melted butter

Directions

Prep the oven and baking dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease an 8×8-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray.
Cook the squash and onion
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and sauté sliced squash and diced onion until just tender (about 8 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Transfer mixture to a colander to drain for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to release excess moisture.
Make the cheese sauce
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, eggs, parmesan cheese, cayenne, salt, pepper, and thyme until well combined.
Prepare the cracker topping
In a separate bowl, combine crushed crackers with melted butter until evenly coated.
Assemble the casserole
Layer 1/3 of the cheese sauce into the bottom of the baking dish. Add half of the squash mixture, followed by another 1/3 of the sauce. Add the remaining squash, then top with the last of the sauce. Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top.
Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Add protein: Stir in shredded chicken before baking.
Try a different cheese: Swap Colby Jack for cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a kick.
Go low-carb: Use almond flour-based crackers instead of traditional ones.
Spice it up: Add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for extra heat.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 325°F until hot.
Freezing not recommended – The dairy-based sauce may separate when thawed.

FAQs

What type of squash is best for this casserole?

Yellow summer squash is the classic choice, but zucchini works just as well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can fully assemble the casserole (without baking) up to one day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.

How do I keep the casserole from being watery?

Be sure to sauté the squash only until just soft and drain it thoroughly before layering to remove excess moisture.

Can I use frozen squash?

Fresh is best for texture, but if using frozen squash, thaw and drain it well before sautéing.

Is this casserole spicy?

It has a mild kick from cayenne, but it’s not overly spicy. Adjust to taste.

Can I use other cheeses besides Colby Jack?

Absolutely. Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend all work well.

What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?

Any buttery cracker will work, or try panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a crunchier topping.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking dish. You may need to increase the baking time slightly.

Is it gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can use gluten-free crackers and check that your ingredients (like mayonnaise and sour cream) are certified gluten-free.

What should I serve this with?

It pairs well with roast chicken, turkey, or as part of a holiday spread.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Squash Casserole is rich, comforting, and loaded with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a new way to use up summer squash or need a trusty side dish , this recipe is sure to become a favorite. With its creamy sauce and crispy topping, it’s Southern comfort at its finest.