Easy Southern Squash Casserole: Delightful Recipe!

Alright, flavor adventurers, buckle up! I’m about to drop a recipe bomb that’s going to change your side dish game forever. I’m talking about a Southern Squash Casserole so good, it’ll make you wanna slap yo’ mama (but don’t actually do that, okay?). This ain’t your grandma’s bland casserole – this is a flavor explosion that’s pure Cuba Queen.

I’ve tested this recipe more times than I can count, tweaking and tasting until it reached peak perfection. The breakthrough moment? Swapping out regular cheese for a blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyère. Trust me, it’s a total game-changer.

This Southern Squash Casserole is all about bold, satisfying flavors, and it totally embodies the Cuba Queen philosophy. It’s comfort food kicked up a notch, and I can’t wait to share my recipe with you so you can experience the magic! Let’s get cooking!

This Southern Squash Casserole ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! We’re talking flavor powerhouses, not filler. Get ready to experience some serious deliciousness!

• 3 pounds yellow squash, sliced.
• 1 medium onion, chopped. Don’t skimp – it adds essential flavor depth.
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter. I always use unsalted so I can control the saltiness of the recipe.
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup. This is a Southern Squash Casserole staple.
• 1 cup sour cream. Full fat is the way to go, my friend!
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Don’t be shy with the cheddar!
• 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese. This is my secret weapon. The nuttiness of Gruyère takes this casserole to the next level.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. A little garlic powder for that extra zing.
• Salt and pepper to taste. Season generously – don’t be scared of flavor!
• 1 cup buttery round cracker crumbs. I like Ritz crackers for this recipe!

Here’s the Southern Squash Casserole game-changer that will blow your mind: Gruyère cheese! Splurge on this one Southern Squash Casserole ingredient – trust me, you’ll taste the difference. I always source my ingredients from my local farmers market for the freshest flavor. You’ll find the best ingredients for this Southern Squash Casserole there!

Alright, flavor adventurers, let’s get this Southern Squash Casserole show on the road! Don’t stress – your Southern Squash Casserole is going to be incredible. I’m here to guide you every step of the way!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is where your Southern Squash Casserole journey begins!
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the squash and onion, and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally so the squash cooks evenly! Pro tip for Southern Squash Casserole perfection: Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook in batches if necessary.
3. Remove from heat and drain any excess liquid. No one wants a soggy casserole! I usually press the squash and onions with a spatula to drain extra liquid.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked squash and onion with the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, Gruyère cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well. This is where your Southern Squash Casserole transforms into pure magic! Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use a glass dish for even baking!
6. Top evenly with the cracker crumbs. Evenly distribute the crumbs to get a nice crispy topping!
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. In my kitchen, this Southern Squash Casserole takes exactly 22 minutes to reach golden-brown perfection! Your Southern Squash Casserole should look golden-brown and bubbly when it’s ready. It should also smell divine!

Here’s where most people mess up their Southern Squash Casserole – they don’t drain the squash properly. Don’t skip that step! While your Southern Squash Casserole is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold! Get ready for some serious flavor fireworks!

Presentation is key, my friends! You want your Southern Squash Casserole to look as amazing as it tastes. This casserole absolutely slays at dinner parties!

Serve this Southern Squash Casserole hot, straight from the oven. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. This Southern Squash Casserole is perfect for Thanksgiving, potlucks, or any weeknight meal that needs a little oomph. People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Southern Squash Casserole at potlucks!

For a bold pairing, try serving this flavorful Southern Squash Casserole with grilled chicken or pork. It also pairs beautifully with a crisp salad for a lighter meal.

Got leftovers? No problem! This Southern Squash Casserole is delicious reheated, or you can even use it as a filling for omelets or quesadillas. For a seasonal variation, try adding roasted red peppers or corn to your Southern Squash Casserole in the summer. I’ve also tested it with butternut squash for a fall twist! For more bold flavor adventures, check out my Butternut Squash Casserole recipe!

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common Southern Squash Casserole cooking challenges and my solutions.

• Can I make this Southern Squash Casserole spicier? Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the squash mixture for a kick.
• What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup for my Southern Squash Casserole? You can substitute cream of mushroom soup or even a homemade cream sauce.
• Can I use frozen squash for this Southern Squash Casserole? Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before using.
• How do I know when my Southern Squash Casserole is perfectly done? The casserole should be golden brown and bubbly, and a knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
• Can I make this Southern Squash Casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it later. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• What can I use instead of buttery round crackers? You can use panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or even crumbled potato chips.
• Can I add meat to this Southern Squash Casserole? Absolutely! Cooked bacon, sausage, or ham would be delicious additions.
• Is there a low carb option? Sure! Trade out cream of chicken soup for bone broth and add extra spices and use almond flour in the topping.

This Southern Squash Casserole represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, easy techniques, and celebration-worthy food. It’s a flavor bomb that’s guaranteed to impress!

My Southern Squash Casserole Power Tips:

• Don’t skip the Gruyère! It’s the secret ingredient that takes this casserole to the next level.
• Drain the squash well! Soggy casserole is a major no-no.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors! Add a little spice, different cheeses, or even some meat to make it your own.

Some variations of this casserole that I’ve made and loved:

• Spicy Southern Squash Casserole: Add jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for a fiery kick.
• Bacon Southern Squash Casserole: Crispy bacon and a sprinkle of smoked paprika take this casserole to a whole new level.
• Butternut Squash Casserole A cozy seasonal spin on an old favorite! https://cubaqueen.com/butternut-squash-casserole

The bacon version always gets the biggest reactions! If this recipe rocks your world, you NEED to try my other squash casserole too.

I have total confidence in your cooking success! Make this Southern Squash Casserole your signature dish, and get ready to create some serious flavor memories. Share your results and tag me when you make this recipe! I am excited to see the flavor explosions you create! Also, check out Southern Squash Casserole – Basil And Bubbly and Ultimate Cheesy Squash Casserole – Southern Bite for other yummy recipes!