Sandra Yellow squash and sweet onion cook in butter before sour cream, sharp cheddar, and House Seasoning bring them together into a rich filling. Crushed buttery crackers go on top and the dish bakes at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes. The casserole serves 10 and takes about 45 minutes.
Paula Deen, host of Paula’s Home Cooking on Food Network, sautés the squash in butter rather than stewing it in water. That choice concentrates the squash’s natural flavor instead of pulling it into the cooking liquid. The difference between a rich, buttery filling and a bland, watery one comes down to that single swap.
Pressing cooked squash through a cloth-lined colander to remove excess liquid keeps the filling from turning watery. Squash holds a lot of water inside and that liquid floods the casserole during baking if it stays. Skip the drain and the crackers go soggy, the filling never sets, and the base stays wet.
Paula Deen Squash Casserole Recipe
Description
Paula Deen Squash Casserole Recipe with yellow squash sautéed in butter, sharp cheddar, sour cream, and buttery cracker topping. Baked at 350°F, serves 10
Ingredients
Casserole
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons butter. Add the sliced squash and cook, stirring occasionally, until completely softened. Transfer to a colander lined with a clean cloth or cheesecloth and press firmly with a spoon to remove all excess liquid. Set aside.
- In a separate skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- In a large bowl, combine the drained squash, sautéed onion, sour cream, grated cheddar, and House Seasoning. Mix well.
- Transfer the filling to a buttered casserole dish and spread evenly. Top with the crushed crackers.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
FAQs
What crackers work best for the topping?
Ritz crackers or any plain buttery variety produce the golden, crisp topping the recipe calls for. Club crackers are a close second and give a slightly thinner, more uniform crumb. Crackers with heavy seasoning, like cheddar or herb varieties, compete with the filling instead of complementing it.
Can Greek yogurt replace the sour cream?
Full-fat Greek yogurt works as a 1:1 swap for the sour cream and holds the filling together in the same way. The flavor is slightly tangier than sour cream, which some prefer because it cuts through the richness of the cheddar and butter. Use full-fat only, since low-fat Greek yogurt releases more moisture into the filling during baking.
Can this casserole be assembled ahead of time?
Assembling up to 24 hours in advance is fine, but hold the cracker topping until right before baking. Crackers absorb moisture from the filling overnight and lose their crunch if added too early. Pull the dish from the refrigerator 20 to 30 minutes before baking so the center isn’t cold going in.
What main dish pairs well with this squash casserole for a full meal?
A vegetable side like this casserole pairs naturally with a protein-driven main in the same baked format. A cheesy chicken bacon casserole on this site layers shredded chicken and crispy bacon with melted cheese in one dish. Together the two give a dinner table one rich vegetable side and one chicken main, both out of a 350°F oven.
What chicken casserole shares the same buttery cracker topping as this one?
For a dinner plan that starts with a vegetable side, a rich chicken casserole is the natural main. A million dollar chicken casserole on this site layers shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, and a buttery cracker topping. Together the two share a cracker crust and a creamy filling, making them a natural pairing on any Southern table.
