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Yellow Squash Casserole Recipe with Crunchy Ritz Topping

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A cozy and easy homemade comfort food featuring tender yellow squash baked under a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker topping. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or last-minute guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups sliced yellow squash (about 4–5 medium squash)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk (or 2% milk)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces)
  • 1 ½ cups crushed Ritz crackers (about one sleeve)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon garlic powder or smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Rinse the yellow squash and slice into thin rounds, about ¼-inch thick. Finely chop the onion.
  3. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add the sliced squash and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened but not mushy.
  5. Sprinkle the flour over the squash and onion mixture, stirring well to coat evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to thicken the filling.
  6. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
  7. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder or smoked paprika to taste.
  8. Pour the cheesy squash mixture into an 8×8-inch casserole dish and spread evenly.
  9. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Crush the Ritz crackers finely in a bowl, then toss with the melted butter until evenly coated.
  10. Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs evenly over the casserole.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
  12. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it set.

Notes

Do not overcook the squash to avoid a watery casserole. Use fresh shredded cheddar cheese for best melting. Butter the Ritz cracker topping generously for a crispy, flavorful crust. If topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat best in the oven to maintain crunch.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/yellow-squash-casserole-recipe-with-crunchy-ritz-topping-easy-homemade-comfort-food/