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Creamy Yellow Summer Squash Casserole Recipe with Easy Buttery Ritz Topping

creamy yellow summer squash casserole - featured image

A quick and comforting casserole featuring fresh yellow summer squash in a creamy base topped with a crispy, buttery Ritz cracker crust. Perfect for potlucks and last-minute gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups sliced yellow summer squash (about 4 medium squash)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed just before baking
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or thyme

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Slice yellow summer squash into half-inch thick rounds.
  3. In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, sour cream, and milk until smooth. Stir in sautéed onion and garlic, shredded cheddar cheese, and flour. Season with salt and black pepper.
  5. Fold sliced squash into the creamy mixture, coating all pieces. Stir in fresh herbs if using.
  6. Pour mixture evenly into prepared casserole dish and smooth the top.
  7. Crush Ritz crackers and combine with 3 tablespoons melted butter until crumbs are coated.
  8. Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the casserole, pressing lightly to adhere.
  9. Bake for 35-40 minutes until topping is golden brown and casserole is bubbly around edges.
  10. Let casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

If topping browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil halfway through baking. Avoid overmixing squash to keep texture. Let casserole rest before serving to slice cleanly. Use dairy-free and gluten-free substitutes to adapt for vegan or gluten-free diets. Frozen squash can be used if thawed and drained well.

Nutrition

Keywords: yellow summer squash casserole, creamy squash casserole, Ritz cracker topping, easy casserole, summer squash recipe, potluck dish, comfort food