Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole

Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole is a delicious, Southern-style dish that you simply can’t afford to miss.

This delightful casserole combines the subtle flavors of fresh yellow squash with the tanginess of sour cream, the sharpness of cheddar cheese, and a hint of black pepper.

The end result is a tasty, comforting side that pairs well with various main courses.

To begin, you will cook your yellow squash in olive oil until tender before mixing it with sour cream, salt, and black pepper.

Then, generously spread melted butter over the top of the dish and cover the casserole with buttery crackers.

These crackers, often Ritz, create a crispy, golden topping that adds superb texture to the dish.

As you prepare your own Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole, remember to use fresh ingredients and take your time to ensure even cooking.

Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!

How to Make Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole

Ingredients List

• 4 ½ pounds yellow squash
• 1 cup sweet onion, chopped
• 5 ounces sour cream
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 30 Ritz crackers, crushed
• ½ cup melted butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-step Process

Step 1

Preparing the squash: Start by cutting the 4 ½ pounds of yellow squash into ¼-inch slices.

In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the sliced squash.

Boil the squash for about 5 minutes until it’s tender but not mushy.

Drain the cooked squash and set it aside.

Step 2

Preparing the onion and cheese mixture: In a frying pan, sauté 1 cup of chopped sweet onion on medium heat until it’s translucent.

In a separate bowl, combine the sautéed onion with 5 ounces of sour cream, 1 beaten egg, 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise.

Mix the ingredients well.

Step 3

Combining squash and cheese mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked squash with the onion and cheese mixture.

Make sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Preparing the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 4

Assembling the casserole: Pour the squash and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Preparing the Ritz cracker topping: In a small bowl, combine 30 crushed Ritz crackers with ½ cup of melted butter.

Mix well to ensure the crackers are coated with butter.

Step 5

Adding the topping and baking: Spread the Ritz cracker and butter mixture evenly on top of the squash and cheese mixture in the baking dish.

Bake the Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Side Dishes for Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole

When serving Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole, you might be looking for side dishes that complement its rich and creamy flavors.

Here are some scrumptious options that make perfect, comforting side dishes or even versatile veggie-centric main dishes.

Garlic Green Beans

Garlic Green Beans are a healthy and flavorful side dish that pairs wonderfully with the squash casserole.

The garlicky taste and light crunchiness of the beans contrast with the creamy texture of the casserole.

Simply sauté green beans with mincedgarlic and a touch of butter or olive oil until tender but still crisp.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed Potatoes are a classic comfort food that makes an excellent side dish for your Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole.

The smooth potatoes not only complement the creamy consistency of the casserole but also absorb the flavors of the dish.

For a rich taste, use butter, heavy cream, and a dash of garlic powder when mashing the potatoes.

Grilled or Roasted Vegetables

Pair your Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole with an assortment of Grilled or Roasted Vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, red onions, and cherry tomatoes.

Their natural sweetness and smoky flavor enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.

Plus, it adds a burst of color and nutrition to your meal.

Simply toss the vegetables in olive oil, salt, and pepper before grilling or roasting in the oven.

Quinoa Salad

A Quinoa Salad makes for a light yet satisfying side dish that balances out the richness of the squash casserole.

Mix cooked quinoa with diced vegetables, such as cucumber, bell peppers, avocado, and cherry tomatoes.

Toss with a lemon-based vinaigrette and season with salt and pepper to taste.

The salad adds a fresh and tangy element to your meal.

With these side dishes, you can create a well-rounded and delicious meal that highlights your Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole even further.

Enjoy!

Ingredients Substitutes

Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole can be made using a variety of substitutes, allowing you to cater to personal preferences or dietary restrictions.

Let’s explore some options below.

Greek Yogurt

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to sour cream, Greek yogurt is an excellent choice.

It offers a similar creamy texture, slightly tangy flavor, and added nutritional benefits, such as higher protein content.

You can use an equal amount of Greek yogurt in place of sour cream in your Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole recipe.

Butternut Squash

While the recipe traditionally calls for yellow squash, you can also use Butternut Squash as an alternative.

It has a slightly sweeter flavor and firmer texture, which adds a unique twist to the dish.

Substitute an equal amount of butternut squash for the yellow squash in the recipe.

How to Store Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole

Proper storage of Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole helps maintain its taste and freshness.

Here are some crucial storage methods to ensure your casserole remains enjoyable:

Storing in the refrigerator

Transfer the casserole to an airtight container – Keep the casserole fresh by placing it in an airtight container or covering a casserole dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

This prevents any unwanted odors from seeping into the casserole.

Place the container in the refrigerator – Store the airtight container with the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Make sure to keep it away from raw meats or any other foods that may leak and contaminate the casserole.

Freezing the casserole

Use a freezer-safe dish – If you plan to store the casserole for an extended period, consider using a freezer-safe dish.

These dishes are designed to withstand extreme cold temperatures and will prevent the casserole from developing freezer burn.

Cool the casserole before freezing – Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to the freezer-safe dish.

This step helps prevent the formation of ice crystals, which often lead to a soggy texture when thawed.

Wrap the dish tightly – Make sure to wrap your freezer-safe dish containing the casserole with multiple layers of plastic wrap or aluminum foil for added protection against freezer burn.

Label and date the dish – To ensure you remember how long the casserole has been stored, label and date the dish before placing it in the freezer.

Generally, you can freeze the Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole for up to three months.

Reheating the casserole

Thaw in the refrigerator – When you’re ready to enjoy the casserole, remove it from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight to thaw.

Reheat in the oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Place the casserole, uncovered, in the oven and bake it for 20-30 minutes or until it is heated through and bubbling around the edges.

With these proper storage methods, you can savor your Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole for days or even months to come.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Dish Watery

One common issue with squash casseroles is ending up with a watery dish.

Since squash has a high water content, it’s important to remove excess moisture.

To do this, after slicing your squash, salt the slices and place them on a paper-towel lined baking sheet.

Let it sit for 30 minutes, allowing the salt to draw out some of the water.

Appropriately Size Your Squash

When choosing squash for your casserole, it’s essential to look for smaller yellow squashes.

These have fewer seeds and a sweeter taste compared to the larger ones.

Additionally, make sure to cook the squash beforehand to ensure it tenderizes.

Avoiding Overly Salty Dish

While seasoning your dish is important to enhance its flavor, it’s easy to overdo it with salt.

Remember, you previously salted the squash to remove excess water.

So, be cautious when adding salt, and taste your dish as you go.

Adjust the salt content as necessary, but ensure that it doesn’t overpower the other flavors.

Avoiding Too Crispy or Burned Dish

A great casserole has a nice golden-brown topping.

To achieve this, when preparing your crunchy cracker topping, combine the crumbled crackers with melted butter.

This ensures a perfect crisp texturewithout being too crunchy or burnt.

Keep an eye on your casserole as it bakes, and adjust the cooking time if needed to prevent overcooking or burning.