Cracker Barrel Three Cheese Squash Casserole Recipe

There’s something truly comforting about a homemade casserole, and Cracker Barrel’s Three Cheese Squash Casserole doesn’t disappoint.

One of the key tricks to mastering this recipe is to make sure you thoroughly drain the cooked squash to avoid a watery final dish.

I love how the combination of cheddar, Swiss, and cream cheese creates a rich, creamy texture that’s hard to resist.

This recipe always brings back memories of family gatherings, with everyone coming back for seconds.

It’s easy to prepare, yet full of flavor, making it perfect for any occasion.

How to Make Cracker Barrel Three Cheese Squash Casserole

Ingredients

• 4 cups Yellow Squash (sliced)
• 1 cup Onion (finely chopped)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
• 1/2 cup Sour Cream
• 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
• 1 Egg (beaten)
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Pepper
• 1 cup Crackers (crumbled)
• 2 tbsp Butter (melted)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.

Step 2:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Add the sliced squash and chopped onion.

Cook until the squash is soft and the onion is translucent.

Step 3:

Drain any excess liquid from the squash and onion mixture.

Let it cool slightly.

Step 4:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled squash and onion with the Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses.

Step 5:

Add sour cream, mayonnaise, beaten egg, salt, and pepper to the mixture.

Mix until well combined.

Step 6:

Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 7:

In a separate bowl, combine the crumbled crackers and melted butter.

Sprinkle over the top of the casserole.

Step 8:

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.

Step 9:

Serve hot and enjoy your Cracker Barrel Three Cheese Squash Casserole.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Shredding Cheese

Always use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded ones for a creamier texture and better melting.

Draining Excess Liquid

Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the cooked squash and onions to keep the casserole from becoming watery.

Adding Protein

For a heartier casserole, consider adding cooked bacon or chopped ham into the squash mixture before baking.

Enhancing Flavor

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños if you want to add a bit of heat to the dish.

Preventing Over-Browning

If the cracker topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the casserole with foil for the remaining baking time.

What to Serve with Cracker Barrel Three Cheese Squash Casserole

Classic Fried Chicken

You can’t go wrong with fried chicken as a companion to your Cracker Barrel Three Cheese Squash Casserole.

Its crispy exterior and juicy interior contrast beautifully with the creamy casserole.

Garlic Green Beans

Fresh green beans sautéed with garlic provide a light and zesty side that complements the richness of the casserole.

The bright green color also adds a nice visual appeal to your plate.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts, seasoned with olive oil and sea salt, make a great side dish.

Their slight bitterness pairs well with the cheesy flavors of the casserole.

Quinoa Salad

A quinoa salad with chopped veggies, feta cheese, and a light vinaigrette dressing offers a fresh twist.

It’s a healthy and flavorful option that balances the meal’s heavy components.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Try carrots glazed with balsamic vinegar for a sweet and tangy option.

This side dish brings additional texture and flavor, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Variations and Substitutions

Cheese Choices

If you’d like to switch up the cheeses, you can use a combination of Monterey Jack, Gouda, and Mozzarella.

Each of these cheeses melts well and adds a unique flavor to the casserole.

Vegetable Additions

Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a colorful twist.

Blanch these veggies before adding them to maintain their texture.

Gluten-Free Options

To make the recipe gluten-free, substitute the regular crackers with gluten-free crackers.

Ensure that the mayonnaise and any prepared ingredients are also marked gluten-free.

Lighter Version

For a lighter version, replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt.

You can also reduce the amount of cheese used or choose low-fat cheese alternatives.

Herb Variations

Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, basil, or even a bit of dill.

Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor and can be adjusted to suit your family’s taste.

Vegan Adaptations

Substitute the cheese with vegan cheese and use dairy-free yogurt in place of sour cream.

Choose a plant-based butter and vegan mayo to keep the texture creamy and delicious.

How to Store Leftover Cracker Barrel Three Cheese Squash Casserole

Cooling the Casserole

Allow your casserole to cool to room temperature before storing.

It’s important not to put hot food directly into the refrigerator.

Using Airtight Containers

Transfer leftovers into an airtight container.

This helps keep the casserole from absorbing odors or getting spoiled.

Alternatively, you can cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Refrigeration

Store the covered casserole in the refrigerator.

It can be kept there for up to 3-4 days.

For best quality, consume within this time frame.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the Draining Process

When preparing the squash, make sure you drain it properly after cooking.

Excess moisture can make your casserole watery, so don’t skip this step.

Use a colander and press down gently to remove extra liquid.

Overmixing the Ingredients

Combining the squash with the cheese mixture should be done gently.

Overmixing can break down the squash and make the texture less appealing.

Fold the ingredients just until they’re evenly distributed.

Not Preheating the Oven

It’s crucial to preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit before baking.

Starting with a cold oven can alter the cooking time and even the texture.

Make sure your oven is fully heated to ensure consistent cooking.