There’s something special about the warmth of a Southern kitchen, especially when you’re cooking Brenda Gantt’s Squash Casserole Recipe. Known for her charming storytelling and heartfelt cooking, Brenda brings back memories of home with every bite of this creamy, cheesy squash delight. Today, we’re diving deep into her iconic Squash Alabama casserole, a recipe she learned from her mother and perfected in her own kitchen, just like the Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole.
Brenda’s squash casserole starts with tender yellow squash, sautéed onions, and sweet peppers, all blended together with creamy mayonnaise, eggs, and a generous helping of shredded cheese. Baked until bubbly and topped with buttery Ritz crackers, it’s the kind of dish that makes everyone gather around the table in anticipation.
If you’re lucky enough to have a basket of fresh garden squash, don’t let it go to waste-turn it into this unforgettable casserole. Follow along step by step and bring a little Southern magic to your own kitchen tonight.
What Does Brenda Gantt’s Squash Casserole Taste Like?
Imagine a bite of tender squash that practically melts in your mouth, mingling with sweet, caramelized onions and peppers sautéed in butter. The casserole is rich and creamy thanks to the mayonnaise and eggs, with sharp notes of cheddar cheese weaving through every forkful.
Then comes the best part: the buttery Ritz cracker topping. It bakes into a crunchy, golden crust that adds just the right texture, perfectly balancing the soft, velvety filling underneath. Each bite delivers a comforting, down-home flavor you can only find in classic Southern cooking, similar to Brenda Gantt Onion Casserole.
It’s cheesy, savory, and just a bit sweet from the squash and peppers, making it the perfect side dish or even a star main course. If you love soul-satisfying casseroles, this dish will quickly become a favorite at your family table.
Ingredients Required for Brenda Gantt’s Squash Casserole Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Brenda Gantt’s Squash Casserole
- 2–2.5 lbs light yellow squash (young, tender squash preferred)
- 1 large yellow onion
- 1 small sweet pepper (or bell pepper of choice)
- 1/2 stick butter
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups (1 bag) shredded cheese (cheddar recommended)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers
Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need
- Large pot
- Cutting board and Sharp knife
- Skillet and Wooden spoon
- Large mixing bowl
- Colander and Casserole dish
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings
Copycat Brenda Gantt’s Squash Casserole Recipe
Simply follow the steps given below to make your Brenda Gantt’s Squash Casserole at home
1. Prepare the Squash
Wash the squash, cut off the ends, and slice into circles. Boil in salted water until fork-tender (about 15 minutes). Drain thoroughly in a colander, shaking out excess water.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
While the squash boils, melt 1/2 stick butter in a skillet. Dice the onion and sweet pepper, then sauté until softened and slightly caramelized. Set aside.
3. Make the Casserole Base
In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise and 2 beaten eggs until smooth. Stir in 2 cups shredded cheese.
4. Combine the Ingredients
Add drained squash, sautéed onions, and peppers to the bowl. Season with a pinch of black pepper (add more if you like a little heat) and stir until well combined.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish. Bake at 350°F for about 35 minutes, until bubbly and the eggs have set.
6. Add the Crunchy Topping
Crush Ritz crackers finely using your hands or a rolling pin. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole. Return to the oven for 5–10 minutes, until the cracker topping is golden and crispy.
7. Serve
Let it rest a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!
Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Brenda Gantt’s Squash Casserole
1. Alongside Crispy Fried Chicken
Nothing says Southern comfort like a scoop of cheesy squash casserole next to a piece of hot, crunchy fried chicken. We’ve done this for Sunday dinner, and the creamy casserole balances the crispy chicken perfectly.
2. With a Fresh Summer Salad
On warm evenings, we love pairing this rich casserole with a simple salad of fresh garden tomatoes, cucumbers, and sweet onions drizzled in homemade vinaigrette. The freshness cuts through the creaminess beautifully.
3. As a Hearty Breakfast
Believe it or not, we’ve enjoyed leftovers the next morning topped with a fried egg. The runny yolk mixing into the cheesy squash is heavenly!
4. Alongside Baked Ham
During the holidays, we’ve served this casserole as a side dish with a glazed baked ham. The sweet and salty flavors of the ham match wonderfully with the savory, cheesy squash.
5. With Smoky Barbecue Ribs
One of our favorite summer cookout combos is tender smoked ribs with this squash casserole on the side. The richness of the casserole is the perfect partner for smoky, saucy ribs.
6. Tucked into a Wrap
On busy days, we’ve stuffed warm tortilla wraps with leftover casserole and some shredded rotisserie chicken. It makes an easy, comforting lunch on the go.
7. Alongside Cornbread
We love serving the casserole with a wedge of hot, buttered cornbread. The sweet, crumbly bread and creamy squash are like a match made in heaven.
8. With Roasted Pork Tenderloin
For a cozy dinner, we often roast a pork tenderloin and serve slices over a bed of this casserole. The mild pork lets the casserole’s flavors shine.
9. Paired with Collard Greens
It wouldn’t be a true Southern meal in our house without a side of braised collard greens. The greens add a hearty, earthy note that makes every bite of casserole even more special.
10. As a Vegetarian Main Dish
Sometimes we skip the meat altogether and make the casserole the star of the show, adding a side of garlic mashed potatoes or steamed green beans for a filling, satisfying meal.
Some Tips on This Brenda Gantt’s Squash Casserole Recipe
1. Pick Light Yellow Squash
Look for squash that’s a pale yellow color. It means it’s soft and sweet, not tough or bitter!
2. Don’t Peel the Squash
No need to peel it-just cut off the ends and slice it up. That’s easy-peasy!
3. Salt the Boiling Water
Add a little salt when you boil the squash. It makes the squash taste so yummy!
4. Drain Really Well
After boiling, shake the squash in the strainer. Try to get out all the water so your casserole isn’t soggy.
5. Use Fresh Onion
Chop up a big onion and cook it until it’s soft. It makes the casserole taste extra good.
6. Add Sweet Peppers
Use a little sweet pepper or bell pepper for a nice pop of flavor. But it’s okay if you don’t have one!
7. Mix the Eggs and Mayo First
Whisk the eggs and mayonnaise together before adding everything else. It helps them blend better.
8. Use Sharp Cheese
Cheddar cheese that’s sharp gives the casserole a cheesy, rich taste. Yum!
9. Crush Crackers Fine
When you smash the Ritz crackers, make them really fine so they spread nicely on top.
10. Wait a Bit Before Eating
Let the casserole rest a few minutes after baking. That way it’s not too hot, and the flavors come together perfectly!
How to Store and Reheat Brenda Gantt’s Squash Casserole Properly
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions until hot. Avoid adding the Ritz topping before storing; instead, add fresh crackers just before reheating for best texture.
Brenda Gantt's Squash Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 –2.5 lbs light yellow squash young, tender squash preferred
- 1 large yellow onion
- 1 small sweet pepper or bell pepper of choice
- 1/2 stick butter
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups 1 bag shredded cheese (cheddar recommended)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers
Instructions
- Wash the squash, cut off the ends, and slice into circles. Boil in salted water until fork-tender (about 15 minutes). Drain thoroughly in a colander, shaking out excess water.
- While the squash boils, melt 1/2 stick butter in a skillet. Dice the onion and sweet pepper, then sauté until softened and slightly caramelized. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise and 2 beaten eggs until smooth. Stir in 2 cups shredded cheese.
- Add drained squash, sautéed onions, and peppers to the bowl. Season with a pinch of black pepper (add more if you like a little heat) and stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish. Bake at 350°F for about 35 minutes, until bubbly and the eggs have set.
- Crush Ritz crackers finely using your hands or a rolling pin. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole. Return to the oven for 5–10 minutes, until the cracker topping is golden and crispy.
- Let it rest a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!
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Notes
Common Queries on This Brenda Gantt’s Squash Casserole Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Brenda Gantt’s Squash Casserole that people often ask.
1. What kind of squash works best for Brenda Gantt’s casserole?
From our experience, the lighter yellow, young squash gives the most tender texture. Darker, more mature squash tends to be tough and doesn’t blend well into the creamy casserole.
2. Do I need to peel the squash before boiling?
No, don’t peel it! We’ve found that leaving the skin on gives the casserole a nice texture and keeps the squash pieces intact after boiling.
3. Can I use frozen squash instead of fresh?
We’ve tried it both ways, and while fresh squash has the best flavor and texture, frozen squash can work in a pinch-just make sure to drain it extremely well to avoid a watery casserole.
4. Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in this recipe?
Yes, you can swap mayonnaise with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor, but we think classic mayo gives the creamiest, richest result true to Brenda’s original.
5. What type of cheese should I use?
We always reach for sharp cheddar because it melts beautifully and adds a nice depth of flavor. However, mild cheddar or even Colby Jack can work if you prefer a milder taste.
6. How fine should the Ritz crackers be crushed for the topping?
In our kitchen, we crush them finely by hand so they form a light, even crust-about the texture of coarse breadcrumbs. This way, you get a perfect crunchy bite with every forkful.
7. Can I prepare Brenda’s squash casserole ahead of time?
Yes! We often make it the night before and refrigerate it unbaked. Just wait to add the Ritz cracker topping until you’re ready to bake so it stays crisp.
8. How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
From our experience, it’s ready when it’s bubbling around the edges and the center is set-usually after about 35 minutes. You can gently shake the dish; if the middle doesn’t jiggle, it’s done.
9. What should I serve with squash casserole?
We love pairing it with classic Southern dishes like fried chicken, baked ham, or meatloaf. It also works beautifully as a main dish with a side salad for a lighter meal.
10. Can I freeze leftovers?
We don’t recommend freezing this casserole. In our tests, the texture becomes watery and grainy when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge for up to four days.
Brenda Gantt’s Squash Casserole Recipe is a true taste of the South-easy, comforting, and absolutely delicious. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy weekend meal, this dish is sure to win hearts around your table.
Give it a try today, and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends who love classic Southern cooking! Feel free to share your experience with this recipe by trying it out. Don’t forget to drop a comment and provide your feedback on the blog for us to read.
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Delicious
Thanks
So simple and delicious. Will definitely make again!