You know when a dish becomes a family favorite from the very first time you make it? That’s exactly what happened with this Squash Alabama Casserole Recipe. It’s rich, creamy, comforting-and straight from the heart of Alabama, courtesy of Ginna and inspired by Brenda Gantt herself and her Brenda Gantt’s Squash Casserole Recipe. This isn’t your average side dish. It’s the one people ask for again and again.
Miss Joan first made this using squash grown in her garden and frozen from the previous season. Whether you’ve got fresh, frozen, or even canned squash-this casserole adapts to what you’ve got on hand. That’s Southern cooking at its finest: practical, flavorful, and made with love, just like Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole Recipe.
So if you’re looking for a truly special squash casserole that brings folks to the table with big smiles and full bellies, this is it. Get ready to bake up a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
What Does Squash Alabama Casserole Taste Like?
Creamy, cheesy, and buttery-this casserole has it all. The tender squash blends beautifully with sautéed onions and bell peppers, creating a savory base that’s both hearty and fresh. The touch of mayo adds richness, while the shredded cheddar gives every bite that satisfying cheesy pull.
But the real Southern twist? That golden, buttery Ritz cracker topping. Baked to crisp perfection, it gives a slight crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft, custardy squash underneath.
This is the kind of dish that pairs beautifully with roast beef, mashed potatoes, or even a plate of green beans. Whether served on a holiday table or a weeknight dinner, it’s homey, humble, and downright irresistible.
Ingredients Required for Squash Alabama Casserole Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Squash Alabama Casserole
- 3 to 4 cups cooked yellow squash (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter (for sautéing)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (or any buttery crackers), crushed
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need
- Food processor or potato masher
- Large mixing bowl
- Frying pan (for sautéing)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Casserole dish (about 9×13 or similar size)
- Cooking spray
- Oven
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30–40 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour
Yields: Serves 6–8 as a side dish
Copycat Squash Alabama Casserole Recipe
Simply follow the steps given below to make your Squash Alabama Casserole at home
Step 1: Cook the Squash
If using fresh or frozen squash, cook it until fork-tender. Miss Joan microwaved hers with a bit of water, but stovetop works too. Drain completely and mash or pulse in a food processor to soften the texture.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a small skillet, melt butter and sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper until soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Mix the Casserole
In a large bowl, combine the mashed squash, sautéed veggies, eggs, mayonnaise, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well mixed. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Prepare to Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray and pour in the squash mixture, spreading evenly.
Step 5: Add the Topping
In a zip bag, crush the crackers. Mix them with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the casserole. Drizzle a little extra butter in a zigzag motion over the top for extra golden crispness.
Step 6: Bake
Bake uncovered at 350°F for 30–40 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
Check out another famous Brenda Gantt’s Casserole Recipe, called Brenda Gantt Onion Casserole Recipe.
Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Squash Alabama Casserole
1. Alongside Roast Beef and Gravy
Oh honey, this casserole just sings when served next to a plate of tender roast beef and homemade brown gravy. That buttery cracker topping with the savory beef? Heaven on a fork. We’ve had it this way on more than one Sunday, and it always disappears first.
2. With Fried Chicken and Sweet Tea
If you’ve never tried squash casserole with crispy fried chicken, you’re in for a treat. The creaminess of the squash balances the crunch of that chicken skin perfectly. Add a tall glass of sweet tea and you’ve got yourself a real Southern supper.
3. Next to Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans
This combo is what we call the “comfort trio.” That casserole, some fluffy mashed potatoes with a little gravy, and a side of fresh green beans-just like Grandma used to serve. You don’t even need meat with this one.
4. Tucked into a Holiday Spread
We’ve brought this dish to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and even Easter dinners-and it fits right in with the turkey, ham, dressing, and deviled eggs. It’s always one of the first empty dishes on the table, so we’ve learned to double the batch.
5. Paired with Baked Ham
There’s something about the salty-sweet flavor of baked ham that just works magic with the creamy squash. We served it like that last Easter and folks kept asking for the recipe. It’s a match made in comfort food heaven.
6. Served Cold as a Leftover Snack
Now hear us out-this casserole is also good cold, straight from the fridge. That rich, cheesy flavor firms up a bit and it’s kind of like a squash soufflé. We’ve eaten it with crackers more than once when we needed a quick bite.
7. With BBQ Ribs at a Cookout
We brought this dish to a family BBQ one summer, and it was the perfect creamy side to balance out smoky, saucy ribs. Folks were going back for seconds of the casserole like it was the main event!
8. Topped with a Fried Egg for Breakfast
One morning we had leftovers and decided to top a scoop with a fried egg. Y’all… game changer. The runny yolk mixed in with the squash and cheese was so good, we started making it on purpose.
9. With Cornbread and Pinto Beans
For a true Southern soul food meal, serve it up with a bowl of slow-simmered pinto beans and a hot slice of buttered cornbread. It’s simple, affordable, and tastes like home.
10. Served in Mini Ramekins for Brunch
We once scooped the mixture into individual ramekins and baked them for a ladies’ brunch. Everyone thought they were fancy soufflés! Just garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chives, and you’ve got yourself a charming little side dish.
Some Tips on This Squash Alabama Casserole Recipe
1. Cook the squash real soft
Make sure your squash is mushy and soft before you mash it. That makes it creamy and easy to mix!
2. Use any squash you have
Fresh, frozen, or from a can-it all works! Just cook it until it’s nice and tender.
3. Mash it up good
Use a food processor, a fork, or even a spoon. Just mash the squash so there aren’t big chunks.
4. Chop the veggies small
Cut the onion and bell pepper into tiny pieces so they mix in easy and cook fast.
5. Melt the butter first
Before you pour the butter on the crackers, melt it. That makes the top crispy and yummy.
6. Use your favorite cheese
Cheddar is great, but you can use any cheese you love. Just make it cheesy!
7. Taste before baking
Mix everything, then taste a little. Add more salt or pepper if it needs it.
8. Spray the dish
Before you put in the mix, spray the dish so nothing sticks when it’s done.
9. Let it cool a bit
After it bakes, let the casserole rest for a few minutes. It will be easier to scoop and eat.
10. Make it with love
Just like Miss Joan says-when you cook with love, it always tastes better!
How to Store and Reheat Squash Alabama Casserole
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through or microwave individual servings. For best texture, keep the cracker topping separate if freezing.
Squash Alabama Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 cups cooked yellow squash fresh, frozen, or canned
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter for sautéing
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers or any buttery crackers, crushed
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- If using fresh or frozen squash, cook it until fork-tender. Miss Joan microwaved hers with a bit of water, but stovetop works too. Drain completely and mash or pulse in a food processor to soften the texture.
- In a small skillet, melt butter and sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper until soft and fragrant.
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed squash, sautéed veggies, eggs, mayonnaise, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well mixed. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray and pour in the squash mixture, spreading evenly.
- In a zip bag, crush the crackers. Mix them with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the casserole. Drizzle a little extra butter in a zigzag motion over the top for extra golden crispness.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 30–40 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
Video
Notes
Common Queries on This Squash Alabama Casserole Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Squash Alabama Casserole that people often ask.
1. What is in squash casserole?
From our kitchen to yours, the classic squash casserole usually starts with tender yellow squash, sautéed onions and bell peppers, eggs, mayonnaise, and cheddar cheese. In this Alabama-style version, we top it all off with buttery crushed crackers and bake it until golden and bubbly. It’s creamy, flavorful, and full of Southern charm.
2. How do you keep squash casserole from getting watery?
This one comes from experience-drain your squash well after cooking! Whether you boil or microwave it, squash holds a lot of moisture. We like to drain it completely and even give it a quick mash or spin in the food processor to break it down. That way, your casserole won’t turn out soggy.
3. What is good to serve with squash casserole?
This casserole is the ultimate side dish, especially next to hearty mains like roast beef, fried chicken, or even pork chops. We often pair it with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad. It fits right in on Sunday dinner tables and holiday spreads.
4. How to make a casserole moist?
The trick is in the balance of wet ingredients. In this recipe, the eggs, mayonnaise, and the natural moisture from the squash all work together to give it that creamy, moist texture. Just don’t overbake it-and always cover the top with crackers and butter to lock in that moisture.
5. What are the main ingredients of Squash Alabama Casserole?
For most casseroles (especially squash ones like this), you’ll need: A main vegetable or protein (like squash), Binding agents like eggs and mayonnaise, A cheese for richness, Aromatics like onions and peppers, And often a topping, like buttery crackers or breadcrumbs. Those simple layers create something special when baked together.
6. How to make a Squash Alabama Casserole taste better?
Don’t skip the sautéed onions and peppers-they add real depth of flavor. Also, season your base well with salt and pepper before baking. And if you want an extra punch, sometimes we stir in a bit of garlic powder or even a dash of hot sauce for a little Southern kick.
7. Can I use frozen or canned squash instead of fresh?
Absolutely! We’ve made this casserole using fresh, frozen, and even canned squash-whatever you’ve got will work. Just make sure it’s cooked down and drained really well before mixing it in. That’s the key to getting the right texture.
8. Can I make Squash Alabama Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, and we do it often. You can prep the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate it for a day or two. Just add the cracker topping right before baking so it stays nice and crunchy.
9. Can I freeze Squash Alabama Casserole?
You sure can, but we recommend freezing it without the topping. Prepare the base, store it in a freezer-safe dish, and when you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then add the crackers and butter on top before baking.
10. What kind of cheese works best in this casserole?
We usually stick with shredded cheddar-it melts beautifully and adds that sharp flavor that complements the sweet squash. But if you’re feeling adventurous, a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack or even some pepper jack can add a nice twist.
This Squash Alabama Casserole Recipe is everything Southern comfort food should be-easy, flavorful, and made with love. Whether it’s your first time making it or your fiftieth, it always hits the spot. Share this dish with friends, save it for family gatherings, or just make it on a quiet Sunday-you’ll be glad you did.
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