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Crispy Squash Casserole with Ritz Cracker Topping

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A quick and easy squash casserole featuring a creamy squash base topped with a golden, buttery Ritz cracker crust. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or cozy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups sliced yellow squash (about 3 medium squash), peeled if desired
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk (or 2%)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1.5 cups crushed Ritz crackers (about one sleeve)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Slice yellow squash into ¼-inch thick rounds. Finely chop the onion.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add sliced squash to the skillet with onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender but not mushy, about 7-8 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
  5. In a separate saucepan, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until smooth and light golden.
  6. Slowly whisk in milk, continuing to whisk until mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
  7. Pour cooked squash and onion into the roux mixture. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined. Season with additional salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using.
  8. Transfer squash mixture evenly into prepared casserole dish.
  9. Crush Ritz crackers to a mix of fine crumbs and small chunks. In a small bowl, combine crushed crackers, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir in 2 tablespoons melted butter until crumbs are evenly coated.
  10. Sprinkle cracker topping evenly over the squash base.
  11. Bake casserole for 25-30 minutes until topping is golden brown and crispy.
  12. Let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

If topping browns too fast, tent casserole loosely with foil halfway through baking. To prevent watery squash, salt sliced squash and let sit 10 minutes, then pat dry before cooking. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and crackers. For vegan, substitute butter, milk, and cheese with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: squash casserole, Ritz cracker topping, easy casserole, comfort food, potluck recipe, cheesy squash casserole

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/crispy-squash-casserole-with-ritz-cracker-topping-easy-homemade-recipe/