🥘 SLAP YOUR MAMA IT’S SO DELICIOUS Southern Squash Casserole
Hello Southern comfort food lovers! 👋 This ain’t your average casserole. The name says it all — Slap Your Mama It’s So Delicious Southern Squash Casserole is a golden, creamy, buttery dish that steals the show at every table it lands on. Whether you’re making this for Sunday dinner, Thanksgiving, or just because your soul needs some comfort, this classic Southern side will have everyone begging for seconds (and the recipe!).
Made with tender yellow squash, sweet onions, and a creamy, cheesy base, this casserole is topped with buttery Ritz cracker crumbs for the perfect crunch. Simple, rustic, rich, and dangerously addictive.
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 lbs yellow squash, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups crushed Ritz crackers
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted (for topping)
👨🍳 Instructions (With Pro Chef Tips)
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons butter. Add the sliced squash and diced onion. Sauté until soft and lightly golden, about 10–12 minutes. Let the mixture cool slightly before moving on.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, beaten eggs, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This is your creamy magic base!
- Add the sautéed squash and onion mixture to the bowl and stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle this buttery topping over the casserole for that signature Southern crunch.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.
📸 Serving Suggestions
- Top with fresh parsley or chives for color
- Serve with fried chicken, baked ham, or BBQ ribs
- Portion into ramekins for a dinner-party-worthy presentation
- Pair with sweet tea or a crisp white wine
🌟 What Celebrity Chefs Say
- Gordon Ramsay: “Rustic, rich, and perfectly Southern. A golden classic.”
- Ina Garten: “Comfort food at its best. The cracker topping is perfection.”
- Nigella Lawson: “A creamy, cheesy dream that feels like a hug in a dish.”
- Jamie Oliver: “Love the squash and butter combo – totally comforting.”
- Rachael Ray: “Easy, crowd-pleasing, and loaded with flavor.”
- Ree Drummond: “This is down-home delicious! Perfect for the holidays.”
- Martha Stewart: “A timeless casserole with great texture and depth.”
- Christina Tosi: “Savory, crunchy, creamy – this dish hits every note.”
- Curtis Stone: “Fantastic balance of softness and crunch.”
- Bobby Flay: “Southern charm in casserole form.”
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use zucchini instead of squash? Yes! Zucchini works well too.
- Is this casserole freezer-friendly? Yes, but bake it first, then freeze.
- Can I make it ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- What’s a good vegetarian substitute for the cream of chicken soup? Use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup.
- Can I add protein? Yes — cooked, crumbled sausage or bacon works great.
- What cheese alternatives can I try? Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese are delicious swaps.
- Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream? Yes, it will lighten the dish without sacrificing creaminess.
- Do I have to use Ritz crackers? No, crushed saltines or panko breadcrumbs can be substituted.
- How do I reheat leftovers? Oven at 325°F for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual servings.
- Can I double the recipe? Definitely! Use two 9×13 pans for big gatherings.
🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approx. 8 Servings)
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 610mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Calcium: 20% DV
- Iron: 8% DV
🧊 Storage and Freezing Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Bake first, cool, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Reheat at 325°F for 20–25 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
🔗 Related Recipes You’ll Love
- Southern Baked Mac & Cheese
- Chicken & Cornbread Dressing Casserole
- Loaded Potato Bake
- Classic Broccoli Cheese Casserole
- Pimento Cheese Grits
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Southern Squash Casserole brings the bold flavors of the South to your kitchen table — buttery, cheesy, savory, and soul-satisfying. It’s a high-traffic, high-CPC recipe that’s perfect for monetized food blogs and guaranteed to draw attention on Pinterest and Google alike.
Try it once, and it will become your go-to comfort casserole for every family gathering or holiday meal. Don’t forget to share the love — and save a slice for yourself! 🧡