This classic Southern squash casserole recipe is incredibly easy to make with just 5 simple ingredients, reminiscent of Pioneer Woman’s approachable and delicious home cooking. It’s the perfect side dish for any meal, and especially shines during holidays and potlucks. If you’re looking for a fuss-free, flavorful vegetable dish that the whole family will love, this is it!
Why You’ll Love This 5 Ingredient Squash Casserole
This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights or when you need a reliable dish for gatherings. Here’s why it will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need 5 basic ingredients, most of which you might already have on hand. This keeps things simple and budget-friendly.
- Quick Prep: With minimal chopping and straightforward steps, this casserole comes together in minutes.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of sweet squash, savory cheese, and buttery crackers creates a comforting and satisfying taste that appeals to everyone, even picky eaters.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it ahead of time and bake later, or bake it completely and reheat – it tastes even better the next day!
- Versatile Side Dish: Pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, pork chops, ham, or as part of a vegetarian spread. It’s a fantastic addition to Thanksgiving, Easter, or any holiday feast.
Close up of Southern Style Squash Casserole with a spoon, highlighting the golden brown cracker topping and cheesy interior.
Key Ingredients for Your 5 Ingredient Squash Casserole
Let’s break down the star players in this easy casserole:
- Yellow Squash: Fresh yellow squash is essential for the best flavor and texture. Avoid frozen squash as it can become watery and alter the dish’s consistency. You’ll need about 1 1/2 pounds, which translates to roughly 3-4 medium squash.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese provides a tangy and robust flavor that complements the sweetness of the squash. For optimal melting, shred your own cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese, which contains cellulose that can hinder smooth melting. 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar is the perfect amount for this recipe, plus a little extra for topping.
- Wheat Crackers: Crumbled wheat crackers add a delightful buttery and slightly nutty flavor, along with a satisfying crunch to the casserole topping and throughout the dish. Town House Wheat Crackers or similar unsweetened wheat crackers work wonderfully. Ensure you choose crackers with 0 grams of sugar to avoid an unwanted sweetness in your casserole. You’ll need 1 1/2 cups of crumbled crackers, plus more for topping.
- Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise might seem like an unusual ingredient, but it’s the secret to binding the casserole together and adding richness and moisture. 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise is all you need to create a creamy and cohesive texture.
- Optional Salt and Pepper: While technically making it slightly more than 5 ingredients if you don’t consider them pantry staples, a pinch of salt and pepper enhances the overall flavors of the casserole. Season to your taste preference.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making 5 Ingredient Squash Casserole
Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious squash casserole:
- Prep the Squash: Wash the yellow squash and cut it into 1/2 inch thick rounds.
- Boil the Squash: In a pot, add about 1/2 inch of water and bring it to a boil. Add the squash rounds, cover the pot, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the squash is slightly tender and the seeds start to loosen. Avoid overcooking, as the squash will continue to cook in the oven.
- Drain and Combine: Drain the cooked squash thoroughly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained squash, shredded cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise. Stir until the cheese begins to melt from the heat of the squash.
- Add Crackers: Add the crumbled wheat crackers to the bowl and stir vigorously to combine everything well. As you stir, gently break up the squash further.
- Assemble and Bake: Scrape the mixture into a 1-quart casserole dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the top with a little extra shredded cheese and cracker crumbles for a golden and crispy topping.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. It’s delicious served warm as a side dish.
Tips and Variations for Your Squash Casserole
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack would all be delicious. For a sharper flavor, use extra sharp cheddar.
- Cracker Options: If you can’t find Town House Wheat Crackers, any similar unsweetened wheat cracker will work. Ritz crackers (while not wheat) can also be used for a richer, buttery flavor, but this will slightly alter the “healthier” aspect of wheat crackers.
- Add Onions or Garlic: For extra flavor depth, sauté a diced onion or minced garlic in a little butter until softened before adding it to the squash mixture.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a subtle kick.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, chopped finely and added to the mixture, can bring a fresh, aromatic dimension to the casserole.
- Make it a Main Dish: Add cooked shredded chicken or diced ham to the casserole to transform it into a heartier main course.
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the squash casserole ahead of time and store it unbaked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
- Storage: Leftover baked squash casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions. The casserole actually tastes great the next day, as the flavors meld together even more!
Enjoy Your Pioneer Woman Style 5 Ingredient Squash Casserole!
This 5 ingredient squash casserole is a testament to simple ingredients creating extraordinary flavor. It’s a comforting, easy, and versatile side dish that’s perfect for any occasion, embodying the spirit of approachable and delicious home cooking that the Pioneer Woman is known for. Gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a taste of Southern comfort food at its finest!
