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Comforting Squash Casserole Recipe with Crispy Ritz Topping Easy and Best

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A creamy, cheesy squash casserole topped with a buttery, crispy Ritz cracker crust. Perfect for weeknights and potlucks, this dish balances comfort food with a delightful crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups yellow squash, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 ½ cups crushed Ritz crackers
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter your baking dish lightly to prevent sticking.
  2. Wash and thinly slice about 4 cups of yellow squash. Set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and onions, stirring constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
  5. Slowly whisk in 1 ½ cups of milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese in chunks, stirring until melted and smooth. Then stir in 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese until fully combined and melted. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika if using.
  7. Add the sliced squash to the sauce mixture, folding gently to coat all pieces evenly. Cook for 3-4 minutes, just to soften the squash slightly.
  8. Pour the squash mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  9. Crush 1 ½ cups of Ritz crackers until fine but still a bit chunky. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and mix it with the crackers and chopped parsley.
  10. Evenly distribute the cracker mixture over the squash in the baking dish.
  11. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
  12. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set slightly.

Notes

Do not overcook the squash before baking to avoid a watery casserole. Whisk milk gradually to prevent lumps. Mix melted butter with crackers just before baking for a crispy topping. Tent with foil if topping browns too quickly. Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/comforting-squash-casserole-recipe-with-crispy-ritz-topping-easy-and-best/