Do you want to taste a true Southern classic like Brenda Gantts Squash Alabama Casserole Recipe? This Southern-style casserole is made with fresh yellow squash, onions, cheese, and a buttery cracker topping. It is the kind of food that brings comfort and joy with every bite.
It is an easy dish that tastes like home, and you do not need to be a kitchen expert to make it. This dish is perfect for family dinner, holiday meal and a regular weeknight dinner. Once you try it, you will want to make it again and again.
What is Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama Casserole?
Brenda Gantts Squash Alabama Casserole is a delicious, creamy dish made with yellow squash, onions, and cheese. It is baked with a buttery, crispy topping made from crushed crackers. The casserole is simple to make, comforting, and perfect for family meals or gatherings. It is a Southern classic that is both creamy and cheesy, with a nice crunch on top.
Key Details
Total Servings
6 Person
Cuisine
American
Calories
350 (approx.)
Course
Side Dish
Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
35 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes
What Makes Brenda Gantts Squash Alabama Casserole Recipe Special?
Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama Casserole Recipe is simple. Made with simple ingredients and having a delicious taste. The combination of fresh squash, creamy cheese, and a crispy cracker topping makes it a perfect side dish. It is easy to make, flavorful, and brings a warm, Southern feel to any meal. Plus, it is great for using up extra squash and is loved by everyone who tries it.
Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama Casserole Ingredients
4 cups yellow squash, sliced (about 4–5 medium squash)
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
2 eggs, beaten
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
2 tbsp butter, melted (for topping)
Required Kitchen Tools
Baking dish
Cutter
Cutting board
Skillet or frying pan
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Spoon or spatula
Grater (for cheese)
Aluminum foil (optional)
Preparation Steps for Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama Casserole Recipe
Preheat oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook squash & onions:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced squash and chopped onion. Sauté until the squash is soft and translucent. it will take about 10–12 minutes.
Drain excess liquid:
Drain excess liquid if there is a lot of moisture in the pan.
Mix ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked squash and onion mixture with the sour cream, mayonnaise, beaten eggs, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Add crushed crackers:
Stir in about 2/3 of the crushed Ritz crackers into the mixture.
Assemble casserole:
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining crushed crackers and the 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Drizzle melted butter over the top.
Bake:
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Cooking Tips
Use fresh squash: Fresh yellow squash has better flavor and texture. Avoid overly large ones; they can be tough or watery.
Slice squash evenly: Try to slice the squash all about the same size so they cook evenly and soften at the same time.
Saute until soft: Do not rush the squash and onions. Let them get soft and slightly golden for the best taste.
Drain extra water: After cooking the squash, drain off any liquid in the pan. This keeps your casserole from getting soggy.
Mix in cooled squash: Let the squash cool a bit before mixing with the eggs to keep them from scrambling.
Use good-quality cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese gives the best flavor. Grating your own cheese (instead of using pre-shredded) melts better.
Do not skip the mayo and sour cream: They make the casserole rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
Use Ritz crackers for crunch: They add a buttery, crisp topping that pairs perfectly with the soft squash.
Bake uncovered: This helps the top get nice and golden without getting soggy.
Let it rest after baking: Give it 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets up and cuts more neatly.
Storage Guideline
Storing your tasty casserole properly is important to keep it fresh, safe, and tasty for later. It helps avoid waste and saves you time from cooking again. If you store it the right way, you can enjoy the same great flavor even after a day or two. Here are some simple guidelines are given below
Cool it first: Let the casserole cool down to room temperature before storing. Hot food can cause moisture buildup and spoil faster.
Use an airtight container: Place leftovers in a container with a lid to keep it from drying out and to lock in flavor.
Refrigerate: Store in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. Keep it on the middle shelf, not the fridge door (where temperatures change more).
Freeze for longer storage: You can freeze it for up to 2 months. Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use a freezer-safe container.
Label and date: Always write the date on the container, so you know how long it is been stored.
Reheat properly: Warm it in the oven at 350°F (about 15–20 minutes) or microwave individual portions until hot all the way through.
Avoid reheating more than once: Only reheat the portion you need. Reheating over and over can dry it out and reduce the taste.
Ingredients Substitutions
Sometimes we do not have all the ingredients at home, or we might want to use something a little healthier or more affordable. That is when ingredient substitutions come in handy. The key is to swap smartly, so you still get that delicious, creamy Southern flavor without changing the whole taste of the recipe. Here are some substitutions are given below:
You can change Sour Cream with Plain Greek Cream.
You can change Cheddar Cheese with Monterey Jack or Colby Cheese.
You can change Butter with Olive oil.
Serving Recommendations
Serving recommendations help you know what goes well with this dish so your whole meal tastes balanced and complete. This casserole is creamy, warm, and rich. So it pairs great with other simple dishes. Mixing it with the right sides or main courses can make your meal feel special and satisfying. Here are some simple and easy recommendations are given below:
Flavor twists are fun and helpful when you want to give your dish a little extra kick or try something new. They let you change the taste just enough to make it more exciting, without losing that original creamy goodness. It is a great way to make the recipe your own and surprise your taste buds. Here are some easy and tasty flavor Twist are given below:
Add garlic powder or minced garlic: Gives a deeper, savory flavor that blends well with the squash.
Mix in cooked crumbled bacon: Adds a smoky, salty crunch that takes the dish to another level.
Stir in chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes: For a little spicy kick if you like heat.
Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar: Melts well and gives a zesty twist.
Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme: Gives the casserole a fresh and earthy flavor.
Top with French fried onions instead of Ritz crackers: Adds crunch and a sweet onion flavor.
Sprinkle a little parmesan cheese on top: Adds a rich, nutty flavor that bakes beautifully.
Add a small handful of corn kernels: Sweet corn adds a nice pop of texture and flavor.
FAQs
Yes! Zucchini works well as a replacement. It has a similar taste and texture, just be sure not to overcook it.
Absolutely. You can make it a day before, keep it in the fridge, and then bake it when ready to serve.
Yes, you can freeze it. Just let it cool, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until hot.
You can use crushed saltines, breadcrumbs, or even cornflakes for the topping. All of them work great.
It is ready when the top is golden brown and the inside is bubbling. Usually after 30 to 35 minutes at 350°F.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Yummy Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama Casserole is simple, tasty, and full of comfort. The combination of fresh squash, creamy cheese, and a crispy cracker topping makes it a perfect side dish. It is the kind of dish that brings people together. Try it once, and it might just become a family favorite.
Authentic Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama Casserole Recipe – Easy & Delicious at Home
Yummy Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama Casserole is simple, tasty, and full of comfort. The combination of fresh squash, creamy cheese, and a crispy cracker topping makes it a perfect side dish. It is the kind of dish that brings people together. Try it once, and it might just become a family favorite.
4cupsyellow squashsliced (about 4–5 medium squash)
1medium onionchopped
1/2cupbutter1 stick
1cupgrated cheddar cheese
1/2cupsour cream
1cupmayonnaise
2eggsbeaten
Salt and black pepper to taste
1sleeve Ritz crackerscrushed
1/2cupshredded cheddar cheesefor topping
2tbspbuttermelted (for topping)
Instructions
Preheat oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook squash & onions:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced squash and chopped onion. Sauté until the squash is soft and translucent—about 10–12 minutes.
Drain excess liquid:
Drain excess liquid if there is a lot of moisture in the pan.
Mix ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked squash and onion mixture with the sour cream, mayonnaise, beaten eggs, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Add crushed crackers:
Stir in about 2/3 of the crushed Ritz crackers into the mixture.
Assemble casserole:
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining crushed crackers and the 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Drizzle melted butter over the top.
Bake:
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
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