Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole

It was a chilly autumn evening when my grandma called me over to her cozy kitchen. “Come, dear, I’ve got something special for you,” she said, her eyes twinkling with excitement. As I approached the counter, the aroma of baked squash and buttery Ritz crackers filled the air, instantly transporting me back to my childhood. “Grandma’s famous Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole,” she announced, presenting the golden-brown dish with a proud smile.

I remember watching her meticulously prepare the casserole, slicing the fresh yellow squash and carefully layering it with the creamy sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese. The final touch was the crunchy, buttery Ritz cracker topping that always made my mouth water. As the casserole baked, the house filled with the most comforting scents, and I couldn’t wait to dig in.

Why This Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

The Secret Behind Perfect Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole

Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, and it’s easy to see why. The secret lies in the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tender, sweet squash is perfectly complemented by the tangy sour cream and the sharp cheddar cheese. But the real star of the show is the crispy, buttery Ritz cracker topping that adds a delightful crunch to every bite.

What sets this recipe apart is the attention to detail. The squash is sliced to the perfect thickness, ensuring it cooks through evenly, and the Ritz crackers are crushed to a fine consistency, creating a golden-brown crust that melts in your mouth. The addition of just the right amount of salt and pepper brings out the natural sweetness of the squash, making this dish truly irresistible.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

The key to the success of this Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole is the careful selection and combination of the ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at each one:

• 3 pounds yellow squash, sliced: The star of the show, the squash provides the perfect base for the casserole. Its natural sweetness and tender texture are the foundation of this comforting dish.
• 1 cup sour cream: This ingredient adds a creamy tanginess that balances the sweetness of the squash, creating a delightful flavor profile.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The sharp, slightly salty flavor of the cheddar cheese complements the other ingredients beautifully, providing a satisfying cheesy element.
• 1/2 cup melted butter: The butter is the key to the crispy, golden-brown topping, infusing the Ritz crackers with a rich, indulgent flavor.
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed: The Ritz crackers are the showstopper, adding a delightful crunch and buttery taste that takes this casserole to the next level.
• 1 teaspoon salt: A touch of salt enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients, bringing out the best in each component.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: The black pepper adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor, complementing the other seasonings.

Step-by-Step Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole Instructions

Preparing Your Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole

With a prep time of 15 minutes and a cook time of 30 minutes, this Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole is a quick and easy dish to prepare. All you’ll need is a large mixing bowl, a 9×13 inch baking dish, and a few basic kitchen tools.

1- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Slice the 3 pounds of yellow squash into 1/4-inch thick rounds, ensuring even cooking.

2- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced squash, 1 cup of sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup of melted butter. Gently mix the ingredients until they are evenly distributed.

3- Crush the 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers into a fine crumb using your hands or a rolling pin. Sprinkle the crushed crackers over the top of the squash mixture, covering it evenly.

4- Season the casserole with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, ensuring the flavors are well-distributed throughout.

5- Carefully transfer the prepared casserole to a 9×13 inch baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even layer.

6- Bake the Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden-brown and the squash is tender when pierced with a fork. Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Success

To ensure your Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips:

1. Slice the squash evenly: Aim for 1/4-inch thick slices to ensure even cooking throughout the casserole.
2. Drain the sour cream: Before adding it to the mix, place the sour cream in a fine-mesh strainer to remove any excess liquid, preventing a watery casserole.
3. Crush the Ritz crackers well: The finer the crumb, the more evenly it will distribute and create that delightful crunch.
4. Don’t overmix: Gently fold the ingredients together to avoid breaking down the squash and making the casserole too dense.
5. Let it rest before serving: Allow the casserole to cool for 10 minutes before digging in, as this will help the flavors meld and the texture set up perfectly.

Serving and Storing Your Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole

Perfect Pairings for Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole

This Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole is a true crowd-pleaser, serving up to 6 people. It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables, creating a well-balanced and satisfying meal. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside grilled or roasted chicken or pork. And don’t forget the perfect pairing beverage – a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea would be the perfect accompaniment.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best things about this Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole is that it can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment. To store, simply let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

When you’re ready to reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the casserole, covered, for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake at 350°F for 45-60 minutes, or until heated through, removing the foil for the last 15 minutes to crisp up the topping.

Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole

Creative Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole Variations

While the classic Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole is a true delight, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this dish. Try swapping the yellow squash for zucchini or a mix of both for a colorful twist. You can also experiment with different cheese varieties, such as Parmesan or Monterey Jack, to create unique flavor profiles.

For a seasonal flair, consider adding diced apples or cranberries to the casserole for a touch of sweetness and tanginess. Alternatively, you could incorporate cooked bacon or diced ham for a heartier, savory version.

Making Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole Diet-Friendly

If you’re looking to make this Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole a bit more diet-friendly, there are a few simple substitutions you can try. For a gluten-free version, replace the Ritz crackers with crushed gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs. To make it dairy-free, swap out the sour cream and cheddar cheese for plant-based alternatives.

For a low-carb or keto-friendly adaptation, you can use crushed pork rinds or almond flour in place of the Ritz crackers. You can also reduce the amount of butter and use a high-quality olive oil or avocado oil instead. With a few simple swaps, you can enjoy this comforting casserole while catering to your dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of squash besides yellow squash?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute zucchini, butternut squash, or a combination of different squash varieties in this recipe. The key is to slice them evenly to ensure even cooking.

Q: How long does the Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole take to prepare?
A: The total time for this recipe is 45 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time.

Q: Can I make the Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, this casserole is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 4 days before baking. When ready to serve, simply reheat in the oven until heated through.

Q: How many servings does this Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole make?
A: This recipe yields 6 servings, making it a great option for family dinners or small gatherings.

Q: What if the topping gets too brown before the squash is tender?
A: If the Ritz cracker topping starts to brown too quickly, simply cover the casserole with a piece of foil to prevent further browning while allowing the squash to finish cooking.

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Conclusion

Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole is a true comfort food classic that will have your family and friends raving. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, this dish is sure to become a go-to in your recipe repertoire. From the tender, sweet squash to the crispy, buttery topping, every bite is a delightful experience.

I hope this recipe brings back fond memories for you, just as it does for me. Give it a try, and let me know what you think! Share your photos and comments – I’d love to hear how your Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole turns out.