Heavenly Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole Recipe You’ll Love

Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole is one of those beloved comfort foods that brings a taste of Southern tradition straight to your table.

Known for its creamy, cheesy texture and savory flavor, this dish has been a favorite on Cracker Barrel’s menu for years.

It’s the kind of casserole that perfectly complements almost any meal, making it a popular choice for family dinners, holidays, or gatherings with friends.

With its rich combination of squash, cheese, and a crispy cracker topping, it’s no wonder why people keep coming back for more.

Making this casserole at home is easier than you think, and the good news is, you don’t have to wait for a trip to Cracker Barrel to enjoy it!

With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can recreate this delicious dish in your own kitchen.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will soon become a staple in your meal rotation.

What is Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole?

Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole is a classic Southern dish that combines the mild, sweet flavor of squash with a creamy, cheesy base, all topped with a buttery, golden-brown cracker crust.

The casserole is typically made with yellow summer squash, which is cooked until tender and then mixed with ingredients like sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, and a bit of milk.

The result is a rich and velvety texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy cracker topping.

The dish has been a favorite at Cracker Barrel for many years, making its way onto menus as a comforting side dish to accompany roast meats, fried chicken, and even holiday spreads.

What makes this casserole unique is its combination of textures—the soft squash filling and the crisp topping, creating a harmonious balance that’s hard to resist.

The squash used in this recipe provides a mild sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory cheese and the richness of sour cream.

The addition of egg helps to bind everything together, creating a smooth, almost custard-like filling.

The cracker topping, usually made with Ritz crackers, adds a delicious buttery crunch that contrasts the softness of the squash mixture, making each bite a delightful experience.

This casserole not only highlights the versatility of squash but also shows how a few simple ingredients can transform into something extraordinary.

Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or just because you’re craving comfort food, Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients for Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole

To make the perfect Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4-5 medium yellow summer squash: These provide the base of the casserole and give it that familiar, mild sweetness.
• 1 small onion: Adds a touch of sweetness and savory depth to the casserole filling.
• 1/4 cup butter: Used for sautéing the onions and to mix with the crackers for the topping.
• 1 cup sour cream: This adds creaminess to the dish and helps bind everything together.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: A generous amount of sharp cheddar cheese brings richness and flavor to the casserole.
• 1/2 cup milk: Adds a little moisture to the mixture and helps the casserole bake evenly.
• 2 large eggs: These act as a binder for the casserole, helping to hold the ingredients together and create a smooth texture.
• 1 1/2 cups crushed Ritz crackers (or other buttery crackers): These form the crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
• Salt and pepper: To season the casserole and enhance the flavors.

You can also opt to add some optional ingredients like garlic for extra flavor or a dash of cayenne pepper for a slight kick. For a more decadent touch, consider mixing in a little cream cheese along with the sour cream to intensify the creaminess.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Squash

Start by thoroughly washing and slicing your yellow summer squash into rounds.

To avoid excess moisture in your casserole, it’s essential to cook the squash first.

In a large pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the squash and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash softens and releases its moisture.

Once the squash is tender, remove it from the pan and set it aside in a colander to drain and cool slightly.

You can gently press the squash to release any extra liquid—this will prevent your casserole from becoming too watery.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

In the same pan, melt another tablespoon of butter over medium heat.

Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

The caramelized flavor from the sautéed onion adds depth and sweetness to the dish.

Step 3: Mix the Casserole Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained squash, sautéed onions, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Stir until all the ingredients are well incorporated. The cheese will begin to melt into the mixture, creating a smooth and creamy base for your casserole.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.

Pour the squash mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly. Use a spatula to smooth the top and ensure the mixture is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Prepare the Topping

To make the crunchy topping, crush the Ritz crackers by placing them in a zip-top bag and gently smashing them with a rolling pin, or use a food processor.

You’ll want about 1 1/2 cups of crushed crackers. In a small bowl, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and then stir it into the crushed crackers.

Mix until the butter is evenly distributed and the crumbs are lightly coated.

Step 6: Add the Topping and Bake

Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.

This will create a crisp, golden-brown layer as the casserole bakes.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden and crisp.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once your casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

This gives the casserole a chance to set and makes it easier to cut into squares.

Serve it warm as a side dish with your favorite main courses, like roasted chicken, grilled steak, or fried fish.

With its creamy, cheesy interior and crunchy topping, this Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole is sure to be a hit at any meal!

Tips for the Best Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole

To make sure your Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole turns out as delicious as possible, here are some helpful tips to elevate the dish:

1. Choose the Right Squash

For the best flavor and texture, use fresh yellow summer squash.

Avoid overripe squash, which can be watery and have a more bitter taste.

Smaller, tender squashes are ideal for casseroles, as they cook down more evenly and have a sweeter flavor.

2. Don’t Skip the Draining Step

After cooking the squash, it’s essential to let it drain.

This prevents excess moisture from making your casserole watery.

Use a colander or fine mesh sieve and let the squash sit for a few minutes, or gently press it to release any extra liquid.

The texture of your casserole will be much better if you do this step thoroughly.

3. Use Fresh Cheese

Freshly shredded cheddar cheese melts much better than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.

The smoother, creamier consistency will give your casserole that perfect cheesy texture.

4. Add a Little Extra Flavor

While the recipe includes sour cream and cheese, you can add extra depth with a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley.

These ingredients can really make the casserole stand out.

5. Customize the Topping

Feel free to experiment with the cracker topping. While Ritz crackers are classic, you can also try using other buttery crackers or even crushed cornflakes for a different crunch.

Adding grated Parmesan cheese to the cracker mix can also give the topping a richer, more savory flavor.

6. Make It Ahead of Time

This casserole can be prepared in advance. Assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it the next day for an easy, stress-free dinner.

You can also freeze the casserole before baking and cook it later—just add a little extra time to the baking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Squash Casserole

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make a few missteps in the kitchen.

Here are some common mistakes to watch out for when making Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole:

1. Overcooking the Squash

While you want to soften the squash, be careful not to overcook it.

Squash can break down into mush if cooked for too long, leading to a watery and less flavorful casserole.

Cook it just until tender and then drain it well to avoid sogginess.

2. Not Draining the Squash Enough

Squash releases a lot of moisture during cooking, and if you don’t drain it properly, the casserole can end up watery.

Make sure to let it sit in a colander and press out as much excess liquid as possible.

You could also gently pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any remaining moisture.

3. Skipping the Topping

The crispy, buttery cracker topping is what makes this casserole so irresistible.

Skipping this step can leave you with a dish that lacks texture contrast.

Don’t be tempted to skip or skimp on the topping—this is where the dish gets its satisfying crunch.

4. Using Too Much Liquid

When making the casserole filling, be mindful of how much liquid you add.

Too much milk or sour cream can result in a runny casserole that doesn’t set properly.

Stick to the recommended amounts, and you’ll get that perfect, creamy consistency.

5. Underseasoning

It’s easy to overlook seasoning in casseroles, but a pinch of salt and pepper can go a long way in enhancing the flavors.

Be sure to taste the filling before baking and adjust the seasoning as needed.

If you want a little more flavor complexity, consider adding a small amount of garlic powder or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

6. Not Letting It Rest After Baking

Once you take the casserole out of the oven, resist the urge to dive right in.

Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes so it can set and become easier to cut into clean squares.

This also gives the flavors a chance to meld together even more.

How to Serve Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole

Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses and sides.

Here are a few ideas for serving it:

1. As a Side Dish to Comfort Foods

This casserole is the perfect complement to classic Southern comfort food.

It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats such as baked chicken, turkey, or pork chops.

You can also serve it alongside fried chicken, steak, or grilled fish—its creamy texture and savory flavor balance out these hearty mains.

2. For Holiday Meals

Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole makes an excellent addition to your holiday spread.

Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser alongside dishes like mashed potatoes, green beans, and ham.

Its rich, comforting flavors make it a great side dish to complement the season’s indulgent dishes.

3. With Fresh Salad or Bread

To round out the meal, serve your casserole with a simple side salad or some warm, crusty bread.

A light, tangy green salad with a lemon vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the casserole.

Alternatively, buttery dinner rolls or cornbread are fantastic options for mopping up any extra creamy filling.

4. At a Potluck or Family Gathering

Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole is a hit at potlucks, family dinners, or gatherings.

It’s easy to make in large quantities and is always a favorite, especially for those who love comforting, home-cooked meals.

Simply bake it, transport it to your event, and watch it disappear.

Variations of Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole

While the classic version of this dish is always a winner, there are plenty of ways to add your personal touch or tweak the recipe to suit dietary preferences.

Here are a few variations you might want to try:

1. Gluten-Free Version

For those who need a gluten-free option, you can swap the Ritz crackers for gluten-free crackers or crushed cornflakes.

Just make sure the rest of the ingredients you choose, such as the cheese and sour cream, are also gluten-free.

2. Low-Carb Option

For a low-carb twist, you can substitute the squash with zucchini or use a lower-carb vegetable like cauliflower.

You could also skip the crackers or use a low-carb alternative like crushed pork rinds for the topping.

3. Adding Meat

Some people like to make the casserole a more substantial meal by adding meat.

Ground sausage or crumbled bacon are excellent options to mix in with the squash for extra flavor and protein.

4. Vegetarian Twist

Although squash is a vegetable, adding extra veggies can enhance the dish.

Try adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition and variety.

This gives the casserole a more hearty texture while still keeping it vegetarian.

5. Extra Cheesy Version

If you’re a fan of extra cheese, you can incorporate additional types of cheese.

Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and even a little cream cheese mixed in with the sour cream can make the casserole extra creamy and flavorful.

Conclusion

Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole is a timeless Southern dish that brings warmth, comfort, and deliciousness to any table.

With its creamy, cheesy filling and crispy cracker topping, it’s the perfect side dish for everything from family dinners to holiday celebrations.

The recipe is easy to make, and with a few simple steps, you can enjoy this dish in the comfort of your own home.

Whether you keep it classic or add your own twist, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients or toppings to make it your own.

No matter how you serve it, Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole is sure to impress and satisfy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use frozen squash for this recipe?

While fresh squash is ideal for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen squash.

Be sure to thaw it thoroughly and drain any excess water before adding it to the casserole to avoid a watery dish.

2. How can I make Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole ahead of time?

You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.

When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 40-45 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbly.

3. Can I freeze Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble the casserole as directed but skip the baking step. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

When ready to serve, bake it from frozen for about 50-60 minutes or until heated through.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar is traditional, you can experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of cheeses for a unique flavor.

5. How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is ready when the edges are golden brown, the topping is crispy, and the filling is bubbly.

You can also insert a knife or toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the casserole is done.