Easy Cheesy Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole Recipe

Cracker Barrel’s squash casserole stands as a comforting Southern-style side dish that transforms simple vegetables into a crowd-pleasing sensation.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with rich, savory notes that elevate humble ingredients.

Soft yellow squash creates a delightful base for this beloved recipe, offering subtle earthy undertones.

Home cooks appreciate its straightforward preparation and crowd-pleasing results.

Cheese melts into a luxurious blanket, binding everything together with incredible depth of flavor.

Each forkful promises warmth and nostalgia, reminiscent of family gatherings and hearty meals.

Prepare to surprise everyone at the dinner table with this irresistible comfort classic: you won’t believe how good vegetables can taste.

Why Cracker Barrel’s Squash Casserole Is So Loved

• Savor Creamy Southern Comfort: This casserole delivers a luxurious, velvety texture that hugs your taste buds with classic Southern richness, blending cream cheese and sour cream into a smooth, indulgent base.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this delightful dish in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a hearty side that feels like a home-cooked restaurant experience without complicated techniques.
• Transform Humble Squash into Culinary Magic: Elevate simple summer squash into a crowd-pleasing sensation with a crispy cracker topping that adds delightful crunch and transforms an ordinary vegetable into an extraordinary comfort food.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser for Any Gathering: Whether you're hosting a family dinner, potluck, or holiday meal, this casserole adapts perfectly – serving as a show-stopping side dish that appeals to both kids and adults with its familiar, satisfying flavors.

The Ingredient List You’ll Need for This Side Dish

Main Ingredients:

• Squash: Fresh summer squash with a mild, slightly sweet flavor that forms the base of the casserole.
• Yellow Squash: Tender vegetable that provides a creamy texture and subtle garden-fresh taste.

• Cream Cheese: Rich and creamy ingredient that adds smooth texture and tangy depth to the casserole.
• Sour Cream: Provides a luxurious, tangy base that enhances the overall creaminess of the dish.

• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle, aromatic flavor without overwhelming the delicate squash.
• Onion: Brings a mild, sweet aromatic depth to the casserole's overall flavor profile.
• Salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and subtle kick to the dish.

• Crackers: Crunchy topping that provides a delightful textural contrast to the creamy casserole.
• Butter: Helps create a golden, crispy topping and adds rich flavor to the dish.

Making Cracker Barrel’s Squash Casserole at Home

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Squash Mixture

• Cream cheese, softened
• Sour cream
• Garlic powder
• Finely chopped onion
• Sliced yellow squash

Blend the ingredients until they form a smooth, creamy consistency. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 3: Transfer Mixture to Baking Dish

Carefully spread the squash mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring a consistent layer.

Step 4: Prepare the Crispy Cracker Topping

• Melted butter
• 1 crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)

Stir until the crackers are completely coated with butter.

Step 5: Add the Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the squash base, creating a golden, crispy layer.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Look for a golden-brown top and tender squash as signs of doneness.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to scoop.

Tips for a Golden Topped Squash Bake

• Layer with Love: Roast vegetables before assembling to intensify their natural sweetness and develop deeper flavors.
• Mix Creatively: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar and gruyere for unexpected taste profiles.
• Boost Texture: Crush crackers more coarsely to create a crunchier, more rustic topping that adds delightful mouthfeel.
• Spice It Up: Sprinkle smoked paprika or dried herbs between layers to introduce subtle, complex flavor dimensions.
• Make Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate, allowing ingredients to meld together wonderfully before baking.

How to Keep Casserole Fresh and Reheatable

• Seal Airtight for Peak Freshness. Pop your casserole into a sealed glass container with a tight-fitting lid to lock in moisture and prevent flavor contamination. This method keeps your dish tasting just as delicious as when you first prepared it.
• Freeze Smart for Future Meals. Portion out the casserole into individual servings before freezing, which allows for easier thawing and reduces waste. Wrap each portion in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a labeled freezer bag to maintain quality for up to three months.
• Revive with Gentle Reheating. Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator to ensure even warming. Slip the casserole into a preheated 350-degree oven, covering with foil to prevent drying out.

Squash Casserole With a Twist: Additions to Try

• Summer Garden Medley: Add diced zucchini and bell peppers for a colorful vegetable blend that enhances nutrition and provides extra texture and flavor.
• Cheesy Herb Infusion: Incorporate freshly chopped basil, thyme, and grated parmesan cheese to elevate the casserole's richness and create a more sophisticated taste profile.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños, green chiles, and a sprinkle of cumin to transform the dish with a zesty southwestern-inspired flavor that adds a gentle heat.
• Protein-Packed Version: Fold in cooked crumbled bacon or diced chicken to make the casserole more substantial and appealing for meat lovers seeking a heartier meal option.

Final Scoop on Cracker Barrel’s Homey Dish

Cracker Barrel’s squash casserole emerges as southern comfort elevated to culinary art.

Creamy textures mingle with crisp cracker toppings, creating pure magic on plate surfaces.

Southern kitchens whisper delicious secrets through this remarkable recipe.

Warm memories dance alongside each savory spoonful of this hearty dish.

Comfort cascades through generations with such classic preparations.

Culinary enthusiasts – slice, share, savor, and spread pure deliciousness across social media platforms with passionate zeal.

Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cracker Barrel squash casserole delivers pure Southern comfort with creamy, cheesy goodness. Homemade goodness comes together effortlessly, bringing family and friends around the table for a hearty, irresistible side dish you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups cubed squash
• 1 (8 ounces/226 grams) package of cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups crushed Ritz crackers

Seasoning and Aromatics:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ cup diced onion
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Binding and Fat:

• 4 tablespoons butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese, tangy sour cream, aromatic garlic powder, finely chopped onion, and diced squash until well incorporated.
3. Carefully season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
4. Transfer the creamy vegetable blend into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, combine melted butter with crushed crackers, ensuring the crumbs are fully coated and moistened.
6. Generously sprinkle the buttery cracker topping over the squash mixture, creating an even, crunchy layer.
7. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and ensuring the squash becomes tender and fully cooked.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, which helps the dish set and makes portioning easier.

Notes

• Swap standard ingredients with nutritious alternatives like quinoa, butternut squash, or sweet potatoes for added texture and flavor complexity.
• Roast vegetables beforehand to intensify their natural sweetness and develop deeper caramelized notes.
• Create exciting variations by incorporating global spice blends such as Mexican chili powder or adding layers of complementary ingredients like black beans and corn.
• Experiment with protein-rich toppings including crushed nuts, vegan cheese shreds, or crumbled biscuit dough for unexpected crunch and taste dimensions.
• Transform traditional casserole into dietary-friendly versions like vegan or gluten-free by strategically substituting core components.
• Layer different vegetables and seasonings to build multidimensional flavor profiles that surprise and delight dinner guests.
• Use creative topping techniques like oat crumbles, tortilla chips, or herb-infused breadcrumbs to elevate the dish’s visual and gustatory appeal.
• Consider regional culinary influences when reimagining classic recipes to introduce exciting cultural twists.
• Balance textures by combining soft, roasted vegetables with crispy, crunchy toppings for a satisfying eating experience.
• Embrace seasonal produce and adaptable cooking methods to keep the casserole recipe fresh and innovative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 311 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 489 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 42 mg