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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese, tangy sour cream, aromatic garlic powder, finely chopped onion, and diced squash until well incorporated.
- Carefully season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Transfer the creamy vegetable blend into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine melted butter with crushed crackers, ensuring the crumbs are fully coated and moistened.
- Generously sprinkle the buttery cracker topping over the squash mixture, creating an even, crunchy layer.
- 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.
- 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