Thanksgiving Squash Casserole Recipe (2024)

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Making this easy Thanksgiving squash casserole is fun and simple. You can whip this up anytime but it makes a great Thanksgiving side dish recipe!The great thing about squash recipes is that they’re very versatile and they have a mild flavor so you can pair them with all kinds of ingredients, spices, and seasonings.

I love this time of year because squash is abundant at our local farmers markets and friends are always dropping them off for us when their gardens are over-producing. It’s a great time of year to be making squash casserole.

Thanksgiving Squash Casserole Recipe (1)

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If you have never tried using squash for a casserole you should give it a go! Summer squash are low in carbs, high in nutrients, and low in calories so they add a nice bulk to your recipes without having to worry about fat and calories exploding in the processing.

Another reason I love making squash recipes is the fact that they’re really easy. Summer squash, in case you didn’t already know, are able to be eaten whole. You don’t have to do a lot of prep work with this particular vegetable which makes it excellent for quick recipes.

Learn all about how to prep squash with this helpful guide – How To Clean Yellow Squash!

For those of you that are finding this recipe and trying summer squash for the first time I hope you’ll be hooked. It’s a great veggie that can be used in so many different ways. Check out the details for this Thanksgiving squash casserole and be sure to let us know how you liked it in the comments below.

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What do I need to make Thanksgiving squash casserole?

This recipe uses yellow squash, onions, water, milk, eggs, shredded cheese, ritz crackers, butter, and salt/pepper to taste!

Pretty much everything you need to make this recipe you probably already have on hand. We usually keep most of these items stocked / in our regular grocery order for each week or every other week and then when I need to make a delicious side dish I pull out recipes for my favorites, like this Chicken and Yellow Squash Casserole or Roasted Butternut Squash.

Make sure to stock up on Ritz crackers so you can also make a batch of Easy No Bake Cracker Candy Treats which are super tasty and will be the star of the dessert table this year!!

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Kitchen essentials for tasty Thanksgiving recipes:

When you head into the kitchen to make some of these great recipes you’ll want to have the best tools on hand.

I likehalf sheet baking pansthat are quality (hello no noisy pops or sloshed cookie dough from twisting), I line my cookie sheets withsilicone baking mats. These are great for all kinds of baking and not just cookies! My husband loves them for making biscuits, pizzas, and more!

Of coursemixing bowls, amixer,spatula, and somewhisksshould be on your list if you don’t have ones that you love. I also like to have a set ofcooling racksso that my recipes can properly cool before they’re scarfed down by my family!

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How to make this easy squash casserole for Thanksgiving:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Using non-stick cooking spray, coat the bottom and sides of a 9×13 pan.

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In a medium size pot, add in the water, squash and onion. Heat to a boil, then reduce heat to medium high and continue to cook for 10 minutes. Remove and drain and add to a large mixing bowl. Set aside.

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In a small bowl, ½ cup of the cheese and ½ of the crushed crackers. Toss together and set aside.

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In a small bowl, add the eggs and milk. Whisk or beat until well combined

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In the bowl with the squash and onion, add the cheese mixture from Steps 2-3. Toss until well combined.

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Mix in the egg mixture from Step 4.

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Mix in ¼ cup of the melted butter and the salt and pepper to the bowl.

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Add the remaining melted butter to the crackers. Toss until well combined.

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Add the squash mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the butter and cracker mixture from Step 8. Bake for 20 minutes, or until crackers are golden brown and the mixture is bubbling. Remove from the oven.

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How many people does this recipe serve?

You can always find more information on the servings in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post but this recipe will make about 8 servings.

Because we make it for holidays alongside other recipes I usually just make one batch but you could easily double the recipe if you have a really big crowd to feed or if you are trying to make enough to have some leftovers for lunches, etc.

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Can I make this casserole gluten free?

If you have been here before you probably know that I try and give you some swaps / ideas for making non-gluten free recipes possible for anyone with sensitivities or allergies. This recipe uses Ritz crackers which are not gluten free.

The Glutino brand of gluten free foods makes a pretty good “rendition” we’ll say, of the Ritz cracker which you could definitely use in place of them for this recipe. It would make it a good gluten free option and a great side dish for the holidays that you can serve to everyone!!

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Looking for other Thanksgiving side dishes and squash recipes to try?

If you are hooked on squash recipes and looking for more, we’ve got you covered. Check out some of these tasty dishes below and give them a try for the holidays. There are also some great choices for sides and such that you can serve for Thanksgiving or even Christmas! Check them all out below.

  • Tasty Roasted Yellow Squash Recipes
  • Lemon Summer Squash Bread
  • Easy Squash and Zucchini Casserole
  • Zucchini and Summer Squash Casserole
  • Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas
  • Jello Recipes for Thanksgiving
  • Easy Layered Pumpkin Pudding
  • Easy Cranberry Fluff Recipe
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Printable Thanksgiving Squash Casserole Recipe:

Yield: 8 Servings

Thanksgiving Squash Casserole

Thanksgiving Squash Casserole Recipe (17)

Making this easy Thanksgiving squash casserole is fun and simple. You can whip this up anytime but it makes a great Thanksgiving side dish recipe!

Prep Time15 minutes

Cook Time20 minutes

Total Time35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds of yellow squash, rinsed and cut into cubes
  • ½ medium size onion, diced
  • 1/3 cup water
  • ¾ cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup shredded cheese of choice (We used Monterey Jack)
  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
  • ½ cup melted butter or margarine
  • 1 teaspoon salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Using non-stick cooking spray, coat the bottom and sides of a 9x13 pan.
  2. In a medium size pot, add in the water, squash and onion. Heat to a boil, then reduce heat to medium high and continue to cook for 10 minutes. Remove and drain and add to a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, ½ cup of the cheese and ½ of the crushed crackers. Toss together and set aside.
  4. In a small bowl, add the eggs and milk. Whisk or beat until well combined
  5. In the bowl with the squash and onion, add the cheese mixture from Steps 2-3.
  6. Toss until well combined.
  7. Mix in the egg mixture from Step 4.
  8. Mix in ¼ cup of the melted butter and the salt and pepper to the bowl.
  9. Add the remaining melted butter to the crackers. Toss until well combined.
  10. Add the squash mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the butter and cracker mixture from Step 8. Bake for 20 minutes, or until crackers are golden brown and the mixture is bubbling. Remove from the oven.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:Calories: 216Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 93mgSodium: 365mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 2gSugar: 5gProtein: 7g

I am not a medical expert. These calculations are provided as a courtesy.

Thanksgiving Squash Casserole Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How does Paula Deen cook squash casserole? ›

In separate medium size skillet, sauté the sliced onion in butter for 5 minutes. Remove from pan and, using a large bowl, add squash, onions, sour cream, Paula Deen's House Seasoning and sharp cheddar cheese. Pour mixture into a buttered casserole dish and top with cracker crumbs. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.

How do you keep squash casserole from getting watery? ›

Salting and sautéing the squash before baking helps to remove excess moisture and prevents the casserole from becoming watery. Cream cheese and sour cream lend the filling richness and tang.

Which squash is best for Thanksgiving? ›

Butternut, acorn, spaghetti can all bring big flavor to the holiday table. From acorn to butternut, spaghetti to delicata, don't underestimate winter squash to deliver big flavor to your Thanksgiving table.

Should squash be peeled before roasting? ›

You don't have to peel it before roasting. That's right. You do not have to suffer through peeling an entire slippery butternut squash if you're going to roast it. The skin is perfectly safe to eat, and it's hardly noticeable after a nice roast in a hot oven.

What is Paula Deen seasoning? ›

The ingredients listed in order are: "sea salt, granulated garlic, black pepper, granulated onion, ground cumin, and other spices". I have used the recipe listed on this site and included equal amounts of garlic powder and onion powder.

Should squash be cooked cut side up or down? ›

Scoop the seeds out, place it cut side down on a pan with sides that has been oiled and cook until tender - a knife inserts through the skin and easily into the flesh. Up and down is the only way to do it correctly. You need to bake it with flat or cut side down to trap the juices in.

Why is my squash casserole runny? ›

To prevent your squash casserole from being too watery, it's important to get as much liquid out of the squash during the initial cooking process as possible. Straining the squash helps to remove excess water that leaches out of the cooked squash, and it cools the squash before it is added to the casserole.

How do you make a casserole not soggy? ›

To prevent a soupy casserole, be sure to fully thaw any frozen vegetables in a colander over a bowl, and pat dry, squeeze excess moisture out of greens like spinach or chard, and quickly precook watery fresh vegetables like onions, mushrooms or squashes just until they release their moisture.

How do you add moisture to a casserole? ›

Pro Tip: Avoid Dry Casserole.

The best way to prevent it from drying out is to add a little bit of water, around ¼ cup, to the top of it. Allow the water to seep between the food and the sides of the baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil to seal in the moisture.

What is an excellent companion to squash? ›

Squash Companions

For best results, give corn a head start. Plant the beans and squash when corn seedlings are 4 to 6 inches tall. Grow a crop of beans or cowpeas between rows of pumpkin early in the season for a quick succession before pumpkin vines spread out.

Do people eat squash on Thanksgiving? ›

Whether blended in soup, stuffed into pasta, or roasted plain, squash will add color and rich flavor to your Thanksgiving table.

Which squash is the healthiest to eat? ›

Per cup, butternut also offers 3 grams of fiber to benefit gut health. Due to it's high antioxidant activity, and presence of the carotenoid zeaxanthin, research has suggested butternut squash may help protect your eyes from macular degeneration, support heart health and play a role in immune function.

Is there a difference between roasting and baking squash? ›

Most recipes say to either bake or roast butternut squash—but what's the difference? While both cooking methods will turn the tough, raw gourd into a soft, sweet ingredient, roasting butternut squash is the more common process for achieving browned, crispy edges and a creamy interior.

Why is my roasted squash mushy? ›

Don't overcrowd the pan: When roasting or sautéing butternut squash, make sure that you don't overcrowd the pan. If the pan is too crowded, the squash will steam rather than roast or sauté, which can cause it to become mushy.

Can dogs eat squash? ›

If you're looking for a tasty, low-calorie addition to your dog's diet, you're in luck: Dogs can eat squash safely. In fact, this garden staple has many potential benefits when prepared correctly and given in moderation.

How to cook butternut squash Paula Deen? ›

directions
  1. In a medium saucepan combine squash, onions, carrots,broth, and salt. Simmer, uncovered, until squash is very tender, about 40 minutes.
  2. Puree soup in a blender or food processor with the butter. Whisk cream into soup. Serve in wide, shallow bowls with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

How does Gordon Ramsay cook butternut squash? ›

In a large bowl mix the cubed squash, garlic cloves and ginger with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the spice mix. Season with salt and pepper and scatter in a single layer in a roasting tray. Place in the preheated oven and cook for 30 minutes until tender all the way through.

Why cook squash cut side down? ›

Putting it cut-side down creates a sort-of steam chamber for the flesh, helping it cook faster and retain moisture (no dried out squash here!). If you've added oil to the flesh before cooking, it will brown nicely where it's in contact with the sheet pan.

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