Growing up, my mom’s Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole was always a family favorite. The way the buttery Ritz crackers perfectly complemented the tender yellow squash and melted cheese – it was pure comfort food heaven. Even as an adult, the smell of this dish baking in the oven takes me right back to those cozy Sunday suppers, where we’d all gather around the table and savor every bite.

Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole has become a go-to recipe in my household, and I’m certain it’ll become one of your must-make classics too. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s also surprisingly easy to prepare. From start to finish, you’re looking at just 45 minutes – 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes in the oven. And with its simple, straightforward ingredients, it’s a dish that’s accessible to cooks of all levels.

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

The Secret Behind Perfect Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole

The secret to this Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole’s irresistible flavor and texture lies in the harmonious blend of ingredients. The key is striking the right balance between the tender, sweet yellow squash, the buttery crunch of the Ritz crackers, and the melty cheddar and Parmesan cheeses.

When baked to golden-brown perfection, the squash becomes melt-in-your-mouth soft, while the Ritz cracker topping transforms into a delightfully crispy crown. The garlic and onion powders add a savory depth of flavor, perfectly complementing the natural sweetness of the squash. And the touch of salt and black pepper provides just the right amount of seasoning to make every bite simply irresistible.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 3 pounds yellow squash, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds: The star of the show, these tender, sweet squash slices create the base of the casserole.
  • 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers: The buttery, crunchy topping that sets this dish apart, adding a delightful textural contrast.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Binds the cracker topping together and helps it achieve that iconic golden-brown finish.
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the squash, adding a creamy, cheesy element.
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a salty, nutty note that balances the other flavors.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the casserole with savory, aromatic depth.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic and enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt: Seasons the dish and helps bring out the natural sweetness of the squash.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat that perfectly complements the other seasonings.

Step-by-Step Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole Instructions

Preparing Your Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole

Preparing this Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole is a breeze. With just 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a delicious, comforting dish ready to serve. All you’ll need is a large mixing bowl, a 9×13 inch baking dish, and a few essential kitchen tools.

1- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease the 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or a bit of butter. This will ensure the casserole doesn’t stick to the sides as it bakes.

2- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced yellow squash, crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use a spatula to gently mix the ingredients until they’re evenly distributed.

3- Transfer the squash mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer. This will help the casserole bake evenly, with no dry or overcooked spots.

4- Pop the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the cracker topping is golden-brown and crispy. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely mouthwatering.

5- Once the Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. This will allow the cheese to set and the flavors to meld together.

6- Serve the casserole hot, scooping generous portions onto plates. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Enjoy this comforting, delicious dish with your loved ones!

Pro Tips for Success

  1. Slice the squash evenly: Cutting the squash into uniform 1/2-inch rounds ensures even cooking throughout the casserole.
  2. Crush the Ritz crackers well: For the best texture, use a rolling pin or food processor to crush the crackers into fine crumbs.
  3. Don’t over-mix the filling: Gently folding the ingredients together prevents the squash from becoming watery or mushy.
  4. Adjust baking time as needed: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on the casserole and bake until the squash is tender and the topping is golden-brown.
  5. Let it rest before serving: Allowing the casserole to cool for a few minutes helps the cheese set and the flavors meld together.

Serving and Storing Your Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole

Perfect Pairings for Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole

This Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side. For a complete meal, pair it with grilled chicken or baked ham. It also makes a delightful accompaniment to roasted turkey or pork tenderloin.

On the side, consider serving it with a fresh green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted Brussels sprouts. For a heartier meal, pair it with garlic-parmesan mashed potatoes or a crusty bread like French baguette or cornbread. And don’t forget the iced tea or lemonade – this casserole is the perfect summer or fall comfort food.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole is not only easy to make, but it’s also a great dish for meal prepping and leftovers. If you have any leftovers, simply let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To reheat, place the desired portion in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway, until warm.

For make-ahead convenience, you can assemble the entire casserole in advance, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. When ready to serve, simply remove the cover and bake as directed.

If you’d like to freeze the casserole, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or baking dish. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes, or until heated through.

Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole

Creative Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole Variations

While the classic Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole is truly a delight, you can get creative with a few variations:

  • Swap the yellow squash for zucchini or a combination of both for a different texture and flavor profile.
  • Add diced cooked chicken or ham for a heartier, protein-packed version.
  • Stir in fresh herbs like chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary for an extra flavor boost.
  • Top the casserole with a crunchy panko breadcrumb or crushed cornflake topping instead of Ritz crackers.
  • For a Southwestern twist, mix in diced jalapeños, cumin, and a blend of Mexican cheeses.

Making Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole Diet-Friendly

To make this Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole more dietary-friendly, consider these simple substitutions:

  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crackers or crushed almonds in place of the Ritz crackers.
  • To make it dairy-free, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, such as coconut oil or vegan butter, and use dairy-free shredded cheese.
  • For a low-carb or keto adaptation, swap the Ritz crackers for crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
  • If you’re looking to cut calories, reduce the amount of butter and cheese, or omit the cheese altogether and top the casserole with a crunchy breadcrumb or nut topping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of squash instead of yellow squash?
A: Absolutely! You can use zucchini, butternut squash, or a combination of various squash varieties in this recipe. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly depending on the firmness of the squash you choose.

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

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can easily make this casserole in advance. Assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. When ready to serve, simply remove the cover and bake as directed.

Q: How many servings does this Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole make?
A: This recipe yields 6 servings. If you need to serve a larger crowd, you can easily double or triple the ingredients and use a larger baking dish.

Q: What should I do if the cracker topping starts to brown too quickly?
A: If the cracker topping is browning too quickly before the squash is fully tender, simply cover the baking dish loosely with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This will prevent the topping from burning while allowing the squash to finish cooking.

Conclusion

Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole is a true comfort food classic that’s sure to become a new family favorite. With its perfect balance of tender squash, crunchy cracker topping, and gooey, melted cheese, this dish is simply irresistible.

What makes this recipe so special is the way the simple, high-quality ingredients come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and deeply flavorful. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or the main event, this Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole is sure to impress.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious, homemade Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole. I can’t wait to hear how much you and your loved ones enjoy this classic dish. Be sure to let me know in the comments below!