We’ve always held a special spot for Aunt Fannie’s Squash Casserole Recipe in our family traditions. This Southern classic hails from simple home kitchens where fresh squash meets creamy cheese and crunchy toppings for a comforting side dish that’s perfect for holidays or weeknight meals.
As food enthusiasts we love sharing timeless recipes like this one. It’s not just about the flavors—it’s the memories it stirs. Join us as we bring you our easy take on this crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a favorite in your home too.
Ingredients
To bring our cherished Aunt Fannie’s Squash Casserole to life—a comforting Southern staple that combines fresh squash with creamy cheese and crunchy toppings—we’ve compiled this list of essential ingredients. We’ll order them as they’re used in the preparation process, ensuring everything is ready for seamless cooking.
- Fresh yellow squash: 6 medium-sized, sliced into ¼-inch rounds (about 6 cups once prepared) – These form the hearty base, providing a tender, vibrant texture that absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped – Used next for sautéing, this adds a sweet, aromatic depth that enhances the squash’s natural earthiness.
- Butter: ½ cup (1 stick), unsalted and divided – Melt half for cooking the vegetables and reserve the rest for mixing into the topping, creating a rich, golden finish.
- Cheddar cheese: 2 cups, shredded – Incorporated after the veggies, this sharp, creamy cheese melts into a luscious layer that ties the casserole together.
- Sour cream: 1 cup – Added for creaminess, it blends with the cheese to form a smooth, tangy filling that evokes comforting family traditions.
- Crackers: 1 cup, crushed (such as Ritz or buttery rounds) – Sprinkled on top as the final layer before baking, these provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts the soft interior.
- Eggs: 2 large, beaten – Mixed in to bind the ingredients, ensuring the casserole holds its shape while baking to perfection.
- Salt and black pepper: 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper, to taste – Season throughout to amplify the fresh flavors of our Aunt Fannie’s Squash Casserole.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 3g |
Tools and Equipment
To prepare our Aunt Fannie’s Squash Casserole with ease and precision, we need the right tools and equipment. These essentials help us handle the ingredients efficiently and achieve that perfect golden crust. Building on our ingredient list, let’s ensure everything is at hand before we dive into the steps.
Essential Tools List
We recommend gathering these key items, organized by their primary use in the recipe:
- Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish is ideal for even heat distribution and a crispy top. We use it to assemble and bake the casserole to perfection.
- Mixing Bowls: At least two medium-sized stainless steel mixing bowls for combining ingredients like squash, cheese, and eggs. This allows us to keep wet and dry components separate until mixing.
- Knife and Cutting Board: A sharp chef’s knife paired with a sturdy wooden or plastic cutting board for slicing yellow squash and chopping onions quickly and safely.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: A set of standard measuring cups (1 cup, ½ cup, etc.) and measuring spoons (1 tablespoon, 1 teaspoon) to ensure accurate portions of butter, sour cream, and seasonings for consistent results.
- Saucepan: A medium-sized nonstick saucepan for sautéing onions and squash, helping to enhance flavors before adding to the mixture.
- Grater: A box grater or food processor grater if we’re shredding cheddar cheese ourselves, making the process faster and more uniform.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: A heat-resistant silicone spatula for stirring and folding ingredients without damaging cookware.
- Oven and Timer: A standard oven preheated to 350°F, equipped with a reliable timer to bake the casserole evenly and avoid overcooking.
With these tools in place, we’re set to move seamlessly into the preparation process, ensuring our Aunt Fannie’s Squash Casserole turns out just as memorable as the family traditions it represents.
Instructions
We walk you through preparing Aunt Fannie’s Squash Casserole with simple steps that ensure a creamy texture and irresistible flavors. Let’s transform fresh ingredients into a comforting Southern classic.
Prepare the Ingredients
First, we gather and prep the key components to build the foundation of our Aunt Fannie’s Squash Casserole. Start by washing 2 pounds of fresh yellow squash under cool water then slice them into ¼-inch thick rounds for even cooking and tender bites that melt in your mouth.
Next, peel and finely dice 1 medium onion to release its sweet aroma when sautéed adding depth to the dish. Grate 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese using a box grater for smooth melting that creates gooey layers.
In a small bowl, crack and whisk 2 large eggs until well combined to act as a binding agent. Measure out 1 cup of sour cream for its tangy creaminess and 1 cup of crushed crackers like Ritz for the crunchy topping. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden and fragrant then set it aside.
Assemble the Casserole
Now we combine the prepped ingredients to layer rich flavors in our baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the sliced fresh yellow squash, diced onion, grated cheddar cheese, whisked eggs, and sour cream until everything is evenly coated creating a lush mixture that promises creamy indulgence.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the crushed crackers over the top and drizzle with the melted butter for a golden crust that adds satisfying crunch to each bite.
Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure even baking that locks in flavors. Place the assembled casserole in the center rack and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the squash becomes fork-tender filling your kitchen with the warm scent of melted cheese and herbs.
To check for doneness, insert a knife into the center; it should come out clean with no resistance indicating a perfectly set dish ready to serve. Let it rest for 5 minutes before digging in for the best texture.
Make-Ahead Instructions
As food enthusiasts who cherish family recipes like our Aunt Fannie’s Squash Casserole, we often prepare dishes in advance to simplify mealtimes and preserve that comforting Southern flavor. Making this casserole ahead allows us to assemble it earlier and bake it fresh when needed, ensuring it remains creamy and golden without sacrificing taste.
Assembling in Advance
To prepare Aunt Fannie’s Squash Casserole ahead of time, follow these steps after completing the ingredient prep and mixing as described in the previous section:
- Gather your assembled mixture: Once you have combined the sliced squash, diced onion, grated cheese, sour cream, whisked eggs, and seasonings in the mixing bowl, transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish but do not add the crushed cracker topping yet.
- Cover and refrigerate: Tightly cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. This keeps the casserole fresh for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to meld for even better results.
- Add topping just before baking: When you’re ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Sprinkle the crushed crackers evenly over the top and drizzle with melted butter as outlined in the original steps.
Freezing for Longer Storage
If we want to extend the make-ahead option, freezing is a reliable choice for Aunt Fannie’s Squash Casserole. Here’s how we handle it:
- Prepare and freeze the assembled casserole: After transferring the mixture to the baking dish, cover it tightly with freezer-safe wrap or foil. Label the dish with the date and instructions. Freeze for up to 3 months to maintain optimal quality.
- Thaw before baking: Transfer the frozen casserole to the refrigerator to thaw overnight (about 8-12 hours). Once thawed, proceed with adding the cracker topping and baking as per the recipe.
- Baking from frozen: If short on time, bake directly from frozen by adding 15-20 minutes to the original bake time. Preheat your oven to 350°F and cover the dish with foil for the first 20 minutes to prevent the top from browning too quickly.
For storage guidelines, we recommend the following to ensure safety and quality:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 24 hours | Keep covered to avoid drying out; consume within this window for best texture. |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Use airtight wrapping to prevent freezer burn; thaw fully before baking. |
By following these Make-Ahead Instructions, we can enjoy the rich, creamy goodness of Aunt Fannie’s Squash Casserole anytime, making it a go-to for gatherings or busy weeknights.
Conclusion
We’ve loved bringing Aunt Fannie’s Squash Casserole into your kitchen as it’s more than just a recipe—it’s a way to build lasting traditions. This dish offers simple comfort that fits any occasion and leaves everyone craving more.
Try it soon and see how it becomes your go-to for family gatherings. We’re confident it’ll add warmth and flavor to your meals just as it has for ours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aunt Fannie’s Squash Casserole?
Aunt Fannie’s Squash Casserole is a classic Southern dish featuring fresh yellow squash, creamy cheese, sour cream, and a crunchy cracker topping. It’s a comforting family recipe that evokes cherished traditions and memories, perfect for gatherings or weeknight meals.
What ingredients are needed for Aunt Fannie’s Squash Casserole?
You’ll need fresh yellow squash, onion, butter, cheddar cheese, sour cream, crushed crackers, eggs, and seasonings. These simple, fresh ingredients combine to create a rich, creamy texture with a golden crust, making it easy to prepare and enjoy.
How do I prepare Aunt Fannie’s Squash Casserole?
Start by washing and slicing squash, dicing onion, grating cheese, and whisking eggs. Mix ingredients in a bowl, transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, top with crushed crackers and butter, then bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes until golden and tender. Let it rest 5 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Can I make Aunt Fannie’s Squash Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. Add the topping just before baking. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed for fresh, comforting results.
What are the nutritional facts for Aunt Fannie’s Squash Casserole?
Each serving has about 350 calories, 10g of protein, 25g of carbohydrates, 25g of fat, and 3g of fiber. This makes it a hearty, balanced dish, but portion sizes can affect nutritional values based on preparation.
What tools do I need to make Aunt Fannie’s Squash Casserole?
You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking dish, mixing bowls, a knife and cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, a saucepan, a grater, a spatula or wooden spoon, and an oven with a timer. These essentials help ensure efficient prep and a perfect golden finish.
How should I store leftovers of Aunt Fannie’s Squash Casserole?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months, then thaw and reheat to maintain flavor and texture.