Oh my goodness, have you ever had a summer squash casserole with Ritz crackers? It’s an absolute game-changer! This dish brings together the vibrant flavors of fresh summer squash and the buttery crunch of Ritz crackers for a comforting casserole that’s perfect for any occasion. I remember the first time I made this for a potluck; it disappeared faster than I could say “seconds, please!” What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to whip up, yet it feels so special and indulgent. Trust me, once you try this creamy, cheesy goodness topped with that irresistible Ritz cracker crust, you’ll be hooked. It’s a perfect way to showcase all the beautiful summer squash from your garden or the market, making it not only delicious but also a wholesome choice. Let’s dive in and make this delightful casserole together!
Ingredients
- 4 cups sliced summer squash: Fresh and tender, this is the star of the dish that gives it that lovely, vibrant flavor.
- 1 cup chopped onion: Adds a sweet and savory depth to the casserole.
- 1 cup shredded cheese: I love using cheddar, but feel free to choose your favorite—just make sure it melts well!
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup: This brings creaminess and a wonderful umami flavor to the mix.
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers: For that perfect, buttery crunch on top.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: This helps the cracker topping get that golden, crispy finish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Just a pinch of each to elevate all those delicious flavors!
How to Prepare Summer Squash Casserole with Ritz Crackers
Preheat the Oven
First things first—preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) is crucial! This step ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and gets that delightful golden finish on top. So, go ahead and set your oven while you prep the other ingredients. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part!
Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced summer squash, chopped onion, shredded cheese, and cream of mushroom soup. I like to use a sturdy spatula to mix everything together until it’s well incorporated. The soup will help bind the squash and onion while adding creaminess. Don’t forget to sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste—this is where the magic starts to happen!
Prepare Baking Dish
Next, grab a greased baking dish—about 9×13 inches works perfectly for this recipe. I usually use a bit of butter or cooking spray to coat the bottom and sides, preventing any sticking. Once it’s nicely greased, pour your savory mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly with that spatula you used earlier.
Create Cracker Topping
Now for the best part—the topping! In a separate bowl, take your crushed Ritz crackers and drizzle in the melted butter. I like to mix it up with my hands to ensure every crumb is coated. This buttery goodness is what will give your casserole that irresistible crunch.
Bake
Time to bake! Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top of your casserole. Then pop it in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the casserole is bubbly and the cracker topping turns a beautiful golden brown. Oh, the aroma that fills the kitchen is simply heavenly!
Tips for Success
To make sure your summer squash casserole with Ritz crackers turns out perfectly, here are some tips I swear by! First, don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheeses—mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack can add a fun twist. If you want to sneak in more veggies, try adding chopped bell peppers or even spinach; they blend in beautifully! Also, if you’re making this ahead of time, you can prepare everything and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- The creamy, cheesy filling pairs beautifully with the crunchy Ritz cracker topping.
- A fantastic way to use up that fresh summer squash from your garden or local market.
- Customizable with your favorite cheeses or additional veggies for extra flavor.
- A crowd-pleaser that works for potlucks, family gatherings, or just a cozy dinner at home!
Nutritional Information
This summer squash casserole with Ritz crackers is not only delicious but also fairly balanced! Each serving has approximately 220 calories, with 10g of fat, 6g of protein, and 28g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. Enjoy your wholesome indulgence!
FAQ Section
Can I use other vegetables in this summer squash casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or even mushrooms to enhance the flavor and nutrition of your casserole.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the Ritz crackers with a gluten-free cracker option, and you’re good to go!
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking! Just wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
What’s the best cheese to use?
I love cheddar, but you can really use any cheese you like—mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack work wonderfully too!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your delicious summer squash casserole with Ritz crackers, simply transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave for a quick fix or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Enjoy that comforting goodness all over again!
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Summer Squash Casserole with Ritz Crackers: 5 Must-Try Tips
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious summer squash casserole topped with crispy Ritz crackers.
Ingredients
- 4 cups sliced summer squash
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine sliced summer squash, chopped onion, shredded cheese, and cream of mushroom soup.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter.
- Sprinkle the cracker mixture over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- Use any type of cheese you prefer.
- Feel free to add other vegetables for more flavor.
- Can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: summer squash casserole, ritz crackers, vegetable casserole
