This Cheesy Yellow Squash Casserole will become your new favorite for the holidays. Yellow squash is combined with cheddar cheese, bacon bits, pimento and Cheez-It crackers for a rich, delectable side dish that can accompany any meal.
Yellow Squash Casserole with Bacon
With the holidays approaching, it's time to start bringing out all the delicious recipes that family's enjoy at this time of year. One of my more recent finds was this delicious Cheesy Yellow Squash Casserole that my sister introduced me to during my recent visit to Michigan. (Check out the beautiful weather and the Silver Beach Lighthouse)
She told me it is one of her most requested recipes when bringing pot luck dishes and has become a family favorite at Thanksgiving time. And when she made it for me I could definitely see why. Total cheesy yumminess!
I'm all for finding new delicious sides for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners and I think this will become a family favorite here as well. I did change it up a little bit. My sister's version used Ritz crackers, which was super delicious but, not having any on hand, I tried our favorite snack crackers, Cheez-Its, and it came out just as delicious.
FAQs You Want to Know About This Squash Casserole
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Make it up to the stage where you sprinkle on the topping. Bake without the topping, let cool then freeze. When ready to use, thaw in refrigerator then take out 30 minutes prior to baking. Sprinkle topping on then reheat.
How long will this casserole last in the refrigerator?
Cover tightly and it will last 3-4 days.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes you can. It takes about 20 minutes of prep time, then refrigerate. Take out about 30 minutes prior to baking so it comes to room temperature, then bake for 45 minutes.
Easy Steps to Make Yellow Squash Casserole with Bacon
What you will need - 2 lbs. yellow squash, onion, butter, cheddar cheese, Cheez-Its, eggs, bacon bits and diced pimento.
Slice squash and cook in saucepan for 10 minutes. Drain and mash. Saute onion in same pan.
Combine all ingredients in greased casserole dish.
Stir then sprinkle crumbled Cheez-Its on top.
Bake. The top gets so nice and brown and stays a little crunchy while the squash is tender, cheesy and flavored with the smoky taste of bacon. Just look at all that deliciousness! What's not to like about cheesy, bacony goodness?
I love this cheesy casserole as a side to my Thanksgiving dinner. It's cheesy deliciousness along with the saltiness of the bacon pairs just perfectly with turkey and all the fixins'. And the leftovers are just as good! I've had it several times this week, I can tell you that it's just as good reheated for another meal or two. Enjoy!
Other Ways to Change Up this Casserole
- Use zucchini in lieu of the yellow squash for a new taste sensation.
- Sub in Panko or Ritz crackers for Cheez-Its.
- Try it with a different cheese such as Parmesan or Gruyere.
More holiday side dish recipes
Brussel Sprouts with Maple Syrup and Pecans are roasted and topped with bacon.
Keto Butternut Squash with a creamy cheese sauce.
Corn Souffle Casserole from My Turn for Us
Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash with apples, pecans, and maple syrup.
Italian Spaghetti Squash with parmesan cheese is a delicious meatless meal.
Find more vegetable side dishes here on 2CM!
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CHEESY YELLOW SQUASH CASSEROLE
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. yellow squash
- 1 cup water
- ½ large sweet onion
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 cup Cheez-It crackers crushed or Ritz crackers can be used
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese shredded
- ¼ cup bacon bits
- 2 oz jarred diced pimentos drained
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 2-quart casserole with nonstick spray.
- Wash and slice yellow squash.
- Place squash in saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove squash from heat. Drain and mash well. Place in prepared casserole dish.
- In same saucepan, place butter and onion and saute onion until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Pour onion into casserole dish, followed by ¾ cup Cheez-It crackers, eggs, cheese, bacon bits, pimentos, salt and pepper. Stir.
- Sprinkle remaining Cheez-It crackers on top.
- Bake in oven for 45 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Notes
How to Change this Casserole Up for Variety
- Use zucchini in lieu of the yellow squash for a new taste sensation.
- Sub in Panko or Ritz crackers for Cheez-Its.
- Try it with a different cheese such as Parmesan or Gruyere.
Nutrition
This post has been updated and was first published on October 7, 2018.
Marjory says
Love this recipe! The cheeze it's are the perfect crunch on top!
Linda Warren says
There's everything right with a little extra cheesy crunch on top! 🙂
Beth Lee says
This has all the comfort foods in it - and some healthy squash to balance it out. What a wonderful side dish for the coming season of eating!
Linda Warren says
I'm looking forward to adding it to my Thanksgiving menu. I think even the kids will like it!