Crack Squash Casserole: The Ultimate Creamy, Cheesy Side Dish

Looking for a warm, comforting side dish that’s guaranteed to impress at family dinners, holidays, or potlucks? Say hello to the Crack Squash Casserole — a rich and indulgent recipe packed with cheddar cheese, bacon, and ranch seasoning, balanced perfectly with tender yellow squash. Even picky eaters and self-proclaimed squash haters tend to fall in love with this dish.

The term “crack” in this context refers to the addictive combination of flavors — typically cheese, bacon, and ranch. The result is a creamy, flavorful casserole that’s easy to prepare and even easier to eat. For those looking to take it to the next level, try making your own homemade ranch seasoning mix for a fresh, preservative-free boost.

In addition to the ranch mix, you can skip canned soups and go the extra mile with this homemade cream of chicken soup recipe. It gives the casserole a more natural taste and allows you to control the sodium and ingredients.

What is Crack Squash Casserole?

The Crack Squash Casserole is a creamy vegetable dish made with yellow squash, onions, ranch mix, cream soup, sour cream, bacon, and cheddar cheese, topped off with French fried onions or crushed Ritz crackers. It’s beloved in Southern kitchens and has made its way into holiday rotations across the country. This dish is:

• Quick to prepare
• Kid-friendly
• Easy to make ahead
• Freezer-friendly

Ingredients crack squash casserole

To make this crave-worthy casserole, you’ll need:

• 2 lbs yellow squash, sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or homemade)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons ranch dressing mix
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup cooked chopped bacon
• 1 (6 oz) container French fried onions (or cracker topping)
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Crack Squash Casserole

Here’s how to prepare this crowd-pleasing dish:

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF and lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add onions and sauté until tender.
3. Add squash, season with salt and pepper, and cook until tender. Drain well to avoid excess moisture.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
   • Cream of mushroom soup
   • Sour cream
   • Ranch mix
   • Shredded cheese
   • Cooked bacon
   • Half of the French fried onions
5. Stir in the squash mixture and transfer everything to the prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 25 minutes. Add the remaining cheese and fried onions on top, then bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Results

• Drain well: Too much moisture in the squash can make the casserole soggy.
• Use fresh squash when possible for better texture and taste.
• Swap the topping: Not a fan of fried onions? Use a Ritz cracker topping with melted butter.
• Customize heat: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes if you like a little kick.
• Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free soup and topping alternatives if needed.

Ingredient Substitutions

Want to personalize your casserole? Here are some swaps that still taste amazing:

• Zucchini instead of yellow squash
• Cream of celery or chicken in place of mushroom soup
• Greek yogurt instead of sour cream
• Turkey bacon for a lighter option

Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions

Crack Squash Casserole is a perfect make-ahead side dish:

• To refrigerate: Assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
• To freeze: Assemble in a freezer-safe dish, wrap in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• To reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Recipe Variations to Try

Spice up the base recipe with some creative twists:

• Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy version.
• Make it vegetarian by removing bacon and adding sautéed mushrooms.
• Go Southern-style with a cornbread topping.
• Add chopped green beans, broccoli, or bell peppers for extra veggies.

What to Serve With Crack Squash Casserole

This casserole pairs beautifully with:

• Roasted chicken or turkey
• Glazed ham
• Grilled pork chops
• Fresh garden salad or tomato basil salad

It’s especially popular as a holiday side dish and always disappears quickly at Thanksgiving and Easter dinners.

Nutritional Overview

While indulgent, this casserole can be tweaked to fit dietary needs:

• Calories per serving: ~300–350
• High in fat (cheese, bacon, sour cream)
• Can be made lighter using low-fat versions of ingredients
• Consider reducing cheese and bacon for a leaner dish

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen squash?
Yes, but thaw and drain it thoroughly to prevent excess water.

Is Crack Squash Casserole gluten-free?
Not by default. Use gluten-free soup and toppings to adapt.

Can I prepare it the night before?
Absolutely! It actually enhances the flavor when made ahead.

What’s a good topping substitute for fried onions?
Use crushed Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter for a buttery, crunchy topping.

How do I keep the casserole from getting watery?
Drain squash well after sautéing. You can even press with paper towels.

Can I make it without bacon?
Yes, but the bacon adds a smoky depth. Try smoked paprika for a similar flavor.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for a side to complement your weeknight dinner or a standout on your holiday table, Crack Squash Casserole is guaranteed to impress. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor — everything a comfort dish should be. Customize it to fit your diet or flavor preferences, and watch as your family goes back for seconds!

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