Links below are affiliate links. We earn a commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.
Comforting Southern Squash Casserole Recipe
Indulge in this creamy Southern squash casserole that transforms humble canned ingredients into a golden, breadcrumb-topped comfort food masterpiece.
Why You’ll Love this Southern Squash Casserole
When comfort food calls your name on busy weeknights, this Southern Squash Casserole answers with its irresistible combination of creamy texture and homestyle flavor.
I’m convinced you’ll appreciate how this dish transforms humble canned squash into something truly spectacular with minimal effort.
The velvety blend of sour cream and cream of chicken soup creates a luxurious base that complements the subtle sweetness of the squash.
Those golden breadcrumbs on top? They provide the perfect contrast of texture—crispy meeting creamy in every delightful bite.
It’s southern cooking at its finest: unpretentious, satisfying, and guaranteed to disappear from the table fast!
What Ingredients are in Southern Squash Casserole?
This Southern Squash Casserole brings together pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients to create something truly magical in your kitchen. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—no fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients required. Just honest, down-home cooking that transforms humble canned squash into a creamy, comforting side dish your family will request again and again.
- 2 (1 lb) cans squash, drained
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Breadcrumbs for topping
When shopping for this recipe, quality matters even with simple ingredients. Look for well-drained canned squash (yellow squash works beautifully here), and consider using unsalted cream of chicken soup if you prefer to control the sodium level yourself. The breadcrumbs? While the recipe doesn’t specify a type, I find buttery Ritz crackers crushed into crumbs or even Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs add an extra dimension of flavor to the golden crust. And remember, this recipe welcomes gentle tweaking—a handful of shredded cheddar cheese folded in before baking wouldn’t be out of place in a true Southern kitchen.
How to Make this Southern Squash Casserole
Making this classic Southern squash casserole couldn’t be easier. Start by gathering your ingredients: 2 one-pound cans of drained squash, 1 medium onion (chopped), 2 tablespoons of sour cream, 1 can (10 3/4 ounces) of cream of chicken soup, salt and pepper to taste, and some breadcrumbs for that perfect topping.
First, combine all your ingredients in a mixing bowl except for those breadcrumbs—they’re for later. Mix together your drained squash, chopped onion, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup until everything is well incorporated. This is where you’ll want to add salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Some folks like it with a bit more pepper for a little kick, while others prefer it milder.
Once everything is thoroughly combined, pour the mixture into a medium-sized casserole dish. The mixture might look a bit soupy at this point, but don’t worry—it’ll firm up beautifully in the oven. For best results, use a premium cookware set that distributes heat evenly for perfect casserole consistency. Sprinkle those breadcrumbs generously across the top to create that signature crispy, golden crust that makes Southern casseroles so irresistible.
Pop your casserole into a preheated 325°F oven and bake for about 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when those breadcrumbs turn a lovely golden brown and the edges are bubbling slightly. The aroma that fills your kitchen? Pure Southern comfort.
Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving, which gives it time to set up a bit more and prevents burned mouths (we’ve all been there with our enthusiasm to dig in, right?).
Southern Squash Casserole Substitutions and Variations
Although the classic Southern squash casserole recipe creates a delicious comfort food staple, there’s plenty of room for creativity and adaptation to suit your pantry or preferences.
You can easily swap yellow summer squash for the canned variety, using about 2 pounds fresh, sliced and cooked until tender. Cream of mushroom soup works beautifully instead of chicken for a vegetarian option, while Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a tangier, lighter profile.
For added texture, try mixing crushed butter crackers with the breadcrumbs on top, or incorporate a half-cup of grated cheddar cheese into the mixture for a more decadent, melty version.
What to Serve with Southern Squash Casserole
Southern squash casserole pairs beautifully with so many classic main dishes, you’ll never run out of wonderful meal combinations to try.
I’m particularly fond of serving it alongside a juicy roasted chicken or honey-glazed ham for Sunday dinners. The creamy, savory flavors complement grilled meats perfectly too!
For a complete Southern spread, I’ll add cornbread, green beans with bacon, and sweet tea.
When I’m hosting vegetarians, I’ll make this the star with a fresh tomato salad and crusty bread. The versatility is what makes this casserole such a staple in my rotation of side dishes.
Final Thoughts
When I reflect on this Southern squash casserole recipe, I’m struck by how simple ingredients combine to create something truly extraordinary. The humble squash, transformed with creamy soup, tangy sour cream, and that perfect breadcrumb topping, becomes a dish worth celebrating.
What I love most is how forgiving this recipe is—you can’t really mess it up! Whether you’re cooking for a holiday gathering or Tuesday night dinner, this casserole delivers that comforting Southern charm every time.
It’s a reminder that good cooking isn’t always about complexity; sometimes it’s about honoring traditions that have graced Southern tables for generations.
