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Crispy Cheesy Baked Yellow Squash Casserole with Ritz Topping

crispy cheesy baked yellow squash casserole - featured image
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A comforting and easy baked casserole featuring fresh yellow squash coated in a creamy cheese sauce and topped with a crispy buttery Ritz cracker crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium yellow squash, thinly sliced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 sleeve (about 30) Ritz crackers, crushed
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and thinly slice about 4 medium yellow squashes into ¼ inch thick half-moon shapes. Set aside.
  2. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
  4. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons flour over the onion-garlic mixture and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out raw flour taste.
  5. Gradually pour in 2 cups warmed whole milk while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. In a large mixing bowl, gently toss sliced yellow squash with the cheese sauce until fully coated.
  8. Crush Ritz crackers into coarse crumbs using a food processor or by hand in a sealed bag.
  9. Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter and mix with cracker crumbs until evenly coated.
  10. Pour cheesy squash mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
  11. Sprinkle buttery Ritz cracker crumbs evenly over the top, pressing down slightly to adhere.
  12. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake casserole for 30-35 minutes until topping is golden brown and squash is tender. Tent with foil if topping browns too quickly.
  13. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

If squash releases too much water, drain lightly before mixing with cheese sauce to avoid watery casserole. Use warm milk to help sauce thicken faster. Melt butter before mixing with cracker crumbs for best crispy topping. Tent casserole with foil if topping browns too quickly. Can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: yellow squash casserole, cheesy casserole, Ritz cracker topping, baked squash, comfort food, easy casserole, vegetable casserole

Find it online: https://ariaappetite.com/crispy-cheesy-baked-yellow-squash-casserole-with-ritz-topping-recipe-for-easy-comfort-food/