Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *summer squash casserole with Ritz crackers*! It’s one of those dishes that just screams summer and brings everyone together. Imagine tender, buttery squash mingling with creamy cheese and savory onion, all topped off with that delightful crunch of Ritz crackers. Wow! It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors that makes my taste buds dance. I remember my Aunt Linda making this for family gatherings—every bite felt like a warm hug! We’d sit outside on the patio, enjoying the sunshine and passing around this scrumptious casserole. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a centerpiece that sparks laughter and memories. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want it at every summer barbecue!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups summer squash, sliced
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
How to Prepare the Summer Squash Casserole with Ritz Crackers
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden top we all crave. Trust me, a properly preheated oven makes all the difference!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, grab your sliced summer squash and chopped onion. Add in the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and that creamy can of mushroom soup. Now, here comes the fun part! Mix everything together until it’s all well combined. You want those flavors to mingle and get cozy, so don’t be shy here—give it a good stir! It should look creamy and inviting, ready for the next step.
Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish
Now it’s time to transfer your delicious mixture to a greased baking dish. I usually use a 9×13 inch dish, but any similar size will work. Just make sure it’s greased well so nothing sticks! Scrape down the sides of your bowl to get every last bit into the dish—no flavor left behind, right? Spread it out evenly with a spatula, making sure it’s nice and level.
Step 4: Prepare the Cracker Topping
In a separate bowl, take that sleeve of crushed Ritz crackers and mix them with the melted butter. This is where the magic happens! Stir until the crackers are well coated with butter; this will give you that irresistible crunch on top. Now, sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture evenly over the casserole. Don’t rush this part—the more even you spread it, the better the texture will be!
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Pop your casserole into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes—nobody wants a burnt topping! A little jiggle in the center is okay, as it will firm up as it cools.
Step 6: Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. I know, waiting is hard, but it really helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to scoop out those perfect portions. Serve it warm, and watch everyone dive in with smiles on their faces!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your summer squash casserole with Ritz crackers turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my top tips to keep in mind:
- Fresh Ingredients: Always try to use fresh summer squash and onions. It makes a world of difference in flavor and texture! Plus, you can really taste the freshness in every bite.
- Adjust Baking Time: Ovens can vary a lot, so keep an eye on your casserole as it bakes. If your oven runs hot, it might cook a bit faster, so check it a few minutes early to prevent burning.
- Mix It Up: Feel free to switch up the vegetables! Zucchini, bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach can add extra flavor and color. Get creative with what you have on hand!
- Cheese Choices: While I adore sharp cheddar, you can experiment with other cheeses too! Monterey Jack or even a spicy pepper jack can add a fun twist to the flavor profile.
- Let It Rest: Don’t skip the cooling time after baking! It allows the casserole to set up nicely, making it easier to serve and enhancing those wonderful flavors.
- Leftover Love: If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), store them in an airtight container. Reheat gently in the oven to keep that crispy topping intact!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to serving an unforgettable dish that everyone will love!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional data for this delightful summer squash casserole with Ritz crackers. Keep in mind that these values are based on typical ingredients used, and they can vary slightly depending on brands and specific ingredients you choose:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Cholesterol: 30mg
These values give you a good idea of what to expect, making it easier to balance your meals. Enjoy every tasty bite guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely! This casserole is super versatile. You can add zucchini, bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach for a pop of color and flavor. Just remember to chop them up so they mix well with the squash!
How do I store leftovers?
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), just pop them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They’ll keep well for about 3-4 days.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
You bet! You can prep everything the day before and store it in the fridge. Just remember to cover it tightly. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for a bit before popping it in the oven.
What’s the best way to reheat the casserole?
The best way to reheat is in the oven! Just cover it loosely with foil to keep the topping from burning and heat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This keeps that lovely crunch intact!
Can I use low-fat ingredients?
Sure! You can swap in low-fat sour cream or cheese if you’d like to lighten it up. Just keep in mind the flavors and textures might be a bit different, but it’ll still be tasty!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip this up in no time, making it perfect for busy summer days!
- Delicious Flavors: The combination of creamy squash, tangy cheese, and crunchy Ritz crackers creates a symphony of taste that everyone will adore.
- Easy to Serve: This casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to dish out, making it ideal for gatherings, barbecues, or potlucks.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies or cheeses, so you can customize it to suit your tastes!
- Make Ahead: You can prep it in advance and bake it when you’re ready, freeing up your time for other summer fun!
- Leftover Friendly: This casserole reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy the deliciousness for days after!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Let’s talk about how to keep that delicious summer squash casserole with Ritz crackers nice and fresh! After you’ve enjoyed your meal, let any leftovers cool down to room temperature. Once they’re cool, transfer them to an airtight container. This is key to keeping that fabulous flavor intact and preventing any fridge odors from sneaking in!
You can store the casserole in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is super simple. I recommend popping it back in the oven to maintain that delightful crunch on top. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the casserole loosely with aluminum foil (this helps keep the topping from burning), and heat until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave individual portions, but just be careful not to overdo it, or the texture might get a bit rubbery.
Trust me, there’s nothing quite like diving back into those comforting flavors later in the week! Enjoy every last bite!
Z nadrukami
Summer Squash Casserole with Ritz Crackers: Irresistibly Delicious
- Całkowity Czas: 50 minutes
- Ustępować: 6 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A delicious summer squash casserole topped with crunchy Ritz crackers.
Składniki
- 2 cups summer squash, sliced
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the summer squash, onion, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and cream of mushroom soup.
- Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter.
- Spread the cracker mixture over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Uwagi
- Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and baked later.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 35 minutes
- Kategoria: Casserole
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 3g
- Sód: 500mg
- Kwasy: 15g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 7g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 5g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 20g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Słowa kluczowe: summer squash casserole, Ritz crackers, summer dish
