I have a gorgeous Old Time Squash Casserole for you for your Thanksgiving or holiday table. This is a side dish that I loved the second I tried it with its cheesy interior and buttery cracker topping.
This year I have been experimenting with different squash ever since we did Squash Fest for #SundaySupper. I am in love with the Red Kuri squash. There are loads of different squash out there so substitute your favorite.
I have always made a sweet squash dish with acorn, like this one, Acorn Squash with Cinnamon and Cranberries but I really like this casserole as it is cheesy and creamy instead of the usual sweet casserole.
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There are several side dishes that are perfect for Thanksgiving and other holidays. With the holidays fast approaching, now is the time to start your planning.
One of our favorite side dishes at any Thanksgiving table is this delicious Old Time Squash Casserole recipe. This savory casserole dish can be made with summer squash, butternut squash or even spaghetti squash.
No matter what your squash preference, this delicious combination of cheddar cheese, crushed crackers, melted butter and more, make up the perfect side dish.
I really liked this recipe because it is savory. It is light and fluffy with a hint only of garlic and onion. The delicious cheddar cheese shines through and goes so nicely with the squash.
Enjoy this recipe for your Thanksgiving or holidays!! I am honored to have been chosen for this recipe to be one of The Ten Best Family Food Blogs from AllFreeCasseroleRecipes!! Now that is pretty cool!!
How Do You Make Squash Casserole?
Simple ingredients but a fantastic result. Most of these you will have at home already except maybe the squash. I do suggest to use a nice buttery cracker like a Ritz cracker. They make for a nice topping.
Ingredients
- Red kuri squash or your favorite squash
- Garlic
- Onion
- Evaporated milk
- Eggs
- Salt
- Butter
- Cheddar cheese
- Cracker crumbs
- Butter
In a large pot add the squash, garlic, onion, salt, and water to cover and bring to a boil. Cover the pot and simmer for 20-30 min. until the squash is tender. Remove from heat and drain.
Preheat the oven to 350F and lightly grease a baking dish. Mash the hot squash with the butter in a large bowl. Beat the eggs with the evaporated milk.
Add the beaten eggs and evaporated milk to the squash. Reserve 3 Tbsp. of cheddar cheese. Add the rest of the cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of the crackers and place in the prepared baking dish.
Melt the last of the 2 Tbsp. of butter and mix with the remaining 1/4 cup of cracker crumbs and 3 Tbsp. of cheese.
Sprinkle the butter, cracker, and cheese mixture on top of the squash. Bake for 30-35 min. or until bubbly and browned.
What Type of Squash Should I Use?
When you are making a squash casserole, you are going to want to make sure that you find the type of squash that works best for your family.
There are several different squashes to choose from, as well as several flavor combinations you can use. If you are looking for a sweet squash casserole recipe, those are usually made with ingredients like marshmallows, brown sugar and even cinnamon.
There are savory squash mixtures out there too, using ingredients such as onions, garlic, and cheese like this recipe. Squash and onions go so well together.
Depending on what flavor profile you choose for your squash casserole, there are several ways to put together a delicious and easy baked squash casserole this year.
This Old-Time Squash Casserole recipe has been a family favorite on our Thanksgiving table for years and we hope it will become a family favorite for you as well.
Try this casserole on for size, it is easy enough for any weekend meal to make too.
What Meat Goes with Squash Casserole?
This savory squash casserole goes with any type of meat. If the casserole was sweet you are more limited I think to keep it with turkey, pork and ham but because this is a savory squash casserole it will go with anything including beef or bison.
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Old Time Squash Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. red kuri squash or your favorite squash peeled, seeded and cut into 1″ cubes
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2/3 cup onion diced
- 1/4 cup evaporated milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp. salt
- 4 Tbsp. butter divided
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cracker crumbs divided
Instructions
- Butter a 2-3 quart casserole and set aside. In a large pot add the squash, garlic, onion, salt and water to cover and bring to a boil. Cover the pot and simmer for 20-30 min. until the squash is tender. Remove from heat and drain.
- Preheat the oven to 350F. Mash the hot squash with the 2 Tbsp butter. Beat the eggs with the evaporated milk and beat into the squash. Reserve 3 Tbsp. of cheddar cheese. Add the rest of the cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of the crackers. Place into the prepared dish.
- Melt the last of the 2 Tbsp. of butter and mix with the remaining 1/4 cup of crackers and 3 Tbsp. of cheese. Sprinkle on top of the squash. Bake uncovered for 30-35 min. or until bubbly and browned.
Comments & Reviews
Linda says
Would this be freezable before baking.
Tara Noland says
I haven’t tried it but I would say yes that it should freeze well.
Tina Oyster says
Instead of the cracker crumbs, I use the Herb Seasoned packaging that people use at Thanksgiving. Think it’s Pepperidge Farms. So delish!
Tara Noland says
That sounds awesome, I love that this isn’t a sweet squash casserole, nice change up from sweet potatoes.
Heather says
Do you cover when baking?
Tara Noland says
No need to cover it doesn’t bake for long.
Connie says
Are you supposed to put the whole squash in a pot of water? This does not make sence to me. The directions are not clear.
Tara Noland says
In the ingredients it says to peel, seed and cut the squash into 1″ cubes. Then you add it to the pot of water with the other ingredients.
Jerry Miller says
I used a Hubbard squash,but I need the way to Sweet. Help
Tara Noland says
Sorry, not understanding what you mean? Can you explain more.
Wendy says
I have 3 lbs. of butternut squash. Can I roast the squash and onions instead of boiling. I am also anticipating using more of the other ingredients as I have an extra pound of squash.
Tara Noland says
I would saute the garlic and onions as they will be softer that way to mash into the squash. You don’t want blackened browned bits I would think. This recipe may help you also, read the tips in the post. https://noshingwiththenolands.com/roasted-mashed-butternut-squash/
Wendy says
Thank you for your quick response. I will definitely saute the garlic and onions then add them when mashing the squash.
Tara Noland says
You are welcome! Happy Thanksgiving!
Wendy says
Same to you!!
Heather says
Do you cover the squash dish when baking?
Tara Noland says
No lid as you want the top to get browned.
Kara DeWildt says
Is there anyway to go without the eggs in this dish?
Tara Noland says
Yes, you can and then you might want to back off slightly on the milk. It just won’t be as fluffy more like a mashed vegetable which is fine too.
Anna says
Can I make this dish 1 or 2 days ahead and reheat?
If so, how long to reheat and when do I top with crackers etc?
This would be great for Thanksgiving but the oven is out if commission most of the day due to the turkey.
Tara Noland says
Yes, you can make this a day or 2 ahead. Leave the crackers off until just before reheating.