Ah, summer! It brings a bounty of fresh vegetables and the perfect excuse to throw together a comforting casserole. My *summer squash casserole with Ritz crackers* is one of those recipes that just screams “family gathering” to me. Picture this: you’re outside enjoying the warm breeze, and then you head inside to a cozy kitchen filled with the delightful aroma of baking squash and melted cheese. It’s a dish that not only brings everyone to the table but also warms the heart with every creamy, cheesy bite. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up! Trust me, once you serve this at your next backyard barbecue or family get-together, it’ll become an instant favorite. So, let’s dive into the simple ingredients and steps that make this dish a must-try!
Ingredients for Summer Squash Casserole with Ritz Crackers
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making my *summer squash casserole with Ritz crackers* a hit! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups summer squash, sliced: Fresh, tender summer squash works best. You can use yellow squash or zucchini, or a mix of both for added color and taste.
- 1 cup onion, chopped: A sweet onion adds a nice flavor dimension, but feel free to use yellow or even red onion for a bit of zest!
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: Sharp cheddar really enhances the flavor, but you can use mild if you prefer something subtler.
- 1 cup sour cream: This adds a creamy texture and tanginess that balances the flavors beautifully.
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup: The classic ingredient that brings everything together! You can use a low-sodium version if you’re watching your salt intake.
- 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed: These buttery crackers create a crunchy topping that’s simply irresistible. Don’t skimp on the crushing—get them nice and fine for even coverage!
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: This will help the cracker topping become golden and delicious. Use unsalted butter for better control over the seasoning.
Now that we have everything ready, let’s move on to the magic of preparing this casserole!
How to Prepare Summer Squash Casserole with Ritz Crackers
Preheat the Oven
Let’s kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, preheating is super important because it ensures your casserole cooks evenly. Nobody wants a soggy middle or an overcooked top! So, while you’re gathering your ingredients, go ahead and get that oven nice and warm.
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, it’s time to mix together the stars of the show! Add in your sliced summer squash, chopped onion, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and cream of mushroom soup. Now, here’s the key—mix everything together really well! You want all those flavors to mingle and get to know each other. Don’t be shy; use your spatula or even your hands to ensure everything is nicely coated and combined.
Transfer to Baking Dish
Now that your mixture is looking luscious, it’s time to transfer it to a greased baking dish. I like to use a 9×13-inch dish, but you can go with whatever you have on hand. Just make sure it’s greased well, so nothing sticks! Scoop the mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. This helps it bake uniformly, so every bite is just as delicious as the last.
Prepare the Cracker Topping
In a separate bowl, let’s whip up that irresistible topping! Combine your crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Mix until all those crumbs are coated and buttery. The key here is even distribution—make sure to sprinkle this mixture over the squash mixture evenly. This will give you that gorgeous, crunchy topping we all love!
Bake the Casserole
Alright, it’s showtime! Pop your baking dish into the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s time to take it out when the top is beautifully golden brown and the edges are bubbling. The aroma will be heavenly, and trust me, you’ll want to dive right in! Let it cool for just a few minutes before serving, so the flavors can settle a bit. Enjoy every cheesy, crunchy bite!
Tips for Success
Want to take your *summer squash casserole with Ritz crackers* to the next level? Here are my top tips for ensuring it turns out perfectly every time!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh summer squash and onions make a huge difference in flavor. Don’t settle for anything less—visit your local farmer’s market if you can!
- Mind the Cheese: Grate your cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded. It melts better and gives you a creamier texture. Plus, you can control how sharp you want it!
- Mix Thoroughly: Don’t rush the mixing process! Ensuring all the ingredients are well combined means every bite will be packed with flavor.
- Adjust for Taste: Feel free to experiment with adding other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. Just be sure to chop them finely so they cook evenly.
- Don’t Skip the Cooling: Letting the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving helps it set up nicely, making it easier to scoop out perfect portions!
With these simple tips, you’ll be a casserole pro in no time! Enjoy the deliciousness, and remember: the best part about cooking is making it your own!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this comforting casserole ready for the oven in no time!
- Ease of Ingredients: You’ll find most of the ingredients in your pantry or local grocery store, making it super convenient to whip up.
- Flavorful Comfort Food: The combination of creamy cheese, tender squash, and crunchy Ritz topping creates a mouthwatering dish that warms the soul.
- Perfect for Gatherings: This casserole is a crowd-pleaser! It’s hearty enough to satisfy everyone at your family gatherings or potlucks.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: It’s a delicious option for vegetarians while still being satisfying enough for meat-lovers to enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about what’s in this delicious *summer squash casserole with Ritz crackers*! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values per serving. Remember, these numbers are approximations, so they might vary a bit based on specific brands or ingredients used.
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 8g
This casserole is not only comforting and delicious but also packs a decent punch of nutrients! Enjoy every savory bite, knowing it’s a delightful way to sneak in those veggies!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my *summer squash casserole with Ritz crackers*? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get, along with my trusty answers.
Can I use other types of squash?
Absolutely! While summer squash is the star of this dish, you can definitely mix it up with zucchini or even butternut squash. Just keep in mind that different squashes have slightly different cooking times, so slice them evenly for uniform cooking.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
You bet! This casserole can be prepared a day in advance. Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it’ll be starting cold.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables. You can also serve it alongside grilled meats or as part of a potluck spread. It’s versatile, and it complements just about anything!
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! To make this casserole gluten-free, simply swap out the Ritz crackers for a gluten-free cracker alternative. There are plenty of delicious options available that still provide that satisfying crunch!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Enjoy the flavors all over again!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made my delicious *summer squash casserole with Ritz crackers*, and now you have some leftovers? No problem! Storing them properly is key to enjoying those comforting flavors later. First off, let the casserole cool completely before you cover it up. This helps prevent condensation from making it soggy. Once it’s cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just label it if you want to keep track of when you made it!
When you’re ready to dig in again, reheating is super simple. If you have time, I recommend popping it back in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the casserole in for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the topping is nice and crunchy again. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave! Just place a serving in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, and heat it for about 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t get too hot! Enjoy those leftovers—trust me, they’re just as good the next day!
Imprimer
Summer Squash Casserole with Ritz Crackers: 5 Comforting Tips
- Temps Total: 50 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A delicious summer squash casserole topped with crunchy Ritz crackers.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups summer squash, sliced
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- 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 and transfer to a greased baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter.
- Spread the cracker mixture evenly over the squash mixture.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Notes
- Use fresh squash for the best flavor.
- Feel free to add other vegetables.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 35 minutes
- Catégorie: Casserole
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 3g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 8g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 5g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 20g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 8g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: summer squash casserole, Ritz crackers, vegetable casserole