Its the kind of side dish thatll steal the show.

Yes, its packed with yellow squash cooked until tender.

But its appeal lies squarely in its buttery cracker topping.

Southern squash casserole in a casserole dish (a serving size already served)

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

This easy casserole is a side dish welcome at any potluck, Sunday dinner, or gathering.

Its commonly found as an option at Southern meat-and-three restaurants, but its so simple to make at home.

Often the cookbooksonlysquash recipes, in fact.

spoonful of squash casserole lifted from casserole dish using a wooden spoon

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Remove the buttered crumbs to a bowl and set the bowl and the now-greased dish aside.

Put the squash and onion pieces in a large skillet with 1 cup water.

Strain the squash and onion into a sturdy colander in the sink.

breadcrumbs tossed in butter in casserol dish for southern squash casserole recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

With the vegetables still in the colander, mash them with a potato masher just until theyre chunky.

This allows even more moisture to drain out, which will keep your casserole from getting too watery.

Simple Tip!

cooked sliced summer squash with onions in a pan for southern squash casserole recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

I like this casserole with really mashed-up squash, so I cook mine until its mashably tender.

Beat the egg in a large bowl.

Add the mayonnaise and beat until combined.

cooked onions and summer squash mashed together in the colander for southern summer squash casserole recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Fold in the cheese, salt, and pepper.

Add the mashed squash (its okay if its still hot) and mix until combined.

Scrape into the greased dish or pan.

mashed squash mixed with a bowlful of other ingredients for summer squash casserole recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Top evenly with the buttered cracker crumbs.

Bake until the center is set and the crackers are lightly browned, about 30 minutes.

Cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.

summer squash casserole filling topped with butered cracker pieces for southern summer squash recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Refrigerate leftovers for about 5 days.

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spoonful of summer squash casserole

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe