By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on June 11, 2023 | Last Updated on August 18, 2023
If you are looking for a delicious dinner or side dish that everyone in your family will love, then the Cracker Barrel squash casserole is for you! This classic Southern dish has been around for generations and its creamy, cheesy goodness will have your taste buds singing.
It is a great way to enjoy fresh squash from the garden or farmer’s market and can easily be made with just a few simple ingredients.
The Cracker Barrel squash casserole is an incredibly versatile dish that can be served as a side for any meal or as the main event when paired with your favorite protein.
To make your version of the perfect Cracker Barrel squash casserole at home, follow this easy guide & learn everything you need to know about this traditional dish.
What Is Cracker barrel squash casserole?
Cracker barrel squash casserole is a Southern-style side dish. it originated from the American restaurant chain & gift store Cracker Barrel. It is made with fresh squash, cream cheese, sour cream, butter, and Ritz crackers.
It is a delicious combination of flavors that makes for an irresistible culinary experience. The squash is cubed and baked in the oven until tender before being covered in a creamy mixture of crackers, cheese, and spices. The result is a creamy and cheesy dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.
Where Did I First Try Cracker barrel squash casserole?
I first tried Cracker Barrel squash casserole when visiting my aunt and uncle in Virginia. I remember being so excited to try this new dish as I had never seen anything like it before.
The restaurant was bustling with people enjoying their typical tasty cuisine, but I was focused on the Cracker Barrel squash casserole. The bright yellow color of the squash contrasted well with the creamy white sauce that covered it. As soon as I took my first bite, I knew that this would be a dish I would want to enjoy again and again.
My aunt had been making this recipe for years and had kindly shared her recipe with us. She explained that the key to making this dish stand out was to be generous with the Ritz crackers and butter, as these two ingredients are what give the casserole its distinctive flavor. I was also amazed at how simple it was to prepare. All you have to do is mix together all of the ingredients and bake.
The Cracker Barrel squash casserole was simply delicious, with the perfect balance of creaminess, crunchiness, and sweetness. It was a hit with everyone in my family, including my picky eater brother who devoured his entire plate! We all enjoyed eating it for dinner that night and over the following weeks.
However, being a recipe developer, the recreation of the dish was something I had to do. After a few attempts, I successfully made a Cracker Barrel-inspired casserole that was even better than the original!
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Ingredients
- Crushed Ritz crackers: Some crushed Ritz crackers are a must for this dish, as they give it the perfect crunchy topping.
- Cream cheese: Cream cheese adds a creamy texture to the casserole and helps bind everything together.
- Sour cream: Sour cream is essential for that classic cheesy flavor and helps to make the sauce extra creamy.
- Garlic powder: Garlic powder adds a subtle flavor that boosts the overall taste of this dish.
- Butter: Butter is melted and added to the cracker mixture for an extra dose of richness.
- Diced onion: Diced onion adds a hint of sweetness and flavor to the casserole.
- Squash of choice: Use your favorite type of squash for this dish! It can be zucchini, yellow squash, or a combination of both.
- Salt and pepper: Salt and pepper add flavor to the casserole and helps to bring out all of its amazing flavors.
Cooking Directions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
Step 2
In a medium bowl, combine crushed crackers, cubed squash, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and diced onion. Mix until evenly combined and set aside.
Step 3
Place cubed squash mixture in the baking dish and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Step 4
Pour the butter, and cracker mixture over the squash and spread evenly.
Step 5
Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Step 6
Serve warm.
Baking Tips
- Preheat the oven before beginning the recipe. This will help to ensure that the casserole cooks evenly.
- Be generous with the butter and Ritz crackers when making the topping. The more you use, the crunchier and tastier your casserole will be!
- Don’t forget to season the squash with salt and pepper before adding it to the dish. This will bring out its natural flavor.
- Bake the casserole until golden brown and bubbling for best results.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking for a creamy, cheesy texture.
- Serve alongside your favorite protein of choice for a complete meal.
What Ingredients Can I Replace or Substitute While Making It?
- You could swap out the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or non-dairy cream cheese for a lighter version.
- You could also use olive oil instead of butter if desired.
- Additionally, you can replace the Ritz crackers with graham cracker crumbs, or you could use your favorite type of breadcrumb or cracker.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as cheddar or Parmesan if desired.
Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- baking dish
- cooking spray
- Mixing basin
Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed Ritz crackers
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 Ounce package of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 4 cups cubed squash
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine crushed crackers, cubed squash, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and diced onion. Mix until evenly combined and set aside.
- Place cubed squash mixture in the baking dish and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Pour the butter, and cracker mixture over the squash and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Preheat the oven before beginning the recipe. This will help to ensure that the casserole cooks evenly.
- Be generous with the butter and Ritz crackers when making the topping. The more you use, the crunchier and tastier your casserole will be!
- Don’t forget to season the squash with salt and pepper before adding it to the dish. This will bring out its natural flavor.
- Bake the casserole until golden brown and bubbling for best results.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking for a creamy, cheesy texture.
- Serve alongside your favorite protein of choice for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
One serving of Cracker Barrel squash casserole contains approximately,
- Calories 240 kcal
- Total Fat 16g
- Saturated Fat 6.9g
- Trans Fat 0.6g
- Cholesterol 31mg
- Sodium 442mg
- Potassium 467mg
- Total Carbohydrate 18g
- Dietary Fiber 2.3g
- Sugars 5.7g
- Protein 8.3g
- Vitamin A 13%
- Vitamin C 44%
- Calcium 22%
How to Store Leftover Cracker barrel squash casserole?
You can store leftover Cracker Barrel squash casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. It can also be frozen for up to three months.
Be sure to thaw it completely before reheating it in the oven or microwave. Also, remember to always store it in a shallow container as the casserole can easily dry out.
FAQs
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can consume this dish in moderation. It is always recommended to talk with your doctor before consuming any new dish.
Is it suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this recipe can be easily adapted for vegan diets by substituting butter and cream cheese for non-dairy alternatives and omitting sour cream.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day or two ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it. This makes meal-prepping much easier!
What side dishes pair well with Cracker Barrel squash casserole?
This delicious casserole goes well with a variety of side dishes such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad. It is also great for potlucks and family gatherings.
Wrapping Up
So, tell us what you are thinking about this tasty Cracker Barrel squash casserole! This creamy and cheesy dish is a great way to enjoy squash, and its crunchy topping makes it extra irresistible.
It is a perfect side dish for special occasions or just an everyday family meal. Plus, you can easily adapt the recipe for vegan diets by making simple swaps.
Please share this recipe with your friends and family, and let us know if you have any favorite variations of this dish. Thank you for your time.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
