Growing up in the Midwest, Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole was a staple on our family’s Thanksgiving table. I can still vividly remember the rich, creamy aroma wafting through the house as my grandma pulled the golden-brown Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole out of the oven. The buttery Ritz cracker topping was always my favorite part, perfectly complementing the tender, sweet squash underneath. I’d eagerly scoop out a big, generous portion, savoring every bite. To this day, that comforting flavor and texture instantly transports me back to those joyful holiday memories with loved ones. It’s no wonder Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole has become such a beloved classic!
Why This Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole
What makes this Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole recipe so special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The rich, creamy squash base is enhanced by the salty, buttery crunch of the Ritz cracker topping. But the real secret is in the seasoning – a carefully curated blend of fragrant spices that elevates the whole dish to new levels of deliciousness. Trust me, your family and friends won’t be able to resist going back for seconds (or thirds!) once they try this Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Butternut squash
- Yellow onion
- Garlic
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Ritz crackers
- Butter
- Sage
- Salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole Instructions
Preparing Your Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole
Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole is an easy, make-ahead dish that’s perfect for the holidays or any cozy weeknight dinner. With just about an hour of total prep and cook time, you can have this comforting casserole ready to enjoy. Let’s get started!
1- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
2- Peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash into 1-inch pieces. In a large pot, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic in a bit of olive oil over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
3- Add the cubed squash and just enough water to barely cover. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the squash is very tender when pierced with a fork.
4- Drain the cooked squash and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash the squash until smooth and creamy.
5- Mix in the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan until well combined. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of dried sage.
6- Spread the creamy squash mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Top with a layer of crushed Ritz crackers and dot the top with small cubes of butter.
Pro Tips for Success
For the best Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole, be sure not to overcook the squash – you want it very soft and tender, but not falling apart. The key is to simmer it until just fork-tender. Also, don’t be shy with the seasoning! The sage, salt, and pepper really make the flavors pop.
Serving and Storing Your Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole
Perfect Pairings for Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole
Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole is the perfect side dish for a holiday meal, but it also works great as a main course. I love to serve it alongside roasted turkey or ham, homemade cranberry sauce, and a fresh green salad. For beverages, it pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a warm mug of apple cider.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole reheats beautifully, making it a great make-ahead option. Simply prepare the casserole up to 3 days in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months – just thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.
Leftover Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole
Creative Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole Variations
For a festive twist, try swapping the butternut squash for a blend of different winter squash varieties. Acorn squash, kabocha, or even pumpkin would all work beautifully. You can also mix up the cracker topping by using a blend of Ritz and other buttery crackers.
Making Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole Diet-Friendly
To make this Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole gluten-free, simply use gluten-free Ritz-style crackers. For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives. And for a low-carb take, you can replace the squash with roasted cauliflower or zucchini.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned squash instead of fresh?
A: While fresh butternut squash is ideal, you can certainly use canned or frozen squash in a pinch. Just be sure to drain it well and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: How long does Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole take to bake?
A: This casserole bakes at 375°F for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the squash is bubbling around the edges.
Q: Can I make Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This dish can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Simply assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Q: How many people does this Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole recipe serve?
A: This 9×13 inch casserole serves 8-10 people as a side dish. For a main course, it will serve 6-8 portions.
Q: What if my Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole is watery?
A: If your casserole turns out a bit watery, don’t worry! Just sprinkle some crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs over the top before baking to help absorb the excess moisture.
Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole is a deliciously creamy and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender squash is baked in a cheesy sauce and topped with a crunchy, buttery Ritz cracker topping for the ultimate in flavor and texture.
Ingredients
– 3 cups diced butternut squash
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 1/2 cups crushed Ritz crackers
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
1. – Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. – In a large bowl, combine the diced squash, cheddar cheese, sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated.
3. – Transfer the squash mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. – In a small bowl, mix together the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter until well coated.
5. – Sprinkle the Ritz cracker topping evenly over the top of the squash mixture.
6. – Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the topping is golden brown.
7. – Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
This casserole can be made ahead of time and baked when ready to serve. For a twist, try adding sautéed onions, garlic, or other vegetables to the squash mixture. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Main Courses
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite. With its rich, creamy squash base and crunchy, buttery topping, this casserole is pure cozy bliss in every bite. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try – I know you and your loved ones will fall head over heels for this Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole just like I did. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!