This Southern Squash Casserole Tastes Just Like Home

When MY FAVORITE Aunt moved away with her new husband, I was devastated. I was only about 13 years old, and she had become one of my favorite people in the whole world. It took me several months to get over the shock that I couldn’t run down the street to see her whenever I wanted. She had moved nearly six hours away from us down South with her new husband.

That first summer she was gone, my Mom called her and told her how much I missed her. My Aunt sent for me, and I couldn’t have been more excited to spend a few weeks with her. I didn’t care what we were doing; I just wanted to be with her.

While I was there, she taught me some of the recipes her new mother-in-law had shared with her. One of them was this squash casserole that was to die for. It was just like this recipe from Group Recipes. I took it with me and still use it with my own family today.

Whenever I make this nowadays, it always reminds me of that trip I took that summer and every summer after that until I graduated. My Aunt and I would spend the whole time together, hanging out, cooking, going shopping, and traveling around her new town. I cherish those memories more than any others from my childhood. Now I get to have my nieces and nephews over during the summer, and when I have fresh squash from the garden, you can bet I’m making this for them too!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs yellow squash, sliced
• 1/4 cup Land O’ Lakes butter + extra for topping
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 tsp Morton salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup grated Kraft sharp cheddar cheese
• 3/4 cup crackers, crushed (regular, not whole wheat)
• Extra crackers for topping. Ritz works great

Instructions:

1. Boil squash and onions until tender; drain well.
2. Add butter, cheese, cracker crumbs, beaten egg, and salt to the drained squash and onions mixture.
3. Pour the mixture into a well-greased baking or casserole dish.
4. Top the mixture with Ritz or regular cracker crumbs and dot with butter.
5. Bake at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until the crackers start to brown.

Enjoy your cherished Squash Casserole, filled with memories and flavor!