Few dishes capture the heart of Southern cooking like Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama Casserole Recipe. This isn’t just a casserole—it’s a taste of tradition, a reminder of family gatherings and warm kitchens filled with the aroma of home-cooked meals.
Every time I make this dish, it takes me back to the comforting smell of my mother’s kitchen, where love was always the main ingredient. Brenda Gantt, known for her warm, Southern cooking, has perfected this casserole, combining tender yellow squash with simple ingredients to create a dish that’s rich in flavor and family memories.
Why You’ll Love Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama Casserole
There’s so much to love about this casserole! For starters, it uses fresh yellow squash, which gives the dish a sweet, tender bite. The combination of mayonnaise, cheese, and sautéed onions makes it rich and creamy. And the crunchy Ritz cracker topping is the perfect finishing touch.
This casserole is great as a side dish or even as the star of the meal. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.

Ingredients
For this Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama Casserole Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 to 2.5 pounds of fresh yellow squash (choose light yellow for tenderness)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 sweet or bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 stick of butter (for sautéing the onions and peppers)
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers, crushed for topping
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Recipe Substitutions
- Squash: You can use zucchini or a mix of yellow squash and zucchini.
- Onion: Try using green onions or shallots for a different flavor.
- Butter: Olive oil can be used as a healthier option.
- Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used for a tangy twist.
- Cheddar cheese: Any melty cheese like Monterey Jack or Colby will work well.
- Ritz crackers: Panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes can be used for the topping.
Kitchen Appliances Needed
Before starting, make sure you have these basic kitchen tools ready:
- Cutting board and knife for chopping the squash, onion, and pepper
- A large pot to boil the squash
- A colander for draining the boiled squash
- A skillet for sautéing onions and peppers
- Mixing bowls for combining ingredients
- A casserole dish to bake the dish
- Oven preheated to 350°F
How To Make Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama Casserole
Step 1 | Prep the Squash

Begin by cutting the ends off your squash. Then slice them into circles—no need to peel them! The lighter yellow squash is more tender, so keep that in mind while picking your squash.
Step 2 | Boil the Squash

In a large pot, add your sliced squash with some salted water. Bring it to a boil and cook until tender, which should take about 10-15 minutes. Drain the water using a colander, making sure to remove as much excess water as possible.
Step 3 | Sauté the Vegetables

While your squash is boiling, heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add in your chopped onions and peppers. Sauté until the onions are softened and slightly golden. The smell alone will make your mouth water!
Step 4 | Mix the Casserole

In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of mayonnaise, 2 beaten eggs, and 2 cups of shredded cheese. Stir everything together until it’s nice and creamy. Then, add the sautéed onions and peppers to the mix. After that, add the Squash and give them a final mix.
Step 5 | Prepare the Casserole

Transfer the squash mixture into a greased casserole dish. Spread it evenly with a spoon.
Step 6 | Top with Crackers

Crush the Ritz crackers in your hands until they are fine crumbs. Sprinkle them generously over the top of the casserole for that perfect crunchy finish.
Step 7 | Bake Your Casserole

Place the casserole in your preheated 350°F oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 8 | Serve and Enjoy The Squash Alabama Casserole

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This gives the flavors time to settle and makes it easier to serve.
Recipe Notes
Here are some additional tips to ensure your Squash Alabama Casserole turns out perfectly:
- Drain the Squash Well: After boiling, be sure to get all the water out of the squash. Excess water will make your casserole watery.
- Crush Crackers by Hand: For a finer, even cracker topping, crush the Ritz crackers in a small bag using your hands.
- Don’t Skip the Cheese: The cheese not only adds flavor but helps bind everything together for a creamy texture.
Variations of the Recipe
If you want to change things up or make the recipe your own, here are some variations you can try:
- Add Bacon: Cooked bacon bits can be sprinkled on top or mixed into the casserole for an added smoky flavor.
- Try Different Veggies: If you have extra veggies like zucchini or even tomatoes, you can add them to the mix for a heartier dish.
- Spice It Up: Want a bit of heat? Add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give your casserole a spicy kick.
What Goes Well with Squash Casserole?
Wondering what to serve alongside Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama Casserole? Here are some ideas:
- Roasted Chicken: A simple roasted chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy casserole.
- Grilled Meats: Whether it’s steak, pork chops, or grilled chicken, the casserole adds a nice contrast to any grilled protein.
- Green Beans: A fresh side of green beans will complement the richness of the casserole.
- Cornbread: If you’re aiming for a full Southern meal, a slice of cornbread would complete the plate.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, don’t worry! Here’s how to store and reheat your casserole:
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: You can freeze the casserole before baking. Just assemble it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze. When ready to cook, bake from frozen at 350°F until heated through (about 45-50 minutes).
Reheating: To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama Casserole Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use frozen squash for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen squash, but fresh is better. If using frozen, thaw it completely and drain well before using. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Keep an eye on it while it’s in the oven to make sure it doesn’t get too watery.
2. How do I prevent my casserole from being watery?
The key to avoiding a watery casserole is to drain your squash really well after boiling. You can even lay the cooked squash on paper towels to absorb extra moisture. Also, make sure not to overcook the squash, as it will release more water when it’s very soft.
3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just wait to add the cracker topping until right before you bake it. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it straight from the fridge.
4. My casserole turned out too dry. What went wrong?
If your casserole is too dry, it might have been in the oven too long. Every oven is different, so start checking it about 5 minutes before the recipe suggests. It’s done when the top is golden and the edges are bubbly.
5. Can I add meat to this casserole?
Definitely! Cooked, crumbled bacon is a popular addition. You could also add diced ham or shredded chicken. If you do add meat, you might want to reduce the salt in the recipe since most meats are already salty.
6. kids don’t like onions. Can I leave them out?
You can leave out the onions if you need to, but they do add a lot of flavor. Try grating the onion instead of chopping it – it’ll almost melt into the casserole and your kids might not even notice it’s there. You could also use onion powder as a substitute.

Brenda Gantt's Squash Alabama Casserole Recipe
Try Brenda Gantt's Squash Alabama Casserole recipe! A creamy, cheesy casserole with tender squash and a crispy Ritz cracker topping. Perfect comfort food!
Ingredients
- 2 to 2.5 pounds of fresh yellow squash (choose light yellow for tenderness)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 sweet or bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 stick of butter (for sautéing the onions and peppers)
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers, crushed for topping
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Squash: Begin by cutting the ends off your squash. Then slice them into circles—no need to peel them! The lighter yellow squash is more tender, so keep that in mind while picking your squash.
- Boil the Squash: In a large pot, add your sliced squash with some salted water. Bring it to a boil and cook until tender, which should take about 10-15 minutes. Drain the water using a colander, making sure to remove as much excess water as possible.
- Sauté the Vegetables: While your squash is boiling, heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add in your chopped onions and peppers. Sauté until the onions are softened and slightly golden. The smell alone will make your mouth water!
- Mix the Casserole: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of mayonnaise, 2 beaten eggs, and 2 cups of shredded cheese. Stir everything together until it’s nice and creamy. Then, add the sautéed onions and peppers to the mix. After that, add the Squash and give them a final mix.
- Prepare the Casserole: Transfer the squash mixture into a greased casserole dish. Spread it evenly with a spoon.
- Top with Crackers: Crush the Ritz crackers in your hands until they are fine crumbs. Sprinkle them generously over the top of the casserole for that perfect crunchy finish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in your preheated 350°F oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This gives the flavors time to settle and makes it easier to serve.
Conclusion
Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama Casserole Recipe is a true Southern classic, perfect for bringing a bit of comfort and warmth to your kitchen. It’s creamy, cheesy, and topped with crispy crackers – a combination everyone will love!
Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your home. For more delicious recipes like this, don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest!
Perfect just what I was looking for! .