I’ve made my fair share of Southern casseroles, and let me tell you—Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama Casserole is one of the best. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with fresh squash, making it a perfect comfort dish for any occasion.
So, what exactly is Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama Casserole? It’s a classic Southern-style dish made with fresh yellow squash, onions, peppers, eggs, mayonnaise, and cheese, all topped with crispy Brenda Gantt’s Fried Okra. The result? A rich and savory casserole with a delightful crunch.
If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing side dish that tastes like home, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the recipe!
What Does Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama Casserole Taste Like?
First off, this casserole is loaded with fresh squash, giving it a naturally sweet and tender bite. The combination of sautéed onions, peppers, and butter adds a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
And let’s not forget the cheesy, creamy base! With mayo, eggs, and shredded cheddar, every bite is rich and satisfying. Plus, that buttery Ritz cracker topping? It’s the perfect crispy contrast to the soft, cheesy filling.
Ingredients Required for Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama Casserole Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama Casserole
- 2 to 2.5 pounds of fresh yellow squash (choose light yellow for tenderness)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 sweet or bell pepper, chopped
- ½ 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
Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need
- Large pot
- Colander
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Casserole dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Recipe for Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama Casserole
Simply follow the steps given below to make your Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama Casserole at home
1. Prep the Squash
Trim the ends of your squash, then slice them into circles. No peeling needed! The lighter yellow squash is more tender, so choose wisely.
2. Boil the Squash
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the squash and cook for about 10-15 minutes until tender. Drain well using a colander, making sure to remove excess water.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
While the squash is boiling, heat a skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter, then add the diced onions and chopped peppers. Sauté until the onions are soft and slightly golden.
4. Mix the Casserole
In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, beaten eggs, and shredded cheese. Stir well. Add the sautéed onions and peppers, then gently mix in the cooked squash.
5. Prepare the Casserole and Top with Crackers
Grease a casserole dish and spread the squash mixture evenly inside. Crush the Ritz crackers with your hands and sprinkle them generously over the casserole.
6. Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to dish out.
Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama Casserole
I’ve made this casserole so many times, and let me tell you—there are endless ways to serve it. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck or making it for a cozy dinner at home, here are my favorite ways to enjoy Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama Casserole.
1. As a Side Dish for Roasted Chicken
This casserole is the perfect sidekick to a juicy, oven-roasted chicken. The creamy, cheesy squash pairs beautifully with the crispy skin of a well-seasoned roasted bird. Trust me, once you try this combo, it’ll be a go-to meal in your house!
2. Alongside BBQ Ribs
Oh man, if you love BBQ, you HAVE to try this casserole with some slow-cooked, fall-off-the-bone ribs. The sweet and smoky flavors of the ribs balance out the creamy richness of the casserole. Add some coleslaw on the side, and you’ve got a meal fit for a summer cookout!
3. Over a Bed of Rice
I’ve done this a few times when I wanted to turn the casserole into a full meal. Just spoon it over some hot, fluffy rice, and you’ve got a satisfying, Southern-style dinner. Bonus points if you drizzle a little hot sauce on top!
4. Next to Fried Fish
There’s something magical about crispy fried fish paired with this cheesy casserole. I usually go for catfish or tilapia, but any mild white fish works. Serve it up with some tartar sauce and hush puppies, and you’ve got yourself a real Southern feast!
5. As a Breakfast Casserole
Yep, you read that right. This dish isn’t just for lunch and dinner! I’ve had it for breakfast with some scrambled eggs and crispy bacon on the side. It’s rich, satisfying, and honestly, a fantastic way to start the day.
6. Stuffed Inside Bell Peppers
Okay, hear me out—this one is a game-changer. Instead of just baking it in a casserole dish, try stuffing the mixture into hollowed-out bell peppers and baking them until tender. It’s a fun way to serve individual portions, and the bell peppers add a nice, slightly sweet contrast to the cheesy squash.
7. With Mashed Potatoes for Double Comfort Food
Some nights, you just need all the comfort food, and pairing this casserole with a big scoop of mashed potatoes is one of my favorite ways to do that. The textures work so well together, and if you drizzle a little brown gravy over everything? Absolute heaven.
8. Alongside Warm, Buttery Cornbread
Nothing says Southern comfort like cornbread and casserole. I love dunking a warm slice of cornbread into the cheesy goodness of this dish—it’s the kind of bite that just melts in your mouth. If you have some honey butter, spread a little on the cornbread for an extra treat!
9. With a Fresh Green Salad for Balance
If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great way to balance out the richness of the casserole. I usually go for a mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a simple lemon dressing. It’s fresh, crunchy, and complements the creamy casserole perfectly.
10. Topped with Hot Sauce or Jalapeños for a Kick
I like to spice things up sometimes, and adding a little heat to this casserole takes it to a whole new level. A drizzle of hot sauce (like Tabasco or Cholula) gives it just the right amount of kick. If you’re feeling adventurous, chop up some fresh jalapeños and mix them into the casserole before baking—it’s SO good!
Some Tips on This Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama Casserole Recipe
1. Pick the Right Squash
Not all squash is the same! I always go for the lighter yellow ones—they’re more tender and have fewer seeds. The darker ones can be a little tough and watery.
2. Drain That Squash Well
Nobody likes a soggy casserole! After boiling the squash, I make sure to drain it really well. Sometimes, I even press it gently with a spoon in the colander to get rid of extra water.
3. Sauté for More Flavor
I used to just toss everything together, but sautéing the onions and peppers in butter first? Game-changer! It makes the casserole taste richer and more flavorful.
4. Don’t Skip the Mayo
I know, mayo sounds weird in a casserole. But trust me, it makes everything creamy and holds it all together. If you skip it, the casserole might turn out dry.
5. Use Freshly Grated Cheese
Pre-shredded cheese is easy, but fresh cheese melts way better. I grab a block of cheddar and grate it myself—it makes the casserole extra gooey and cheesy.
6. Go Crazy with the Crackers
The crispy topping is my favorite part! I like to crush the crackers into fine crumbs so every bite has a little crunch. Sometimes, I even mix in a tiny bit of melted butter for extra crispiness.
7. Add a Little Kick
If you like a little spice, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. I’ve tried it both ways, and it gives the casserole a nice little heat without being overwhelming.
8. Make It Ahead
I’ve made this the night before, and it actually turns out even better! Just mix everything up, cover it, and pop it in the fridge. The next day, all I have to do is bake it.
9. Don’t Overbake It
It’s tempting to leave it in longer for an extra-crispy top, but overbaking can dry it out. I take it out as soon as it turns golden brown and bubbly.
10. Let It Rest Before Serving
I know it smells amazing, but don’t dig in right away! Letting it sit for 5-10 minutes helps it set up, so it’s easier to scoop and tastes even better.
How to Store and Reheat Squash Alabama Casserole Properly
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.
Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama Casserole Recipe
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
- ½ 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
- Trim the ends of your squash, then slice them into circles. No peeling needed! The lighter yellow squash is more tender, so choose wisely.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the squash and cook for about 10-15 minutes until tender. Drain well using a colander, making sure to remove excess water.
- While the squash is boiling, heat a skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter, then add the diced onions and chopped peppers. Sauté until the onions are soft and slightly golden.
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, beaten eggs, and shredded cheese. Stir well. Add the sautéed onions and peppers, then gently mix in the cooked squash.
- Grease a casserole dish and spread the squash mixture evenly inside. Crush the Ritz crackers with your hands and sprinkle them generously over the casserole.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to dish out.
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Notes
Common Queries on This Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama Casserole Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama Casserole that people often ask.
1. Why is my squash casserole watery?
From my experience, the biggest culprit is excess moisture in the squash. After boiling, I always make sure to drain it well and even press it gently in a colander to remove extra water. You can also let it sit for a few minutes before mixing it with the other ingredients.
2. How long can I keep and eat this casserole?
I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Anything beyond that, and it starts to lose its texture. If I know I won’t finish it in time, I just make a smaller batch!
3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! I’ve prepped it the night before, covered it tightly, and kept it in the fridge. When it’s time to bake, I just pop it in the oven, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it’s cold.
4. Can I use zucchini instead of yellow squash?
I’ve tried it, and it works, but the texture is a bit different. Zucchini has more water, so if you use it, make sure to drain it well after cooking to avoid a soggy casserole.
5. What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
I’ve swapped mayo with sour cream or Greek yogurt, and the casserole still turned out delicious! It’s a bit tangier but still creamy and rich.
6. How do I get a crispier topping?
If you love a really crunchy top (like I do!), melt a little butter and mix it with the crushed Ritz crackers before sprinkling them on. It helps them get extra golden and crispy while baking!
7. Can I add meat to this casserole?
Oh, definitely! I’ve added cooked bacon, shredded chicken, and even sausage before. Bacon gives it a smoky flavor, while chicken makes it a heartier meal.
8. Can I freeze this casserole?
I wouldn’t recommend it. The mayo and eggs don’t freeze well and can turn the texture grainy once thawed. If you really need to freeze it, I suggest baking it first and then reheating it later.
9. Can I make this casserole without crackers?
Yes! I’ve skipped the crackers before and used breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or even extra cheese instead. It still tastes amazing, just with a slightly different texture.
10. What size casserole dish should I use?
A 9×13-inch dish works best, but if I’m making a smaller batch, I use an 8×8-inch dish instead. Just make sure it’s deep enough to hold all the layers!
Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—cheesy, creamy, and topped with a buttery crunch. Whether you serve it as a side or enjoy it as a meal, this dish never disappoints.
So grab some fresh squash, and let’s get cooking! You’re going to love every bite of this Southern classic.
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So delicious
Thanks
Thanks for the recipe
Welcome