Southern Squash Casserole

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
• 6 cups yellow squash (sliced 1/4-inch thick)
• 1 small yellow onion (chopped)
• Salt (to taste)
• Cracked black pepper (to taste)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (coarsely crushed)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 375°F.

2. 2

   Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the squash and onions to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook the squash for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring constantly, until tender. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat.

3. 3

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Add the squash mixture and stir to combine.

4. 4

   Taste the mixture to make sure you are pleased with the seasoning and add more salt and pepper to taste if desired. Stir in the beaten eggs until well combined. Transfer the squash mixture to a 9-inch square baking dish.

5. 5

   Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave in a small glass bowl. Add the crushed crackers to the bowl with the melted butter and stir to coat the crackers in butter. Sprinkle the cracker topping over the casserole in an even layer.

6. 6

   Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, until golden brown on top and bubbly. Allow the casserole to cool slightly and enjoy!