This Southern Squash Casserole, affectionately known as “Frances Recipe,” is a beloved vintage dish that perfectly captures homestyle comfort cooking. Tender yellow squash is steamed and combined with sautéed onions and bell peppers, bound with creamy Hellmann’s mayonnaise, cheese, and crushed crackers for a rich and savory base. Topped with crisp breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection, it’s the kind of side dish you’d find at Sunday suppers, church potlucks, and family reunions across the South. Adding shrimp or crab elevates it to a special-occasion dish while preserving its comforting roots.
Ingredients
- 1 lb yellow squash (cubed)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 bell pepper (chopped)
- ½ stick butter (4 tbsp)
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ cup cheese (grated, cheddar or similar)
- ½ cup Hellmann’s mayonnaise
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 6 to 8 saltine crackers (crushed)
- bread crumbs ( for topping)
- salt (to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
Optional:
- ½ cup cooked shrimp (or crab meat)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Squash
- Wash, cube, and steam squash until tender. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
- In a skillet, melt ½ stick butter. Sauté chopped onion and bell pepper until softened.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- In a large bowl, mix cooked squash with sautéed vegetables. Stir in sugar, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Add Creamy Base
- Once mixture is slightly cooled, add grated cheese, Hellmann’s mayonnaise, beaten egg, and crushed crackers. Mix thoroughly.
Step 5: Assemble Casserole
- Pour mixture into a buttered baking dish. Top evenly with bread crumbs.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake at 380°F (190°C) for 30–45 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
Step 7: Optional Add-Ins
- For a richer variation, fold in shrimp or crab meat before baking.
Tips
- Substitute zucchini for half the squash for a fresh twist.
- Use Ritz crackers for a buttery topping.
- Mix in a dash of hot sauce or paprika for a little kick.
- Make ahead and refrigerate, bake when ready to serve.
- Add cooked chicken instead of shrimp for a heartier casserole.
Nutrition
Calories: 265kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 7gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 290mgPotassium: 280mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 720IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 110mgIron: 1mg
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