Discover the best yellow squash recipes with step-by-step instructions, from classic Southern casseroles to crispy fritters and savory gratins. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or summer gatherings!
The best yellow squash recipes aren’t just about taste — they’re about letting that sunshine-colored vegetable shine in every bite. From crispy fritters to creamy casseroles, yellow squash is a versatile gem that can swing from light summer side to comforting baked dish. Here’s your step-by-step guide to making some of my most requested yellow squash recipes at home — each one tested, tweaked, and perfected so you can get it right the first time.
The Best Yellow Squash Recipes
1. Classic Southern Yellow Squash Casserole
Ingredients (Serves 8)
- 6 medium yellow squash, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp for best flavor)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven — Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Squash — In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add sliced squash and onion, cooking 8–10 minutes until tender. Drain any excess liquid.
- Mix the Filling — In a large bowl, combine cooked squash mixture, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, sour cream, eggs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until evenly mixed.
- Assemble — Pour into prepared baking dish. Top evenly with crushed crackers. Drizzle melted butter over crackers for extra crunch.
- Bake & Serve — Bake 25–30 minutes until golden brown on top. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
2. Crispy Yellow Squash Fritters
Ingredients (Makes 12 fritters)
- 4 medium yellow squash, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt (for draining squash)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornmeal
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3–4 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prep the Squash — Place grated squash in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let sit 10 minutes. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible with a clean kitchen towel.
- Mix Batter — In a large bowl, combine drained squash, flour, cornmeal, egg, green onions, garlic powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until batter just comes together.
- Heat Oil — In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Fry Fritters — Drop ¼-cup portions of batter into hot oil, flattening slightly with a spatula. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain & Serve — Transfer to paper towels to drain. Serve hot with sour cream or a spicy aioli.
3. Garlic Butter Sautéed Yellow Squash
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 4 medium yellow squash, sliced into half-moons
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat Pan — In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook Garlic — Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sauté Squash — Add squash slices and season with salt and pepper. Cook 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until squash is tender but still slightly firm.
- Finish & Serve — Garnish with parsley and serve immediately as a side dish.
4. Yellow Squash & Zucchini Gratin
Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 3 medium yellow squash, thinly sliced
- 3 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven — Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Layer Vegetables — Alternate layers of squash and zucchini in the dish.
- Add Cheese & Cream — Sprinkle with Gruyère, Parmesan, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour heavy cream evenly over vegetables.
- Bake — Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve — Let cool slightly before serving.
5. Roasted Yellow Squash with Parmesan
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 4 medium yellow squash, sliced lengthwise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven — Set oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Season Squash — Toss squash slices with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange & Top — Place on baking sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Bake — Roast 15–20 minutes until tender and cheese is golden. Serve warm.
From creamy casseroles to crispy fritters, these yellow squash recipes prove that this humble vegetable can be the star of any meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight side or a dish worthy of a holiday table, these recipes give you step-by-step guidance so there’s no guesswork — just delicious results every time.
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