Few side dishes say summer quite like a homemade squash casserole. Fresh yellow squash, sweet onions, creamy cheese, buttery Ritz cracker topping, and just a touch of heat from Heath Riles BBQ Garlic Jalapeño Rub come together to create a comforting casserole that's perfect for backyard barbecues, holiday meals, and weeknight dinners alike.
Instead of baking it in the oven, Heath cooks this casserole on the pellet grill, allowing it to develop a beautifully golden cracker topping while adding just a hint of wood-fired flavor. It's simple to prepare, feeds a crowd, and pairs with just about any grilled or smoked main course.
Summer Squash Casserole | Heath Riles BBQ
Summer squash casserole has been a Southern favorite for generations, and this version keeps everything people love about the classic while adding a subtle barbecue twist.
Fresh yellow squash is cooked until just tender before being folded into a rich mixture of sour cream, mayonnaise, heavy cream, cheese, and Heath Riles BBQ Garlic Jalapeño Rub. The Garlic Jalapeño Rub provides just enough kick to balance the richness without overpowering the delicate squash.
Everything is topped with buttery Ritz crackers before spending about 50 minutes on the pellet grill. As the casserole cooks, the filling becomes creamy and bubbly while the cracker topping turns perfectly crisp and golden brown.
Whether you're serving it alongside smoked meats or taking it to a family gathering, this casserole is one of those recipes everyone comes back for seconds.
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to a great squash casserole is keeping the squash from becoming mushy.
Heath cooks the squash just until it's al dente, allowing it to finish cooking in the casserole without losing its texture. That extra step helps prevent the finished dish from becoming watery while giving each bite a little structure.
The creamy filling is another highlight. Sour cream, mayonnaise, and heavy cream work together to create a rich, smooth base that coats every piece of squash. One egg helps bind everything together, while a full pound of shredded cheese creates the gooey, cheesy texture everyone expects from a classic casserole.
Finally, the buttery Ritz cracker topping adds the perfect contrast. The crushed crackers toast beautifully on the grill, creating a crisp, golden crust that complements the creamy filling underneath.
The Ingredients
- Yellow Squash is the star of the recipe. Fresh summer squash cooks quickly and becomes tender while still holding its shape throughout the casserole.
- Sweet Onion adds a mild sweetness that complements the squash without overpowering it.
- Egg helps bind the casserole together as it bakes.
- Sour Cream provides richness and tang while helping create the creamy filling.
- Mayonnaise adds body and enhances the overall texture of the casserole.
- Heavy Whipping Cream creates an even richer consistency while keeping the casserole moist throughout the cook.
- Heath Riles BBQ Garlic Jalapeño Rub adds savory garlic flavor with just enough jalapeño heat to elevate the dish without making it spicy.
- Shredded Cheese melts throughout the casserole, creating a creamy, cheesy bite in every serving.
- Butter combines with crushed Ritz crackers to create the classic golden topping.
- Ritz Crackers provide the buttery crunch that makes squash casserole so recognizable.
The Process for Summer Squash Casserole
Cook the Squash
Slice the yellow squash into evenly sized rounds and cook until just al dente. The squash should be tender but still have a slight bite since it will continue cooking once it's in the casserole.
Drain any excess liquid before assembling the casserole to keep the filling from becoming watery.
Mix the Filling
In a large Mixing Bowl, whisk together one egg, a heaping one-third cup of sour cream, one-quarter cup mayonnaise, and one-quarter cup heavy whipping cream.
Season the mixture with Heath Riles BBQ Garlic Jalapeño Rub to taste before folding in one pound of shredded cheese.
Add the cooked squash and onions, then gently stir until everything is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture to a disposable aluminum pan or your favorite casserole dish, spreading it into an even layer.
In a separate bowl, melt three tablespoons of butter and combine it with one sleeve of crushed Ritz crackers. Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly across the top of the casserole, making sure to cover the entire surface for a golden, crispy finish.
Finish on the Pellet Grill
Preheat the Camp Chef Woodwind 24 to 350°F.
Place the casserole on the upper rack of the grill and cook for approximately 50 minutes, or until the filling is fully set and the Ritz cracker topping is golden brown and crisp. The cheese should be bubbling around the edges while the center remains creamy.
Remove the casserole from the grill and allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This gives the filling time to set slightly, making it easier to scoop.
The Results
This Summer Squash Casserole is everything a great Southern side dish should be.
The squash stays tender without becoming mushy, while the creamy filling holds everything together with just the right balance of richness. The sour cream, mayonnaise, and heavy cream create a smooth, velvety texture, and the melted cheese ties every bite together.
The Garlic Jalapeño Rub is what sets this version apart. Instead of making the casserole spicy, it adds layers of roasted garlic flavor with just enough jalapeño to wake up the richness of the cheese and cream. It's a subtle upgrade that keeps the casserole tasting homemade while giving it a little extra personality.
On top, the buttery Ritz crackers bake into a crisp, golden crust that adds the perfect crunch to contrast the creamy filling underneath. Cooking the casserole on the pellet grill also adds a light wood-fired flavor that complements the squash without overpowering it.
Whether you're serving it at a summer cookout, Thanksgiving dinner, or Sunday family meal, this casserole is guaranteed to be one of the first dishes to disappear.
Perfect Pairings
- Smoked Barbecue Meatloaf – Rich, smoky meatloaf pairs perfectly with the creamy squash casserole, making for the ultimate comfort food dinner.
- Creole Garlic Butter Turkey Breast – Juicy turkey breast and creamy squash casserole are a classic combination that's perfect for holidays or Sunday supper.
- Lard Injected Pork Chops – The richness of the pork chops pairs beautifully with the creamy casserole while the Garlic Jalapeño Rub complements the savory flavors of the pork.
- Grilled Ribeye Steak & Roasted Potatoes – Turn this casserole into a steakhouse-worthy meal by serving it alongside a perfectly grilled ribeye.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover squash casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
To reheat, cover loosely with foil and warm in a 325°F oven or pellet grill until heated through. If you'd like to crisp the cracker topping again, uncover the casserole during the last few minutes of reheating.
Leftovers also make an excellent side dish for lunch the next day alongside grilled chicken, pork chops, or leftover barbecue.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes the simplest recipes become the family favorites, and this Summer Squash Casserole is a perfect example.
Fresh summer squash, a creamy cheese filling, buttery Ritz crackers, and just a touch of Heath Riles BBQ Garlic Jalapeño Rub come together to create a side dish that's comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make.
Cooking it on the pellet grill gives the casserole a lightly smoky finish while freeing up oven space for the rest of your meal. Whether you're feeding a crowd at a backyard barbecue or bringing a dish to a holiday gathering, this recipe is one you'll find yourself making again and again.
