Brenda Gantt Squash Alabama Recipe

I remember the days when my childhood friends and I would gather at my grandmother’s house. We were always excited to try something new from the kitchen, but there was one dish that stood out — Squash Alabama. I’ll never forget the first time I tried it. It was a warm, cheesy Southern casserole, and every bite was so comforting. It quickly became one of my all-time favorites. Inspired by those wonderful memories, I decided to recreate Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama Recipe. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to share with friends and family, and I’m so glad I gave it a try. 

If you’ve never tried it, I encourage you to make it! It’s the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and comforting flavors that will fill your home with warmth and create new memories for your family. Trust me, once you try this Brenda Gantt Squash Alabama Recipe, it’ll quickly become a favorite at your gatherings too!

What makes this Recipe Special?

When I first tried this recipe, I fell in love! It’s not just another boring vegetable dish. Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama recipe is a delicious way to turn fresh yellow squash into a creamy, cheesy dish that’s perfect for any meal. It’s made with simple ingredients like squash, onion, cheese, mayonnaise, eggs, and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping. The squash is cooked until tender, then mixed with the other ingredients to create a casserole-style dish. It’s super easy to make and tastes so good.

Why You’ll Love Brenda Gantt Squash Alabama

1. Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday items you likely have in your kitchen.
2. Easy to Prepare: Even beginners will find this recipe straightforward.
3. Family Favorite: Perfect for gatherings or a comforting dinner at home.

What’s in Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama Recipe?

• Fresh Yellow Squash (2–2.5 lbs.): Pick light yellow squash—it’s tender and cooks better.
• Salt: Just a pinch for boiling the squash.
• Butter (½ stick): Used to sauté the veggies and add flavor.
• Onion (1 large): Chop it up finely for the perfect bite.
• Mayonnaise (1 cup): Makes the dish creamy and rich.
• Eggs (2): Beat them to help the casserole stick together.
• Shredded Cheese (2 cups): I use cheddar, but pick what you love!
• Ritz Crackers (1 sleeve): Crushed up for a crispy topping.
• Black Pepper: Just a pinch to season
• Sweet Pepper (1 small): Optional, but adds a nice sweet flavor.

Recipe Substitutions for Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama

If you’re missing some ingredients or just want to try something different, here are some great swaps for this recipe:

1. Squash: If yellow squash is hard to find, you can use zucchini as a substitute.
2. Cheese: Instead of cheddar, you can use Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder, gooey melt.
3. Peppers: Sweet peppers can be swapped with bell peppers for a slightly different flavor and texture.
4. Ritz Crackers: If you don’t have Ritz crackers, try panko breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers.

Kitchen Appliances and Tools Needed for Gantt’s Squash Alabama

1. Stove: Used for boiling the squash and sautéing the onions and peppers in the skillet.
2. Skillet: A frying pan is necessary for sautéing the onions, sweet peppers, and butter. A non-stick skillet works best for easy cooking and cleanup.
3. Pot for Boiling: You’ll need a medium to large-sized pot to boil the squash until it’s tender. A pot with a lid will help the squash cook evenly.
4. Mixing Bowls: You’ll use a large bowl to mix the mayonnaise, eggs, and shredded cheese together. A medium bowl is helpful for mixing the sautéed vegetables before combining with the squash.
5. Casserole Dish: A baking dish, around 9×13 inches, to spread the mixture in before baking. It needs to be lightly greased for easy removal after baking.
6. Oven: Used for baking the casserole.

How To Make Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama

Step 1 | Prepare the Squash

Wash the yellow squash thoroughly under cold water. Trim off both ends of the squash, then slice it into thin circles. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Add the sliced squash to the boiling water and cook until it’s tender but not mushy, about 10–12 minutes. Drain the squash in a colander, pressing gently with the back of a spoon to remove any excess liquid.

Step 2 | Sauté the Vegetables

Melt half a stick of butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add a finely chopped large onion to the skillet and cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you like a bit of extra flavor, toss in a small chopped sweet pepper. Cook until both the onion and pepper are soft and fragrant. Set aside.

Step 3 | Prepare the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of mayonnaise and 2 beaten eggs until smooth. Add 2 cups of shredded cheese (cheddar works great, but feel free to use your favorite cheese). Stir until the mixture is creamy and well-blended. Fold in the sautéed onions and peppers, mixing until evenly distributed.

Step 4 | Combine All Ingredients

Add the drained squash to the creamy base. Mix gently to avoid breaking up the squash slices. Sprinkle a pinch of black pepper for added flavor.

Step 5 | Mix the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Pour the squash mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Crush about one sleeve of Ritz crackers and sprinkle them evenly over the top for a crispy, golden crust.

Step 6 | Bake the Casserole

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes. The casserole is ready when it’s bubbling around the edges and the cracker topping is golden brown. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve on individual plates and Enjoy.

Recipe Notes

• Draining Tip: Ensure the squash is well-drained to avoid a watery casserole.
• Cracker Topping: Crush Ritz crackers finely for even coverage.
• Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day ahead but add crackers just before baking.

How to Serve Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama

1. Perfect as a Main Dish: Serve Brenda Gantt Squash Alabama Recipe with some warm, buttery cornbread to soak up all the delicious flavors.
2. Great Side Dish: It pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or even a juicy steak for a comforting meal.
3. Add a Fresh Touch: A light, crisp green salad on the side will balance out the richness of the casserole.

Proper Storage for Leftover Squash Alabama

1. Refrigerator: After serving, store any leftovers in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure the casserole has cooled down completely before storing.
2. Freezer: To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
3. Reheating: For the best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until fully heated. You can also microwave individual portions on high for 1-2 minutes, but the oven will help keep the casserole’s crispy topping.

Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama Recipe FAQs

1. How do I pick the right squash?

I always look for light yellow, small squashes. The lighter the color, the more tender they’ll be! Avoid dark yellow squash because they can be tough and not as yummy. Fresh summer squash from the garden or local market works amazing!

2. Can I change things up in the recipe?

Yes! That’s the fun part of cooking. You can totally skip the onions and peppers for the Brenda Gantt Squash Alabama Recipe if you don’t want them. The recipe is super flexible. If you want, try adding other veggies your family loves.

3. Will kids actually eat this?

Most kids love this! The cheesy, crunchy top makes vegetables taste like a treat. I’ve seen kids who hate veggies gobble this up without a complaint.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You bet! You can prepare everything earlier in the day. Just remember – add those Ritz crackers right before baking to keep them super crispy.

4. What should I serve with this casserole?

Oh, so many things! Grilled chicken, barbecue, a fresh salad – this squash casserole goes with almost anything. It’s perfect for summer dinners or potlucks.

5. Is this recipe spicy?

Nope! This is a mild, cheesy casserole that even picky eaters usually love. The sweet peppers add just a tiny bit of flavor, but nothing spicy.

Conclusion

Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama is a classic Southern dish that’s both simple and delicious. The creamy, cheesy blend of squash makes it a favorite for any meal. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is easy to follow and always turns out amazing. I can’t wait for you to try it! Let me know how it turns out and don’t forget to share your experience. For more tasty recipes, follow us on Pinterest!