Texas Jalapeno Squash Casserole – Spicy Squash Casserole (no crackers)

Spicy Squash Casserole, also known as Texas Jalapeno Squash Casserole, is a new take on our favorite summer casserole. This yellow squash casserole features diced jalapeno for a bit of heat and crushed Frito chips for a crunchy topping. This summer squash casserole (no crackers) is a great summer side dish.

Spicy Squash Casserole Recipe

I love this spicy, Tex Mex version of yellow squash casserole. It features diced jalapenos and a crunchy topping of crushed corn chips. The spicy jalapenos and the salty chips pair nicely with the mild flavor of yellow squash.

I found this new version in my Vegetables on the Side Cook Book. I made a few minor adjustments (including the Fritos). Even my kids ate it up without complaining. Even though this is a Spicy Tex Mex Squash Casserole, I tend to stay on the less spicy spectrum by removing the seeds in the jalapenos.

But, the spice level is up to you. If you are a heat-loving family, add in the jalapeno seeds.

Ingredient List for Yellow Squash Casserole without crackers

• Yellow Squash (also called summer squash), cut into small cubes
• Butter (or margarine)
• Onion, diced
• Jalapeno, chopped
• Dried Oregano
• Salt
• Black Pepper
• Cheddar Cheese, grated
• Fritos (Frito corn chips), crushed

How To Make Tex Mex Summer Squash Casserole

Step By Step Instructions

1. Steam (or boil) cubed yellow squash until crisp tender; drain if needed.
2. In a small skillet, sauté chopped onions in butter until translucent.
3. Stir together steamed summer squash, cooked onions, diced jalapeno, dried oregano, shredded cheese, salt and pepper; pour into a 1 1/2-quart baking dish or casserole dish that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
4. Sprinkle crushed Frito corn chips (or tortilla chips) over the top squash mixture.
5. Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 30 minutes or until lightly browned and bubbling.

For the full instructions and ingredient amounts for summer squash casserole with jalapenos, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Recipe FAQs for Yellow Squash Casserole (no crackers)

• This recipe is called Texas summer squash casserole because it features diced jalapenos and a crushed Frito corn chip topping.
• For more heat, leave the jalapeno seeds in the casserole, or for less, remove the seeds.
• Substitute out Fritos for crushed butter crackers or buttered bread crumbs, if desired.
• To prepare the summer squash, either steam it in a boiler pan or boil in water.  Be sure not to over-cook it. The end result should be crisp-tender, not mushy.
• Colby Jack or Monterrey Jack cheese can be substituted for Cheddar cheese.
• I prefer to grate my own cheese for this Texas Style Squash Casserole as opposed to using the pre-shredded type. But in a pinch, the bagged kind works just fine.
• Check out our Amazon Store for our favorite pantry items and kitchen tools.

Recipe Variations for Spicy Squash Casserole

• Use zucchini or a mixture of yellow squash and zucchini.
• Yellow onion or white onions work great, or use dried, minced onion.
• Substitute cracker crumbs such as Ritz crackers for Fritos, if desired.
• Any type of chiles can be used instead of jalapenos.
• Sprinkle with chopped cilantro before serving.

Yellow Squash Casserole Options

I guess you could say I’m a bit of a connoisseur of yellow squash casseroles. Summer or yellow quash is a great base for baked casseroles. They don’t have a ton of flavor allowing your other ingredients to really shine. We like to use squash instead of potatoes or even pasta in our cheesy casseroles making them a slightly “lighter” side dish. Here are some of our favorites.

I make a mean Kentucky Summer Squash Casserole.

And let’s not forget my Cheesy Squash Casserole.

Want a squash casserole that can be a main dish? Try Bacon Cheeseburger Squash Casserole.

All of these summer squash casseroles are staples at my house. But, I now have a new summer squash recipe in my repertoire with the spicy squash version at the bottom of this post.

More Yellow Squash Recipes

Roasted Summer Squash with Parmesan:

Stewed Yellow Squash and Tomatoes:

Ground Beef Stuffed Squash

Pan Roasted Summer Squash

Does yellow squash need peeled before cooking?

Yellow squash, also called summer squash, has a thin, edible peel on the outside.  There’s no need to peel if before cooking. Just give the squash a good wash down in water, chop it up and use it in your favorite yellow squash recipe.

Can you eat the skin of yellow squash?

Yes, yellow squash has a very thin skin that makes it edible and easy to digest.  Leave the skin on before preparing your favorite summer squash dish.