Whether you’ve got a house full of relatives or need to bring a dish to feed the folks at Uncle Frank’s, there’s a reason casseroles and Christmas go hand in hand. A warm, cozy casserole is the secret to beating the Christmas chaos. Honestly. Hearty and easy to make ahead, our favorite holiday casserole recipes range from traditional classics to creative, must-try dishes. Between wrapping presents and preparing the house for guests, you’ll be able to pop these one-dish wonders into the oven with ease. Freeze, pull out, and reheat to make feeding a table of twelve feel more feasible than ever before. Flip through some of our favorite Christmas casserole recipes, and you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your holiday feast.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
It wouldn’t be a holiday gathering without a tasty sweet potato casserole, and this classic recipe just happens to be one of the best around.
Iain Bagwell
No one will be upset to see this classic side added to your Christmas sideboard. It can be made up to 12 hours in advance and refrigerated overnight before cooking the next day, or the entire thing can be cooked, then frozen, thawed, and heated again.
Becky Luigart-Stayner
When it comes to casseroles, it doesn’t get much more reliable than chicken and rice. Perfect for a Christmas crowd, this recipe feels a little dressier than your everyday chicken-and-rice combo and can easily feed 10 to 12 hungry holiday guests.
Beth Dreiling Hontzas
This versatile casserole side dish can be paired with virtually anything. Whether you’re serving a Christmas ham or a spiced-rubbed tenderloin, this scrumptious side is sure to complement and complete the rest of your holiday menu.
Will Dickey
This crowd pleaser couldn’t be simpler or more stress-free to make. You likely have most ingredients in your refrigerator or pantry already, and the entire thing can be frozen before baking, which means it’s easy to have on hand when everyone’s asking “What’s for lunch?”
Don’t let the word “cobbler” trick you into thinking this golden-brown Christmas bake is a sweet dish. This twist on a chicken pot pie will have you thinking “savory” when a mix of buttermilk biscuit, fresh mushrooms, and shredded chicken hit your lips.
Photographer: Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Missie Neville Crawford
Frozen shredded potatoes make this filling breakfast casserole a cinch to pull together. The combo of bacon, Cheddar cheese, and sweet onion appeals to everyone at your holiday gathering.
Beth Dreiling Hontzas; Styling: Missie Neville Crawford
A Christmas lasagna is a must for many families, so this year make it a breeze to serve for lunch or as a side on the buffet by prepping it ahead of time.
FOOD STYLING: RUTH BLACKBURN; PROP STYLING: CHRISTINE KEELY
Everyone has their go-to macaroni and cheese recipe, but for a stress-free holiday, this is the one you want to use. Assembled the night before, all there is left to do on the day of is toss together the breadcrumb topping, and bake.
Jennifer Davick
This creamy cheddar and Parmesan casserole recipe is sure to satisfy cheese and squash lovers alike. Substitute zucchini for some of the squash if you have it.
Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
This is classic comfort food at its finest. What makes this warm and cheesy casserole even better is that can you build it the night before Christmas (sans breadcrumb topping), and chill it overnight in the fridge. When ready to eat the next day, simply top with breadcrumbs and pop it in the oven, then all you have left to do is enjoy some Christmas punch while it bakes.
VICTOR PROTASIO; PROP STYLING: GINNY BRANCH STELLING; FOOD STYLING: EMILY NABORS HALL
If dressing is a mandatory part of your Christmas dinner, plan ahead with this Classic Cornbread Dressing. It can be assembled and baked a day ahead and then reheated and served in a flash for the big day. Same can’t be said for the Christmas ham, unfortunately.
Greg Dupree
Prepare this casserole in advance up to step 5, and freeze it for the busy holiday. Even easier, there’s no need to thaw. Just let it stand for 30 minutes before baking, and add 15-20 minutes to the cook time.
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
Chicken, pasta, veggies, and a creamy sauce made with none other than cream of mushroom soup make this casserole an instant classic. Serve with a leafy green salad and you’ve got a fabulous lunch or dinner to feed a crowd.
Photographer: Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
This isn’t your traditional pot pie, but it will easily become a favorite. It’s special enough for a cozy Christmas meal, and you can make it ahead and freeze it. Just defrost fully before baking.
Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Micah Morton, Prop Stylist: Kathleen Varner
Make dinner ahead of time so you can enjoy your holiday guests. Assemble this creamy dish the day before. It can also be frozen, giving you even more time to enjoy the season.
Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Anna Hampton; Prop Stylist:Claire Spollen
Serve this cheesy shrimp and rice casserole for a candle-lit gathering. No one needs to know you made and froze it weeks ago.
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Ginny Branch
The whole family will be happy when you put macaroni and cheese on the table. This version includes plenty of broccoli, and it can be made a day ahead.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Cheddar cheese gives these mashed potatoes a helping of flavor. Butter, half and half, and cream cheese add extra creaminess.
Stacy Allen; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower
If your holiday wish list includes a meal that’s easy and decadent, this is it. Caramelized onions go into the rich sauce, and the fried onion topping adds crunch.
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
It’s not the holidays without green bean casserole on the table. Get a head-start on this dish by making it ahead and freezing. Add the fried onions just before baking to ensure they stay crisp.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Sweet corn, creamy sauce, and buttery crackers will make everyone go for seconds. This recipe propels frozen corn into a holiday star.
Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
The ingredient list for this recipe is short, so if you’re making this for a holiday morning, we know you’ll appreciate the streamlined addition to your shopping list. And your family will appreciate the soul-warming goodness of potatoes, sausage, and cheese.
Lee Harrelson; Styling: Mindi Shapiro
Layers of sauce, spinach, cheese, and chicken all in one dish? Now that’s a surefire way to ensure even the pickiest eaters at your dinner table join the clean plate club tonight. Make ahead of time, freeze, then thaw, and heat. Dinner is as simple as that.
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
For a welcome change to your regular rotation of classic holiday meals, try these easy chicken enchiladas. They assemble easily and can be frozen and reheated like any traditional casserole.