When the holiday season picks up, 13 side dish casseroles can quietly solve a lot of Christmas dinner decisions. These are the dependable choices that help round out the meal without pulling focus from everything else going on. I use ideas like these when I want the table to feel full and welcoming, even if plans shift. It’s about having solid options ready, not doing everything at once.

A slice of sweet potato casserole topped with pecan crumble on a white plate with a spoon, surrounded by pecans and sunflowers.Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.Sweet Potato CasseroleA close-up of Sweet Potato Casserole on a white dish.Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about this Sweet Potato Casserole, making it a hallmark of Christmas dinners everywhere. It’s the kind of dish that brings subtle sweetness to balance the holiday feast in just the right way. Whether paired with turkey or ham, this one never feels out of place on the table. Serve it once, and watch it secure a spot in every future holiday lineup.

Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole

Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh BroccoliA serving of Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli on a black plate.Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli is where comfort meets hearty goodness, making it an ideal side for Christmas dinner. It delivers a creamy texture with hints of freshness, creating the perfect balance for a table full of rich flavors. Whether you’re serving it alongside roasted meats or other casseroles, it blends in beautifully. Don’t be surprised when it quietly steals the spotlight from the main dish!

Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli

Tini’s Mac & Cheese with a TwistA spoonful of Tini’s Mac & Cheese with a Twist is held above a square baking dish filled with the same dish.Tini’s Mac & Cheese with a Twist. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Take the beloved classic and give it a festive, unexpected upgrade with this Tini’s Mac & Cheese with a Twist. It’s familiar enough that everyone will dip in with confidence, but surprising in a way that keeps them going back for just one more scoop. Perfect as a holiday showstopper, it’s one of those dishes that guarantees empty casserole dishes by the end of the night.

Get the Recipe: Tini’s Mac & Cheese with a Twist

Classic Corn Pudding CasseroleA square slice of corn pudding casserole with eggs, red bell pepper, and chives sits on a white plate with a serving spoon underneath.Classic Corn Pudding Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For me, this Classic Corn Pudding Casserole is the ultimate side dish that ties the Christmas table together. It has just the right blend of savory and slightly sweet, making it a perfect complement to holiday favorites like stuffing and glazed ham. The creamy texture pairs well with just about everything, and there’s a comforting vibe to every bite. Don’t be surprised if it becomes one of the first dishes to disappear from the table.

Get the Recipe: Classic Corn Pudding Casserole

Southern Ground Beef & Baked Bean CasseroleA square baking dish filled with Southern Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole and topped with strips of cooked bacon; a wooden spoon holds a serving.Southern Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This Southern Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole feels like pure comfort food wrapped up in festive vibes. It’s hearty enough to keep up with bold main dishes but still carries that down-home simplicity everyone loves during the holidays. Perfect for large gatherings, this casserole feels like it was made to bring people together. It’s a dish that holds its own while letting the spirit of the season shine through.

Get the Recipe: Southern Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole

Easy Cheesy Broccoli Rice CasseroleA serving of broccoli rice casserole on a white plate, with the casserole dish and a red polka dot cloth in the background.Easy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

For any Christmas dinner, this Easy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole hits all the right notes. It’s a crowd-pleaser, delivering creamy, comforting flavors that work beautifully with turkey, roast beef, or any other holiday classic. It’s the kind of dish that gets scooped up quickly while guests somehow still make room for seconds. No holiday table feels complete without a dash of cheesy goodness, and this casserole delivers every time.

Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Grandma’s Mashed Potato CasseroleA close-up of Grandma's Mashed Potato Casserole with a serving spoon in the dish.Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

There are few dishes as universally loved as this Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole, and it’s not hard to see why it’s a holiday favorite. Rich, creamy, and perfectly indulgent, it’s the kind of side that adds warmth and a touch of elegance to Christmas dinner. It works beautifully with practically every traditional holiday dish, from turkey to gravy-drenched stuffing. Honestly, it just wouldn’t feel like the holidays without it on the table!

Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

3-Ingredient Broccoli Cheese CasseroleA metal spatula lifts a slice of 3-Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole from a glass baking dish.3-Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

The beauty of this 3-Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole is in its simplicity, creating maximum flavor with minimal effort. You’ll love its creamy, cheesy texture that pairs effortlessly with the complex flavors of a traditional Christmas spread. It’s a reliable option for holiday dinners when you need a dish that delivers without overshadowing the main course. Everyone will marvel at how something so straightforward can taste so good!

Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Cinnamon Roll CasseroleA close-up view of a slice of bread pudding on a white plate, with a fork positioned near the dessert.Cinnamon Roll Casserole. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

With this Cinnamon Roll Casserole, Christmas dinner feels instantly more whimsical and unexpected. While most sides stick to savory flavors, this sweet addition brings seasonal cheer and a lovely contrast to the meal. It’s perfect for dessert-lovers who enjoy something playful alongside classic holiday fare. Trust me; one bite of this, and it might just find its way to your family’s Christmas traditions.

Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Cheesy Broccoli & Cauliflower Casserole with Crispy BaconA rectangular baking dish filled with baked casserole topped with a golden breadcrumb crust sits on a blue and white checkered cloth.Cheesy Broccoli & Cauliflower Casserole with Crispy Bacon. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Combining hearty vegetables, creamy textures, and the perfect touch of crunch, this Cheesy Broccoli & Cauliflower Casserole with Crispy Bacon stands out in all the best ways. It’s simple enough to blend in with your holiday spread but bold enough to spark a few conversations at the table. The mix of flavors and textures makes it a holiday staple for those who love a satisfying balance in their meal.

Get the Recipe: Cheesy Broccoli & Cauliflower Casserole with Crispy Bacon

Chef Jenn’s Fully Loaded Sweet Potato CasseroleA white plate with loaded sweet potato casserole topped with sour cream, bacon, cheese, and green onions, set on a brown charger plate with a fork and cooking utensils in the background.Chef Jenn’s Fully Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re looking for a standout side dish, this Chef Jenn’s Fully Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole is the ultimate treat for your Christmas dinner. This casserole feels luxuriously festive yet perfectly at home among all the classic holiday favorites. It strikes that perfect balance of heartwarming and indulgent, making it an unforgettable addition to any table. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll see why it’s a go-to recipe for big celebrations.

Get the Recipe: Chef Jenn’s Fully Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole

Meatloaf CasseroleA close-up of a partially served shepherd's pie, showing a layer of seasoned ground meat topped with mashed potatoes and garnished with chopped green onions.Meatloaf Casserole. Photo credits: Keto Cooking Wins.

While it might not be the first dish that comes to mind for Christmas dinner, this Meatloaf Casserole has a way of surprising everyone. Its hearty, comforting flavors fit right in with the festive atmosphere, making it a unique addition to the holiday table. It’s bold, satisfying, and perfect for those who love a touch of indulgence in their meals. If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, this casserole is your answer.

Get the Recipe: Meatloaf Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel ToppingA slice of sweet potato casserole topped with pecan crumble on a white plate with a spoon, surrounded by pecans and sunflowers.Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s something almost magical about this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping, making it a must-have for Christmas dinner. It offers a festive mix of textures and flavors that feel as special as the holiday itself. Whether you’re a fan of sweet sides or just looking to add a bit of elegance to your table, this recipe delivers every time. One taste, and it’ll instantly feel like a new tradition worth keeping.

Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping

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