The holiday season is a whirlwind of gift wrapping, tree decorating, and, let’s be honest, trying not to lose your cool when Aunt Linda asks why dinner’s not ready yet. Who has time to slave over a hot stove when there’s a Christmas movie marathon calling your name? That’s where these 12 Christmas casseroles swoop in to save the day. They’re quick, stress-free, and so delicious your guests will think you’ve been cooking for hours (shh, we won’t tell). From cheesy comfort to festive flair, these one-dish wonders are your ticket to a merry, low-effort meal. Ready to make your holiday table the talk of the town? Here we go!
1. Cheesy Ham & Potato Casserole
Why It’s Awesome: This is comfort food at its finest—think creamy, cheesy goodness with a festive ham twist. Perfect for using up Christmas leftovers!
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced ham (leftover from Christmas dinner, anyone?)
- 4 cups diced potatoes (Yukon Gold for that buttery vibe)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp is best, trust me)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Toss the diced potatoes and ham in the dish. Spread evenly.
- Mix cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. Pour over the potato-ham combo.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese and green onions on top like festive confetti.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving (if you can resist).
Why You’ll Love It
This casserole is like a warm hug from your favorite holiday sweater. It’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together in under an hour, and the ham adds that festive touch without extra work. Pro tip: I once tried subbing mozzarella for cheddar—big mistake. Stick with the sharp stuff for max flavor!
2. Cranberry Chicken Casserole
Why It’s Awesome: Sweet, tart cranberries meet juicy chicken for a festive dish that screams Christmas. Plus, it’s ready in 40 minutes flat.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed)
- 1 cup cooked wild rice
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional but fancy)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×9 baking dish.
- Spread cooked wild rice in the dish. Top with cubed chicken and cranberries.
- Whisk cream cheese, chicken broth, thyme, and paprika until smooth. Pour over the chicken mixture.
- Sprinkle pecans on top for crunch (skip if you’re nut-averse).
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Serve hot.
Why You’ll Love It
The cranberries pop with holiday spirit, and the creamy sauce makes every bite feel indulgent. I made this for a Christmas potluck once, and it vanished faster than the cookies. Who doesn’t love a dish that looks fancy but takes zero effort?
3. Green Bean & Mushroom Casserole
Why It’s Awesome: This isn’t your grandma’s green bean casserole (no offense, Gran). It’s fresher, creamier, and ready in a snap.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and chopped
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (button or cremini work great)
- 1 can cream of celery soup (10.5 oz)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup fried onions (because crunch is king)
- 1 tsp soy sauce (trust me, it’s the secret weapon)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 dish.
- Blanch green beans in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain.
- Mix green beans, mushrooms, cream of celery soup, milk, and soy sauce in the dish.
- Top with fried onions. Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let cool slightly before diving in.
Why You’ll Love It
The soy sauce adds a sneaky umami kick that’ll have everyone asking for your secret. This is my go-to when I need a veggie dish that doesn’t bore the table. Plus, it’s a holiday classic with a modern twist—win-win!
4. Sausage & Stuffing Casserole
Why It’s Awesome: This is like Thanksgiving and Christmas had a delicious baby. Sausage and stuffing in one dish? Yes, please!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage (Italian or breakfast style)
- 4 cups cubed cornbread (day-old is best)
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp sage
- 1/2 tsp rosemary
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 dish.
- Cook sausage, celery, and onion in a skillet until sausage is browned. Drain excess fat.
- Mix sausage combo, cornbread, cranberries, sage, and rosemary in the dish.
- Pour chicken broth over everything. Stir gently.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and set.
Why You’ll Love It
This casserole is a holiday flavor bomb—savory, slightly sweet, and oh-so-cozy. I once made it with spicy sausage, and it was a game-changer. Perfect for when you want stuffing vibes without the turkey hassle.
5. Broccoli & Cheese Casserole
Why It’s Awesome: Cheesy, creamy, and secretly veggie-packed—perfect for picky eaters at the holiday table.
Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped broccoli (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×9 dish.
- Steam broccoli for 5 minutes (if fresh). Spread in the dish.
- Mix mayonnaise, cream of chicken soup, and garlic powder. Pour over broccoli.
- Top with cheddar cheese. Mix Ritz crumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Why You’ll Love It
The Ritz cracker topping is pure magic—crunchy, buttery, and addictive. This dish is my secret weapon for getting kids to eat broccoli. It’s so good, you’ll forget it’s semi-healthy. 🙂
6. Sweet Potato & Marshmallow Casserole
Why It’s Awesome: Sweet, gooey, and festive—this is the dessert-disguised-as-a-side-dish we all secretly love.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3 large potatoes)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 dish.
- Mix mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl.
- Spread mixture in the dish. Top with mini marshmallows.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until marshmallows are golden and toasty.
- Serve warm and watch it disappear.
Why You’ll Love It
This casserole is like a warm holiday hug in a dish. The marshmallows get all melty and caramelized—pure bliss. I tried it with pecans once, but IMO, the classic version is unbeatable.
7. Turkey & Wild Rice Casserole
Why It’s Awesome: Got leftover turkey? This creamy, hearty casserole turns it into a festive masterpiece in no time.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded turkey
- 1 cup cooked wild rice
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×9 dish.
- Mix turkey, wild rice, and peas in the dish.
- Combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and thyme. Pour over the mixture.
- Sprinkle Swiss cheese on top. Bake for 30–35 minutes until bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Why You’ll Love It
This is the ultimate post-Christmas cleanup dish—uses up that turkey and tastes like a gourmet meal. The Swiss cheese adds a nutty twist that’s just divine. Perfect for a cozy night in.
8. Spinach & Artichoke Casserole
Why It’s Awesome: This dip-inspired casserole is creamy, cheesy, and fancy enough for your holiday spread. Who says veggies can’t steal the show?
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped spinach (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1 can artichoke hearts (14 oz, drained and chopped)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×9 dish.
- Mix spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, sour cream, and garlic powder in a bowl.
- Spread mixture in the dish. Top with Parmesan and mozzarella.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve with crackers or bread for dipping (optional).
Why You’ll Love It
This casserole is like your favorite spinach-artichoke dip, but with holiday swagger. I brought it to a party once, and it was gone before the mains hit the table. Perfect for veggie lovers and dip fanatics alike.
9. Corn & Poblano Casserole
Why It’s Awesome: Spicy, sweet, and oh-so-comforting, this casserole brings a Southwestern vibe to your Christmas table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 poblano pepper, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cornbread mix
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 egg
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×9 dish.
- Mix corn, poblano, sour cream, cornbread mix, butter, and egg in a bowl.
- Spread in the dish. Top with cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until set and golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Why You’ll Love It
The poblano adds a gentle kick that pairs perfectly with sweet corn. This dish is my go-to when I want something a little different but still crowd-pleasing. It’s like cornbread and chili had a festive baby.
10. Breakfast Egg & Sausage Casserole
Why It’s Awesome: Christmas morning deserves a hearty, make-ahead breakfast. This casserole is a lifesaver for busy mornings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups cubed bread (stale works best)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 dish.
- Cook sausage in a skillet until browned. Drain fat.
- Whisk eggs, milk, mustard powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Layer bread cubes and sausage in the dish. Pour egg mixture over.
- Top with cheddar cheese. Bake for 40–45 minutes until set.
Why You’ll Love It
This is the ultimate Christmas breakfast hack—prep it the night before and pop it in the oven. The mustard powder adds a subtle zing that makes it unforgettable. I’ve been making this for years, and it’s always a hit.
11. Butternut Squash & Sage Casserole
Why It’s Awesome: Earthy, creamy, and festive, this veggie-packed casserole is a holiday showstopper for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cubed butternut squash
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×9 dish.
- Steam butternut squash until tender (about 10 minutes). Spread in the dish.
- Mix heavy cream, sage, and garlic powder. Pour over squash.
- Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and olive oil. Sprinkle on top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Why You’ll Love It
The sage and butternut squash combo is pure holiday magic—warm, cozy, and sophisticated. I tried this with rosemary once, but sage is the way to go. It’s like autumn in a dish, perfect for Christmas.
12. Cheesy Taco Casserole
Why It’s Awesome: Who says Christmas can’t have a little spice? This taco-inspired casserole is a fun, festive crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups crushed tortilla chips
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 dish.
- Cook ground beef with taco seasoning. Drain fat.
- Mix beef with salsa and sour cream. Spread in the dish.
- Top with tortilla chips and cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melty. Garnish with cilantro if you’re feeling fancy.
Why You’ll Love It
This casserole brings the fiesta to your holiday table. The tortilla chips add a addictive crunch, and it’s so easy you’ll want to make it year-round. My family begs for this one every Christmas—true story.
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- 6 Creamy Pumpkin Risotto Recipes to Savor This Fall
Wrap-Up
There you have it—12 Christmas casseroles that’ll make your holiday season tastier, easier, and way less stressful. From cheesy classics to festive twists, these dishes are your secret weapon for a merry meal without the meltdown. Which one’s hitting your table first? Let’s be real, you can’t go wrong with any of these time-savers. Happy cooking, and here’s to a stress-free Christmas! 🎄
