Christmas dinner is the Super Bowl of home cooking, am I right? You’ve got family piling in, kids running around, and maybe an aunt who “just wants to help” but keeps rearranging your kitchen. The last thing you need is a complicated menu. Enter: casseroles. These one-dish wonders are your ticket to a stress-free, crowd-pleasing holiday feast. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or impressing your foodie cousin, this list of 17 cozy casseroles has you covered. From cheesy classics to lighter spins, every recipe is approachable, packed with flavor, and—dare I say—fun to make. Ready to make your Christmas dinner the talk of the season? Let’s get cooking!
1. Cheesy Ham & Potato Casserole
Who doesn’t love a warm, gooey dish that screams comfort? This ham and potato casserole is like a hug in a baking dish, perfect for using up leftover holiday ham.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups cooked ham, cubed
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes (for that crispy top)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Boil potatoes in salted water for 8–10 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
- Mix ham, cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Fold in the potatoes gently—don’t mash them!
- Spread the mixture into the baking dish. Top with crushed cornflakes.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Why You’ll Love It
This casserole is pure nostalgia—think Sunday dinners at grandma’s house. The cornflake topping adds a satisfying crunch, and it’s a great way to repurpose that Christmas ham. Pro tip: Swap cheddar for smoked gouda if you’re feeling fancy.
2. Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Casserole
Want to sneak some greens into your holiday spread without anyone complaining? This creamy, decadent casserole tastes like your favorite dip but works as a main or side.
Ingredients
- 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8 baking dish.
- Mix cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, mozzarella, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth.
- Stir in spinach and artichoke hearts.
- Spread the mixture into the dish. Sprinkle extra mozzarella on top if you’re extra cheesy 😜.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Why You’ll Love It
This is basically spinach artichoke dip you can eat with a fork. It’s rich, creamy, and secretly packed with veggies. I once brought this to a potluck, and it vanished before the ham did—true story.
3. Sweet Potato & Sausage Casserole
Sweet, savory, and oh-so-satisfying, this casserole balances sweet potatoes with hearty sausage for a dish that screams holiday vibes.
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 lb Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Cook sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté bell pepper and onion until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Boil sweet potatoes for 10 minutes until just tender. Drain.
- Combine sausage, sweet potatoes, bell pepper, onion, heavy cream, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Transfer to the baking dish. Top with cheddar.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melty and golden.
Why You’ll Love It
The sweet potato and sausage combo is a match made in heaven—sweet, savory, and a little smoky. It’s hearty enough to stand alone but plays well as a side. IMO, the smoked paprika is non-negotiable for that extra depth.
4. Green Bean Almondine Casserole
Green bean casserole, but make it bougie. This version swaps the canned soup for a homemade creamy sauce and adds toasted almonds for crunch.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
- ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup crispy fried onions (optional, for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×9 baking dish.
- Blanch green beans in boiling water for 5 minutes, then plunge into ice water. Drain.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly add milk, whisking until thickened. Stir in Parmesan, Dijon, salt, and pepper.
- Toss green beans and almonds in the sauce. Transfer to the baking dish.
- Top with crispy onions (if using). Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly.
Why You’ll Love It
This is green bean casserole for grown-ups. The almonds add a nutty crunch, and the Dijon gives it a subtle zing. I tried using canned soup once—big mistake. Homemade sauce is worth the extra 5 minutes.
5. Turkey & Stuffing Casserole
Got leftover turkey? This casserole combines it with stuffing and a creamy gravy for a post-Christmas dish that’s basically a holiday remix.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 3 cups prepared stuffing (use your favorite recipe or boxed mix)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ cup shredded cheddar (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Mix turkey, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mixed vegetables, and thyme in a bowl.
- Spread half the stuffing in the baking dish. Top with the turkey mixture.
- Spread the remaining stuffing on top. Sprinkle with cheddar if using.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Why You’ll Love It
This casserole is like Thanksgiving in a dish, minus the stress. It’s a lifesaver for using up leftovers, and the stuffing layer makes it feel extra festive. Pro tip: Add a splash of cranberry sauce on the side for a fun twist.
6. Broccoli & Cheddar Casserole
Broccoli and cheese are a power couple, and this casserole proves it. It’s simple, cheesy, and a total crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×9 baking dish.
- Steam broccoli for 5 minutes until bright green. Drain well.
- Mix cream of celery soup, mayonnaise, egg, garlic powder, and 1 cup cheddar in a bowl.
- Stir in broccoli and spread into the baking dish.
- Toss Ritz crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle over the casserole with remaining cheddar.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Why You’ll Love It
This is comfort food at its finest—creamy, cheesy, and with just enough broccoli to feel virtuous. The Ritz cracker topping is my secret weapon for extra crunch. Trust me, even the kids will eat their veggies with this one.
7. Cranberry Chicken Casserole
Sweet, tangy, and savory, this casserole brings cranberry flair to your Christmas table. It’s unexpected but so delicious.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 cup cooked wild rice
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Cook chicken in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink. Set aside.
- Mix cream of chicken soup, orange juice, honey, and rosemary in a bowl.
- Stir in chicken, cranberries, wild rice, and pecans.
- Spread into the baking dish. Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly.
Why You’ll Love It
The cranberries pop with tartness, balanced by the sweet honey and savory chicken. It’s a festive twist that feels special without being fussy. I made this for a holiday party, and people still talk about it.
8. Mushroom & Wild Rice Casserole
Earthy, hearty, and vegetarian-friendly, this casserole is a sophisticated addition to your Christmas spread.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked wild rice
- 1 lb cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease an 8×8 baking dish.
- Sauté mushrooms, onion, and garlic in a skillet with 1 tbsp butter until soft, about 8 minutes.
- Mix wild rice, mushrooms, heavy cream, thyme, salt, pepper, and half the Gruyère in a bowl.
- Spread into the baking dish. Top with panko and remaining Gruyère.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Why You’ll Love It
The wild rice and mushrooms give this dish a woodsy vibe that’s perfect for winter. It’s rich without being heavy, and the Gruyère adds a nutty, melty goodness. Vegetarians at your table will thank you.
9. Cheesy Corn & Jalapeño Casserole
Spice up your Christmas dinner with this creamy, slightly spicy casserole. It’s a Southern-inspired side that steals the show.
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen corn, thawed
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup crushed tortilla chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×9 baking dish.
- Mix cream cheese, milk, chili powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Stir in corn, jalapeño, and cheddar.
- Spread into the baking dish. Top with tortilla chips.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly.
Why You’ll Love It
This casserole is creamy, cheesy, and just spicy enough to keep things interesting. The tortilla chip topping adds a fun crunch. FYI, go easy on the jalapeño if your crowd isn’t spice-obsessed.
10. Lasagna Casserole
All the flavors of lasagna, none of the layering hassle. This casserole is a Christmas dinner game-changer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb rotini pasta, cooked
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 egg, beaten
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned. Drain fat.
- Mix beef, marinara, ricotta, Italian seasoning, and egg in a large bowl.
- Stir in pasta. Spread into the baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly.
Why You’ll Love It
This is lasagna for lazy cooks (no shade—I’m one of them). It’s cheesy, hearty, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Pro tip: Use a spicy marinara for an extra kick.
11. Butternut Squash & Kale Casserole
Healthy-ish but still indulgent, this casserole brings vibrant colors and bold flavors to your holiday table.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups chopped kale
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×9 baking dish.
- Roast butternut squash at 400°F for 20 minutes until tender.
- Mix squash, kale, heavy cream, smoked paprika, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Spread into the baking dish. Top with mozzarella and panko.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.
Why You’ll Love It
The butternut squash is sweet and creamy, while the kale adds a fresh bite. It’s a great way to sneak in veggies without sacrificing flavor. I once swapped kale for spinach—big mistake, it got too soggy.
12. Tuna Noodle Casserole
A retro classic that’s still a hit. This tuna noodle dish is creamy, comforting, and budget-friendly.
Ingredients
- 12 oz egg noodles, cooked
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 1 cup crushed potato chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Mix tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, peas, and half the cheddar in a bowl.
- Stir in noodles. Spread into the baking dish.
- Top with potato chips and remaining cheddar.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly.
Why You’ll Love It
This is pure comfort food, like a warm blanket for your taste buds. The potato chip topping is non-negotiable for that perfect crunch. Nostalgia in every bite!
13. Breakfast Casserole for Christmas Morning
Start Christmas with a hearty, make-ahead casserole that lets you sleep in (kind of).
Ingredients
- 6 eggs, beaten
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups shredded cheddar
- 4 cups frozen hash browns, thawed
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp dried mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Mix eggs, milk, dried mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Stir in sausage, hash browns, and cheddar.
- Spread into the baking dish. Bake for 35–40 minutes until set.
Why You’ll Love It
This casserole is a lifesaver when you’re juggling presents and coffee refills. It’s hearty, cheesy, and can be prepped the night before. Christmas morning just got easier 🙂
14. Eggplant Parmesan Casserole
A vegetarian stunner that even meat-lovers will devour. Think crispy eggplant and melty cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Dip eggplant slices in flour, then egg, then panko mixed with Italian seasoning.
- Fry eggplant in a skillet with oil until golden, about 2 minutes per side.
- Layer eggplant, marinara, and mozzarella in the dish. Top with Parmesan.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly.
Why You’ll Love It
This is like eggplant Parmesan without the fuss. The panko gives it a crispy edge, and the mozzarella is pure melty magic. Even my carnivore brother went back for seconds.
15. Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
Low-carb but full of flavor, this casserole is a great way to use up summer zucchini at your winter feast.
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini, sliced thin
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup crushed pork rinds (optional, for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×9 baking dish.
- Mix zucchini, heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and half the cheddar in a bowl.
- Spread into the baking dish. Top with Parmesan, remaining cheddar, and pork rinds if using.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.
Why You’ll Love It
This casserole is creamy, cheesy, and secretly healthy-ish. The pork rind topping adds a keto-friendly crunch, but you can skip it for breadcrumbs. Perfect for balancing out the holiday cookies.
16. Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
A cozy, meaty dish topped with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s like a warm hug from Ireland.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×9 baking dish.
- Cook ground beef and onion in a skillet until browned. Drain fat.
- Stir in mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper.
- Spread into the baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes and cheddar.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Why You’ll Love It
This is comfort food with a capital C. The mashed potato topping is like a cozy blanket over the savory filling. Perfect for a chilly Christmas night.
17. Apple & Sausage Stuffing Casserole
A sweet-and-savory side that’s practically a meal on its own. The apples add a festive twist.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage, crumbled
- 4 cups cubed bread, toasted
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- ½ cup celery, chopped
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Cook sausage, onion, and celery in a skillet until sausage is browned.
- Mix sausage mixture, bread cubes, apples, sage, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Stir in chicken broth. Spread into the baking dish.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Why You’ll Love It
The apples add a sweet pop that pairs perfectly with the savory sausage. It’s like stuffing and apple pie had a delicious baby. Great as a side or a main for smaller gatherings.
Related Recipes:
- 15 Pumpkin Patch Captions for the Perfect Fall Photo
- 9 Light and Fluffy Pumpkin Mousse Recipes You’ll Adore
- 6 Creamy Pumpkin Risotto Recipes to Savor This Fall
- 7 Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread Recipes You’ll Bake Again and Again
Wrapping It Up
There you go—17 casseroles that’ll make your Christmas dinner unforgettable without chaining you to the kitchen. From cheesy classics to veggie-packed surprises, these dishes are all about big flavor and minimal stress. Pick one (or three!) and watch your holiday table light up with smiles. What’s your go-to Christmas casserole? Drop it in the comments—I’m always up for new foodie inspo! 😊
