14 Family-Friendly Christmas Casserole Recipes
Get in the holiday spirit with these savory mains and sides.
Looking for an easy and family-friendly recipe to serve during the holiday season? Enter: casseroles. These savory one-dish recipes are usually loaded with flavor, taste delicious, and leave everyone at the table feeling satisfied. Whether you're looking for a main course casserole, such as lasagna or baked macaroni and cheese, or a stellar side dish such as the Broccoli Casserole that's pictured here, we have a bevy of festive recipes sure to please.
One of the most timeless holiday side dishes (especially for Thanksgiving!) is corn casserole. Instead of mixing corn muffin mix with a few dairy products, we have two extra-special recipes to make completely from scratch. First, try senior food editor Lauryn Tyrell's Tex-Mex inspired Layered Cornbread Casserole. Her dad perfected the recipe, and now her family digs into a spicy casserole packed with cheddar cheese, shredded chicken, and pickled jalapeños every single year. It's hearty enough to serve as the main course, too. Or try our vegetarian Three-Pepper Corn Casserole, which features pepper jack cheese, bell pepper, and minced chipotle in adobo. The amount of heat is just right, which means both kids and adults will enjoy it.
Of course, it's not really a holiday celebration without macaroni and cheese. When baked in a casserole dish until the top layer of cheese is melted and golden brown, it becomes the star of the show. And we have a recipe that comes from the ultimate showstopper—John Legend. He first shared his recipe on The Martha Stewart Show and you can make it in your home this holiday season.
From creamy baked pasta dishes to indulgent sides, our Christmas casserole recipes will make you remember why it's the most wonderful time of the year.
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Layered Cornbread Casserole
Inspired by old-fashioned corn pudding, this moist and creamy twist is made with cheddar cheese, shredded chicken, fresh cilantro, and pickled jalapeños. It's a staple of senior food editor Lauryn Tyrell's family during the holidays.
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Green-Bean Casserole with Chestnuts and Buttered Breadcrumbs
This classic casserole is an essential side dish during the holiday season. We took our version to the next level by mixing the breadcrumb topping with chestnuts, which roast by an open fire, of course!
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Twice-Baked Potato-and-Raclette Casserole
Raclette is the awe-inspiring, super melty cheese that's a staple in Swiss fondue, but we used it in a gratin-inspired casserole instead. Raclette is combined with cream cheese, sour cream, milk, and butter for the most indulgent side dish.
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Turkey-Pastrami Croque-Madame Casserole
Croque madame—the French version of a ham and cheese sandwich topped with a fried egg—is turned into a family-friendly Christmas casserole recipe. Instead of the usual sliced deli hem, we switched it up with turkey pastrami for a Thanksgiving-inspired bite.
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John Legend's Macaroni and Cheese
Sure, he can sing, but he also is a legend at making baked macaroni and cheese in a casserole dish. His version is made with two kinds of milk—evaporated and skim milk—plus two varieties of cheese—extra-sharp cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, for the most indulgent holiday dish.
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Very Vegetable Lasagna
Don't forget about your vegetarian loved ones. This lasagna is made with zucchini and spinach and is plenty hearty and comforting for a Christmas casserole everyone will enjoy.
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Creamy Baked Ziti
The secret to this rich baked ziti recipe is cream cheese, which makes the sauce super creamy. Mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese are layered throughout the casserole for an ooey-gooey bite that will warm the soul.
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Meatball Casserole
Ideal as either an appetizer or main course, these homemade meatballs use a combination of ground pork and ground beef, plus breadcrumbs, egg, and chopped parsley. They're baked in a skillet and topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella sauce for a satisfying bite.
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Cheese, Leek, and Herb Souffle Casserole
This two-in-one, all-star recipe rethinks a classic cheese soufflé in the form of a casserole for an epic holiday dish. The combination of mild leeks, lots of Gruyère cheese, and fresh herbs is a delicious, fragrant combination.
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Three-Pepper Corn Casserole
Take classic corn casserole to the next level with some spicy flair. A trio of ingredients—green bell pepper, shredded pepper jack cheese, and minced chipotle in adobo—bring the heat.
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Lasagna with Meat Sauce
Our classic lasagna recipe is layered with a combination of lean ground beef and sweet Italian sausage, noodles, and a three-cheese mixture. It's the perfect special occasion meal to serve to your loved ones during the holiday season.
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Pimiento Mac and Cheese
Even if you're not celebrating the holidays in the South, you can enjoy southern flavor in this pimento cheese-inspired casserole. Chopped red bell pepper, cayenne pepper, and Worcestershire sauce are incorporated into the macaroni and cheese.
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Baked Scallops
Serve scallops in a casual fashion by layering them in a large baking dish. They're tossed with crème fraîche, wine, and lemon zest and topped with a Panko and Parmesan topping.