33 Make-Ahead Casseroles That Make Holidays Stress Free

Holidays come with endless lists, and food doesn’t have to be one of the headaches. That’s why 33 make-ahead casseroles are a holiday lifesaver. They sit ready before the rush begins, so all that’s left is heating when the crowd arrives. It’s the type of planning that makes people think you’re calm and organized, even if the rest of the house looks like a wrapping-paper explosion.

Close-up of a baked apple crumble dessert in a ceramic dish, featuring a golden-brown crumbly topping.
Crack Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole

A spoonful of stuffed pepper casserole with ground meat, red and green bell peppers, cheese, and rice, garnished with herbs.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Colorful layers help fill everyone up when holidays keep the kitchen busy. Stuffed Pepper Casserole cuts into squares that pack bold flavor with every bite. It works for main meals or as a hearty side. Leftovers heat up without losing any appeal for the next day’s plates.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Egg Casserole

A casserole dish containing egg casserole.
Egg Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Big pans come out of the oven ready to serve a crowd without much fuss. Egg Casserole slices up easily for everyone at the table so no one has to wait. This one fits breakfast, lunch or dinner. Families always ask for it by name every year.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Close-up of a serving of chicken cordon bleu casserole with shredded chicken, ham, melted cheese, and breadcrumb topping, garnished with parsley.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Smooth cheese layers mix with a crispy topping in every spoonful. Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole turns a classic dish into an easy option for busy holiday hosts. It keeps well in the fridge for a few days. Everyone likes a portion with their favorite side.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

French Toast Casserole

A person taking a portion of French toast casserole.
French Toast Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Stacks of bread soaked with sweetness have a way of making brunch simple. French Toast Casserole bakes in one dish for fast serving to big groups. This is always gone before you know it. Even picky kids take seconds and thirds.
Get the Recipe: French Toast Casserole

Cowboy Casserole

Close-up of a cowboy casserole in a white dish, showing layers of ground meat and vegetables topped with a golden-brown mashed potato crust, garnished with chopped parsley.
Cowboy Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Hearty portions suit big appetites and fill extra plates in a flash. Cowboy Casserole brings together creamy and crunchy bites that guests return for. Second helpings are common at family tables. It’s requested year after year for holidays and gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole

Broccoli Casserole

Someone serving broccoli casserole.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Classic dishes with bright colors dress up the dinner spread for everyone. Broccoli Casserole gets placed right beside the mains and vanishes fast. It works for picky eaters and veggie lovers alike. Family often asks for the recipe after every event.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Pancake Casserole

A baked French toast casserole topped with powdered sugar, sliced strawberries, and blueberries in a white dish.
Pancake Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Fluffy layers make breakfast feel like a party with little work. Pancake Casserole comes out quick and disappears even faster when set on the brunch table. Slices can be made ahead and warmed up for busy mornings. Kids rate it as a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Pancake Casserole

Wild Rice Casserole

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Wild Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Savory pans with layers are helpful when prepping food in advance. Wild Rice Casserole sticks to the ribs and fills up big plates so no one is ever hungry. Even smaller portions work great as leftovers. It matches well with any main course on the table.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole

Taco Casserole

A bowl of taco casserole topped with melted cheese, black olives, tomatoes, and green onions, with a creamy dip in the background.
Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Spicy bites cut through the usual choices when holidays call for something different. Taco Casserole pulls everyone back for seconds thanks to a fun mix of flavors. People love customizing their own toppings. There’s rarely any leftovers after the meal wraps up.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

Asparagus Casserole

Cheesy asparagus casserole on a plate with a fork.
Asparagus Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Green spears add a fresh twist to rich main courses. Asparagus Casserole sets up easily in advance so it can slide into the oven with no stress. Every spoonful keeps things light without skimping on flavor. Guests clear the dish before anything else.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole

Hamburger Casserole

A close-up of a spoon lifting a portion of hamburger casserole, showcasing baked macaroni and cheese layered with ground meat and topped with lettuce and creamy sauce.
Hamburger Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

All-in-one pans are great for feeding a crew quickly and filling every plate. Hamburger Casserole brings comfort food to the front with a cheesy layer on top. Lunch or dinner feels special with this on the side. Kids usually ask for seconds before dessert.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Casserole

Eggplant Casserole

A slice of cheesy eggplant lasagna with tomato sauce is being lifted from a pan, showing stretchy melted cheese. A bowl is blurred in the background.
Eggplant Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Rich dinners need a change so this dish delivers a lighter touch for everyone. Eggplant Casserole stacks up for easy serving and fits in with both meat and veggie mains. The texture turns out creamy every single time. Plates clear fast when this pan arrives.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Best Tuna Casserole

Tuna casserole in a white baking dish.
Best Tuna Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Family tables get a boost from classic recipes that never feel old. Best Tuna Casserole balances crunchy and creamy so no one misses out on good food. It’s a solid pick for holiday lunch or a simple dinner. Leftovers store perfectly for extra quick bites.
Get the Recipe: Best Tuna Casserole

Vegetable Casserole

A baked casserole with a golden breadcrumb topping, garnished with fresh herbs.
Vegetable Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Colorful pans fit any meal and make things much easier when prepping for guests. Vegetable Casserole feels filling and light at the same time. The table looks better with this on it. Even kids find a veggie or two worth a try.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Casserole

Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole

A plate with a slice of Egg & Potato Breakfast Casserole and a fork.
Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Big breakfast plans always feel a lot smoother with a dish that feeds everyone. Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole lines up well with hot coffee or cold drinks. It’s flexible for brunch or dinner later in the week. There’s never enough left for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole

Breakfast Casserole

A close-up of a spoon lifting a portion of a baked breakfast casserole dish containing vegetables, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust and garnished with a parsley leaf.
Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Mornings get less stressful when everything is in one hot pan, ready to slice. Breakfast Casserole saves time for hosts who like to relax with everyone else. Guests often go back for another piece. Make-ahead tricks make holiday mornings laid-back and fun.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Casserole

Sausage Casserole

A baked dish containing sliced sausages, potatoes, and green beans in a white casserole dish with a serving spoon.
Sausage Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Spicy sausage layers bring comfort and a big punch of flavor to any meal line. Sausage Casserole comes together ahead of time and re-heats without drying out. It draws people back to the buffet for more. Great for breakfast or dinner in a pinch.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Casserole

Vegan French Toast Casserole

Close-up of baked French toast with strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with syrup in a baking dish.
Vegan French Toast Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A sweet breakfast can finally please everyone’s plate, no matter their preferences. Vegan French Toast Casserole keeps the table happy for those skipping animals with zero complaints from anyone. Fluffy and soft in every slice. Guests leave asking how you pulled it off.
Get the Recipe: Vegan French Toast Casserole

Ravioli Casserole

Close-up of a baked dish with ravioli, mushrooms, asparagus, and melted cheese on top.
Ravioli Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Stuffed pasta finds a home in baked layers that handle reheating with no trouble. Ravioli Casserole never falls apart and comes out looking picture-perfect at holidays. Each bite is packed with flavor. Little hands grab it quickly since it cuts up easily.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Mexican Casserole

A plated serving of cheesy casserole with ground meat, topped with sliced green onions and parsley, accompanied by a fork.
Mexican Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Holiday spreads sometimes need a little more kick and this brings it every time. Mexican Casserole builds in spice and crunch so each piece disappears fast. Sides match up easily with it. Everyone wants the recipe after their first bite.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Casserole

Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

Close-up of a chicken and dumpling casserole dish filled with vegetables, including peas, carrots, and chunks of biscuit mixed with tender pieces of meat in a creamy sauce.
Chicken and Dumpling Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Soft dumplings sit on top for a meal that keeps everyone warm and fed. Chicken and Dumpling Casserole earns high marks for creamy layers and easy serving. Leftovers reheat well for lunch or even breakfast. It’s a tradition at many family tables.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

Million Dollar Casserole

A serving spoon lifts a portion of creamy, baked casserole with a crunchy topping, revealing melted cheese.
Million Dollar Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Cheesy and rich plates are always a hit when someone calls the crowd to eat. Million Dollar Casserole makes people go “wow” when it lands on the table. The pan empties faster than expected. It’s often on the menu for repeat holidays.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Casserole

Easy Tater Tot Casserole

A serving of tater tot casserole on a spoon.
Easy Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Crispy toppings mix with creamy sauce so no one feels left out of a good meal. Easy Tater Tot Casserole works for picky eaters and grown-ups alike. Leftovers never stick around for long with this one. It’s a lifesaver when cooking for a mix of ages.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tater Tot Casserole

Corn Casserole

Corn casserole in a casserole dish with a portion removed.
Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Simple side dishes free up time for visiting with friends and family. Corn Casserole turns out moist and a little bit sweet for everyone to enjoy. People go back for more before moving on to dessert. Make-ahead options make this fit into any schedule.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

Fork lifting a serving of cheesy cheeseburger casserole garnished with parsley.
The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Something hot from the oven often draws the best compliments at holiday meals. The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole blends childhood favorites with a grown-up twist. Layers hold together so serving seconds is a breeze. Guests are always impressed by how easy it is to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

Vegan Tater Tot Casserole

Close-up of a dish with crispy tater tots, green bell peppers, and a creamy sauce, topped with fried onions.
Vegan Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Tradition meets modern plates thanks to this plant-based update on old favorites. Vegan Tater Tot Casserole shows up crispy from the oven and nobody senses anything missing. Seconds and thirds go by quickly when the tray appears. It lets everyone join in on comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Tater Tot Casserole

Cabbage Casserole

A close-up of a baked casserole dish filled with creamy cabbage gratin, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, with a serving spoon partially visible.
Cabbage Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

New twists on the usual sides do wonders for keeping the meal fresh. Cabbage Casserole layers crunch and softness so it suits just about any appetite. Even those who skip veggies usually scoop up seconds. Make it early, no one will mind you did.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Casserole

Ham and Potato Casserole

A wooden spoon lifts a serving of cheesy casserole with chunks of ham and potatoes from a baking dish.
Ham and Potato Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Hearty pieces serve up what’s best about brunch and dinner in every square. Ham and Potato Casserole brings together soft centers and crispy tops for a classic combo. Plates get cleared fast during family gatherings. There are rarely leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Potato Casserole

French Onion Casserole

A baked casserole dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with a golden-brown breadcrumb crust and garnished with fresh herbs.
French Onion Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

You get a familiar comfort from this golden-topped dish with every scoop. French Onion Casserole layers depth and a crunch that keeps people talking. It holds up overnight for an easy reheat. Just watch it vanish before the meal is over.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole

Cattle Drive Casserole

A slice of cheesy lasagna being lifted from a baking dish, topped with melted cheese and parsley.
Cattle Drive Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Hefty servings keep everyone full after just one trip to the table. Cattle Drive Casserole lines up beans and meat for a dinner that sticks to your ribs. Waiting in the fridge does nothing to lessen the flavor. It’s a time-tested pick for big crowds.
Get the Recipe: Cattle Drive Casserole

Brussels Sprouts Casserole

Casserole dish with Brussels sprouts, crispy onions, cheese, and herbs, mixed with a spoon.
Brussels Sprouts Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Green dishes brighten the spread while still tasting rich and filling. Brussels Sprouts Casserole wins new fans in any group that loves a creamy crunch. Easy to prep a day early and pop in the oven. Leftovers fit well in any lunch box.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Casserole

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Close-up of a tater tot breakfast casserole topped with melted cheese, sliced green onions, and chopped herbs.
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Brunch goes smoothly when all you need is one pan with everything inside. Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole cuts into squares that everyone enjoys for breakfast or as a midday snack. Pans are empty in no time. Families keep this one on hand for busy weeks.
Get the Recipe: Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Crack Chicken Casserole

Close-up of a baked apple crumble dessert in a ceramic dish, featuring a golden-brown crumbly topping.
Crack Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Creamy layers hold together for a meal that stays hot even after everyone sits down. Crack Chicken Casserole pops up on many holiday menus for its comfort and speed. It’s rich enough for small servings to keep everyone happy. Requests for more are nearly guaranteed.
Get the Recipe: Crack Chicken Casserole

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