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47 Crowd-pleasing Casseroles for Parties and Potlucks
When it comes to feeding a large group of people at a party or potluck, casseroles are a great option. Not only are they convenient to make, but they have a way of bringing people together over a delicious and comforting meal. If you’re looking for crowd-pleasing casserole recipes that will impress your guests, we’ve got you covered. Here are 47 delicious casserole recipes that are perfect for parties and potlucks.
Baked Ziti
One of the all-time classic casseroles is baked ziti. This humble dish takes cooked ziti pasta and layers it with pasta sauce, a ricotta and parmesan blend, and shredded mozzarella cheese. The result is a bubbling, cheesy delight that is sure to please everyone at the table. You can customize it by adding meatballs or slices of cooked Italian sausage for extra flavor.
Cheesy Bratwurst Casserole
If you’re looking for a cheesy and flavorful casserole that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters, try the Cheesy Bratwurst Casserole. It combines browned bratwurst sausage with cooked potatoes, green beans, sliced mushrooms, and cream of mushroom soup. As it bakes, the cheddar cheese melts into every nook and cranny of the dish, creating a comforting and indulgent meal. You can even make it the night before and bake it the next day for added convenience.
King Ranch Chicken Casserole
For a filling and super cheesy casserole, try the King Ranch Chicken Casserole. It uses leftover cooked chicken, corn tortillas, condensed chicken and mushroom soups, diced tomatoes and shredded cheese. The layers of flavors and textures make it a favorite comfort food, and you can even add a spicy twist by incorporating sliced jalapeños or using spicy salsa. It’s perfect for potluck gatherings and can be easily frozen for future meals.
Roast Beef Sliders
Looking for a casserole that doubles as an individual sandwich? Roast beef sliders are the perfect choice. These little sandwiches are made by layering roast beef, Swiss cheese, and a brush of spiced butter on small rolls. They are great for game day parties, potluck brunches, or as a lunchtime surprise for your co-workers. The recipe can be easily scaled up to make a larger batch if needed.
Ina Garten’s Mac and Cheese
Food Network celebrity chef Ina Garten has put her own spin on the classic macaroni and cheese. Her recipe features a rich gruyere and cheddar cheese sauce topped with sliced tomatoes and toasted breadcrumbs. To make it even more incredible, you can add roasted garlic, mozzarella, and fresh basil. This macaroni and cheese is perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
French Toast Casserole
If you love French toast but don’t want to spend time cooking slice after slice, French Toast Casserole is the answer. It captures the toasty, creamy texture and cinnamon flavor of French toast in a baked dish that’s easy to assemble. Simply combine day-old French bread, chopped nuts, brown sugar, and vanilla and bake to perfection. You can make it the night before and enjoy a hassle-free breakfast the next morning.
Tater Tot Casserole
When it comes to indulgent comfort food casseroles, Tater Tot Casserole takes the spotlight. This super cheesy version combines ground beef, cheddar broth and shredded cheddar cheese. The tater tots are piled on top, creating a crispy, golden layer as the casserole bakes. It’s a surefire hit for family dinners and a popular choice for Super Bowl parties.
Overnight Breakfast Casserole
For a savory, make-ahead breakfast dish, Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a winner. This bacon-filled casserole features bread cubes soaked in a batter made with eggs, milk and cheddar cheese. Chopped, cooked bacon is sprinkled throughout for a savory twist. You can further customize it by using maple flavored or hardwood smoked bacon. Simply refrigerate overnight, bake in the morning and enjoy a hearty breakfast.
Mexican Cornbread Casserole
If you’re looking for a complete meal in one dish, Mexican Cornbread Casserole is a fantastic choice. It combines browned ground beef with seasonings, corn, and diced tomatoes layered between cornbread dough. The meat and cheese are nestled between two fluffy layers of cornbread, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal. You can sprinkle some extra cheese or diced scallions on top for added visual appeal. Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for a delicious Mexican-inspired feast.
Chicken and Rice Casserole
Chicken and rice are a classic combination, and when baked together in a casserole dish, they create a comforting and hearty meal. This casserole features tender chicken, cooked rice, vegetables and a creamy sauce. You can use leftover cooked chicken or cook chicken specifically for this dish. The creamy sauce adds richness and flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole
For a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian option, try the Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole. It layers corn tortillas with a filling of black beans, corn, peppers and cheese. A spicy enchilada sauce holds it all together for a delicious and nutritious meal. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or even a spicy kick with jalapeños or hot sauce.
Spinach and Artichoke Casserole
Spinach and artichoke dip is a popular appetizer, and this casserole takes those flavors to the next level. It combines spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese into a creamy, cheesy dish. The casserole is baked until golden and bubbly, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Serve with toasted bread or tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish.
Seafood Casserole
If you’re a seafood lover, Seafood Casserole is a must-try. This indulgent dish features a medley of seafood such as shrimp, crab and scallops combined with a creamy sauce and topped with breadcrumbs. The casserole is baked until the seafood is cooked through and the topping is golden and crisp. It’s an impressive dish to serve on special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to something decadent.
Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
Broccoli and cheese are a classic pairing, and this casserole showcases their delicious partnership. It combines steamed broccoli florets with a creamy cheese sauce, topped with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for added crunch. The casserole is baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a comforting and nutritious side dish. It pairs well with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or as a main dish for vegetarians.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole is a holiday staple, but it’s a crowd pleaser any time of year. This casserole features mashed sweet potatoes combined with butter, brown sugar, and spices, topped with a crunchy pecan crumble. The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes it a perfect side dish for Thanksgiving dinner or any gathering where you want to add a touch of sweetness to the menu.
Lasagna Casserole
Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that can be time-consuming to make. But this lasagna casserole simplifies the process while still delivering all the flavors you love. It features layers of lasagna noodles, meat sauce, ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. The casserole is baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a satisfying and comforting meal. Serve with garlic bread and a green salad for a complete Italian feast.
Loaded Potato Casserole
If you’re a fan of loaded baked potatoes, you’ll love Loaded Potato Casserole. It takes all the classic toppings like bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream and chives and combines them with diced potatoes. The casserole is baked until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and gooey. It’s the perfect side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or any casual gathering where you want to impress your guests.
Chicken Alfredo Casserole
When you crave creamy and indulgent flavors, the Chicken Alfredo Casserole is a fantastic choice. It combines cooked chicken, fettuccine pasta, Alfredo sauce, and Parmesan cheese for a rich and satisfying dish. The casserole is baked until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling. Serve with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a restaurant-quality meal that everyone will enjoy.
Corn Casserole
Corn Casserole is a comforting and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish or main course. It combines sweet corn kernels with a creamy, custard-like mixture of eggs, milk and butter. The casserole is baked until golden and set, creating a delicious and slightly sweet dish. It pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or can be enjoyed on its own.
FAQS
Can I make these casseroles in advance?
Yes, many of these casseroles can be prepared ahead of time. Some can even be assembled the night before and refrigerated, so you can simply bake them on the day of the event. This makes them convenient options for busy hosts.
Can I freeze these casseroles?
Absolutely! Most of these casseroles can be frozen either before or after baking. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in freezer-safe containers or aluminum foil to preserve freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw and reheat according to the recipe instructions.
How can I adjust these casseroles to fit my dietary needs?
These casseroles are very customizable. You can easily adapt them to meet your dietary preferences or restrictions. For example, you can substitute plant-based alternatives for meat or adjust the seasoning levels to your liking. Feel free to get creative and make these recipes your own.
Can I double or halve the recipes?
Yes, you can certainly adjust the ingredient quantities to double or halve the recipes. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly. Keep in mind that the size of the baking dish may also need to be adjusted to accommodate the changes in portion size.
Are these casseroles suitable for vegetarians?
While some of the casseroles in this collection contain meat or seafood, there are plenty of vegetarian-friendly options. Look for recipes that feature vegetables, legumes, or cheese as the main ingredient. You’ll find a variety of flavorful and satisfying casseroles that fit a vegetarian diet.
Can these casseroles be served as a main course or as a side dish?
These casseroles can be versatile additions to your menu. Many can be served as main courses, especially when paired with a side salad or crusty bread. Others work well as a side dish to complement a main course. Choose based on your preferences and the overall theme of your gathering.