24 Make-Ahead Christmas Casseroles To Beat Holiday Chaos

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Updated on December 4, 2023

Scalloped Corn Casserole - Southern Living — Photo:
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Whether you've got a house full of relatives or need to bring a dish to feed the folks at Uncle Frank's, there's a reason casseroles and Christmas go hand in hand. A warm, cozy casserole is the secret to beating the Christmas chaos. Honestly. Hearty and easy to make ahead, our favorite holiday casserole recipes range from traditional classics to creative, must-try dishes. Between wrapping presents and preparing the house for guests, you'll be able to pop these one-dish wonders into the oven with ease. Freeze, pull out, and reheat to make feeding a table of twelve feel more feasible than ever before. Flip through some of our favorite Christmas casserole recipes, and you're sure to find the perfect fit for your holiday feast.

01 of 24

Butternut Squash Gratin

Butternut Squash Gratin — Iain Bagwell

A beautiful blend of butternut squash and potatoes just might make this recipe your new go-to gratin dish.

02 of 24

Chicken-and-Wild Rice Casserole

Chicken-and-Wild Rice Casserole — Becky Luigart-Stayner

When it comes to casseroles, it doesn't get much more reliable than chicken and rice. Perfect for a Christmas crowd, this recipe feels a little dressier than your everyday chicken-and-rice combo and can easily feed ten to twelve hungry holiday guests.

03 of 24

Two-Cheese Squash Casserole

Two-Cheese Squash Casserole — Jennifer Davick

This creamy cheddar and Parmesan casserole recipe is sure to satisfy cheese and squash lovers alike. Substitute zucchini for some of the squash if you have it.

04 of 24

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows - Southern Living — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

It wouldn't be a holiday gathering without a tasty sweet potato casserole, and this classic recipe just happens to be one of the best around.

05 of 24

Classic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

Classic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes — Beth Dreiling Hontzas

This versatile casserole side dish can be paired with virtually anything. Whether you're serving a Christmas ham or a spiced-rubbed tenderloin, this scrumptious side is sure to complement and complete the rest of your holiday menu.

06 of 24

Tomato 'n' Beef Casserole with Polenta Crust

Tomato ‘n’ Beef Casserole with Polenta Crust — Beth Dreiling Hontzas

This easy Italian casserole delivers an indulgent tomato and beef filling that will have your whole family asking for seconds.

07 of 24

Chicken Cobbler Casserole

Chicken Cobbler Casserole — William Dickey

Don't let the word "cobbler" trick you into thinking this golden-brown Christmas bake is a sweet dish. This twist on a chicken pot pie will have you thinking "savory" when a mix of sourdough rolls, Parmesan cheese, and shredded chicken hit your lips.

08 of 24

Onion-Topped Sausage 'n' Mashed Potato Casserole

Onion-Topped Sausage ‘n’ Mashed Potato Casserole — Jennifer Davick

Fuss-free and fast to pull together, this casserole is easy to serve to a crowd and delivers kid-approved fried onions.

09 of 24

Vanessa's Make-Ahead Beefy Lasagna

Vanessa's Make-Ahead Beefy Lasagna — Beth Dreiling Hontzas; Styling: Missie Neville Crawford

A Christmas lasagna is a must for many families, so this year make it a breeze to serve for lunch or as a side on the buffet by prepping it ahead of time.

10 of 24

Classic Make-Ahead Macaroni And Cheese

Classic Make-Ahead Macaroni and Cheese — FOOD STYLING: RUTH BLACKBURN; PROP STYLING: CHRISTINE KEELY

Everyone has their go-to macaroni and cheese recipe, but for a stress-free holiday, this is the one you want to use. Assembled the night before, all there is left to do on the day of is to toss together the breadcrumb topping, and bake.

11 of 24

Cheesy Broccoli-and-Rice Casserole

Cheesy Broccoli-and-Rice Casserole — Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

This is classic comfort food at its finest. What makes this warm and cheesy casserole even better is that can you build it the night before Christmas (sans breadcrumb topping), and chill it overnight in the fridge. When ready to eat the next day, simply top with breadcrumbs and pop it in the oven, then all you have left to do is enjoy some Christmas punch while it bakes.

12 of 24

Classic Cornbread Dressing

Classic Cornbread Dressing — VICTOR PROTASIO; PROP STYLING: GINNY BRANCH STELLING; FOOD STYLING: EMILY NABORS HALL

If dressing is a mandatory part of your Christmas dinner, plan ahead with this Classic Cornbread Dressing. It can be assembled and baked a day ahead and then reheated and served in a flash for the big day. Same can't be said for the Christmas ham, unfortunately.

13 of 24

Greek Baked Ziti

Greek Baked Ziti — Greg Dupree

Prepare this casserole in advance up to step 5, and freeze it for the busy holiday. Even easier, there’s no need to thaw. Just let it stand for 30 minutes before baking, and add 15-20 minutes to the cook time.

14 of 24

Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd's Pie — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

The browned potato topping on this casserole makes a pretty presentation. Make the meat filling up to two days in advance, and assemble and broil the day of.

15 of 24

Curried Chicken Pot Pie

Curried Chicken Pot Pie — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

This isn’t your traditional pot pie, but it will easily become a favorite. It’s special enough for a cozy Christmas meal, and you can make it ahead and freeze it. Just defrost fully before baking.

16 of 24

Turkey-Noodle-Poppy Seed Casserole

Turkey-Noodle-Poppyseed Casserole Recipe — Hector Manuel Sanchez

Make dinner ahead of time so you can enjoy your holiday guests. Assemble this creamy dish the day before. It can also be frozen, giving you even more time to enjoy the season.

17 of 24

Cajun Shrimp Casserole

Cajun Shrimp Casserole — Southern Living

Serve this cheesy shrimp and rice casserole for a candle-lit gathering. No one needs to know you made and froze it weeks ago.

18 of 24

Roasted Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese

southern living roasted broccoli macaroni and cheese — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Ginny Branch

The whole family will be happy when you put macaroni and cheese on the table. This version includes plenty of broccoli, and it can be made a day ahead.

19 of 24

Mashed Potato Casserole

Mashed Potato Casserole — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Kay E. Clarke; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey

Swiss cheese gives these mashed potatoes a helping of flavor. Sour cream, half and half, and cream cheese add extra creaminess.

20 of 24

Wild Rice-and-Greens Casserole

Wild Rice-and-Greens Casserole — Hector Sanchez; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Full of wild rice, kale, and sun-dried tomatoes, you can serve this casserole as a meatless main dish. Swap the kale for your favorite greens if desired.

21 of 24

Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole

Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole in a blue casserole dish — Will Dickey

When your crew craves a comforting, filling meal to counteract so many candy canes, pull this dish from your freezer. It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfect for a gathering.

22 of 24

French Onion Chicken Casserole

French Onion Chicken Casserole — Stacy Allen; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower

If your holiday wish list includes a meal that’s easy and decadent, this is it. Caramelized onions go into the rich sauce, and the fried onion topping adds crunch.

23 of 24

Old-School Green Bean Casserole

Old-School Green Bean Casserole — Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

It's not the holidays without green bean casserole on the table. Get a head-start on this dish by making it ahead and freezing. Add the fried onions just before baking to ensure they stay crisp.

24 of 24

Scalloped Corn Casserole

Scalloped Corn Casserole - Southern Living — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Sweet corn, creamy sauce, and buttery crackers will make everyone go for seconds. This recipe propels frozen corn into a holiday star.

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