Thanksgiving is all about the sides for me, and a bubbling, golden casserole is the unsung hero of the holiday table. I put together 24 recipes that will make your big day so much easier and a whole lot cozier. They're warm, comforting, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd without breaking a sweat.
1. Creamed Spinach Casserole
If you put a blob of sad, wilted spinach on my plate, I'll smile and eat it because I'm polite. But secretly I'll be wishing it was covered in cheese the entire time! This recipe is more like a thick spinach and artichoke dip, thanks to artichoke hearts and cream cheese. It's my favorite way to eat greens.
2. Roasted Vegetable Winter Crumble
Vegetable pie is excellent for something vegetarian or vegan, since it's easy and filling. For those of us with little patience for pastry, crumble tops are a lifesaver. I use them on all my pies because they're a cinch to whip up and take almost no effort to make pretty.
3. Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin
How stunning does this dish look? Those colorful strips just scream, "Eat me!" You'll use sweet potato, parsnips, and beets, though you can swap in radishes or even blue potatoes if you can find them. I found some gorgeous golden beets that looked absolutely amazing in the mix.
4. Mushroom Casserole
When mushrooms are cooked properly, they get wonderfully meaty and add a nice chewy texture to your plate. The trick is to sauté them first to cook off that extra moisture. Skip that step and you'll end up with rubbery, slimy mushrooms, and nobody wants that.
5. Loaded Cauliflower Casserole
Think of this as the low-carb cousin to a loaded potato casserole. You still get all the good stuff like bacon and cheese, but tender cauliflower takes the place of spuds. Since cauliflower is pretty mild, I bring it to life with a rich blend of cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, Monterey Jack, garlic powder, and onion powder. It's ridiculously good.
6. The Pioneer Woman's Twice Baked Potato Casserole
This is my go-to when I need to get ahead of the holiday chaos. You can prep the whole thing up to two days in advance, which honestly saves my sanity on turkey day. It starts with creamy mashed potatoes, then you fold in butter, sour cream, milk, crispy bacon, and plenty of grated cheese. It is pure, cozy comfort in a dish.
7. Brussels Sprouts and Grapes au Gratin
Brussels sprouts can be a tough sell, but cover them in creamy sauce and cheese and suddenly everyone's on board. And the grapes? I promise it's not weird. They bring a pop of color and a gentle sweetness that pairs beautifully with turkey and cranberry sauce.
8. One-Pan Broccoli Cheese Wild Rice Casserole
Wild rice is a healthier choice than white, packed with protein and antioxidants. I love it for the texture and the way it looks so colorful on the plate. This recipe is similar to a classic broccoli rice casserole, but it skips the heavy cheese sauce in the middle.
9. Eggplant Casserole
This isn't vegan, but it's a fantastic vegetarian option for your holiday table. Start with a familiar base of onions and garlic, then add peppers and mushrooms and cook until the juices evaporate. After that, add tomatoes and herbs to finish the sauce, and stir in some lightly sautéed eggplant.
10. Zucchini Tomato Casserole
This looks like a veggie lasagna with all those lovely zucchini layers and juicy tomatoes. There's also a yummy layer of cream cheese, milk, basil, ground nutmeg, and lots of cheese on top. It's simple and so satisfying.
11. Turnips Au Gratin
Turnips are tricky to describe, but when they're cooked they get this lovely texture that reminds me of potatoes. Sometimes I find them a little peppery, sometimes a bit sweet. In this dish, they get smothered in a creamy, garlicky sauce and loads of cheese, so that natural bite mellows right out into something amazing.
12. Green Pea Casserole
Remember when I said casseroles are easy? This one proves it. Besides chopping an onion and a pepper, all you do is open a few cans and stir. Between the peas, pimentos, water chestnuts, and mushroom soup, it's bursting with crunch and fresh flavor. And since it uses frozen peas, you could easily swap in a veggie medley for more color.
13. Apple Fritter Casserole
If you want a festive dessert that's a breeze to make, this apple fritter casserole is for you. Who has patience for fussy pastry all day? Instead, you make a quick apple filling with spices and sugar, then top it off with canned crescent rolls. Easy and always a crowd-pleaser.
14. Potato Leek Casserole
Leeks have a pleasant onion and garlic flavor with a touch of sweetness. Their light green color also helps them stand out in any dish. This casserole is a spin on classic potato au gratin with a similar cheesy sauce, plus all those tender leeks. Just remember to slice and soak them well, because dirt loves to hide in the layers.
15. Broccoli Rice Casserole from Scratch
Honestly, besides broccoli cheddar soup, this is my favorite way to serve those little green florets. I love broccoli, but I know plenty of kids who run the other way. Mix it with tender rice and a whole lot of cheese, though, and I bet they'll come back for seconds.
16. Rutabaga Gratin
Across the pond they call this root veggie a "swede," and it's part of the turnip family. It tastes like a blend of cabbage, turnip, and potatoes, with a pretty yellow color once cooked. I find rutabaga has a slightly more unique flavor than turnips, but they're very similar and just as delicious.
17. Cheesy Baked Mashed Potatoes
Cheese is my biggest weakness and the reason I could never go full vegan. Since it's the holidays, it's time to indulge! So why make plain old mash when you can make this cheesy Thanksgiving casserole instead? It's the perfect time for something extra.
18. Incredibly Easy French Onion Soup Casserole
French onion soup is so rich and intensely flavorful, and the secret is a deep, dark, meaty beef broth. It's also loaded with cheese on top, which makes it absolutely irresistible. I don't suggest trying to make this one vegan with veggie broth, because you'd end up with a mellow, disappointing taste instead of that bold flavor.
19. Carrot Casserole
I'll be honest, I usually only serve carrots when they're coated in a buttery sweet glaze. When I saw this casserole recipe, I thought, "Why didn't I think of that before?" You'll whisk up a simple roux with flour, salt, mustard, pepper, and milk, then stir in plenty of cheese. It's a total winner.
20. Potato Stuffing Casserole
This is the most clever of all the Thanksgiving casseroles on this list. It saves dishes and oven space because it combines two fan-favorites in one easy dish. Just make your go-to stuffing recipe and mix it with mashed potatoes. So smart!
21. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
I am always sneaking veggies into pasta sauce whenever I can. This is such a clever little trick, and I bet the kids won't even notice the difference. It's a fun way to add something wholesome to a classic cheesy dish.
22. White Chocolate Cranberry Dessert Casserole
Tender vanilla cake meets dreamy white chocolate mousse and tart cranberry compote, and it's one incredible Thanksgiving dessert. Feel free to save time with a boxed cake mix, because nobody will know. This recipe is vegan and uses soy milk and coconut cream, so follow it as written if you want to keep it that way.
23. Pineapple-Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato, marshmallow, and pineapple? Believe it or not, they're a match made in heaven. Sweet potato casserole can be a little too sweet sometimes, even for me. But the tart pineapple here adds a lovely fruitiness that cuts through the sugar just right.
24. Southern Squash Casserole
If you can find summer squash, grab it for this one. That gorgeous yellow color just brightens up the whole table and looks so inviting. Of course, zucchini works too, or you can even use a mix of both. I love the idea of alternating rows of green and yellow for a pretty presentation.