Let’s be honest, Thanksgiving casseroles are the heroes of the holiday table. Sure, turkey takes center stage, but what's a Thanksgiving dinner without those warm, hearty side dishes that scream comfort food? Thanksgiving casseroles, in all their creamy, cheesy, crispy-topped glory, are not just fillers—they're the glue holding everything together. Whether it's a classic sweet potato casserole or a green bean casserole with a little pop of color from crispy onions, these dishes add an extra layer of coziness to the big meal.
But here's the best part—Thanksgiving casseroles are ridiculously easy. They're practically designed to take the pressure off when you're prepping for Turkey Day. From casseroles that can be made ahead to ones that make use of Thanksgiving leftovers, there's a casserole for every moment of the holiday season. So, whether you're looking to add a new dish to your Thanksgiving table or you’re simply here to brush up on your casserole skills, I’ve got you covered. Let’s talk about some of the best ways to incorporate these savory, soul-soothing dishes into your holiday feast.
The Classic Green Bean Casserole: A Thanksgiving Staple
You can’t talk about Thanksgiving casseroles without bringing up the classic green bean casserole. It's one of those side dishes that practically defines the holiday season. Made with green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and topped with those iconic crispy onions, this casserole dish has earned its rightful spot as a holiday table regular. What makes it great? Simplicity. The ingredients are basic, but together, they create an easy dish that’s rich in flavor and even satisfies the pickiest of eaters.
Why It Works:
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep this casserole the day before the big meal, saving you precious time on Turkey Day.
Creamy Base: The mushroom soup brings that creaminess we all crave on Thanksgiving.
Crunchy Topping: Let’s be real—the crispy onions on top of the casserole are half the reason this dish is so beloved. I shared how to make crispy air-fried shallots on CA GROWN. Click here to learn how.
Sweet Potato Casserole: The Sweet Star of the Show
Thanksgiving just wouldn’t feel complete without a classic sweet potato casserole. This Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole hits all the right notes—sweet, creamy, and just a little different from your average savory dish. What’s more, you can top it with mini marshmallows or go for a crunchy pecan topping—either way, you’re winning.
Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, making them the perfect complement to the more savory dishes on your holiday table. Plus, they add that gorgeous pop of color to the Thanksgiving spread. If you want to mix things up a bit, consider adding cinnamon and nutmeg to the sweet potato mash for a warm, cozy flavor profile.
Why It Works:
Crowd-Pleaser: It appeals to both the adults and the little ones—especially when the marshmallows make an appearance.
Multiple Textures: Creamy sweet potatoes + crispy topping = big flavor.
Versatile: Whether you like it super sweet or with a bit of a savory kick, this casserole form is easily adaptable.
Stuffing: The Ultimate Thanksgiving Fusion
Can’t decide between stuffing and a casserole? Why not have both?! Traditional Thanksgiving stuffing is loaded with herbs, bread cubes, and savory vegetables—and bakes into a crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside casserole form. It’s one of the best ways to bring together the flavors of Thanksgiving in an easy, make-ahead dish.
Why It Works:
Flavor Packed: You can whatever flavors you want into your stuffing recipe to make it your own.
Customizable: Add in sausage, pickled cranberries, or nuts for extra flavor and texture.
Great Leftovers: This stuffing is great the day of, but gets even better the next day.
Mac and Cheese: Comfort Food at Its Best
Who says mac and cheese isn’t sophisticated enough for a Thanksgiving dinner? This dish is the ultimate comfort food, and when served in casserole form, it can steal the spotlight from any main dish. Creamy, cheesy, and baked to perfection, mac and cheese is a great way to add some indulgence to your holiday meal. Plus, it's versatile—you can stick to the basics or jazz it up with different kinds of cheeses and mix-ins like bacon or roasted garlic.
Why It Works:
Versatile: You can customize this dish with a variety of cheeses or even toss in leftover turkey for a Thanksgiving leftover casserole twist.
Classic Comfort: Let’s be real, everyone loves mac and cheese. It’s familiar, comforting, and fits right in at any holiday feast.
Baked Goodness: Baking the mac and cheese creates a crispy, cheesy crust on top that takes it to another level.
Rotisserie Chicken (or Leftover Turkey) and Broccoli Casserole: A Savory Solution for Leftovers
One of the best ways to make use of leftover rotisserie chicken or leftover Thanksgiving turkey is by turning it into a hearty casserole. If you’re looking to mix up your Thanksgiving leftovers with something a little different, make this recipe with your leftover turkey instead of rotisserie chicken. This casserole is all about ease and flavor—perfect for the next day when you’re still full from the big meal but want something savory and satisfying. The beauty of using leftover turkey lies in its ability to absorb flavors while adding lots of flavor and protein to the casserole. Plus, this is a great way to avoid food waste!
Why It Works:
Comforting & Flavorful: Leftover turkey or chicken pair perfectly with cheesy, creamy ingredients for that ultimate post-Thanksgiving comfort food vibe.
Quick & Easy: Using leftover turkey or chicken means this dish comes together in a snap.
Versatile: You can add any leftover veggies or casserole ingredients you have from your Thanksgiving table to make this delicious casserole.
FAQS About Thanksgiving Casseroles
1. Can I make Thanksgiving casseroles ahead of time?
Absolutely! Most Thanksgiving casseroles, like green bean casserole and sweet potato casserole, can be prepped the night before and popped in the oven right before dinner.
2. How do I keep my casserole from drying out?
Make sure to cover your casserole dish with foil while baking, especially if it’s in the oven for a long time. You can remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes to get that crispy topping.
3. What’s the best way to reheat leftover casseroles?
The best thing to do is to reheat your casserole in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F) to avoid drying it out. Cover the top of the casserole with foil to keep moisture in, and add a little bit of broth or cream if it seems too dry.
4. Can I freeze Thanksgiving casseroles?
Most casseroles freeze very well. Store them in an airtight container and defrost them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Thanksgiving casseroles are more than just a side dish—they’re the foundation that holds your holiday table together. Whether you stick to the classics like green bean and sweet potato casserole or get creative with a leftover turkey casserole, these dishes bring warmth, flavor, and comfort to your Thanksgiving dinner.
Casseroles are easy to make, versatile, and, most importantly, crowd-pleasers. So, this holiday season, don’t stress about making a bunch of small side dishes—let casseroles do the heavy lifting. From prep-ahead to day-after dishes, these casseroles are guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends.
After all, when it comes to Thanksgiving, the more casseroles, the merrier!
If you’ve made any of these casserole recipes, I would be so grateful if you would let me know what you think in the comments below!
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