Christmas Eve Casseroles Fit For a Crowd

By Mary Shannon Wells
November 07, 2017
Credit: Iain Bagwell
Southern families all have their own Christmas traditions, and that includes how they celebrate Christmas Eve. Some prefer a casual gathering and save the fanciness for Christmas Day, while others choose to serve a dressy Christmas Eve feast. With these Christmas casserole recipes, you can feed and satisfy a large crowd, whether it’s at a laid-back gathering or an elaborate dinner party. With high yields and easy prep, these casseroles are ideal for December 24. And with recipes like lasagna, chicken-and-wild rice casserole, and enchiladas, even the pickiest eaters at your table will be happy. Since casseroles freeze well, you could even make these casseroles ahead and reheat just in time for Christmas Eve dinner. With all the stress (and fun!) that comes with Christmastime planning and events, there’s no need to worry about Christmas Eve dinner anymore. These Christmas casseroles are the easiest way to feed a crowd, and they’re company-worthy for your out-of-town guests.
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Extra-Easy Lasagna

Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Extra-Easy Lasagna

Video: Extra-Easy Lasagna

You’ll have a seemingly endless to-do list the week of Christmas, so make Christmas Eve stress-free with this five-ingredient lasagna recipe.

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Oyster Casserole

Credit: Greg DuPree

Recipe: Oyster Casserole

A dish that’s part of many Southerners’ Christmas traditions, this oyster casserole is our test kitchen’s best version ever.

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Turkey-Noodle-Poppyseed Casserole

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Turkey-Noodle-Poppyseed Casserole

Video: Turkey-Noodle-Poppyseed Casserole

Published in the pages of Southern Living in November 1990, this casserole recipe has endless replacement options, so you can use whichever ingredients are in already your fridge.

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Italian Casserole

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Italian Casserole

Mrs. Harland J. Stone from Ocala, Florida, sent us this recipe that was published in the November 1990 edition of Southern Living, and it was too delicious to leave in the archives.

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Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Credit: Greg DuPree

Recipe: Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole

This creamy Alfredo dish is as cozy and comforting as it gets, so it’s ideal for a casual Christmas Eve spent by the fire.

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Chicken-and-Wild Rice Casserole

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: Chicken-and-Wild Rice Casserole

Chicken-and-Wild Rice Casserole will always be a staple at Southern gatherings, including those during the holiday season.

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Baked Ziti with Sausage

Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Baked Ziti with Sausage

Don’t worry about missing any valuable family time. This ziti is on the table in under an hour.

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Chicken-and-Green Chile Enchiladas

Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Chicken-and-Green Chile Enchiladas

Video: Chicken-and-Green Chile Enchiladas

We heard that the Bush family eats chicken enchiladas on Christmas Eve, and that’s a family tradition we can support!

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Turkey Tetrazzini

Credit: Tina Cornett

Recipe: Turkey Tetrazzini

Turkey Tetrazzini is made easy with frozen veggies and store-bought Alfredo sauce. You can sub chicken or ham if you have them on hand instead.

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Tomato-Basil Lasagna Roll Ups

Credit: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Lasagna Roll Ups

These meatless lasagna rolls make for such a pretty Christmas Eve dinner plate.

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Shrimp Casserole

Credit: Beth Dreiling

Recipe: Shrimp Casserole

With only 15 minutes of hands-on time, Shrimp Casserole is the easiest way to get seafood on the table for a crowd this Christmas Eve.

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Chicken-and-Wild Rice Skillet Casserole

Credit: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Chicken-and-Wild Rice Skillet Casserole

Video: Chicken-and-Wild Rice Skillet Casserole

Your guests will never guess that this gorgeous entrée was ready from start-to-finish in one dish.

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New Tuna Casserole

Credit: Greg Dupree

Recipe: New Tuna Casserole

Video: New Tuna Casserole

Both crunchy and creamy, our New Tuna Casserole is an update on the classic.

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Onion-Topped Sausage ‘n’ Mashed Potato Casserole

Credit: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Onion-Topped Sausage 'n' Mashed Potato Casserole

This pretty casserole is easier to make than it looks, and it will fill your crowd up.

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Chicken-Mushroom-Sage Casserole

Credit: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Chicken-Mushroom-Sage Casserole

This earthy, aromatic casserole is the definition of company-worthy. A tip from the test kitchen: Let this dish stand a few minutes after baking so the rice will absorb the liquid, yielding a creamy texture.

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Shepherd’s Pie with Potato Crust

Credit: Greg Dupree

Recipe: Shepherd’s Pie with Potato Crust

The scalloped potato crust on this version of Shepherd's Pie will wow your Christmas guests enough, but they’ll be even more impressed when they take a bite.

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Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Credit: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Chicken Enchilada Casserole

This easy casserole is basically an enchilada version of lasagna, with corn tortillas separating the layers instead of noodles. If you want to start an enchilada tradition on Christmas Eve, this quick, one-dish casserole might be the easiest way.

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Eggplant Rollups

Credit: Greg DuPree

Recipe: Eggplant Rollups

This low-carb meal will satisfy your family’s lasagna cravings, and it looks beautiful when plated.

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Vanessa's Make-Ahead Beefy Lasagna

Credit: Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas; Styling: Missie Neville Crawford

Recipe: Vanessa's Make-Ahead Beefy Lasagna

You can put this classic lasagna together and freeze up to three months in advance. Planning for Christmas Eve dinner has never been easier.

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Swiss Chicken Crêpes

Credit: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Swiss Chicken Crêpes

Layers of chicken and rich Swiss cheese sauce make for a crave-worthy casserole that’s presentable for company but cozy for family.

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By Mary Shannon Wells