Bake-and-Take Casseroles Your Neighbors Will Love

By Mary Shannon Wells
October 17, 2019
Hector M Sanchez
Despite the ease of texting, emailing, and ordering online, Southerners still believe in doing some things the old-fashioned way. Southern etiquette and hospitality will never be taken over by technology, which is why traditions like writing thank you notes, going to church, and bringing casseroles to your neighbors are still around. Whether a new neighbor just moved in, a current neighbor had a death in the family, or an old neighbor is simply hosting a get-together, a Southerner will respond by bringing over a casserole. Homemade casseroles are comforting and thoughtful, so they’re perfect to bake and take to a friend’s house. Casseroles are easy to make, can be prepped in advance, and freeze easily. These friendship casseroles will remind your neighbors that you care for them and their families. These delicious ideas are versatile for any neighbor’s taste, so find the best one for your friend and make someone's day extra special. 
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There's Nothing Like Bringing a Neighbor a Homemade Meal

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Chicken Pot Pie

Credit: Greg DuPree

Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

This Southern classic is one of the most comforting dishes you can bring someone.

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Pizza Spaghetti Casserole

Credit: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Pizza Spaghetti Casserole

Two Italian favorites—pizza and spaghetti—come together in this casserole that’s ready in 40 minutes.

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Chicken-and-Wild Rice Casserole

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: Chicken-and-Wild Rice Casserole

This chicken casserole never fails. Send the toasted almond topping in a separate container in case of nut allergies.

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Onion-Topped Sausage ‘n’ Mashed Potato Casserole

Credit: Jennifer Davick

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

This comforting casserole goes above and beyond simple mashed potatoes.

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Chicken Tetrazzini with Prosciutto and Peas

Credit: Jennifer R. Davick

Recipe: Chicken Tetrazzini with Prosciutto and Peas

Prosciutto and peas are an ideal pair in this version of chicken tertrazzini.

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Dinner Mac and Cheese

Credit: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Dinner Mac and Cheese

Filled with ham and roasted veggies, this mac and cheese is a filling, easy-to-make meal.

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Light King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Light King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Make the lighter version of our ever-popular King Ranch Chicken Casserole to cut down on calories without eliminating flavor.

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Tomato ‘n’ Beef Casserole with Polenta Crust

Credit: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Tomato 'n' Beef Casserole with Polenta Crust

The cornmeal-based crust sets this cheesy dish aside from other Italian casserole recipes.

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Crispy Chicken-and-Rice Casserole

Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Crispy Chicken-and-Rice Casserole

This chicken-and-rice casserole is the easiest way to bring homemade love to a neighbor.

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Linguine with Meat Sauce Casserole

Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Linguine with Meat Sauce Casserole

This easy linguine recipe is the answer to your pasta cravings.

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Slow-Cooker Green Bean Casserole

Credit: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Green Bean Casserole

Video: Slow-Cooker Green Bean Casserole

Sit back and relax as this classic holiday side dish cooks.

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Zucchini-and-Spinach Lasagna

Credit: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Zucchini-and-Spinach Lasagna

This vegetarian lasagna dish is the most indulgent way to use fresh zucchini.

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Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Credit: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Serve up this Tex-Mex dish with a side of guacamole to give your neighbors a full fiesta meal.

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New Tuna Casserole

Credit: Greg Dupree

Recipe: New Tuna Casserole

This creamy casserole has a crunch from the green beans and plenty of cheesy goodness from white cheddar and Parmesan cheeses.

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Baked Smokin’ Macaroni and Cheese

Credit: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Baked Smokin’ Mac and Cheese

Video: Baked Smokin’ Mac and Cheese

The neighbors’ kids will want you to bring food over all the time if you make this baked mac and cheese recipe with smoked Gouda and ham.

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Sweet Potato, Cauliflower, and Greens Casserole

Credit: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Sweet Potato, Cauliflower, and Greens Casserole

This vegetarian casserole has tons of color and texture, and it’s filled with our easy cheese sauce.

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Cheesy Chili Hash Brown Bake

Credit: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Cheesy Chili Hash Brown Bake

This warm chili dish is perfect for cold nights in, and it’s ready in under an hour.

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Chicken-Mushroom-Sage Casserole

Credit: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Chicken-Mushroom-Sage Casserole

This beautiful chicken casserole will impress any neighbor. 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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Two-Potato Gratin

Credit: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Two-Potato Gratin

You’ve never had an au gratin potato casserole like this one, which mixes two kinds of potatoes and two kinds of cheeses.

"This luscious gratin strikes a happy middle chord for those hungry for potatoes and those vying for a sweet potato casserole." —Nancy Vienneau, author of Third Thursday Community Potluck Cookbook, from which this recipe was adapted.

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Ham-and-Greens Pot Pie with Cornbread Crust

Credit: Hector M Sanchez

Recipe: Ham-and-Greens Pot Pie with Cornbread Crust

If you have new neighbors from the North, show them what Southern cooking is all about with this pot pie recipe. The cornbread crust is an ideal Southern touch.

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Creamy Fried Confetti Corn

Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Creamy Fried Confetti Corn

This fried confetti corn casserole is a delicious side dish, especially when corn is fresh at the farmer’s market.

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Wild Rice-and-Greens Casserole

Credit: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Wild Rice-and-Greens Casserole

Our test kitchen professionals prefer chopped kale in this casserole, but use your favorite green. A tip from the test kitchen: For heartier greens like collards, cook them five minutes longer in Step 1.

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Old School Squash Casserole

Credit: Greg DuPree

Recipe: Old-School Squash Casserole

Classic squash casserole is always welcome on a neighbor’s table.

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Heavenly Chicken Lasagna

Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Heavenly Chicken Lasagna

Video: Heavenly Chicken Lasagna

This lasagna recipe includes four types of cheese that meld with rich Alfredo sauce, sautéed onions, sliced mushrooms, chopped spinach, and chicken.

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Shrimp Casserole

Credit: Beth Dreiling

Recipe: Shrimp Casserole

If you know your neighbors love shrimp, this casserole is an easy and portable way to get it to them. Try our spicy shrimp casserole for an extra kick.

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By Mary Shannon Wells