8x8 Side Dishes That'll Steal The Spotlight

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Old-School Squash Casserole — Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

The convenience of casseroles will never be lost on us. Whether prepping for a dinner party or looking for an easy and filling weeknight dinner, a casserole will always have your back. If your 9x13-inch casserole dish is just a bit too large for your dinner crowd, then the small but mighty 8x8-inch casserole dish is just the kitchen sidekick for you. We rounded up our favorite 8x8 side dishes to simplify your weekly dinner plans.

It's no surprise that these casseroles are all hearty, creamy, and cheesy and include practically any vegetable you can name. Looking for a healthier alternative to your kid's favorite mac and cheese? Try our Easy Cauliflower Casserole. If you're searching for a way to dress up your traditional Au Gratin Potatoes recipe, then make our Fennel And Potato Gratin. It won't disappoint. With the side dishes under control, now you just need to figure out what to serve for the main course.

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Cabbage Casserole

This casserole is inspired by the creamy taste of Au Gratin Potatoes, so your kids won't even notice that there's a leafy green hiding under the Parmesan bread crumb topping. The potato disks of au gratin are replaced with a base of cabbage and onions that lead with a dynamic, snappy texture.

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Creamed Greens Casserole

Pair this recipe with your choice of protein for a quick weeknight meal. This casserole only takes 45 minutes from oven to table, so it can be a reliable go-to. Onions, garlic, cream cheese, and fontina combine for a savory concoction that will convince any greens skeptic to pile their plate high.

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Parmesan Corn Pudding

This corn pudding recipe uses frozen corn, which means you'll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a meal with your family. It's good to know which recipes can truly save you time due to ease of execution. This is one of those that you can pull off in practically no time at all.

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Old-School Squash Casserole

Everyone will reach for a second helping of this traditional Southern casserole. It's hard to resist the flakey, buttery cracker topping with the creamy cheese and squash mixture. This savory and satisfying recipe requires only affordable and readily available ingredients.

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Pineapple Casserole

This holiday side dish is good enough to serve any time of year. Pineapple chunks, cheddar cheese, and Ritz crackers may sound like a strange combination, but it's truly a delicacy. The unique flavors are enough to impress even the choosiest casserole connoisseur.

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Hashbrown Casserole

Your 8x8 casserole dish is the best option, if you don't have another 2-quart baking dish on hand. Southerners are unapologetic about their knack for turning practically any dish into a creamy, cheesy affair, and this Hashbrown Casserole is no exception. If you’re reheating leftovers and wish to have something more substantial, you can put an egg on top.

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Macaroni Corn Casserole

Combine the creamy pasta goodness of Mac and Cheese with the sweetness of creamed corn, and you have yourself a Macaroni Corn Casserole. Dry mustard, garlic, scallions, and cayenne pepper bring a hefty dose of flavor, but it's the browned panko topping that will truly have you melting from the very first bite.

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Twice Baked Potato Casserole

This casserole is comfort in a 2-quart dish. Serve it alongside your favorite soup or protein for a filling meal. You can prepare this recipe one day in advance and chill the unbaked dish, covered, in the refrigerator. Let the dish come to room temperature before popping it in the oven.

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Easy Cauliflower Casserole

This cauliflower casserole is ready in just 45 minutes, and it may even fool your kids into thinking it's a mac and cheese dish. This is a great weeknight casserole option. It makes a statement at any potluck supper, too. For a party-ready touch, add a dash of parsley to your casserole as soon as you pull it out of the oven.

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Asparagus Gratin

This decadent casserole dresses up spring's favorite veggie. You'll want to add this cheesy casserole to your Easter sideboard. Just know that making extra is probably your best option.

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Fennel And Potato Gratin

Nutmeg and fennel give this potato gratin a fresh punch of flavor combined with sharp white cheddar cheese. The flavor balance makes this an irresistible side that will go fast. Be sure you always have ingredients on hand for this tasty 8x8 dish.

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