Make-Ahead Christmas Casseroles To Avoid Last-Minute Chaos

Trending Videos

Swiss Chicken Crêpe — Photo: Iain Bagwell

Whether you've got a house full of relatives or need to bring a dish to feed the folks at Uncle Frank's, there's a reason casseroles and Christmas go hand in hand. A warm, cozy casserole is the secret to beating the Christmas chaos. Honestly. Hearty and easy to make ahead, our favorite holiday casserole recipes range traditional classics to creative, must-try dishes. Between wrapping presents and preparing the house for guests, you'll be able to pop these one-dish wonders into the oven with ease. Freeze, pull out, and reheat to make feeding a table of twelve feel more feasible than ever before.Flip through some of our favorite Christmas casserole recipes, and you're sure to find the perfect fit for your holiday feast.

01 of 12

Butternut Squash Gratin

A beautiful blend of butternut squash and potatoes just might make this recipe your new go-to gratin dish.

02 of 12

Chicken-and-Wild Rice Casserole

When it comes to casseroles, it doesn't get much more reliable than chicken and rice. Perfect for a Christmas crowd, this recipe feels a little bit dressier than you're every day chicken and rice combo and can easily feed ten to twelve hungry holiday guests.

03 of 12

Two-Cheese Squash Casserole

This creamy, cheddar and Parmesan casserole recipe is sure to satisfy cheese and squash lovers alike.

04 of 12

Classic Sweet Potato Casserole

It wouldn't be a holiday gathering without a tasty sweet potato casserole, and this classic recipe just happens to be one of the best around.

05 of 12

Classic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

This versatile casserole side dish can be paired with virtually anything. Whether you're serving a Christmas ham or a spiced-rubbed tenderloin, this scrumptious side is sure to compliment and complete the rest of your holiday menu.

06 of 12

Tomato 'n' Beef Casserole with Polenta Crust

This easy Italian casserole delivers an indulgent tomato and beef filling that will have your whole family asking for seconds.

07 of 12

Chicken Cobbler Casserole

Don't let the word "cobbler" trick you into thinking this golden-brown Christmas bake is a sweet dish. This twist on a chicken pot pie will have you thinking "savory" when a mix of sourdough rolls, Parmesan cheese, and shredded chicken hit your lips.

08 of 12

Onion-Topped Sausage 'n' Mashed Potato Casserole

Fuss-free and fast to pull together, this casserole is easy to serve a crowd and delivers kid-approved fried onions.

09 of 12

Vanessa's Make-Ahead Beefy Lasagna

A Christmas lasagna is a must for many families, so this year make it a breeze to serve for lunch or as a side on the buffet by prepping it ahead of time.

10 of 12

Classic Make-Ahead Macaroni And Cheese

Everyone has their go-to macaroni and cheese recipe, but for a stress-free holiday, this is the one you want to use. Assembled the night before, all there is left to do on the day of is to toss together the breadcrumb topping, and bake.

11 of 12

Cheesy Broccoli-and-Rice Casserole

This is classic comfort food at its finest. What makes this warm and cheesy casserole even better is that can you build it the night before Christmas (sans breadcrumb topping), and chill it overnight in the fridge. When ready to eat the next day, simply top with breadcrumbs and pop it in the oven, then all you have left to do is enjoy some Christmas punch while it bakes.

12 of 12

Classic Cornbread Dressing

If dressing is a mandatory part of your Christmas dinner, plan ahead with this Classic Cornbread Dressing. It can be assembled and baked a day ahead and then reheated and served in a flash for the big day. Same can't be said for the Christmas ham, unfortunately.

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Tell us why!