While turkey may be the official star of the holiday, Thanksgiving isn’t complete without delicious casseroles to complement the bird and tantalize the taste buds. Why not add some scrumptious fixings to the table by making various casseroles? Not only can you get creative, but you can also bake your casseroles a day or two before Thanksgiving, leaving more time to spend with those you love. Pull out all your casserole dishes, and borrow a few if you must. Whatever region of the country you’re in, or even if you find yourself away from home, the following 15 casseroles can make your Thanksgiving meal even more spectacular than it already is.
With ease, you can create a tasty, hearty corn casserole to wow the crowd. Requiring just six ingredients and minimum prep time, you can even wait until the morning of Thanksgiving to throw it in the oven. Depending on the number of guests for the big feast, or if you like to have plenty of left overs for the days ahead, you can double or even triple the recipe. The six ingredients for this Cheesy Corn Casserole are a can of creamed corn, a can of regular corn, a box of Jiffy quick cornbread mix, cheese, eggs, and vegetable oil. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Mix all the ingredients together in the same bowl before pouring into a 2-quart dish and cooking for about an hour. If you know your guests can take a little heat, consider adding a few green chili peppers to the mix.
Tried-and-True Green Bean Casserole
The classic green bean casserole belongs on every Thanksgiving table year after year. The tried and true taste and enjoyment of this casserole cannot be overstated. It’s also super easy to make and disappears quickly, so be sure to make extra. All you need are the following six ingredients: 1 can of Cream of Mushroom Soup, ½ cup of milk, a teaspoon of soy sauce, dash of black pepper, 4 cups of cooked, cut green beans, and 1 1/3 cup of fried onions. See the full recipe here.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Even if you’re not a fan of the orange starchy vegetable any other day of the year, sweet potato casserole goes hand in hand with Thanksgiving without question. It may be the only way you and your family will actually eat this delicious treat. While this recipe takes more work on your part, you’ll benefit when you take it out of the oven. Try a nutty crumb topping casserole or the more popular marshmallow casserole.
Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
Instead of serving those bland mashed potatoes as a side this Thanksgiving, why not turn them into a Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole. As the name implies, this one has the works, including cheese, bacon, sour cream, and green onions. There are various versions of the potato casserole, so if one doesn’t sound appealing, then move on to the next. You might want to start with this Cheesy Potato Casserole (sans bacon) instead.
Wild Rice Casserole
For those who like a change from the potato family, try concocting a Wild Rice Casserole. This is one of those meal-in-one type dishes but enjoyed at many Thanksgiving tables around the country each year. Combine favorite vegetables, wild rice, and even chicken (or turkey) to create a unique addition to your holiday table.
Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon
While not technically a casserole, Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon will delight the kids, both big and small, at your dinner feast.
Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Who doesn’t love broccoli? But it can become boring simply as a side dish doused in butter or cheese all the time. Spruce it up a bit by making this Broccoli Cheese Casserole.
Root Vegetable-and-Butternut Squash Gratin
For those health-conscious guests or vegetarians, provide an option to sit alongside a slice of turkey or alone as a meal. This Root Vegetable-and-Butternut Squash casserole is not only jam-packed with nutrients but tastes incredible. Fully customizable, choose your veggies, especially if you’re not a fan of turnips or rutabagas, by replacing with extra butternut squash.
Old-Fashioned Squash Casserole
Squash is one of those vegetables you either love or hate. An Old-School Squash Casserole, however, presents it in a whole new light. Make yellow squash come alive and gain new fans with this buttery combination.
Zucchini, Squash and Corn Casserole
Wrap up your vegetable side dishes in one with this Zucchini, Squash and Corn Casserole. Coat with two different types of cheeses to create an out of this world flavor. Your kids won’t know what hit them. Eliminate all those bowls crowding the table by combining all your vegetables into this one casserole
Butternut Squash Gratin
For a special treat, take on the lesser-known squashes and create this masterful Butternut Squash Gratin. Learn new ways of utilizing butternut and spaghetti squash to create a casserole worth sharing. Alternate layers of Yukon gold potatoes with a sweetened squash mixture, created with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. While this one takes longer to pull together, you’ll see it is well worth it.
Pumpkin-and-Winter Squash Gratin
One more squash casserole dish to consider adding to your table this Thanksgiving is the Pumpkin-and-Winter Squash Gratin. Pumpkin can be used in more ways than just a pumpkin pie anymore.
Be aware, this recipe calls for several ingredients and more of your time. Plan on making it a day or two ahead of time, or at least the night before, then warm it up on the big day.
Cauliflower Casserole
Cauliflower, the pale vegetable, can easily get overlooked on a table full of colorful dishes. That’s too bad, really, because not only is it delicious, but also highly nutritious. Consider changing its reputation this year by cooking up a low-carb Loaded Cauliflower Casserole. If you’d rather keep it simple and low-key, try an Easy Cauliflower Casserole.
Creamed Greens Casserole
We all need to eat our greens, yet many have a hard time getting near them. Try creating this Creamed Greens Casserole to convince them that eating green doesn’t have to turn you green. They may even decide they like them.
Scalloped Oyster Casserole
Calling for minimal ingredients, this unique, new addition to your table may surprise you as well as your guests. The classic Scalloped Oyster Casserole is easy to master as long as you can round up approximately two pints of fresh, shucked oysters to add.
As you can see, the casserole possibilities for your Thanksgiving meal are numerous, and all are delicious options. Don’t be shy about experimenting with these recipes. Add your favorite ingredients or discover ways to make each one healthier for your family. You might just find one to make your signature dish from now on.
