25 Creative Thanksgiving Casseroles That Feed a Crowd
When you’re hosting a big Thanksgiving gathering, casseroles are your secret weapon for stress-free cooking. These one-dish wonders can be prepped ahead, feed tons of people, and free up precious oven space for your turkey.
From traditional favorites with a twist to creative new combinations, these 25 casseroles will transform your holiday table into a buffet of comfort food magic that’ll have everyone coming back for thirds.
Sweet Potato Marshmallow Casserole with Pecan Crumble
This upgraded version of the classic combines creamy mashed sweet potatoes with gooey toasted marshmallows and a crunchy pecan topping. The contrast of textures makes every bite interesting, while the natural sweetness pairs perfectly with savory turkey and stuffing.
It’s surprisingly easy to make ahead – just pop it in the oven while your turkey rests. Kids and adults alike can’t resist this crowd-pleasing side that tastes like dessert but counts as a vegetable.
Get the recipe here.
Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Shallots
Forget the canned soup version – this elevated green bean casserole features fresh beans in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce topped with golden fried shallots. The beans stay perfectly crisp-tender, and the homemade sauce has so much more flavor than the traditional recipe.
It’s worth the extra effort because it actually tastes like real food instead of processed ingredients. You can prep most of it the day before and just add the crispy topping before baking.
Get the recipe here.
Cornbread Stuffing Casserole
This Southern-inspired stuffing swaps out regular bread for crumbled cornbread, creating a slightly sweet and incredibly moist base that soaks up all the savory seasonings. The texture is more tender than traditional stuffing, and it has a comforting, homestyle flavor that reminds you of Sunday dinners.
It bakes up golden and holds together beautifully for serving. Even stuffing skeptics will find themselves going back for seconds of this crowd-pleasing twist on the classic.
Get the recipe here.
Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender broccoli and fluffy rice, this casserole is comfort food at its finest. The cheese sauce is rich without being heavy, and the broccoli adds a nice pop of color and nutrition to balance out all the indulgent holiday dishes. It’s incredibly kid-friendly and a great way to sneak some vegetables onto plates.
The best part? It reheats beautifully as leftovers, making it perfect for busy holiday weekends when you want easy meals.
Get the recipe here.
King Ranch Chicken Casserole
This Tex-Mex inspired casserole layers tender chicken with corn tortillas, peppers, and a spicy cheese sauce that’ll wake up your taste buds. It’s got just enough kick to be interesting without overwhelming sensitive palates, and the tortillas create satisfying layers throughout.
The dish is incredibly hearty and could honestly work as a main course for lighter appetites. It’s also fantastic for using up leftover turkey – just swap it in for the chicken and you’ve got a whole new meal.
Get the recipe here.
Butternut Squash Gratin
Thinly sliced butternut squash gets layered with cream, herbs, and cheese to create an elegant side dish that looks fancy but is surprisingly simple to make. The squash becomes silky and sweet, while the top gets beautifully golden and bubbly.
It’s a sophisticated alternative to regular potato gratin and adds gorgeous fall colors to your table. The natural sweetness of the squash pairs wonderfully with the savory herbs, creating a complex flavor that impresses dinner guests every time.
Get the recipe here.
Wild Rice and Cranberry Casserole
This nutty, chewy wild rice gets dressed up with tart dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and savory seasonings for a casserole that screams autumn. The textures play beautifully together, and the cranberries add little bursts of sweetness that complement the earthy rice.
It’s hearty enough to satisfy vegetarians at your table and fancy enough to serve to company. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for guests with dietary restrictions who often feel left out at holiday meals.
Get the recipe here.
Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
Take everything you love about loaded baked potatoes and turn it into a shareable casserole that’s pure comfort food gold. Creamy mashed potatoes get mixed with bacon bits, cheese, and green onions, then baked until the top is golden.
It’s essentially a giant scoop of restaurant-style loaded mashed potatoes that feeds a crowd. The bacon adds a smoky depth while the cheese makes everything extra indulgent. This is definitely not diet food, but it’s exactly what holiday splurging is for.
Get the recipe here.
Turkey Tetrazzini Casserole
This classic comfort food casserole combines tender pasta, chunks of turkey, and vegetables in a rich cream sauce topped with buttery breadcrumbs. It’s the perfect way to transform leftover turkey into something that feels completely different and exciting.
The pasta makes it filling enough to serve as a main dish, while the creamy sauce brings everything together beautifully. Kids love the mild flavors, and adults appreciate how it stretches expensive turkey meat into multiple meals without feeling like boring leftovers.
Get the recipe here.
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Regular mac and cheese gets a fall makeover with the addition of silky pumpkin puree that makes the cheese sauce even creamier and adds subtle sweetness. The pumpkin doesn’t overpower the cheese flavor – it just makes everything taste richer and more luxurious.
The orange color is absolutely gorgeous on a holiday table, and it’s a sneaky way to add some nutrition to a typically indulgent dish. Even pumpkin skeptics won’t be able to resist this elevated comfort food that bridges the gap between side dish and indulgence.
Get the recipe here.
Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Casserole
Even Brussels sprouts haters will love this casserole that combines the little cabbages with crispy bacon and a creamy cheese sauce. The bacon fat flavors everything while the cheese mellows out any bitter notes from the sprouts. They become tender and sweet when baked, losing that sharp bite that turns people off.
It’s a great way to convert vegetable skeptics and add some green to your table. The best part is that it can be assembled completely ahead of time and just popped in the oven when you’re ready.
Get the recipe here.
Creamy Corn Casserole
This isn’t your average corn side dish – it’s more like a cross between cornbread and pudding that’s sweet, creamy, and absolutely addictive. The texture is unique and satisfying, somewhere between a soufflé and traditional cornbread.
It has just enough sweetness to feel special without being dessert-like, and the creamy interior contrasts beautifully with the slightly crispy top. It’s one of those dishes that disappears quickly from the buffet table, and everyone always asks for the recipe.
Get the recipe here.
Sausage and Apple Stuffing Bake
The addition of savory breakfast sausage and sweet-tart apples transforms regular stuffing into something extraordinary that could honestly work as a main course. The sausage adds protein and rich flavor while the apples provide little bursts of sweetness that complement the herbs perfectly.
The texture is moist and satisfying, and it bakes up golden brown on top. It’s especially popular with people who want something more substantial than traditional stuffing but don’t want to commit to a full meat dish.
Get the recipe here.
Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin
Tender cauliflower florets get smothered in a rich cheese sauce and baked until bubbly and golden for a low-carb alternative to potato gratin. The cauliflower becomes incredibly creamy when baked and soaks up all the cheesy goodness beautifully.
It’s surprisingly filling and satisfying, even for people who aren’t usually cauliflower fans. The cheese sauce is indulgent enough to make you forget you’re eating vegetables, making it perfect for sneaking nutrition onto holiday plates without anyone complaining.
Get the recipe here.
Leftover Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
Transform your leftover turkey into this comforting casserole that layers seasoned meat and vegetables under a blanket of creamy mashed potatoes. The turkey gets a completely new personality with different seasonings, so it doesn’t taste like boring leftovers at all.
The mashed potato topping gets beautifully golden and crispy on the edges while staying fluffy underneath. It’s hearty enough to be a complete meal and is perfect for those post-holiday days when you want comfort food but are tired of the same old turkey sandwiches.
Get the recipe here.
Cranberry Walnut Sweet Potato Bake
Sweet potatoes get dressed up with tart dried cranberries and crunchy walnuts for a casserole that balances sweet, tart, and nutty flavors perfectly. The cranberries add little pops of brightness that cut through the richness of the sweet potatoes, while the walnuts provide satisfying crunch.
It’s naturally sweet enough that it almost feels like dessert, but the nuts and subtle spices keep it firmly in side dish territory. The colors are absolutely gorgeous and very Instagram-worthy for your holiday table photos.
Get the recipe here.
Green Chile Cornbread Casserole
This Southwestern-inspired casserole combines the comfort of cornbread with the gentle heat of green chiles for something unique on a traditional holiday table. The chiles add just enough spice to be interesting without overwhelming anyone, and they complement the subtle sweetness of the cornbread perfectly.
The texture is moist and tender, almost like a savory bread pudding. It’s a great conversation starter and adds some variety to tables that might otherwise be full of traditional dishes that all taste similar.
Get the recipe here.
Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bake
This healthy option doesn’t sacrifice flavor – roasted seasonal vegetables get mixed with nutty quinoa and baked in a light herb sauce that lets all the natural flavors shine. The vegetables caramelize beautifully and the quinoa adds protein and substance without being heavy.
It’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan, making it perfect for accommodating different dietary needs. Even meat-lovers will appreciate how satisfying and flavorful it is, proving that healthy holiday food doesn’t have to be boring or feel like punishment.
Get the recipe here.
Turkey and Wild Rice Hotdish
This Midwestern-style hotdish combines leftover turkey with nutty wild rice, vegetables, and a creamy sauce for the ultimate comfort food casserole. The wild rice adds wonderful texture and earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with turkey, while the vegetables provide color and nutrition.
It’s incredibly hearty and filling – definitely main dish material that’ll satisfy the heartiest appetites. The cream sauce brings everything together without being too heavy, and it reheats beautifully for easy leftover meals throughout the busy holiday weekend.
Get the recipe here.
Maple Winter Squash Casserole
This comforting casserole combines roasted winter squash with the warm sweetness of maple syrup, creating a perfect seasonal side dish. Cubed butternut or acorn squash is typically layered with onions, herbs like sage or thyme, and a drizzle of pure maple syrup before baking until tender and caramelized.
The natural sugars develop into a golden, slightly crispy top while the squash becomes creamy underneath. Often enhanced with butter, nuts, or breadcrumbs, this nutritious dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats and makes an elegant addition to holiday tables throughout fall and winter.
Get the recipe here.
Creamy Spinach Artichoke Casserole
Turn the beloved appetizer dip into a legitimate side dish that’s just as creamy and indulgent as the original. The spinach and artichokes provide substance and nutrition while the cream cheese base makes everything rich and satisfying.
It’s like eating the world’s best spinach artichoke dip with a spoon, which honestly sounds pretty perfect for a holiday meal. The top gets golden and bubbly, creating textural contrast with the creamy interior. Even veggie skeptics will find themselves going back for more.
Get the recipe here.
Pecan-Crusted Sweet Potato Casserole
This elevated version tops creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a crunchy pecan streusel instead of marshmallows for a more sophisticated take on the classic. The pecans add wonderful nutty flavor and satisfying crunch that adults especially appreciate.
The sweet potato base is perfectly spiced and not too sweet, letting the natural flavor of the potatoes shine through. It’s fancy enough for elegant dinner parties but still comforting enough for family gatherings. The contrast between creamy and crunchy textures makes every bite interesting and delicious.
Get the recipe here.
Turkey Pot Pie Casserole
All the comfort of chicken pot pie but sized up to feed a crowd and made with leftover turkey for ultimate convenience. The creamy filling is loaded with vegetables and tender turkey, while the flaky topping provides that satisfying contrast everyone loves in pot pie. It’s like having individual pot pies without all the work of making separate portions.
The filling is rich and satisfying enough to serve as a complete meal, making it perfect for casual holiday gatherings where you want something hearty and comforting.
Get the recipe here.
Harvest Vegetable Casserole
This colorful medley of seasonal vegetables gets roasted until caramelized and tender, then baked with herbs and a light cream sauce. The vegetables maintain their individual flavors while melding together beautifully, creating a dish that celebrates the best of fall produce.
It’s healthy without being diet-y, and the natural sweetness from the roasted vegetables means even picky eaters will find something to like. The presentation is gorgeous with all the different colors and shapes, making it perfect for Instagram-worthy holiday tables.
Get the recipe here.
Pumpkin Spice French Toast Bake
This breakfast-for-dinner casserole transforms regular French toast into a crowd-feeding phenomenon with warm pumpkin spice flavors throughout. The bread becomes custardy and rich while the top gets golden and slightly crispy, creating perfect textural contrast.
It’s sweet enough to feel like a treat but not so sweet that it’s dessert, making it perfect for brunch-style holiday gatherings. You can assemble it completely the night before and just bake it in the morning, making hosting so much easier and stress-free.
Get the recipe here.
