The holiday season is upon us, and that means gatherings with family and friends, laughing and chatting, while indulging in delicious meals together. One thing that can make these festive occasions more enjoyable is having delicious make-ahead dishes that allow you to spend more time with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen. Casseroles are the epitome of comfort food, and they can be quite versatile, from breakfast delights to hearty sides. In this post, I’ve gathered a list of 30 plus Best Easy Make-Ahead Holiday Casserole Ideas that will save you time and effort but also impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, dinner party, or potluck, these flavorful easy-to-prepare dishes are bound to become the star of your holiday menu. There’s something for everyone, from traditional classics to vegan and gluten free options. So, dig in!
15 Make Ahead Holiday Casseroles (Sides)
Casseroles define easy breezy cooking. A “casserole” by definition is a side dish that is cooked slowly in the oven, but also in the “casserole dish” or casserole pan.” These days a “casserole” could even be made in the slow cooker, Instant Pot or even a pellet grill if you’re not picky. These are dishes the whole family can enjoy that make your life way easier on the holidays. Here are some dishes for your feast and below that you’ll find some breakfast dishes and then some dessert options as well.
Southern Corn Pudding Casserole (No Jiffy Mix)
This corn pudding casserole is a blend of 2 favorite side dishes, corn casserole and corn pudding, but without the corn muffin mix. This from-scratch recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. If you've got fans of corn, but those who don't like cornbread, this will make them happy! It's moist, creamy and just plain delicious.
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Sweet Potato Gratin with Gruyère & Prosciutto | The Greek Foodie
Sweet potatoes are elevated to supreme savory levels with this dish! I mean, come on now, hard to resist. Gruyere and prosciutto are the shining sidekicks to the rustic sweet potato here. This is a must try!
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Green Bean Casserole without Mushroom Soup | Chocolate Moosey
I just love that this easy green bean casserole recipe is made without cream of mushroom soup. You can make it with frozen or fresh green beans, fresh mushrooms and sour cream to add rich flavor and creaminess.
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White Bean Casserole | I Heart Vegetables
This is a great way to use up day-old bread. This vegetarian gem is a surprising dish with it’s fire roasted tomatoes, cheeses and creamy cannellinis.
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Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes (Layered with Sauce)
This cheesy potato dish is classy in presentation, yet pure comfort in every bite. It’s made with a cheesy, creamy sauce and layered potatoes for an elegantly delicious presentation, great for any holiday dinner!
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Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing | Once Upon a Chef
This simple classic with savory Italian Sausage is a perfect Holiday casserole for traditional holiday home cooks. It’s been tested and perfected, so give it a try for a memorable stuffing!
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Leftover Turkey Shepherd’s Pie | Delicious Table
This “leftover” casserole will be the easiest thing you can make the day after Thanksgiving with minimal effort. Grab your pre-made dishes and it’ll be ready to throw in the oven in minutes.
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Broccoli Rice Casserole (no canned soup) | Chef Savvy
I love how there’s no canned soup in this broccoli casserole recipe. You have the power to make this delicious cheesy casserole without relying on the extra sodium and preservatives of canned soup. Also, you could easily turn this into a chicken broccoli rice casserole if you already have shredded or leftover rotisserie chicken on hand. Great for the holidays or family dinner.
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Calico Beans (Oven, Pellet Smoker, Crock Pot or Instant Pot)
If you have meat lovers in the house this holiday season, this is a family favorite casserole! It might not be a traditional holiday side dish, but it sure is popular no matter when it's served. It's a beefy, beany, sweet and savory delight.
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Zucchini Tomato Casserole (Vegan) | Give Recipe
This veggie heavy casserole dish is perfect for vegans and vegetarians this holiday season! It's heavy on flavor and low on carbs too!
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Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole | Vegan Huggs
If you need a Vegan sweet potato option for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, this is it! Warm-spiced, slightly sweet and a big crowd pleaser.
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Bean and Pasta Vegetarian Casserole | Hurry the Food Up
Here’s a dump and bake vegetarian casserole that’s full of veggies and greens. A great dish to lighten up a starch heavy holiday menu.
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Loaded Mashed Potato Bake | Foxes Love Lemons
Looking for a leftover mashed potato recipe? This dish is a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes during the holidays. Packed with bacon, onion and cheese it is sure to please!
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Balsamic Roasted Turnips with Onion (Pellet Smoker or Oven)
If you need a low carb starch option, this is your best bet! Make these turnips in place of potatoes if you need to cut some carbs on the holiday table. If you're short on oven space and have a pellet smoker, you can bake it in there.
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The Best Squash Casserole | Quiche my Grits
This is a creamy cheesy vegetarian's delight with sour cream and cheddar cheese for a perfect veggie lover's casserole.
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15 Make Ahead Holiday Breakfast Casseroles
Breakfast is just as important as filling up the holiday dinner table. These fabulously delicious dishes are a great way for you to start a day with family and friends. When you wake up Thanksgiving or Christmas morning, the last thing you want to worry about is what to feed the people crashing at your house, especially when you have other dishes to prepare that day. These awesome, make-ahead breakfast casseroles will save the day! You will see everything from eggy dishes to French toast casserole and a baked oatmeal with cranberry and orange. There’s a diet option for just about everyone as well.
Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole | Joyous Apron
I will admit, sometimes I do cheat and use crescent rolls in a pinch. I do not get along with dough as you might have heard already, so if I need some quick dough like in this case, crescent rolls are there to save the day! This is one super easy, delicious breakfast casserole that looks as delicious as it tastes with some breakfast sausage, eggs and cheese.
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Bacon, Vegetable, and Kale Frittata | Live Simply
This is one wickedly delicious frittata that's low carb with all sorts of veggie goodness in it! Plus bacon!!
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Mango French Toast Casserole | Taste for Travel
Get whisked away on a Caribbean holiday with this tangy and sweet fresh fruit topped make-ahead French toast casserole.
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Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole | Dizzy Busy & Hungry
This loaded breakfast casserole is full of scrumptious tater tots and eggs for a perfect comfort food breakfast everyone will enjoy! It even has some greens so you don't feel too guilty enjoying it…ha!
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Blueberry French Toast Casserole | Crayons and Cravings
This blueberry custard-like breakfast will sweeten up the holidays. It's hard to go wrong with this overnight blueberry blissful casserole.
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Cowboy Christmas Breakfast Casserole | Platter Talk
Cowboy up with this protein rich breakfast casserole with savory breakfast sausage and loads of eggs. Prep it in 10 minutes and satisfy a crowd in about an hour's time.
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Vegan French Toast Casserole | Veggie World Recipes
Searching for a sweet vegan option for a breakfast casserole? This vegan French toast casserole is a winner! You can prep it the night before with non-dairy options like coconut milk and vegan cream cheese. Now everyone is happy!
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Green Chile Egg Casserole | State of Dinner
For you savory and spicy breakfast lovers out there, this green chili casserole with hot breakfast sausage is for YOU! This breakfast is guaranteed to spice up your holiday.
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Cranberry Orange Baked Oatmeal | As For Me and My Homestead
This warm and comforting oatmeal bake with a gooey, zesty cream cheese glaze will become a family favorite for sure! It's an easy, sneaky and super delicious way to get some healthy oats in over the holidays.
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The Best Biscuits and Gravy Casserole | Grandbaby
This comforting breakfast will make mid-westerners and southerners swoon! The rest of you will swoon as well I'm sure. Peppery gravy atop biscuits all in a deep casserole dish is the perfect treat on a lazy holiday weekend.
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Crockpot French Toast Casserole {Pumpkin Spice Edition} | The Soccer Mom Blog
Here's a spectacular crockpot casserole to warm up your holiday, with pumpkin spice no less! Make it the night before and cook it the next morning on high in about 2.5 hours for a great brunch, or serve it up as a dessert casserole as well!
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Hashbrown Casserole | Chef Savvy
This rich and creamy casserole takes simple hash browns and elevates them with lots of savory flavorful ingredients.
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Overnight Italian Breakfast Egg Bake (Strata) | Josie & Nina
A little pancetta, sausage and sourdough bread with an assortment of creamy cheeses make this egg bake spectacular for a rich and hearty holiday breakfast.
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Eggs Benedict Casserole | Chew Out Loud
Need I say more?! If you're an eggs benedict fan like I am, this is an awesome way to elevate your cooking game with this perfect make-ahead breakfast casserole!
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Venison Breakfast Casserole | Ninnescah Homestead
If you have hunters in the family this breakfast casserole is for you, made with hash browns and venison or elk sausage. A great breakfast casserole for special occasions.
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*BONUS* 5 Make Ahead Dessert Casseroles
These tasty sweet casseroles will be the reason your family returns next year! Browse at your own discretion, depending on whether you want your guests to return next year or not. Ha! There are sweet and rich bread puddings; from vegan to non-vegan. to elevated apple dishes. I’m sure you’ll find a make-ahead dessert casserole you’ll enjoy serving this holiday season!
Croissant Bread Pudding | Crinkled Cook Book
This combination of buttery croissants, half and half, fresh fruit and vanilla custard pudding is a beautiful and scrumptious sweet treat for the holidays, with minimal effort!
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Turnip and Apple Casserole | Pure & Simple Nourishment
This could pass as a sweet holiday side dish or dessert casserole. Great for vegans and for the rest of the crowd, if serving as dessert, you can top with a scoop of ice cream. It's gluten free, dairy free, vegan and paleo for those who need the option.
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Vegan Bread Pudding | Veggie Inspired
Stale bread can be turned into a delectable dessert with this Vegan Bread Pudding. The cinnamon spiced and maple syrup flavor make this dessert a vegan's delight.
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Baked Stuffed Apples with Belgian Raspberry Beer | My Chefs Apron
Baked Apples with a crunchy oat filling, topped with syrupy Belgian Raspberry beer is a surprising treat you wouldn't expect. Yes, beer is a great dessert addition, trust me!
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Eggnog Bread Pudding | Waiting for Blancmange
This festive egg nog twist on a classic bread pudding is the deliciously cozy holiday dessert.
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This is an incredible resource for anyone hosting over the holidays! Thank you!
You’re welcome, Shelby! Thanks for the comment!
During the Holiday season I’m always looking for comforting, hearty recipes that will satisfy my families appetite. These recipes will do the trick. Bookmarking for future reference.
Awesome! Enjoy! Happy Holidays!
Lots of great tips for getting ahead. I am definitely going to be making the sweet potato gratin.
Ha! I am also thinking of making the sweet potato gratin! Thanks for the comment, Dannii!
These all look so good! Definitely making one of these for Thanksgiving!
Awesome! I’d love to know later which one you make. Happy Thanksgiving!
There are so many fabulous recipes here! I can’t decide which one to try first, but all of these are perfect for the holidays!
Thanks for the comment, Angela! Enjoy!