These Thanksgiving casserole recipes are essentials on any holiday table. They’re cozy, comforting, and unbelievably delicious—but what I love most is how simple they are to prepare. Whether you're feeding a big family or trying to keep Thanksgiving stress-free, these casseroles make the busy holiday so much easier.
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Why I Love These Thanksgiving Casseroles
Thanksgiving is the one holiday where my family insists the casseroles hit the table before the turkey. They’re warm, comforting, easy to make ahead, and perfect for feeding a crowd — which is exactly why they’ve become our secret weapon for stress-free holiday cooking.
Over the years, I’ve tested more casseroles than I can count, but these 15 recipes are the ones my family requests every single Thanksgiving. They’re reliable, simple, and guaranteed crowd-pleasers — the kind of dishes people take seconds of without even asking what’s in them.
Whether you want a classic like sweet potato casserole or something a little different like Vidalia onion casserole or mixed veggie casserole, this list has a recipe for every table. Most can be prepped a day ahead, baked while the turkey rests, or reheated without losing their creamy, cozy texture.
If you’re planning your menu and want casseroles that make Thanksgiving easier — not harder — you’re in the right place. These are the recipes that fill our table every year, and I know they’ll become traditions in your home too.
My Top Casseroles to Make For Thanksgiving
1. Sweet Potato Crunch Casserole
Kicking off our list is this traditional sweet potato casserole. It has everything you love about a sweet potato casserole, but I elevate the flavor by adding an incredible brown sugar pecan topping for an addictive crunch. You can get the recipe here.
2. Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams
Now, a lot of people prefer marshmallows on top of their sweet potatoes. So if that's you, you have to make this recipe! It has an ultra-smooth filling that's made with canned yams, so the process is much easier and quicker, taking just 5 minutes to prepare! Of course, it has that classic marshmallow topping, and I add chopped pecans for the perfect texture. Check out the recipe for this sweet potato casserole here.
3. Artichoke Casserole
This artichoke casserole is one of our most popular casseroles on the blog. My grandma always used to make stuffed artichokes growing up, and I was obsessed with them. So I turned her stuffed artichokes into a casserole, and it's amazing! The best part, though, has to be that it takes just 5 minutes to prepare! You can get the recipe for it here.
4. Velveeta Broccoli Casserole
Broccoli is one of those veggies everyone loves, but even if someone in your family doesn't typically eat broccoli, they'll be obsessed with this casserole. From the cheesy and creamy sauce to the tender broccoli and buttery Ritz cracker topping, each bite tastes better than the last. Check out this broccoli casserole recipe here.
5. Jiffy Corn Casserole
Another staple at any Thanksgiving feast is some type of corn dish, and this casserole deserves to be that dish this year. It has a perfect creamy filling with a crisp crust on top for an addictive texture. The best part, you only need 5 ingredients to make it! Check it out right now here.
6. Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese
Now, that casserole recipe above uses Jiffy corn muffin mix, and some people aren't a fan of that. So I've got one that's made without it! This has a creamier filling thanks to the cream cheese, with a little spice from some diced jalapenos and a ton of cheesiness from the cheddar cheese. It's super quick to make, too, taking just 30 minutes! You can get the recipe here.
7. Macaroni Corn Casserole
Continuing the corn theme is this one with macaroni. It's basically the most delicious mac and cheese ever, with crispy bacon, tender corn, and crunchy bread crumbs. This recipe is a huge hit with kids, especially the picky eaters! You can get the recipe here.
8. Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Regular mashed potatoes are a classic, but change it up this year with this recipe! It has all of the best parts of loaded twice-baked potatoes, but it's made in a casserole dish, so it's really convenient to make ahead! Check out the recipe here.
9. Green Bean Casserole with Tater Tots
Is it really Thanksgiving without a classic green bean casserole? I don't think so, and that's why this one with ground beef, tater tots, and cheese always has a spot at the Cunningham Thanksgiving table. It takes green beans to a heartier level, so it's perfect for feeding a crowd. Here is the recipe.
10. Brussels Sprouts Casserole
Brussels sprouts typically aren't the highlight of a meal, but they will be with this recipe! The savory brussels are mixed in a creamy, cheesy sauce with crispy bacon and more cheese on top. It's seriously addictive, but the best part about the recipe is it's ready in under 30 minutes! You can check the recipe out here.
11. Spinach Casserole
Add some fresh greens to your Thanksgiving meal with this casserole. It's pretty much the best creamed spinach ever, elevated with the addition of cheddar and feta cheese and crunchy bread crumbs. Get the recipe here.
12. Mixed Vegetable Casserole
All of those vegetable casseroles above are delicious, and if you can't pick which one to make, go with this mixed veggie one. It has a variety of veggies coated in a rich cream of mushroom soup sauce with a cheesy, crunchy cracker topping. Since it's made with frozen veggies, it takes minimal time to make and is ready in about 30 minutes! Check it out here.
13. Pineapple Casserole
If you're looking for a sweet addition to all of the savory elements of a classic Thanksgiving meal, you have to make this pineapple casserole. It's made with only 6 ingredients, and you just have to mix the ingredients together, assemble the casserole, and bake. So it's perfect if you need something that takes minimal effort! Here is everything you need to make it.
14. Vidalia Onion Casserole
I know what you're thinking: how could onions be a side dish? Well, with this recipe, they totally can! It combines sauteed sweet onions in a rich cream sauce with buttery Ritz crackers on top. A great part about this recipe is you only need a few simple ingreidents to make it. If you have the onions, I guarantee you have everything else you need! Grab the recipe here.
15. Mushroom Casserole
Rounding out our list of easy Thanksgiving casserole recipes is another not-so-common casserole that makes a terrific Thanksgiving side. The savory, herby mushrooms are coated in melted cheese for a simple yet delicious casserole everyone will enjoy! Last but not least, get the recipe here.
Expert Tips for Making The Best Thanksgiving Casseroles
Making several casseroles for Thanksgiving can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, they can become the easiest and most reliable dishes on your holiday table. After years of hosting, testing, and refining, these are the techniques that guarantee every Thanksgiving casserole turns out rich, creamy, perfectly set, and full of flavor.
- Start prepping early. The most stressful part of Thanksgiving is the rush, but almost every casserole ingredient can be prepped days in advance. Chop onions, slice mushrooms, shred cheese, measure spices, thaw frozen vegetables, cook bacon, and even boil pasta up to 48 hours ahead. Store everything in airtight containers so assembling on Thanksgiving takes minutes.
- Assemble casseroles a day before baking. Nearly all Thanksgiving casseroles — whether sweet potato, corn, broccoli, spinach, or mixed vegetable — taste even better the next day. Assembling them ahead allows flavors to meld and saves valuable oven time on Thanksgiving Day. Cover the assembled dish tightly and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add crunchy toppings (Ritz crackers, breadcrumbs, fried onions, pecans) right before baking so they stay crisp.
- Choose the right baking dish. For the most even heating and perfect texture, use a shallow 9×13-inch dish. This allows casseroles to heat evenly and prevents the center from staying cold while the edges overbake. Deeper dishes may require 10–20 extra minutes in the oven.
- Avoid watery or soggy casseroles. Drain canned vegetables extremely well and pat thawed frozen vegetables dry. Moisture is the number one reason casseroles get soupy. If your recipe contains mushrooms or onions, sauté them first to evaporate excess moisture. Adding toppings right before baking also helps keep the surface crisp instead of soggy.
- Layer flavors instead of mixing everything at once. Sautéing aromatics (like onions, peppers, celery, mushrooms, garlic) in butter before adding them to the casserole creates depth and prevents raw flavors. Season every layer lightly — the vegetables, the sauce, and the topping — rather than adding all salt at the end.
- Let casseroles rest before serving. This is the most ignored step, but possibly the most transformative. Allow casseroles to rest for 10–15 minutes after baking. During that time, starches thicken, sauces settle, and slices hold their shape beautifully without falling apart. This makes a huge difference for sweet potato, corn, broccoli, and mixed veggie casseroles.
- Bake uncovered during the final portion. Whether you’re making green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, or a cheesy broccoli bake, removing the foil for the last 10–15 minutes helps toppings brown and crisp. If the top still isn’t golden enough, broil for 1–2 minutes — watching VERY closely.
- Use room-temperature dairy for creamy sauces. Cold cream cheese, sour cream, milk, or heavy cream can cause sauces to curdle or turn lumpy. Let dairy sit out for 20–30 minutes before mixing. This creates ultra-smooth sauces in casseroles like corn casserole with cream cheese, spinach casserole, and cheesy broccoli bakes.
- Double the topping. Guests will never notice if your casserole has too much topping — but they’ll ALWAYS notice if it has too little. Whether it’s crunchy Ritz crackers, breadcrumbs, pecan streusel, or fried onions, doubling the topping guarantees you get contrast in every bite.
- Label casseroles clearly. If you’re making several dishes, label each one with oven temperature, baking time, and whether it needs to be covered or uncovered. This eliminates guessing games on Thanksgiving Day and helps others jump in to help.
- Stagger oven usage. Bake casseroles that require higher heat first (375–400°F), then reduce the oven to 350°F for the rest. Most casseroles reheat beautifully at 300°F while your turkey finishes roasting.
- Reheat casseroles slowly and gently. Whether reheating the next day or serving leftovers, keep the oven between 300–325°F and cover the casserole with foil. Add a splash of milk, broth, or cream to revive creamy casseroles so they taste fresh again.
Thanksgiving Casserole Recipes FAQS
Can I make Thanksgiving casseroles ahead of time?
Yes, almost all Thanksgiving casseroles can be assembled a day in advance, which is one reason they’re so beloved during the holidays. You can prepare the entire casserole — including the filling or base — up to 24 hours ahead, then store it tightly covered in the refrigerator. On the day you’re serving, simply add any crunchy toppings (like Ritz crackers, breadcrumbs, fried onions, or pecans) right before baking so they stay crisp. Baking the casserole fresh on Thanksgiving Day ensures the best flavor and texture while drastically reducing your workload.
Can I freeze Thanksgiving casseroles?
Many casseroles freeze extremely well, including my sweet potato casserole, corn casserole, mixed vegetable casserole, broccoli casserole, and spinach casserole. For best results, freeze the casserole before baking and without any crunchy topping. Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. Add the topping just before baking. The texture is almost identical to fresh-made.
How do I keep casseroles warm for Thanksgiving dinner?
If your oven space is limited — which is true for almost everyone on Thanksgiving — there are several ways to keep casseroles warm. You can keep them in a 200°F oven covered with foil, or transfer them to a slow cooker set to “Warm.” Casserole carriers, insulated bags, and simply wrapping the hot dish in foil and a thick towel also help keep them warm for an hour or longer. The key is trapping heat without overcooking, and all of these methods work beautifully.
How long can Thanksgiving casseroles sit out?
For food safety, casseroles should not sit out for more than two hours at room temperature. If you're serving buffet-style, you can place casseroles on warming trays or in chafing dishes to keep them above 140°F, which is the safe temperature for hot dishes. Once everything cools, refrigerate the leftovers promptly.
What temperature should I bake Thanksgiving casseroles at?
Most casseroles bake at 350°F, which works as a universal temperature if you’re cooking multiple dishes at once. Some toppings brown better at 375°F or even 400°F, but if your oven is full, simply add an extra 5–10 minutes to the bake time. When in doubt, bake until the center is hot and bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
How do I prevent casseroles from becoming watery or soggy?
Watery casseroles are typically caused by excess moisture in vegetables, especially frozen ones. Always thaw and drain frozen vegetables thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels if needed. Sautéing watery vegetables like onions, mushrooms, and peppers before adding them to the casserole helps remove excess moisture. Finally, bake uncovered toward the end to evaporate moisture and crisp the topping.
How do I reheat Thanksgiving casseroles without drying them out?
To reheat casseroles so they taste fresh again, keep the oven low — around 300–325°F — and cover them with foil. For creamy casseroles, add a splash of milk, cream, or broth before reheating to revive the sauce. If your casserole has a crispy topping, uncover it during the last 10 minutes of reheating so the top can crisp back up.
How long do Thanksgiving casseroles last in the fridge?
Most casseroles will keep for 3–4 days when stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator. For best results, reheat them in the oven instead of the microwave, which can cause creamy sauces to separate. If you plan to store them longer than a few days, freezing is a better option for maintaining texture and flavor.
What casseroles pair best with a traditional Thanksgiving menu?
Classic Thanksgiving casseroles like Ruth Chris sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, Brussels sprouts casserole, spinach casserole, Paula Deen corn casserole, and broccoli casserole pair wonderfully with turkey, ham, meatloaf, roasted vegetables, and dinner rolls. If your table already has a lot of rich dishes, consider adding a lighter vegetable casserole like Veg-All casserole or zucchini tomato casserole for contrast.
How many casseroles should I make for Thanksgiving?
If you’re feeding 8–10 guests, three to four casseroles are usually enough. For larger gatherings of 15 or more, aim for five to six casseroles to offer variety and ensure there’s plenty to go around. Each casserole typically serves 6–10 people, depending on whether it’s served as a primary side or one of many options.
Jan
Love this list guys!!
Sam
We make your mixed vegetable casserole recipe all the time. Can't wait to make some of these for Turkey day.
Rachel Dimitrie
Def going to make a few of these, thanks!!
Lee
Just made the hash brown green bean casserole and it was so good.