8 Cozy Casseroles That Are Perfect for a Potluck or a Weeknight Meal

These make-and-take bakes are what we’re craving this season.

overhead shot of creamy chicken cordon bleu casserole
Photo:

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

As our calendars start to fill with seasonal events, we're looking for ways to both save our sanity and fill our bellies without too much fuss. These hearty and flavorful dishes are designed to bring people together, whether it's sharing a meal with friends at a communal gathering or enjoying a hassle-free family dinner.

Embrace the warmth of home-cooked comfort with this handful of ideas, beyond the usual tuna noodle casserole (though we love that, too). You'll crave them all season long.

01 of 08

Four-Cheese Truffled Macaroni and Cheese

close up view of Four-Cheese Truffled Macaroni and Cheese in a glass baking dish
Tmac

Truffle mac and cheese is a favorite to make when there's a chill in the air. It's great for cheese lovers, like us, and works well at dinner parties. The leftovers are fabulous, too! If you don't have a bottle of truffle oil yet, we say it's one of the best culinary purchases you can make this year. A little goes a long way so it lasts a while, and can be used in so many different dishes. Top the mac with a pinch of truffle salt if desired.

02 of 08

Savory Rosemary Bread Pudding

Close up view of Savory Rosemary Bread Pudding with a square cut out for serving

Upcycle cheese board leftovers from holiday parties into savory bread pudding. We love Gruyère here, but any shredded or crumbled cheese will work. Want to take it up a notch? Make some fried rosemary to garnish the casserole. Heat 1/4 cup canola oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry fresh rosemary until dark green, about 1 minute, and serve along each slice for an aromatic upgrade.

03 of 08

Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole in a white baking dish with a serving spoon

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

The intro of this dish on the recipe page says it all: "This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole recipe is the shortcut special occasion dinner of your dreams." It belongs in the weeknight dinner rotation as much as it belongs on the holiday table. Mix noodles, chicken, ham, cream of chicken soup, and a sprinkling of other ingredients for all the taste of a traditional favorite with a fraction of the prep work.

04 of 08

Cowboy Casserole

overhead view of a cowboy casserole in a skillet, with a serving on a plate to the side
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Classic tater tot casserole is usually a mix of beef, cream of mushroom soup, and potato nuggets. Here, recipe developer Julia Levy adds hot sausage, bacon, and veggies to the lineup for a five-star dish an Allrecipes member said "Was gobbled up by the whole family!" Another said, "I'll make it once a month!" (and so will we.)

05 of 08

Greek Feta and Spinach Potato Casserole

Feta, spinach and potato casserole sprinkled with feta cheese in casserole dish

Chef John

If you like potato gratins and casseroles, try this unique Greek-inspired recipe from Chef John. The herbaceous flavor of mint and spinach pairs well with the rich flavor of baked feta cheese. Reviewer Suzanne Myers agrees, saying "Oh my gosh...this is just crazy good! Delicious and full flavored...I will make this again and again! Thank you Chef John. You never let me down."

06 of 08

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

slightly less than overhead view of rotisserie chicken stuffing casserole served in a casserole dish with a serving taking out

DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS 

According to recipe creator CathyP, "This chicken and stuffing casserole is creamy and comforting on a cool winter evening—the whole family will love it!" Use rotisserie chicken, or whatever chicken you have on hand, stuffing mix, and condensed soup for a satisfying yet easy meal. "Leftovers are yummy, too," she adds.

07 of 08

The Best Spaghetti Casserole

Spaghetti casserole topped with cheese with garlic bread on the side

fabeveryday

Give your usual spaghetti dinner a twist in your 9x13 dish with this irresistible recipe. A few steps and just about an hour and you're on your way. Simply brown ground beef and onion in a large skillet, stir in spaghetti sauce, sour cream, mozzarella, and cooked pasta, then bake until gooey and delicious.

08 of 08

Breakfast Sausage Casserole

Close up on a serving of Christmas breakfast sausage casserole on a plate with remaining in a red casserole dish behind.

DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS 

We can't forget the most important meal of the day with this casserole that can just as easily serve as a holiday brunch favorite or weeknight breakfast-for-dinner treat. Savory sausage mixes with eggs, bread, and cheese for an easy dish that can be prepped ahead. It freezes well, too. Our community backs this up, with more than 1,500 five-star reviews. One reviewer says "I am constantly being asked for this recipe every time I make it. So easy to put together. Best way to feed many for a stress-free meal." Another adds "This is the BEST breakfast casserole ever!" We have to agree.

Additional reporting by
Andrea Lobas
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Andrea Lobas has been exploring the food industry and media world for the past 15 years. She is an editor and writer for Allrecipes and has worked on projects for Simply Recipes, Serious Eats, The Spruce Eats, and more. Andrea is happy to bring her sense of adventure into home kitchens everywhere, trying each and every new trend along the way.
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