15 Fancy Casseroles for the Whole Family

Italian Polenta Casserole on a white plate
Photo: Kim's Cooking Now

While they're cozy and comforting, casseroles don't often get the label of "fancy." These 15 stand-out dishes will change that misconception though. With beautiful presentations and high-brow ingredients like crab or pancetta, you can create impressive dishes that your family and guests will enjoy. Serve these 15 fancy casseroles at holiday, on birthdays, or when you have anything to celebrate.

01 of 15

Million-Dollar Spaghetti

Million-Dollar Spaghetti in a casserole dish
Baking Nana

Your basic spaghetti and marinara get a tasty upgrade thanks to ground beef and a buttery cheese sauce. "I have to stop myself from eating the entire pan," raves CeCe Schaffner. "My mom said that this is the best spaghetti she has ever eaten."

02 of 15

Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes

cheesy scalloped potatoes in a white and blue dish
lutzflcat

Get a taste of France with these classic au gratin potatoes. With a rich Cheddar sauce and tender potato slices, you won't be able to stop with just one serving.

03 of 15

Shrimp Alfredo Broccoli Bake

overhead shot seafood broccoli casserole
mrssea319

Get this fancy casserole on the dinner table in under an hour thanks to the help of convenience ingredients like store-bought Alfredo sauce and pre-peeled shrimp. Featuring veggies and protein, it's a one-dish meal that's sure to become part of your weekly rotation.

04 of 15

Crab Brunch Casserole

Crab Brunch Casserole in a white dish
MEGYEAH

A whole pound of crab goes into this elegant brunch casserole. Paired with eggs, Parmesan, and croutons, this fancy casserole is a fun way to bring seafood to the breakfast table.

05 of 15

Manicotti Italian Casserole

Manicotti Italian Casserole on a black dish
G*G

Manicotti is delicious, but there's not always time to stuff those small noodle tubes. Instead, turn to this simple but impressive casserole variation. Each bite is packed with flavor from ground beef, Italian sausage, and pepperoni.

06 of 15

Mediterranean Chicken and Pepper Casserole

a colorful serving of casserole on a white plate with a baking dish in the background
Buckwheat Queen

Have a fancy at-home dinner date with this easy and fancy casserole. "Vegetables, chicken breast, pasta, and Italian cheeses are baked until bubbly for a delicious one-pot dinner for two," says Buckwheat Queen. "I like to serve this with a light salad and crisp white wine."

07 of 15

Beef Burgundy Casserole

Beef Burgundy Casserole on a yellow plate
Joey Joan

"This dish is also known as Beef a la Bourguignon; this is a French preparation method associated with the cuisine of the Burgundy region of France," explains the recipe creator. This handy casserole version features tender egg noodles, wine-braised beef, and creamy mushroom soup.

08 of 15

Pancetta-Wrapped Leek Gratin

close up of Pancetta-Wrapped Leek Gratin
jennifermo

Homey leeks are given a fancy twist when wrapped in salty pancetta and drowned in a luscious white wine sauce. Reviewer PaigeB sums it up in three simple words: "Easy. Delicious. Decadent."

09 of 15

Four-Cheese Truffled Macaroni and Cheese

Four-Cheese Truffled Macaroni and Cheese on a red background
Hilary Van Santen

What's better than mac and cheese? Macaroni and four cheeses! Dressed with a dash of truffle oil, this childhood favorite is all grown up.

10 of 15

Salmon Casserole Surprise

Salmon Casserole Surprise on a wooden background
Shirley

Buttery potatoes, flaked salmon, and a rich cream sauce combine to make this impressive casserole. Don't skip the dashes of mustard and Worcestershire sauce; they add an irresistible umami depth.

11 of 15

Chicken Alfredo Casserole

tight shot of cheesy Alfredo
Jeanene T.

Extra garlicky and gooey with Cheddar cheese, this fancy casserole version of chicken Alfredo is sure to become a family favorite. Just add a sprinkling of fresh herbs on top for a fancy presentation.

12 of 15

Easy Russian Mushroom Bake

Easy Russian Mushroom Bake in a clear dish
Deb C

You only need a handful of ingredients to create this impressive dish. Fresh mushrooms are layered up with sour cream, Gouda cheese, and onions for a super savory meal. Reviewer tntwo says, "This is such a delicious and oh so easy side dish."

13 of 15

Tuna Noodle Casserole with Béchamel Sauce

Tuna Noodle Casserole with Bechamel Sauce in a dish
Diana71

Most tuna noodle casseroles rely on canned soups, which work in a pinch, but this fancy casserole recipe instead uses a homemade béchamel sauce that will knock your socks off.

14 of 15

Italian Polenta Casserole

Italian Polenta Casserole on a white plate
Kim's Cooking Now

Step aside, lasagna! There's a new favorite Italian casserole in town. Stacking together cheesy polenta, thinly sliced zucchini, and a cherry tomato sauce, each slice of this dish is bursting with flavor.

15 of 15

Pesto Chicken Penne Casserole

Pesto Chicken Penne Casserole
fabeverydayblog

Featuring chicken, veggies, and pasta, this all-in-one meal is a showstopper thanks to the creamy herb-laden sauce. Best part? According to recipe creator Lindalou it freezes well, so you can make a big batch to save for later.

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