If you hear “casserole” and think of a boring dinner from the 1950s, think again.
Unsure what to do with leftover odds and ends in your kitchen? Feeding a picky eater? Wondering what to bring to the potluck? The answer to these questions and more is simple: make a casserole. Learn why the meal-in-one is making a comeback, and why you should probably be cooking one right now.
1. They’re versatile
For every set of tastebuds, there’s a casserole to match. For every assortment of leftovers in the fridge and standbys in the pantry, there’s likely a casserole you can pull together. Don’t like cilantro? Leave it out. Counting carbs? Switch up grains for riced cauliflower. Hungry for more heat? Add additional chilis or hot sauce. The sky’s the limit when it comes to creating and customizing casseroles to fit your needs and flavor preferences. This make-ahead breakfast casserole is perfect in the morning. Make it your own by customizing your favorite cream cheese flavors and bagel toppings.
Get the recipe: https://www.savoryonline.com/recipes/everything-bagel-breakfast-bake/
2. They can be nutritious
If you have a little one (or a grownup) who refuses to eat vegetables, consider the power of the casserole. Layering kid-friendly flavors and textures, like cheese, meat, pasta, or potatoes, with veggies, beans, and/or whole grains is an easy way to serve more nutrients without any battles at the dinner table. This weeknight dinner favorite loaded with chicken, rice, and artichokes mixed with cheese is any easy meal the whole family will enjoy.
Get the recipe: https://www.savoryonline.com/recipes/chicken-and-artichoke-rice-bake/
3. They’re easy, from prep through cleanup
Why fuss with multiple pans on the stovetop when you could serve a complete meal straight from the oven in a single dish? Tackle ingredient prep, such as peeling, chopping, or sautéing, on the weekend and store the components for a throw-it-together casserole any night of the week. Alternatively, many casseroles can be fully assembled ahead and kept in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to bake and serve. When the meal is done, one-pan wonder casseroles mean cleanup is a breeze. Our variation on the classic, our casserole with canned tuna and frozen broccoli requires minimal cooking. Paired with creamy cheese and crunchy panko brings all the texture to satisfy any taste bud temptation.
Get the recipe: https://www.savoryonline.com/recipes/tuna-noodle-casserole/
4. They feed a crowd
If you have a growing kid with a bottomless appetite and equally hungry friends who like to stay for dinner, casseroles are a smart go-to. It’s no problem setting an extra place at the table when the menu is a multi-portion meal-in-one served family-style. If you end up with leftovers, casseroles reheat beautifully for a round two dinner or lunch the next day. Using store-bought frozen chicken tenders this casserole puts the ease back in easy and is an instant hit for a kid’s leftover lunch.
Get the recipe: https://www.savoryonline.com/recipes/chicken-finger-parm-casserole/
5. They’re transportable and gift-able
The neatly contained nature of casseroles makes them easy to bring to potlucks, picnics, and other get-togethers. A glass baking dish with a tight-fitting lid or disposable aluminum pan makes transportation even easier. If you know someone who could use a little homemade comfort, casseroles, make a great gift. Whip up any of these tasty recipes to feed your family and make it a double batch to share with friends or colleagues. Layered with cheesy goodness and bits of ham, this southern mac and cheese casserole is a delicious, memorable way to say, “Thank you!”, “Congrats!”, or “Howdy, neighbor!”
Get the recipe: https://recipecenter.giantfoodstores.com/recipes/164144/southern-style-mac-and-cheese-casserole
For even more casserole ideas check out some of our editors’ favorites.
