15 Easy Christmas Casseroles For Your 13×9 Pan
Christmas dinner doesn’t have to mean hours of complicated cooking and endless pots and pans.
Your trusty 13×9 pan can be your holiday hero, turning out delicious casseroles that feed a crowd without the stress.
From hearty breakfast bakes to savory sides and comforting mains, these 15 casseroles will make your holiday menu planning a breeze while keeping everyone at the table happy and full.
Disclaimer:
This article provides general cooking information and highlights popular casserole traditions commonly enjoyed during the holiday season.
All descriptions are based on widely recognized recipes and publicly available culinary practices.
1. Green Bean Casserole
This classic side dish brings nostalgia to every holiday table with its creamy mushroom sauce and crispy onion topping.
Green beans get coated in a velvety mixture that bakes until bubbly and golden.
Save time by using frozen green beans and canned soup, or elevate it with fresh ingredients and homemade sauce for a gourmet touch that still comes together quickly.
2. Rutabaga Casserole
Popular in Scandinavian Christmas traditions, this earthy root vegetable transforms into a surprisingly sweet and silky dish.
Rutabagas get mashed with cream, eggs, and a hint of nutmeg, then baked until a golden crust forms on top.
Try adding a sprinkle of breadcrumbs mixed with butter before baking for extra texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth interior.
3. Carrot Casserole
Tender carrots baked in a buttery, herb-flecked sauce make vegetables the star of your holiday spread.
This colorful dish adds brightness to your table while sneaking extra nutrition into the feast.
Lighten it up by swapping half the butter for olive oil and using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream – nobody will notice the difference, but your waistline might.
4. Potato Casserole
Layers of thinly sliced potatoes swimming in cream and cheese create pure comfort in casserole form.
Each forkful delivers tender potato slices coated in a rich, savory sauce that pairs perfectly with any holiday main course.
Use a mandoline slicer to get uniform potato thickness – this ensures everything cooks evenly and looks professionally polished when you bring it to the table.
5. Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Wake up to the savory aroma of eggs, cheese, and seasoned sausage baked into one glorious morning meal.
This protein-packed dish feeds your whole family without standing over the stove flipping individual servings.
Assemble it the night before Christmas Eve, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh in the morning while everyone opens presents – breakfast practically makes itself.
6. Chicken And Rice Casserole
Juicy chicken and fluffy rice come together in a creamy sauce that makes this a complete meal in one pan.
The rice absorbs all the savory flavors while baking, creating a dish that’s satisfying without being heavy.
Use rotisserie chicken from the grocery store to cut your prep time in half, and add frozen mixed vegetables for color and nutrition without extra chopping.
7. Tater Tot Casserole
Crispy tater tots crown a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and melted cheese in this crowd-pleasing favorite.
Kids and adults alike love the crunchy-creamy contrast in every bite.
Boost the nutrition by mixing in extra frozen veggies like corn, peas, or green beans with the beef layer – they blend right in and add vitamins without changing the beloved taste.
8. Funeral Potatoes
Despite the somber name, this Utah classic brings joy to any gathering with its creamy, cheesy hash brown goodness.
A crunchy cornflake and butter topping adds textural contrast to the rich interior.
Make it ahead and freeze unbaked for up to three months – just thaw overnight and bake when needed, perfect for stress-free holiday planning when your schedule gets crazy.
9. Tuna Casserole
Egg noodles, flaky tuna, and peas mingle in a creamy sauce that defines retro comfort food at its finest.
This budget-friendly dish stretches pantry staples into a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.
Upgrade the classic by using chunk albacore tuna, adding sautéed mushrooms, and topping with crushed potato chips instead of plain breadcrumbs for extra flavor and crunch.
10. Pumpkin Potato Casserole
Earthy potatoes meet sweet pumpkin in this unexpected pairing that celebrates the best of fall and winter flavors.
The combination creates a naturally colorful dish that looks festive without any extra effort.
Season generously with sage, thyme, and a pinch of nutmeg to enhance both vegetables’ natural flavors and tie the dish together into something truly special for your holiday table.
11. Cheesy Bean And Corn Casserole
Colorful beans and sweet corn get smothered in gooey melted cheese for a Southwestern-inspired side that pops on your plate.
This vegetarian-friendly option adds variety to traditional meat-heavy holiday spreads.
Serve with sour cream, salsa, and crushed tortilla chips on the side so guests can customize their portions – it transforms a simple casserole into an interactive, fun dish everyone enjoys.
12. Cauliflower And Bread Casserole
Roasted cauliflower mingles with crusty bread cubes in a savory custard that transforms humble ingredients into something elegant.
The bread soaks up all the delicious flavors while providing satisfying texture alongside the tender vegetables.
Use day-old artisan bread for the best results – it absorbs the custard without getting mushy, and you’ll save money by using bread that might otherwise go to waste.
13. Chicken Divan
Named after a New York restaurant, this sophisticated casserole layers tender chicken and bright broccoli under a blanket of creamy cheese sauce.
Curry powder adds an unexpected warmth that elevates this beyond ordinary chicken dishes.
Steam the broccoli just until bright green before assembling – it finishes cooking in the oven and stays crisp-tender rather than turning mushy and overcooked.
14. Baked Macaroni And Cheese Casserole
Elbow macaroni swimming in a velvety cheese sauce gets baked until a golden crust forms on top – pure comfort in every forkful.
This kid-approved dish guarantees clean plates and happy faces at your holiday gathering.
Mix several cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and fontina for complex flavor that makes this far superior to the boxed version without much extra effort or cost.
15. Roasted Garlic and Leek Bread Casserole
Caramelized leeks and sweet roasted garlic infuse rustic bread cubes in this savory bread pudding that feels restaurant-worthy.
The aromatic combination fills your kitchen with mouthwatering scents that build anticipation for the meal.
Roast a whole head of garlic wrapped in foil while prepping other dishes – the soft, spreadable cloves add incredible depth without the sharp bite of raw garlic.
