Aug 18, 2025
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50 Bake-And-Take Casseroles Your Neighbors Will Love

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Homemade casseroles are comforting and thoughtful, so they’re the perfect way to simplify your neighbor’s day. Casseroles are easy to make, can be prepped in advance, and freeze easily. These friendship casseroles will remind your neighbors that you care for them and their families. Our delicious ideas are versatile for any neighbor’s taste, so find the best one for your friend and make someone’s day extra special.

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Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen


Southerners are known to welcome new families to the neighborhood with a 9×13 dish filled with a warm, comforting, and universally appealing recipe. Made with tomatoes and green bell peppers, this Chicken Spaghetti is a sneaky way to make sure little ones enjoy their veggies at dinnertime.

Credit: PHOTOGRAPHER: FRED HARDY II, FOOD STYLIST: EMILY NABORS HALL, PROPS STYLIST: CHRISTINA BROCKMAN

Classic squash casserole is always welcome on a neighbor’s table. This version really makes the flavors of garden-fresh yellow squash shine. Make an extra pan for your family and serve a veggie plate supper tonight.

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Missie Neville Crawford

When it doesn’t make sense to whip up individual breakfast sandwiches to serve a crowd, turn to this one-dish spin on the classic morning meal. Don’t take our word for it, just read the five-star reviews. “I was told this is a keeper recipe by my family,” says one Southern Living fan.

Credit:

Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox


When you know a family that’s dealing with sickness or the loss of a loved one, it never hurts to whip up a little comfort food. Also known as funeral casserole, this classic dish combines a few of our favorite ingredients: cheese, potatoes, and crunchy cereal.

Credit:

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox


You could send friends a container of homemade spaghetti sauce, but why not take dinner a step further with this cheesy skillet casserole? Made with mild Italian sausages, ricotta and  mozzarella cheeses, and fresh vegetables, we love this one-dish upgrade on a dinnertime classic.

Credit:

Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox


There are few dinners more comforting than a casserole made with chicken and rice. This new version has all the nostalgia of your grandma’s, but we packed our recipe with fresh veggies and herbs.

Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

You can trust Test Kitchen Pro and video host Ivy Odom to create a make-ahead breakfast that your neighbors will love for weekend brunch. Bring them some maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh fruit to serve on top.

Credit:

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox


Trade in the canned soup-version of this casserole that you might remember from your childhood dinner table, and try this fresh, Ritz cracker-topped spin on a comforting dish. Thanks to the approachable flavors and indulgent bechamel-inspired sauce, this is a supper you’ll be proud to share with the neighbors.

Credit: Will Dickey

If there’s ground beef sitting in your freezer that needs to be used, put it in this beloved casserole and make someone’s day. Requiring just 23 minutes of hands-on time and simple ingredients, it’s never been so easy to feed a family of six.

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

If you’re sending a homemade meal to a vegetarian family, this hearty casserole, packed with nutrient-dense kale, is guaranteed to please. For your own recipe rotation, keep this handy when you are trying to offer a healthy option that is full of flavor. You might even get the kids in the household to dig in, it is so tasty.

Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

This updated version of the comfort food classic proves that indulgent casseroles can still taste fresh. Once again, if you are willing to gift a food dish but are unsure of who might be taking part, go the healthy route so all present can enjoy your kitchen triumph.

Credit: Antonis Achilleos

With a bread pudding-like preparation, we transformed frozen cinnamon rolls into a big-batch breakfast. Reveal your recipe short-cut or don’t, but odds are mouths will be too full to ask.

Credit:

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox


When it’s too cold to fire up the grill outside for burgers, whip up this kid-friendly casserole that has all the flavor of your favorite patty. This new take on an American classic is just as satisfying as the traditional delivery.

Credit: Stacy Allen; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower

Caramelized fresh onions and a mixture of shredded mozzarella and Gruyère cheeses, give this stick-to-your-bones casserole irresistible flavor. Even better than its taste, this one-dish supper comes together quickly and freezes beautifully. Keep this recipe on hand for friends that need a hearty meal in a flash.

Credit:

Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Torie Cox


When friends or family are in need, Southerners will rush to the rescue with casseroles in hand. Think outside the dinner mold and bring your neighbors this breakfast casserole that showcases two regional favorites: hot pork sausage and shredded hash browns.

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Brittany Conerly; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin


There’s a reason this chicken supper has graced Southern dinner tables for decades. It’s filling, reliable, and oh-so-tasty. Even better, it comes together with just a few pantry staples, making it easier for you to bake and take it to a friend in need.

Credit:

Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely


If you’re on the hunt for a side dish or vegetarian casserole that will impress the neighbors, look no further than this updated gratin. Made with rutabaga, a vegetable that’s high in fiber and vitamins C and E, this is a cheesy casserole that you can feel good about eating and serving.

Credit:

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox


If you know that your friends are fans of Doritos, we have a delicious way to surprise them with supper tonight. Relying on a bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos, rotisserie chicken, and a can of Ro-tel, it’s the fresh toppings that make this flavorful casserole sing.

Credit: Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

We found the most delicious way to make biscuits and sausage gravy into a one-pan breakfast that will satisfy everyone around the table. Our homemade biscuit topping lends a pretty presentation to this new take on an old-fashioned favorite.

Credit:

Stacy K. Allen; Food Stylist: Torie Cox; Prop Stylist: Shell Royster


When you have a little extra time, this from-scratch take on chicken pot pie is always worth the effort. One bite and your neighbors may never try a frozen version again. Prepare to become known for your pot pie making prowess.

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely, Food Stylist: Ana Kelly

Tater tots, cheese, eggs, and bacon—these are a few of our favorite things! They’re also the ingredients to this reader-favorite breakfast casserole. With just eight ingredients and 15 minutes of hands-on time, you can turn a bag of frozen tater tots into a signature morning dish.

Credit:

Stacy K. Allen; Props: Josh Hoggle; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray


Leave to Southerners to turn a beloved soup into a hearty casserole. Thanks to a rotisserie chicken, this flavor-packed supper comes together in a snap. After baking, don’t forget the fresh toppings! Green onions, cilantro, and chilled sour cream make every serving sing.

Credit: Iain Bagwell

You could just boil that refrigerated tortellini from the grocery store, but we think your friends and family will appreciate this second helping-worthy combination of chicken, veggies, pasta, and cheese. You might call our cracker-pecan garnish the cherry on top.

Credit: Alison Miksch; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

We packed an entire morning spread into one irresistible breakfast dish. If you’re looking for a way to treat a family with a new baby, this make-ahead Cheesy Sausage-and-Croissant Casserole sure is hard to beat.

Credit:

Morgan Hunt Glaze; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless


This chicken casserole never fails. Wild rice is even higher in nutritional value and fiber content than brown rice, and the distinct flavor always adds something special. As with many of our casserole recipes, this will definitely do well in the oven after being frozen.

Credit: Jennifer Davick

This vegetarian lasagna dish is the most indulgent way to use fresh zucchini. The amount of cheese is just right, so vegetarian or not, this will be a cheese-lovers dream dish. Offer up more than just basil leaves to top off these layers of love, and include thin slices of zucchini and shredded Asiago.

Credit: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

The neighbors’ kids will want you to bring food over all the time if you make this baked mac and cheese recipe with smoked Gouda and ham. Consider the flavors here to be an elevated version of your favorite family side. The grown-ups will want seconds, too.

Credit: Hector Sanchez

This vegetarian casserole has tons of color and texture, and it’s filled with our easy cheese sauce. If you’re looking for an opportunity to offer veggies in a crowd-pleasing way, you can’t go wrong with this medley of produce enhanced by bold pepper Jack cheese and crispy breadcrumbs.

Credit: Jennifer Davick

This warm chili dish is perfect for cold nights in, and it’s ready in under an hour. Save this cozy recipe for those occasions when a last minute meal share is needed. Your circle of friends will love the thoughtful gesture.

Credit: Iain Bagwell

This beautiful chicken casserole will impress any neighbor. A tip from our Test Kitchen: Let this dish stand a few minutes after baking so the rice will absorb the liquid, yielding a creamy texture. Not only delicious, this good-looking recipe just might be a candidate for an Instagram share.

Credit: Becky Luigart Stayner

Chicken pot pie is one of the most classic Southern casseroles, and this version is topped with homemade biscuits for an impressive finish. The secret in the biscuits is the pairing of cheddar with bacon, with the overall result being worshipful thanks from those who are lucky enough to partake.

Credit: Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Rishon Hanners, Prop Stylist Heather Chadduck

If you’re looking for a quick, budget-friendly dish to bring a family with kids, this nacho casserole will do the trick. This is one of those go-to items that will never fail to bring everyone in the house to the table. Who says you can’t have nachos as your main course?

Credit: Alison Miksch

Lighten up your usual pasta bake without sacrificing comfort food flavor with this summery vegetarian casserole. Dig into this medley knowing that you are doing something good for your body and your taste buds.

Credit:

Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley


Leave it to Texas to inspire a comforting casserole that’s packed with flavor. Guaranteed to satisfy a crowd after a long day’s work (on or off the ranch), this one-dish supper is easy to make and keep in the freezer to save suppertime.

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Is there anything more cozy during a cold winter night than a bowl of French onion soup? Actually, there is—French onion soup in cheesy casserole form. This dish is simply too good to be true, with all of the right palate pleasers on board to satisfy.

Credit: Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

If your neighbors are into football, they’ll love that we turned this classic game day appetizer into a filling casserole for supper. Packed with buffalo-style hot sauce, shredded chicken, celery, and blue cheese, of course, this pasta bake has all the flavors of your favorite wings. You better have enough on hand to go the distance!

Credit:

Robby Lozano; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall


It doesn’t get more kid-friendly than a ground beef casserole topped with a layer of crispy tater tots. Once the family digs in, they’ll find a satisfying combination of ground beef, black beans, and diced green chiles. This one-dish supper is sure to satisfy after a long day of hard work.

Credit: Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

This meatless lasagna recipe is the ideal casserole for fall, when butternut squash is fresh and abundant. This casserole is easy to make ahead as a gift, with freezing instructions for your neighbors. If they plan to bake this one-dish supper straight from the freezer, just remind them to add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.

Credit: Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist Prissy Lee

Who doesn’t love everything bagels? No one we know. So we set out to turn everyone’s favorite bagel order into a cheesy casserole with a make-ahead option that’s perfect for sharing with friends.

Credit: Southern Living

We traded the messy sandwich for a scoopable casserole the kids can enjoy with a fork for a better dinner experience for the parents. Who can resist the classic flavors of this childhood favorite? It’s one of those suppers that stands the test of time.

Credit:

Fred Hardy; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Christine Keeley


Three words that immediately win dinnertime in any house? Chicken, bacon, and ranch. Trust us, y’all, this combo has “Winner winner chicken-bacon dinner,” written all over it.

Credit: Micah A. Leal

The flavor of your favorite meatloaf topped with creamy mashed potatoes all in one dish? We wouldn’t dare lie about something so delicious. Inspired by Shepherd’s Pie, this Southern twist will quickly become a go-to recipe during the winter months.

Credit: Caitlin Bensel

This make-ahead casserole will make Saturday morning sweeter than ever for your neighbors. There’s no flipping required to serve up homemade, buttery pancakes the moment the family comes downstairs.

Credit: Greg DuPree

This yummy casserole comes together with store-bought shortcuts like jarred pasta sauce and rotisserie chicken for a dinner that tastes impressive but is so easy to make. Keep a few kitchen staples on hand, and you’ll be ready to whip up this supper whenever the need strikes.

Credit:

Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayliss


This layered casserole has everything your neighbors need for a delicious taco Tuesday. You might want to pass along a pitcher of margaritas for the parents, too.

Credit: Jen Causey

First published in our magazine in 2001, this ham, cheese, and egg noodle casserole has been pleasing hungry families ever since. If you’re sharing the frozen casserole with friends that will bake it at a later date, remind them to let the dish to thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Credit:

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox


Buttery, cheesy, this onion casserole is made with a handful of simple ingredients.

Credit: Photographer: Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Missie Neville Crawford

Waffle House fans, rejoice. This ooey, gooey, extra cheesy casserole was made for home cooks wanting to please a home filled with hungry houseguests. Bacon and Cheddar cheese are the star ingredients, which are then complemented by tomatoes, scallions, and other delicious ingredients.

Credit:

Robby Lozano; Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle


This casserole is so good that Southerners make this for holiday mornings, but it’s a clear winner for weekends when you want to impress guests. It’s delicious (and filling) on its own, but also great served with fruit salad or greens.

Credit:

Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall


Simple ingredient list but big on flavor. For those who believed canned pineapple chunks, Cheddar cheese, and crispy Ritz cracker crust could never live together, you likely never had a spoonful of this delicious casserole.



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