Thanksgiving Casserole Magic: 100 Irresistible Side Dishes for a Crowd

100 Best Casserole Thanksgiving Side Dishes for a Crowd

Introduction

When it comes to Thanksgiving, casseroles reign supreme as the go-to side dishes that satisfy a crowd, stretch your efforts, and bring unparalleled comfort to the holiday table. Whether you’re hosting a large family reunion or a festive Friendsgiving, these 100 Best Casserole Thanksgiving Side Dishes offer something for every taste—from classic favorites to inventive twists that guarantee to please.

Why Casseroles are the Ultimate Thanksgiving Side

Casseroles check every box: they’re easy to assemble in advance, scale up beautifully, and can be tailored to accommodate any dietary needs. Plus, their blend of flavors and textures—from creamy to crunchy to savory—means there’s always a new favorite to discover. If you want to keep guests coming back for seconds and make your hosting truly memorable, these crowd-pleasing casserole side dishes are essential.

Top Classic Casserole Side Dishes for Thanksgiving

Here are just a few all-time favorites that shine as Thanksgiving casseroles:

  • Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions
  • Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
  • Classic Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
  • Creamed Corn Casserole
  • Old-Fashioned Squash Casserole
  • Homestyle Baked Mac and Cheese
  • Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
  • Stuffing (Dressing) Casserole with Sausage
  • Cranberry Apple Crumble Casserole
  • Buttery Cornbread Casserole

Scroll down for the full list of ingredients required for these dishes and more.

Essential Ingredients for Crowd-Pleasing Casseroles

Whether you’re making one showstopper or planning a lineup of multiple casseroles, these are some of the staple ingredients you’ll want to have on your shopping list:

Ingredients

Green beans, fresh or canned, trimmed – about 4 pounds
Broccoli florets – 3 heads
Fresh sweet potatoes – 6 pounds
Whole kernel corn – 4 cans
Butternut squash, diced – 2 large
Elbow macaroni – 2 pounds
Russet potatoes – 5 pounds
Sausage, cooked and crumbled – 1 pound
Cranberries, fresh or dried – 2 cups
Apples, peeled and diced – 4 large
Cornmeal and flour – 2 cups each
Eggs – 1 dozen
Milk or cream – 1 quart
Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan) – 4 cups each
Butter – 2 pounds
Onions and garlic – 3 large onions, 2 bulbs garlic
Canned mushroom or chicken soup – 4 cans
Bread crumbs and crispy fried onions – 2 cups each
Brown sugar, marshmallows, pecans, herbs as needed
Salt, pepper, spices, and olive oil – pantry staples

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this master list of Thanksgiving casseroles with CookifyAI to generate a perfectly organized shopping list—sorted by grocery section for the smoothest possible grocery run during the holiday rush!

CookifyAI meal planning interface

Crowd-Pleasing Thanksgiving Casserole Ideas (Out of 100!)

Here’s a sample from the full collection of 100 delectable dishes:

  1. Savory Spinach-Artichoke Casserole
  2. Sausage and Herb Stuffing Bake
  3. Mushroom and Wild Rice Casserole
  4. Pumpkin Sage Gratin
  5. Loaded Twice-Baked Potato Casserole
  6. Cheesy Cauliflower Au Gratin
  7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts Casserole
  8. Southern Corn Pudding
  9. Caramelized Onion and Pear Casserole
  10. Gluten-Free Sweet Potato and Quinoa Bake

Casseroles can be customized for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free needs. Each one can be assembled ahead and baked fresh, making life easier on busy Turkey Day.

How to Prep Thanksgiving Casseroles for a Crowd

The secret to stress-free hosting is prepping your casseroles in advance:

  • Prep all ingredients the day before, storing components separately where possible.
  • Assemble casseroles and refrigerate covered, or freeze if prepping further ahead.
  • Bake casseroles on the day, allowing them to rest before serving so flavors meld and textures set.
  • Use disposable or decorative casserole dishes for quick clean-up and beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions and Garnishes

Highlight your casserole spread with creative garnishes: sprinkle fresh herbs, crispy onions, crushed nuts, or colorful toppings. Serve alongside roast turkey, ham, or plant-based mains for a robust Thanksgiving feast that truly satisfies a crowd.

Nutrition and Serving Sizes

Most casseroles serve between 10 to 12 people, making it easy to multiply recipes for your guest list. Caloric content varies from lighter veggie dishes (about 120–180 calories per serving) to heartier, cheesy or potato-based casseroles (up to 350–420 calories per serving). As always, balance richer dishes with lighter sides for variety.

Recap: Why Thanksgiving Casserole Side Dishes Top The List

The 100 Best Casserole Thanksgiving Side Dishes for a Crowd combine nostalgia, convenience, and bold flavors—making them essential for a full table and happy guests. With endless options to suit every palate, they’re the centerpiece of a memorable holiday meal.

Instructions (General Guide for Most Casseroles)

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F; grease your casserole dish.
  2. Prepare base vegetables or starch, par-cooking as needed (e.g., blanch green beans, roast squash).
  3. Mix together sauces, cheeses, and other binding ingredients.
  4. Layer components in the baking dish, topping with cheese, breadcrumbs, or desired toppings.
  5. Bake covered for 30–40 minutes, uncovering for the last 10 minutes for a golden top.
  6. Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving for best flavor and texture.

Weekly Meal Planning

Casserole side dishes are a meal planner’s dream—they’re easy to batch-cook, freeze, and reheat. Save and schedule your chosen casserole recipes with CookifyAI to create a perfectly organized shopping list and cooking timeline. No more scrambling for missing ingredients or miscalculating servings—CookifyAI does the math and consolidates your list.

Planning Benefits:

  • Combine ingredient quantities for multiple recipes
  • Organize everything by grocery store aisle
  • Prevent overspending and eliminate food waste
  • Keep your Thanksgiving meal prep efficient and stress-free

Pro tip: Use CookifyAI to see ingredient overlap between side dishes and mains, making bulk shopping simple and streamlined!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20–30 minutes per casserole (depends on ingredients and advance prep)
Cook Time: 30–45 minutes per casserole
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes per casserole (includes resting time; batch prepping multiple dishes reduces hands-on time)

For your complete list of 100 casserole Thanksgiving side dishes for a crowd—including creative twists and dietary-friendly options—download the full collection with CookifyAI’s meal planner and make this Thanksgiving your easiest and tastiest one yet!

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