18 Essential Southern Casseroles For Any Home Cook

If you love cozy, crowd-pleasing comfort food, this lineup of Southern casseroles has your name all over it. From Sunday suppers to potlucks and holidays, these dishes deliver big flavor with minimal fuss.

You will find creamy classics, golden-topped favorites, and a few playful twists that still taste like home. Grab a baking dish and let’s make dinner the easy way.

1. Chicken and Dressing Casserole

Chicken and Dressing Casserole tastes like Thanksgiving any night. Tender chicken nestles into savory cornbread dressing, scented with sage, thyme, and black pepper.

A splash of chicken stock keeps everything moist while the top turns golden and crisp.

You can fold in onion and celery for that holiday vibe. If you love giblet gravy, serve a little on the side for extra richness.

Leftovers reheat beautifully, so make a big pan and thank yourself tomorrow.

Short on time? Use rotisserie chicken and boxed cornbread mix.

No one complains when it smells like home.

2. Broccoli Cheese Casserole

This broccoli cheese casserole is comfort in a scoop. Tender florets swim in a velvety cheddar sauce that hugs every bite.

A buttery cracker topping turns crisp and golden, adding a satisfying crunch.

It is the dish everyone expects at gatherings, partly because it pairs with absolutely everything. You can sneak in extra vegetables like cauliflower without anyone noticing.

Add a pinch of cayenne for gentle heat.

Make ahead and chill, then bake before serving. It travels well for potlucks and reheats like a dream.

Seconds are basically guaranteed.

3. Squash Casserole

Yellow squash turns luscious in this creamy bake. Sautéed squash and onions mingle with sour cream, eggs, and sharp cheddar for a silky, savory base.

Crushed buttery crackers on top create a golden, crackly crown.

It is a summer garden classic, but frozen squash works when cravings hit. Drain well to avoid watery casserole.

A dash of nutmeg or hot sauce adds personality without stealing the show.

Serve with roast chicken or pork chops, or make it the star with a salad. You will not miss the main course, honestly.

4. Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is the reliable friend that always shows up. Tender beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and a blanket of crispy fried onions bake into nostalgic perfection.

Every scoop delivers crunch, cream, and cozy familiarity.

Use fresh beans blanched until crisp tender for extra snap. A homemade mushroom sauce elevates it fast, but the canned classic still hits.

Add a splash of sherry if you like depth.

It is weeknight easy and holiday ready. Make two pans if guests are coming.

You will appreciate the leftovers tomorrow.

5. Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole delivers dessert energy at dinner. The base is silky, buttery, and warmly spiced with cinnamon and vanilla.

Top half with toasted marshmallows, half with pecan streusel if you cannot choose.

It plays beautifully beside ham, turkey, or barbecue. You can reduce sugar and let the potatoes shine, or splash in bourbon for grown up flair.

A pinch of salt makes everything pop.

Make ahead, then bake until the top caramelizes. It feeds a crowd and satisfies sweet tooth cravings.

Seconds feel inevitable, and no one minds.

6. Corn Casserole (Spoonbread Style)

This spoonbread style corn casserole is creamy, slightly sweet, and wonderfully spoonable. Corn kernels fold into a custard-like batter with sour cream and butter for comfort in every bite.

The top bakes golden while the center stays tender and soft.

It pairs with chili, barbecue, or roast chicken. Add jalapeños and cheddar for a lively kick, or keep it simple and classic.

A drizzle of honey is surprisingly good.

It mixes in minutes using pantry staples. Bake until just set and enjoy warm.

You will want seconds before the table quiets.

7. Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown casserole is the dish that disappears first. Shredded potatoes mingle with sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and sharp cheddar for a creamy interior.

The top bakes into a cheesy, golden crust that crackles when you scoop.

It is equally perfect for brunch and dinner. Add diced ham or jalapeños for personality.

Swap cream of chicken for mushroom if your crowd prefers vegetarian.

Make it ahead and refrigerate overnight. Bake until bubbling and browned at the edges.

Leftovers reheat beautifully, though you might not have any.

8. Mac and Cheese Casserole (Baked)

Southern baked mac and cheese is rich, sliceable, and unapologetically cheesy. Elbow macaroni bakes in a custard of eggs, milk, and evaporated milk, layered with sharp cheddar.

The top forms a bronzed, bubbly crust.

Season with mustard powder, paprika, and a little hot sauce for depth. You can mix cheeses for complexity, but cheddar keeps it classic.

Let it rest before cutting so squares hold.

It anchors any table, from weeknights to holidays. Serve with greens and pork chops, or enjoy a generous slab solo.

Comfort guaranteed, every time.

9. King Ranch Chicken

King Ranch Chicken brings Tex Mex flair to casserole night. Layers of corn tortillas, tender chicken, and a creamy tomato chile sauce bake under a blanket of melted cheese.

Each bite is saucy, tangy, and satisfyingly cozy.

Use rotisserie chicken to speed things up. Fire roasted tomatoes and green chiles add smoky depth.

A squeeze of lime at the table brightens everything.

It freezes well for future cravings. Serve with a crisp salad or pinto beans.

Expect requests for the recipe before plates are cleared.

10. Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Chicken spaghetti casserole is pure church cookbook nostalgia. Long noodles bathe in a creamy, cheesy sauce with bell peppers and mushrooms.

Shredded chicken gets cozy under a bubbling cheddar crown.

It is family friendly and forgiving. Tuck in diced pimentos or green chiles for color and kick.

Thin the sauce with broth if it tightens up.

Make a double batch and freeze one for busy weeks. Bake from thawed until hot and bubbly.

You will have dinner solved and smiles waiting.

11. Pimento Cheese Bake

This pimento cheese bake turns the iconic spread into a shareable casserole. Sharp cheddar, pimentos, mayo, and cream cheese melt into a scoopable, tangy pool.

A sprinkle of paprika and garlic powder adds warmth.

Serve with buttery crackers, celery sticks, or toasted baguette. Fold in bacon or jalapeños if you like heat and smoke.

It is a party starter that doubles as an easy side.

Leftovers rewarm smoothly, though they rarely last. Keep this one in your back pocket for game day.

People hover until it hits the table.

12. Shrimp and Grits Casserole

Shrimp and grits casserole feeds a crowd with coastal comfort. Creamy baked grits cradle juicy shrimp, peppers, and smoky andouille under a cheesy lid.

The result is rich, savory, and deeply satisfying.

Use stone ground grits for best texture. Season boldly with garlic, paprika, and a squeeze of lemon.

A splash of hot sauce wakes everything up.

Assemble ahead and bake before serving. It is perfect for brunch, supper, or company.

Add a green salad and call it done, happy faces guaranteed.

13. Collard Greens Casserole (Creamy Bake)

Collard greens casserole gives Sunday greens a luxurious twist. Chopped collards simmered tender fold into a creamy, garlicky cheese sauce.

A buttery breadcrumb topping bakes crisp and golden.

It is special occasion worthy yet easy enough for Tuesday. Spice with red pepper flakes or a dash of hot vinegar for brightness.

Smoked paprika nods to pot likker tradition without the mess.

Make it vegetarian or stir in bacon for depth. Serve beside roasted meats or a slice of cornbread.

Comforting, hearty, and unexpectedly elegant on the table.

14. Tomato Pie Casserole

Tomato pie casserole captures summer in a bubbling dish. Thick slices of ripe tomatoes layer with herbs and a tangy mayo cheddar topping.

The edges caramelize, turning jammy and intensely savory.

Salt and drain tomatoes first to avoid excess moisture. A little Dijon, onion, and black pepper add character.

Basil or thyme finishes it with freshness.

It is stunning beside grilled meats or eaten solo with a fork. Use good tomatoes and you barely need rules.

Every bite tastes like peak season sunshine.

15. Cornbread Taco Bake

Cornbread taco bake is weeknight joy in one pan. Seasoned beef and pinto beans bubble under a golden cornbread lid.

Melted cheese ties everything together while diced tomatoes and jalapeños add pop.

Use taco seasoning or your own chili blend. Swap turkey or black beans if that fits your fridge.

A dollop of sour cream and cilantro makes it sing.

It is friendly to leftovers and lunch boxes. Slice into squares and reheat easily.

This one earns a permanent spot in rotation.

16. Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

Biscuits and gravy casserole feeds everyone without standing at the stove. Fluffy biscuit pieces bake in creamy sausage gravy until puffed and golden.

Each scoop delivers peppery gravy, tender biscuit, and cozy satisfaction.

Use breakfast sausage with sage for classic flavor. If you prefer heat, go hot and add extra black pepper.

A little cheddar on top is never a bad idea.

It is make ahead friendly for brunch crowds. Bake until set and bubbly, then serve hot.

Expect silence at the table followed by happy sighs.