33 Christmas Eve Casseroles Fit For A Crowd

When feeding a crowd on Christmas Eve, casseroles are the perfect solution. They’re comforting, easy to prepare, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for classic favorites or unique twists, this list has something for everyone.

Why You’ll Love These Recipes

• Perfect for large gatherings with minimal effort
• Make-ahead friendly, saving you time on Christmas Eve
• Versatile options including meat, vegetarian, and gluten-free dishes
• Comforting and festive flavors perfect for the holiday season
• Crowd-pleasing dishes that will keep guests satisfied

this Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ingredients vary depending on the casserole, but common staples include:

• Proteins: Chicken, beef, sausage, or ham
• Carbs: Pasta, potatoes, rice, or stuffing
• Dairy: Cheese, milk, cream, or sour cream
• Vegetables: Onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach
• Seasonings: Garlic, thyme, rosemary, and holiday spices
• Toppings: Breadcrumbs, cheese, or crispy onions

Directions

Each casserole follows a general method:

1. Preheat the oven to the appropriate temperature (typically 350-375°F).
2. Prepare the ingredients (cook proteins, chop vegetables, mix sauces).
3. Assemble the casserole in a large baking dish.
4. Bake until hot and bubbly, usually 30-60 minutes.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-12 (depending on the recipe)
• Prep Time: 15-30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-60 minutes
• Total Time: Up to 90 minutes

Variations

• Classic Green Bean Casserole – A must-have holiday side with crispy onions.
• Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole – A creamy and cheesy potato dish everyone loves.
• Baked Ziti with Sausage – A hearty Italian dish filled with cheese and marinara sauce.
• Cornbread Dressing Casserole – A southern-style favorite with savory flavors.
• Chicken and Broccoli Casserole – A protein-packed dish with a creamy sauce.
• Vegetarian Spinach and Artichoke Bake – A great meat-free option.
• French Toast Casserole – A sweet and festive breakfast dish for Christmas morning.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked casseroles for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes or microwave individual portions.

FAQs

Can I prepare casseroles in advance?

Yes! Most casseroles can be assembled a day ahead and baked fresh before serving.

What’s the best way to reheat a large casserole?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, to prevent drying out.

Can I freeze casseroles before baking?

Yes, assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight before baking.

How do I prevent my casserole from becoming too dry?

Make sure to use enough sauce or liquid and cover with foil while baking if needed.

What side dishes pair well with casseroles?

Salads, roasted vegetables, dinner rolls, or cranberry sauce make great accompaniments.

Can I make casseroles in a slow cooker instead of baking?

Yes! Many casseroles can be adapted for a slow cooker; just cook on low for 4-6 hours.

What’s a good vegetarian option for a Christmas casserole?

A creamy spinach and mushroom casserole or a butternut squash gratin are great choices.

How do I make a casserole more festive?

Add seasonal ingredients like cranberries, pecans, or holiday spices for extra flair.

Can I use gluten-free ingredients in casseroles?

Yes, substitute gluten-free pasta, breadcrumbs, or stuffing mix as needed.

How can I make casseroles healthier?

Use lean proteins, reduce cheese, and incorporate more vegetables.

Conclusion

These 33 Christmas Eve Casseroles Fit for a Crowd make holiday entertaining effortless and delicious. Whether you choose a classic favorite or a new twist, your guests will love the warm, comforting flavors. Enjoy a stress-free Christmas Eve with these crowd-pleasing dishes!

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A rich and creamy casserole loaded with tender potatoes, savory ham, and melted cheese. Perfect for a cozy Christmas Eve dinner!

Ingredients
4 cups diced potatoes (frozen hash browns or cooked, cubed potatoes)
2 cups cooked ham, diced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz) or breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix together potatoes, ham, chopped onion, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle over the casserole.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top and bake for another 5 minutes until melted.
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
You can use fresh or frozen diced potatoes. If using fresh, parboil them for 5-7 minutes before adding them to the casserole.
Swap cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different flavor.
Add some veggies like peas or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6-8 servings
Category: Dinner, Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Kid-Friendly, Comfort Food
Keywords: Christmas Eve casserole, ham and potato bake, cheesy ham casserole
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: ~400
Sugar: ~2g
Sodium: ~850mg
Fat: ~22g
Saturated Fat: ~10g
Unsaturated Fat: ~9g
Trans Fat: ~0.5g
Carbohydrates: ~35g
Fiber: ~3g
Protein: ~18g
Cholesterol: ~60mg

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