Hearty Southern Casserole Recipes for Every Occasion

Introduction: Southern Comfort in Every Bite

There’s something timeless about a bubbling casserole straight from the oven — the golden crust, the rich aroma, and the warmth that fills the kitchen. In the South, casseroles aren’t just food; they’re heritage, hospitality, and heart all baked into one dish. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday supper, a comforting weekday dinner, or a cherished holiday gathering, Southern casseroles are a centerpiece of any table.

This article dives into classic and modern twists on Southern casserole recipes — inspired by passed-down traditions, Sunday potlucks, and cozy kitchen memories. If you’re craving home-cooked flavor that speaks to the soul, you’re in the right place.

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Why Southerners Love Casseroles

Casseroles have long been a staple in Southern cuisine — and for good reason. They’re:

• Effortlessly hearty: Feed a crowd with a single dish.

• Make-ahead friendly: Ideal for busy schedules and meal planning.

• Versatile: Swap ingredients to suit your pantry or dietary needs.

• Soul-satisfying: Rooted in comfort and layered with flavor.

From church picnics to family reunions, casseroles bring people together with their rich, homey goodness.

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1. Classic Southern Chicken and Rice Casserole

A Southern Supper Favorite

This Chicken and Rice Casserole is the definition of Southern comfort. Creamy, savory, and packed with tender chicken, it’s a go-to for weeknight dinners or sharing with neighbors.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked white rice

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works well)

• 1 can cream of chicken soup

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 1/2 cup chopped celery

• 1/2 cup chopped onion

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers

• 2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. In a large bowl, mix soup, sour cream, chicken broth, celery, onion, garlic powder, and rice.

3. Fold in the shredded chicken and half the cheese.

4. Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish.

5. Top with remaining cheese, crushed crackers, and melted butter.

6. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Tips:

• Add green beans or peas for extra color and nutrients.

• Substitute cream of mushroom soup for a deeper flavor profile.

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2. Southern-Style Squash Casserole

Perfect for Summer Garden Bounty

When summer squash is in abundance, nothing showcases it better than a Southern Squash Casserole. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a buttery crust, this dish is a staple at any Southern cookout or holiday spread.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups sliced yellow squash

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1 egg, beaten

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp pepper

• 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers

• 2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Boil squash and onion in water for 8–10 minutes. Drain well and mash lightly.

3. Mix squash mixture with sour cream, egg, cheese, salt, and pepper.

4. Spoon into a greased baking dish.

5. Top with crushed crackers and drizzle with melted butter.

6. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden on top.

Tips:

• Add a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick.

• Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier topping.

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3. Southern Sausage Breakfast Casserole

The Ultimate Morning Comfort Food

Nothing wakes up a household quite like the smell of sausage and cheese baking in the oven. This Breakfast Casserole is loaded with Southern sausage, eggs, and biscuits — perfect for brunch, holidays, or lazy weekends.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound breakfast sausage

• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough, quartered

• 6 eggs

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: diced bell peppers, green onions

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Brown sausage in a skillet; drain.

3. Place biscuit pieces evenly in a greased 9×13 baking dish.

4. Layer cooked sausage over biscuits, then sprinkle with cheese.

5. Whisk eggs with milk, salt, and pepper. Pour over the mixture.

6. Bake 35–40 minutes, until center is set.

Tips:

• Can be assembled the night before and baked in the morning.

• Substitute hash browns for biscuits for a potato version.

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4. Pimento Cheese Grits Casserole

A Creamy Twist on a Southern Staple

Grits and pimento cheese — two Southern icons — come together in this decadent casserole that works as a side dish or a main. It’s creamy, cheesy, and a touch spicy, perfect for brunch or potlucks.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked grits

• 1 cup pimento cheese spread

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

• Salt to taste

• 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Combine warm grits with pimento cheese, milk, garlic powder, cayenne, and salt.

3. Pour into a greased baking dish and top with cheddar and butter.

4. Bake 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips:

• Add crumbled bacon or diced jalapeños for extra flair.

• Use stone-ground grits for a heartier texture.

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5. Southern Cornbread Casserole

Sweet, Savory, and Perfect for Any Meal

This comforting cornbread casserole blends creamed corn, whole corn, and cornbread mix into a moist, fluffy dish that straddles the line between side and main.

Ingredients:

• 1 box Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix

• 1 can cream-style corn

• 1 can whole kernel corn, drained

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1/2 cup melted butter

• 2 eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. In a bowl, mix all ingredients until well combined.

3. Pour into a greased 9×9 baking dish.

4. Bake 40–45 minutes, until golden and set in the center.

Tips:

• Serve with chili or BBQ pork for a complete meal.

• Add chopped jalapeños or shredded cheese for a savory twist.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

Southern casseroles are even better the next day — here’s how to store and reheat them properly:

• Refrigerator: Store tightly covered for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

• Reheat: Bake at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in portions.

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Casserole-Making Tips from Southern Cooks

1. Don’t skimp on the topping: A buttery cracker or breadcrumb topping adds texture and that golden finish.

2. Use what you have: Casseroles are perfect for using leftovers or pantry staples.

3. Season every layer: Taste as you go — under-seasoned casseroles can fall flat.

4. Bake uncovered for crunch, covered for creaminess: Know your end goal and adjust accordingly.

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Pairing Ideas: Southern Sides and Salads

To complete your Southern casserole spread, pair your dish with:

• Buttermilk biscuits or cornbread

• Collard greens or fried okra

• Sweet tea or lemonade

• Deviled eggs or pimento cheese dip

  Print

  Hearty Southern Casserole Recipes for Every Occasion

  

  Print Recipe

  • 2 cups cooked white rice

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

  • 1 cup sour cream

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

  • 1/2 cup chopped celery

  • 1/2 cup chopped onion

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers

  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

  • Author: JACK STONE
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

  Ingredients

  Scale 1x2x3x

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, chopped celery, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

  • Stir in the cooked rice and shredded chicken until evenly mixed.

  • Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese.

  • Spread the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

  • Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the casserole.

  • In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

  • Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.

  • Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

  Instructions

  • • • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

      • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, chopped celery, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

      • Stir in the cooked rice and shredded chicken until evenly mixed.

      • Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese.

      • Spread the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

      • Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the casserole.

      • In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

      • Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.

      • Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

  Notes

  • Add frozen peas or chopped broccoli for a vegetable boost.

  • Substitute cream of mushroom or celery soup for a flavor variation.

  • This casserole freezes well — just wrap tightly and thaw before reheating.