30 Easy Bake-And-Take Casseroles To Make This Summer
Bring these crowd-pleasing summer casseroles to all of your get-togethers and trips.
Summer is arguably when Southern cuisine shines the most, thanks to our region being blessed with so many abundant fruits and vegetables at the farmers' market. While fresh dishes such as succotash, tomato salad, and peach pie are sure to make many appearances, there are also plenty of bake-and-take summer casseroles that are perfect for bringing to all of your occasions, including neighborhood potlucks, Fourth of July cookouts, and casual get-togethers with friends and families. You can also make these casseroles before heading out on a trip to the lake, beach, or mountains this summer as an almost-ready-to-serve dish.
These portable summer casseroles can be prepped in advance, are easy to transport, and feed a crowd. Plus, these recipes make the most of the South's delicious summer ingredients. Here are 30 casseroles that Southerners would happily bake and take during the summer.
Old-School Squash Casserole
Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman
No one's unhappy when this summer staple shows up to the potluck. Use up all of the delicious squash that's available at the farmers' market.
Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese
We bulked up cheesy mac-and-cheese with pulled pork that you can snag from your favorite local BBQ joint or the grocery store. Top it with a drizzle barbecue sauce to bring it all together.
Zucchini Lasagna
Apart from its pretty appearance, this veggie-laden lasagna is unique from your usual recipe. It also calls for lasagna noodles layered in between for added heartiness.
Smoky Sausage-and-Grits Casserole
This smoky grits casserole is incredibly versatile for summer. You can serve it alongside fried catfish or shrimp, as well as breakfast for a crowd.
Cheeseburger Casserole
Bring the taste of burgers to the cookout without any need for a grill. The ground beef casserole is finished with a layer of crispy tater tots, two types of cheeses, and thick-cut bacon bits.
Chicken Tortilla Casserole
Stacy K. Allen; Props: Josh Hoggle; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray
Taco Tuesday without having to travel with all the separate components? Count us in. Using a rotisserie chicken cuts down on prep time.
Baked Ziti with Summer Vegetables
We lightened up the usual baked pasta with loads of in-season squash and tomatoes. Topping with sliced fresh mozzarella cheese is a decadent finishing touch.
New-School Pineapple Casserole
Forget everything you think about old-fashioned pineapple casserole. We tweaked the basic recipe by using aged white Cheddar, a touch of fresh rosemary, and cream cheese.
Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole
What's better than a breakfast casserole? One that you can make the night before that also travels easy, whether you pop it in the oven at your own house or your destination.
Chicken-Bacon Ranch Casserole
If there's one trio of flavors that go together like old pals, it's chicken, bacon, and ranch. This filling pasta casserole is perfect for a big group.
Macaroni Corn Casserole
Give your classic macaroni and cheese a summery refresh with the addition of corn. The combination of Gruyère cheese and white Cheddar cheese adds a sharp kick.
Tennessee Onions
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
While no one seems quite sure why this dish gots it name, there's no beating a buttery casserole that calls for deliciously sweet Vidalia onions when they're in season.
Pimiento Cheese Chicken-Broccoli Casserole
It should come as no surprise that pimiento cheese makes for a genius addition to a creamy casserole for even more cheesy goodness. In this case, broccoli and chicken make it nutritious and ideal for weeknight gatherings.
Sausage-Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
If there's one breakfast casserole to always rely on, it's this potato-laden bake that also includes sausage, egg, and cheese. Cooking the hash browns beforehand not only adds flavor and color, but it cooks out a lot of the moisture. So, no soggy casseroles!
Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
There's a reason why this retro casserole has never gone out of style. The combination of ingredients never fails to please a crowd, and it's super easy to transport and warm up.
Shrimp and Grits Casserole
We gave this Lowcountry staple a portable makeover that is perfect for breakfast or dinner. Plus, it comes together in just one hour.
Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Monica Farber
Who said dip can't count as a hearty casserole for a potluck? It's full of chicken and guaranteed to be one of the first to run out. Serve with vegetables and chips!
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Meet the ultimate side dish for all of your summer soirees. You get all the creamy, cheesy, bacon-studded goodness of twice-baked potatoes in a travel-ready casserole dish.
Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake
Make use of summer's fresh greens by packing them into a pasta bake that can easily be bulked up with shredded chicken or bacon.
Blueberry Pancake Breakfast Casserole
Summer berries are able to go beyond just a fruit bowl, and this breakfast casserole is the best way to preserve and travel with pancakes for a crowd.
Old-Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie
Stacy K. Allen; Food Stylist: Torie Cox; Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
No matter the season, comforting chicken pot pie will always offer a cozy and hearty meal. It never disappoints.
Layered Squash Casserole
Photographer: James Ransom, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn
If you're looking for a new version of classic squash casserole, try this updated recipe that calls for different kinds of summer squash. The flavor is amped up with Dijon mustard, sharp white Cheddar, and a crumbled Cheez-It topping.
Corn Pudding Casserole
This might be the creamiest and decadent version of corn pudding that you'll make this year, and it's just the side dish for all of your summer entertaining.
Chicken-And-Rice Casserole
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
This family-friendly recipe delivers all the simplicity of a casserole made with canned soup, but this one is bursting with fresh vegetables and herbs instead.
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
This one-dish meal that can be made a day before is full of early morning favorites like eggs, cheese, potatoes, and bacon.
Hot Crab-and-Artichoke Dip
Another dip that feels hearty enough to act as a second main dish at the potluck, this crab recipe is made especially delicious with artichokes, cream cheese, Old Bay seasoning, and two kinds of cheeses. Serve on lettuce cups or alongside crackers.
Zucchini-Potato Casserole
Sneak extra vegetables into your potato side dish with this recipe that looks even better than it tastes, making it ideal for taking to a hosted affair.
Eggplant Rollups
If you're looking for a lighter dish for summer in lieu of lasagna or baked pasta, these rollups give the same comforting flavor with marinara sauce and herbed ricotta.
Baked BLT Dip
We reimagined the beloved BLT sandwich into a dip that is sure to please the crowd at your next get-together. To make it more hearty, serve with toasted crostinis or lettuce cups.
Squash and Green Chile Casserole
There's no reason why all of your carb-heavy side dishes shouldn't have a dose of fresh summer vegetables. In this recipe, summer squash and green chiles add extra flavor to rice.
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