The Best Casserole Recipe from Every State

In the South, everyone loves three things: bacon, cheese, and grits! After playing around with this recipe, I took it to my first family party as a newlywed, and it was a huge hit. This recipe has become a family tradition that I’m sure will be passed down for generations. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

My son fishes for salmon on the Kenai River in Alaska and smokes much of what he catches. My mother passed this recipe on to me to help me find new ways to cook with salmon. Regular salmon also works in this quiche, but the smoked flavor can’t be beat! —Rose Marie Cherven, Anchorage, Alaska. If you don’t feel like cooking a recipe from your state tonight, maybe have a meal at the best diner in your state.

For the perfect combination of eggs, sausage, bread, and cheese, this is the dish to try. My mom and I like this sausage breakfast casserole because it bakes up tender and golden, slices beautifully and goes over well whenever we serve it. —Gayle Grigg, Phoenix, Arizona

Everyone who tries this comforting, cheesy chicken and noodle casserole asks for the recipe. It’s so simple to make that sometimes I feel like I’m cheating! —Kay Pederson, Yellville, Arkansas. Watch out for these mistakes you’re probably making while cooking chicken.

I’ve made this recipe for my family every Christmas morning for ten years—it’s a food tradition that we look forward to every year. Part of what makes this dish special is the croissants that make the egg bake extra light and fluffy. —Susan Triplett, Citrus Heights, California.

Your family is going to gobble up this cheesy, southwestern, and easy chicken enchilada casserole…and will ask for it again and again. It’s real comfort food! —Melanie Burns, Pueblo West, Colorado

When I moved to New England, I embraced the local cuisine. My cassoulet with baked beans pays tribute to a French classic and to New England in one hearty, heartwarming dish. —Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut. Next, learn the difference between soup, stew, and chili.

I know dried cranberries may seem like an odd ingredient to include in this dish, but they add just a hint of sweetness that makes an easy casserole so special. —Gilda Lester, Millsboro, Delaware.

Since my husband likes spicy foods, I frequently sprinkle chopped jalapeno peppers over half of this casserole for him. —Carrina Cooper, McAlpin, Florida

Rotisserie chicken turns this baked spaghetti into a warm, cozy meal our family craves. If we have leftover turkey, we use that, too. —Jennifer Petrino, Newnan, Georgia.

Living in Hawaii, I wanted to share this recipe which features pineapple. It’s our most important fruit crop. —Marsha Fleming, Kula, Hawaii

This hearty egg dish is wonderful for any meal of the day. I fix it frequently for special occasions, too, because it’s easy to prepare and really versatile. For a change, use spicier sausage or substitute a flavored cheese blend. —Molly Swallow, Pocatello, Idaho. And while you’re at it, shop at the best grocery store in your state, too.

This delicious chicken and broccoli casserole recipe is a twist on chicken divan that came from an old boss. It’s quick, satisfying comfort food. —Jennifer Schlachter, Big Rock, Illinois

Kids love this casserole because it combines two of their favorite fast foods. And I like the fact that I can whip it up with just four ingredients. —Karen Owen, Rising Sun, Indiana. Here are some more yummy cheeseburger-themed recipes to try.

These creamy tasty potatoes can be made the day before and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to pop them in the oven (I often do that). The garlic powder and chives add zip, and the shredded cheese adds color. —Sharon Mensing, Greenfield, Iowa

This taco casserole recipe tastes like a taco salad and is a breeze to assemble. I crush tortilla chips to form a bottom layer, then spread on refried beans, a spicy meat mixture, and cheese. —Rhonda McKee, Greensburg, Kansas. Check out some more easy Mexican appetizers and snacks anyone can make.

This potato casserole has the same flavor of the potato skins you can order as a restaurant appetizer. It’s an ideal dish for tailgating and potlucks. —Charlane Gathy, Lexington, Kentucky.

Looking for a different treatment for cabbage? Try this spicy cheese-topped dish that I adapted from a friend’s recipe. I added a little of this and that until it tasted the way I wanted. Not only do my husband and kids like it, but I also get rave reviews when I make it for company or church functions. —Bobbie Soileau, Opelousas, Louisiana. Next up, check out the most popular Thanksgiving pie in your state.

Whenever I take this time-saving side-dish casserole to a potluck, I seldom bring any home, and folks often ask for the recipe. If I have fresh dill, I’ll substitute a couple of tablespoons for the dill weed. It’s easy to assemble and easy on the budget at only 77¢ a serving. —Esther Kilborn, Bridgton, Maine

With its creamy white cheese sauce and buttery crumb topping, this dish is great comfort food. If you’re looking for a mild way to dress up broccoli, this is the recipe. —Charles Keating, Manchester, Maryland.

My wife cooked up this dish, which is very popular with our friends and family. When she asks what she should bring, the reply is always: “Your beans and sausage—and a couple copies of the recipe!” —Robert Saulnier, Clarksburg, Massachusetts

My family loves these potatoes. I make a large batch in disposable pans and serve them at all our get-togethers. The holidays aren’t the same without them. It’s also a super recipe for Christmas morning brunch. —Brenda Smith, Curran, Michigan. Check out the 35 recipes you should know how to make before you’re 35.

I grow zucchini by the bushel, so this pizza casserole is one of my dinnertime go-to’s. My hungry husband and kids gobble it right up. —Lynn Bernstetter, White Bear Lake, Minnesota

My family can’t get enough of this sweet and satisfying side dish. This casserole disappears quickly whenever I prepare it. —Judy Howle, Columbus, Mississippi. Also check out these delicious recipes just like grandma used to make.

I love to cook but just don’t have much time. This casserole is both comforting and fast, which makes it my favorite kind of recipe. I serve it with a green salad. —Jena Coffey, Sunset Hills, Missouri

A friend gave me the recipe for this delicious dish, which uses a packaged stuffing mix. A salad and bread of your choice is all you’ll need for a filling lunch or dinner. It’s so versatile, you can even serve it at brunch. —Kathleen Grant, Swan Lake, Montana.

A neighbor passed this recipe on to me. I make the vegetable casserole for family dinners, reunions, and potlucks, and the response is almost always the same when people taste it: “Can I have the recipe?” —Leora Clark, Lincoln, Nebraska

I keep frozen Tater Tots on hand for meals like this yummy casserole. It’s a super brunch, breakfast, or side dish for kids of all ages. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada.

One year I had so much summer squash, I was desperate for different ways to prepare it. That’s when I came up with this recipe. Serve it as a side dish or on its own as a light meal. —Donald Roberts, Amherst, New Hampshire

My family insists that this two-in-one casserole makes an appearance at all of our special meals. Every bite is doubly delicious! —Jane Birch, Edison, New Jersey.

Mother frequently made this comforting chicken tortilla casserole when I was growing up. Our family would scrape the pan clean. Chicken, cheese, and zippy green chiles are a mouthwatering mix. —Jerri Moror, Rio Rancho, New Mexico

This hearty entree warms up any breakfast or brunch menu with its herb-seasoned flavor. —Darlene Markham, Rochester, New York. Get some more easy breakfast recipes that are ready in ten minutes or less.

The wonderful homemade goodness of this creamy Velveeta mac and cheese makes it a staple side dish in my mother’s kitchen and in mine as well. It has tender noodles and a crowd-pleasing golden crumb topping. —Maria Costello, Monroe, North Carolina. Here are some more mac and cheese recipes you should definitely try.

Back when I was in college, my roommate would frequently make this economical baked burrito casserole. It’s so easy to put together, and one serving goes a long way. —Cindee Ness, Horace, North Dakota

The entire family will enjoy this heartwarming, all-in-one dinner. And cleanup is a breeze! —Mike Tchou, Pepper Pike, Ohio

BLTs are a favorite at my house, so I created this recipe to combine those flavors into a warm, cozy casserole. It was such a hit, I served it to my church ladies group at a brunch I hosted. —Priscilla Detrick, Catoosa, Oklahoma.

This creamy mac and cheese definitely doesn’t come from a box! Fresh veggies add crunch and color and will leave everyone saying, “More, please!” —Marsha Morril, Harrisburg, Oregon

Whenever we get together as a family for major holidays, my kids, nieces, and nephews literally beg me to make this sweet potato casserole. It goes together in minutes with canned sweet potatoes, which is ideal for the busy holiday season. —Sue Miller, Mars, Pennsylvania. For more holiday cooking, check out these Christmas appetizers that everyone will love.

I first tried this recipe at a family gathering and loved it! It is a great meatless lunch or dinner for a warm day, served hot or cold. This is my most requested dish for parties and a fairly simple one to make. Enjoy! —Heidi Anne Quinn, West Kingston, Rhode Island.

I had this dish at a bridal brunch many years ago. It was so delicious that I created my own version, and this is the result. Now I make it all the time. Enjoy! —Melissa Millwood, Lyman, South Carolina

This Reuben casserole is an absolute favorite of ours. I recently served it at a Christmas gathering; people loved it and requested the recipe! —Joy Hagen, Webster, South Dakota. For more holiday inspiration, check out the best Christmas cookie from every state.

To make the most of leftover cornbread, try this hearty main dish casserole. It’s moist, delicious and good on any occasion. —Madge Britton, Afton, Tennessee

I’ve been making this mild family-pleasing southwest casserole recipe for years. It tastes wonderful, fits nicely into our budget and, best of all, makes a second one to freeze and enjoy later. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

My mom and I developed this recipe to see if there was a carrot dish that even people who don’t care for carrots would enjoy. So far, I haven’t met anyone who hasn’t liked this casserole. —Laurie Heward, Fillmore, Utah. It’s one of many easy recipes to whip up that are vegetarian-friendly.

My sister-in-law served this special dish for Easter breakfast one year, and our whole family loved the mix of bacon, eggs, noodles, and cheese. Now I sometimes assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning for a terrific hassle-free brunch entree. —Dianne Meyer, Graniteville, Vermont

I got bored with the same old breakfast casseroles I’d see at our monthly moms’ meeting, so I decided to create something new. Judging by the reactions of the other moms, I think I have a winner. —Shannon Koene, Blacksburg, Virginia.

This is a fairly new recipe for me, but my family loved it the first time I made it. A friend shared it with me. —Pat Lane, Pullman, Washington

For our Christmas brunch, I make eggs florentine, with sausage and spinach for a snappy casserole. Sometimes I mix in fresh peppers or green chilies, so play with it. —Karen Weekley, Washington, West Virginia. While you’re cooking, check out these kitchen hacks you’ll wish you knew sooner.

I served this quiche recipe at a church lunch, and I had to laugh when one guy told me how much he disliked vegetables. Many people were surprised by how much they loved this veggie-filled crustless quiche—and he was one of them! —Melinda Calverley, Janesville, Wisconsin

Even people who don’t like zucchini can’t seem to get enough of this full-flavored side dish. I always bring it to our family gatherings and potlucks because it goes well with any entree. —Cathy Johnston, Ranchester, Wyoming.