Food Editors Share 8 Make-Ahead Casseroles for Fall

Serious Eats editors have compiled eight casserole recipes they rely on for cozy fall and winter meals. The collection emphasizes dishes that can be made ahead of time, ranging from savory mains to a sweet breakfast option.

The Ultimate Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Writer Ashlee Redger champions a from-scratch green bean casserole as a holiday essential. She argues it improves significantly over versions made with canned ingredients. Redger calls the recipe her Thanksgiving stalwart and recommends saving it for upcoming gatherings.

Savory Main Dish Favorites

Editorial director Daniel Gritzer has a nostalgic fondness for tuna noodle casserole, recalling his father's version with tender noodles, flaked tuna, and peas in a creamy sauce. The site's version is billed as an easy, one-pot, lighter take on the classic.

Shepherd's pie earns praise from two editors. Associate culinary editor Laila Ibrahim loves the combination of lamb and mashed potatoes. Senior editor Genevieve Yam highlights its make-ahead convenience and describes it as a hearty meal featuring a savory mix of ground meat and vegetables beneath buttery, fluffy potatoes.

Senior culinary editor Leah Colins repeatedly makes her own baked ziti recipe. She says the dish is creamy and cheesy but balanced by leeks, Swiss chard, and sun-dried tomatoes. A crispy panko topping is her favorite component.

Vegetable-Focused Sides

Associate editorial director Megan O. Steintrager, a Southerner, recommends a yellow squash casserole. She notes that bland yellow squash is transformed into a standout dish when covered with cheese and buttery crackers.

Senior editor Brenna Donovan advocates for a sweet and savory corn casserole as a way to extend corn season. The recipe specifically recommends using fresh corn that is slightly past its prime, as starchier kernels work well in the dish.

Classic Comfort and Sweet Breakfast

Senior editor Genevieve Yam declares baked macaroni and cheese superior to the stovetop version. She describes it as her favorite baked pasta dish for when she wants something warm, cheesy, and comforting.

For a sweet start to the day, editor Rochelle Bilow recommends a make-ahead French toast casserole. She says it achieves a perfect custardy and tender texture and is genuinely easy to prepare.

The editors collectively frame casseroles as warm, cozy dishes ideal for colder weather. They emphasize the versatility of the format, which can serve as a full meal or a side, and consistently highlight the practical advantage of being able to prepare them in advance.