Enjoying Casseroles Year-Round

The casserole is one of the top of everyone's comfort food list. Why? It's typically rich, creamy and cheesy. And who doesn't enjoy an all-in-one, little bit of everything in every bite style of dish? Many casseroles offer a combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber; and many are packed with vitamins and nutrients. Generally, it is delicious and also quite filling, but you can make such a wide variety of casseroles, and there are tons of healthy alternatives that are light in calories and still satisfy. Either way, it is serious comfort food! It's for anyone who wants something big, filling and fast.

Country Breakfast

Healthy Casseroles

Try the country breakfast casserole. While this serves 8, the rest can be frozen and then packed up for lunch at work the next day. This dish travels well and whether you're bringing it to work or to a party as a potluck, the country breakfast casserole is a delicious and filling.

The typical country breakfast casserole contains hash browns, potatoes, ham or sausage, eggs, milk and salt. Hash browns are pressed onto the bottom of the casserole dish, until they are about half an inch thick. Melted butter is then evenly poured over the potatoes. This concoction is baked at 425 F. for 25 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Heat is then reduced to 350 F. and the crusty potatoes are topped with cheese and sausage or ham. A mixture of milk, salt and eggs are then placed over the filling and crust. The dish is returned to the oven, with lid on, and baked for 25 to 35 minutes. Top individual servings with homemade salsa.

Chicken with Garden Vegetable Casserole

A seriously filling casserole contains a medley of mushrooms, peas and onions. Chicken breasts are popularly used in making casseroles, however, chicken thighs are not only affordable but also retain more flavor. In addition, they also contain a good quantity of fat, which helps keep the dish quenched and tender without drying out when exposed to high levels of heat within long periods of cooking. Olive oil is used to brown the chicken pieces, mushrooms and onions. Dry sherry is then used to deglaze the pan. Everything is poured into a casserole dish with cream, stock, rice, herbs, and sour cream. Cheese may be added on top towards the end of baking.

Holiday Casseroles

A typical method of making casserole in North America is to utilize condensed soup, particularly cream of mushroom soup. A very popular casserole dish using cream of mushroom soup is the green bean casserole and tuna casserole. In most special events and get-togethers there will always be a casserole. That's because it is very easy to make, especially with affordable ingredients, as well as quick to pack and bring along as a potluck.

Enjoying Casseroles Year-Round

Casseroles are true comfort food. We have put together a collection of delicious casserole recipes that will satisfy the hearty appetite; and that can be served for holidays, special occasions and everyday dining. Find the perfect casserole recipe from our growing selection of appetizers, side dishes, and entrees.