Casseroles in the South aren’t just meals—they’re memories in a dish. Whether it’s Sunday supper, a church potluck, or a weeknight rescue, these baked beauties bring people together around bubbling layers of warmth.
I grew up watching aunties and grandmas toss leftovers and pantry staples into something magical.
And the best part? There’s always a second helping waiting.
1. Classic Chicken And Rice Casserole
This one’s all about comfort—tender chicken baked in creamy sauce with fluffy rice that soaks up every drop of flavor. A dusting of paprika on top gives it that nostalgic glow.
You don’t need fancy ingredients, just a casserole dish and some love. Feels like a hug from your grandmother.
2. Cheesy Shrimp And Grits Bake
Take the low-country classic and toss it in the oven. The grits get rich with sharp cheddar, while the shrimp bake into buttery, peppery bites. A few dashes of hot sauce cut through all that cream.
It’s spicy, creamy, coastal goodness—no skillet required.
3. Southern-Style Mac And Cheese
Forget the boxed stuff—this is mac and cheese the way it’s meant to be: baked, bubbly, and filled with layers of gooey cheddar.
Elbow noodles hold onto thick, egg-enriched sauce that turns golden in the oven. The top gets crispy, the middle stays rich. It’s the potluck MVP.
4. Biscuits And Gravy Casserole
Flaky biscuits, crumbled sausage, and creamy white gravy come together in one glorious bake.
I chop the biscuits and scatter them across the top so they soak up the sauce and puff into golden pillows. You’ll want seconds. Maybe thirds.
5. Cajun Chicken Pasta Casserole
Bold and fiery, this casserole brings the spice. Blackened chicken, penne pasta, and bell peppers all get tossed in a creamy Cajun Alfredo.
The seasoning blend—paprika, garlic, cayenne—packs a punch but doesn’t overwhelm. It’s like New Orleans and mac & cheese had a baby.
6. Cornbread Chicken Casserole
Soft cornbread and creamy chicken stew layer like heaven in a dish. The base is like pot pie filling—shredded chicken, celery, and broth—topped with a sweet-savory cornbread batter.
It bakes into a golden crust that’s crisp at the edges. Just add sweet tea.
7. Creamed Spinach And Rice Bake
It’s green, sure—but this one never feels like a “vegetable dish.” Cream cheese and garlic mellow out the spinach, while rice gives it body.
A little cheddar on top makes it irresistible. It’s the side that always steals the spotlight.
8. BBQ Pulled Pork Biscuit Bake
Pulled pork meets buttery biscuit dough in a smoky, saucy casserole that’s part dinner, part dream. I mix the meat with barbecue sauce, spread it in a pan, and top it with biscuit rounds.
When they puff up and brown, magic happens. Serve with coleslaw on the side.
9. Sweet Potato And Sausage Casserole
Earthy sweet potatoes, spicy sausage, and caramelized onions turn this into a fall favorite. The sweetness and spice balance perfectly.
I sometimes top it with a handful of pecans for crunch. It tastes like Thanksgiving morning—rich, rustic, and just the right kind of indulgent.
10. Green Bean Casserole With Crispy Onions
No can of soup required. I make a béchamel with garlic and a splash of cream, then toss in tender green beans and top with homemade crispy onions.
It’s still nostalgic—but way better than what you remember. A classic that’s earned its place on the table.
11. Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
Think pot pie, minus the stress of a top crust. The filling is rich with rotisserie chicken, carrots, peas, and a splash of cream, all topped with biscuit dough or puff pastry.
It bakes until golden and bubbling. Serve hot with a spoon big enough to scoop dreams.
12. Pimento Cheese Grits Casserole
Sharp cheddar, pimentos, and buttery grits bake into something outrageously Southern. The cheese melts into the grits for a texture that’s creamy but firm enough to slice.
I love this with fried eggs or crispy bacon on top. You can taste the South in every bite.
13. Fried Chicken Casserole With Gravy
Chopped fried chicken, biscuits, and cream gravy get baked into one irresistible pan. It’s messy, crunchy, creamy, and over-the-top—in the best way.
Think chicken and biscuits meet Sunday brunch casserole. Bring your appetite.
14. Crawfish Cornbread Bake
Cornbread mix becomes the base for this savory bake packed with crawfish, green onions, and a little heat from Cajun spice. It smells like Louisiana in summer.
The texture’s somewhere between cornbread and quiche. Don’t skip the hot sauce.
15. Sausage And Egg Breakfast Casserole
Eggs, breakfast sausage, and chunks of white bread bake into a custard-like base that’s rich but fluffy. I throw in sharp cheese and sometimes diced peppers.
It’s make-ahead magic for holidays or lazy weekends. Serve it with a strong cup of coffee and stretchy pants.
16. Black-Eyed Pea Casserole
A New Year’s tradition turned weeknight favorite. Black-eyed peas, rice, tomatoes, and a smoky note from bacon or ham hock bake into something hearty and deeply Southern.
It’s humble food with big flavor. Bonus points if you serve it with collards.
17. Southern Broccoli Cheese Casserole
This one turns frozen broccoli into gold. The cheese sauce is simple—just Velveeta, milk, and love—and it bakes into a bubbly, melty masterpiece.
I crush buttered crackers on top for crunch. Even veggie haters go back for more.
18. Country Ham And Hashbrown Bake
Shredded hashbrowns, diced ham, and shredded cheddar bake into a breakfast casserole that doubles as dinner. The edges crisp while the center stays soft and cheesy.
I always add a dash of hot sauce for balance. Best enjoyed with a side of biscuits and no plans.
19. Okra And Tomato Rice Casserole
Stewed tomatoes, sliced okra, and cooked rice bake into a Southern comfort dish that feels both bright and earthy. The okra softens and thickens everything naturally.
A splash of vinegar and a sprinkle of hot sauce wake up the whole pan. It’s a hidden gem.
20. Peach Cobbler Breakfast Casserole
Canned biscuits, spiced peaches, and a brown sugar glaze bake into something between breakfast and dessert.
Brush the top with melted butter and cinnamon before it hits the oven. It smells like summer. Eat warm with a dollop of cream or cold with coffee.