It’s not the holidays without the classics—and of course, we’re talking about vintage recipes made in a 9×13-inch casserole dish—from layered Jell-O salads to creamy, nostalgic casseroles dotted with crispy crackers and fried onions. These are the recipes that come out only once or twice a year for the sake of holiday tradition. Here are the most iconic dishes that have always been the reason for the season.
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Seven Layer Gelatin Salad
This recipe requires several steps, patience, and a variety of Jell-O flavors (and colors), but the end result has always been worth it.
“I make this layered jello in a Bundt pan every year for Thanksgiving,” says ModestGlass6863. “Mainly for my younger nieces and nephews. It sure is time consuming, but the result is rewarding.”
Green Bean Casserole
Allrecipes/Julia Hartbeck
“Love it, this is the recipe I will be making for our Thanksgiving Dinner. I had lost mine then found this one! Simple and delicious!!!” —Barbara
Yummy Sweet Potato Casserole
Preethi Venkatram/Allrecipes
“Thank you! My mother in law always made this, honestly I hadn’t had it or seen it before until he made it and I absolutely always loved it! So I wanted to try it myself and it’s become a favorite for my family! Theres usually NO leftovers lol sadly lol” —EagerAle7900
Million Dollar Casserole
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
While “Million Dollar” recipes have gained popularity in recent years, some of the first recipes—often called “Company Potatoes”—can be traced back to vintage community cookbooks from the 1970s and 1980s.
Chantilly Mashed Potato Casserole
ALLRECIPES / DIANA CHISTRUGA
Heavy cream whipped into mashed potatoes makes Chantilly Mashed Potatoes a decadent alternative to their original form. Baked in a casserole or soufflèe dish, with a light and luxurious texture, it’s a perfect side dish for any holiday or special occasion.
Grandma’s Hashbrown Casserole
ALLRECIPES / DIANA CHISTRUGA
“I love it!!! Best I’ve ever had!! I’ve been making these for years! Thanks for sharing.” MSJILL11
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Allrecipes / Qi Ai
“I’ve made it many times before for different functions. It’s a family favorite and everyone loves it, plus it’s so easy to make.” —Lee Set
Sweet Potato Casserole
“The sweet potato casserole falls somewhere between a great side dish and a fantastic dessert.I don’t know why you put instructions on how to save it or freeze it because it didn’t last the day at our house on Thanksgiving L O L” —Gary B
Absolutely Delicious Green Bean Casserole From Scratch
“I made this for last Thanksgiving. My family loved it so much they requested to have it several times throughout the year. I will make it again this year. This time for the family reunion!” —Teresa Smith-Dougherty
Marshmallow & Cornflake Sweet Potato Casserole
Cornflakes, marshmallows, and brown sugar give this buttery, sweet potato casserole recipe a playful holiday flair with a delightful, gooey crunch.
Holiday Ham and Potato Casserole
ALLRECIPES / VICTORIA JEMPTY
Using just 1 pound of ham, these cheesy potato casserole is a great dish to make when the budget is a little tight. Or, if you do end up serving a whole ham, this recipe is perfect for the leftovers.
“A delicious and simple meal – a huge hit with the family, and a fairly economical dish, too,” says Janice Godwin Spear. “Absolutely a winner!H ighly recommended.”
Easy Corn Pudding
Grocery Addict
“I have made this many times. It is so easy and so delicious. Even picky eaters in my family enjoy this. Thank you for sharing.” —Faith
Jiffy Corn Casserole
Allrecipes/Qi Ai
“I have a super soft spot for jiffy corn muffin mix… This is the perfect use [of] them… Absolutely loved this. Super duper easy and tastes like jiffy.” —TealRice5147
Grandma’s Corn Pudding
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“I made this for the first time last Thanksgiving and 3 guests wanted the recipe! So simple and soooo delicious :)” —Linda
Awesome Broccoli-Cheese Casserole
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“Made this last night and my wife is in love with it. She even requested it going forward for holidays. This is a huge win!!” —KeenScale7672
Christmas Green Chile Egg Casserole
ALLRECIPES / DIANA CHISTRUGA
“My family demands this casserole every Christmas morning,” says recipe submitter SallyAnn. “I’ve only once dared to try something new, and this was sorely missed! Make this for a brunch and I guarantee you will get recipe requests.”
Pineapple Casserole
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“Thiis is a wonderful casserole! It will balance perfectly, the traditional savory Thanksgiving dishes we make every year. I wanted our Native Hawaiian heritage to have a place at the table, and this is it! I think this will also be a nice accompaniment to Christmas breakfast!” —CoralStew9598
Scalloped Potatoes
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
“Thank you for posting a TRUE scalloped potato recipe (not au gratin), layered with onions, flour, butter, and milk rather than cream sauce,” says Valerie. “This is the way my mom and grandmother made it. Prep is so much easier, and the results are just as creamy.”