Home Test Kitchen Meal Planning
Hazel WheatonUpdated: Jan. 31, 2022
What casserole recipes are best for the hottest days of summer? Fresh and light, with a dash of spice and lashings of garden-fresh goodies! From mains and sides to breakfasts and desserts, we've got you covered.
Day 1: Twice-Baked Potato Casserole
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My daughter gave me this twice-baked potatoes recipe because she knows I love potatoes. The hearty casserole is loaded with a palate-pleasing combination of bacon, cheeses, green onions and sour cream. —Betty Miars, Anna, Ohio
Day 2: Nacho Chicken
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I have been serving this rich and zippy chicken casserole for years, and it's a favorite of my family and friends. It disappears quickly at bring-a-dish gatherings, too. —Thom Britton, Three Rivers, Michigan
Day 3: Blend of the Bayou
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My sister-in-law shared this recipe with me when I first moved here. It's been handed down in my husband's family for generations. It's quick to prepare, nutritious and flavorful. I've passed it on to my children too.—Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Day 4: Greek Spaghetti with Chicken
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Flavorful spaghetti surely provides a comforting dinner. Featuring chicken, spinach and two types of cheese, this is a crowd-pleaser. —Melanie Dalbec, Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota
Day 5: Pork and Green Chile Casserole
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I work at a local hospital and another job part time, so I'm always on the lookout for good, quick recipes to fix for my family. Some of my co-workers and I exchange recipes. This zippy casserole is one that was brought to a picnic at my house. People raved over it. —Dianne Esposite, New Middletown, Ohio
Day 6: Crustless Spinach Quiche
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I served this crustless quiche 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 quiche recipe—and he was one of them! —Melinda Calverley, Janesville, Wisconsin
Day 7: Artichoke Spinach Casserole
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Although he isn't a fan of spinach, my husband loves this dish. The combination of ingredients may sound unusual, but the flavors meld well. It's an excellent side vegetable for a formal dinner. —Judy Johnson, Missoula, Montana
Day 8: BLT Egg Bake
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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
Day 9: Veggie-Packed Strata
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This is a wonderful, colorful casserole that everyone enjoys. I'm sure you'll be hooked on it after one bite, too. —Jennifer Unsell, Vance, Alabama
Day 10: Apple Pan Goody
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I found the recipe for this unique casserole years ago and adapted it to my family's taste. Dotted with dried cranberries, the tender apple bake is sweetened with brown sugar and a little cinnamon. We enjoy it on breakfast buffets, but it also makes a fun side dish, particularly with a pork entree. —Jeanne Bredemeyer, Orient, New York
Day 11: Fold-Over Tortilla Bake
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Here’s something a little different from the usual tacos—and it’s special enough for potlucks or dinner guests. —Deborah Smith, DeWitt, Nebraska
Day 12: Colorful Brunch Frittata
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A friend called and asked me for a special recipe that he could serve at his daughter's wedding brunch. I created this brunch frittata recipe for the special day. —Kristin Arnett, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Day 13: Mexicali Casserole
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If you like Mexican food but are watching your diet, try this tasty bake. It takes advantage of ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese without sacrificing flavor. —Gertrudis C. Miller, Evansville, Indiana
Day 14: Creamy Green Chile Chicken Cobbler
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Biscuity crumbs take this family-friendly combo of rotisserie chicken and cheesy, creamy green enchilada sauce over the top. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Day 15: Blueberry-Rhubarb Crumble
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A dollop of whipped topping adds a nice finishing touch to this satisfying crumble. Sometimes I drizzle a little flavored coffee creamer on top instead of the whipped topping. —Nancy Sousley, Lafayette, Indiana
Day 16: Best-Ever Beans and Sausage
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My wife devised this dish, which is extremely popular with our friends and family. Whenever she asks, “What can I bring?” the reply is always, “Your beans and sausage…and a couple of copies of the recipe!” —Robert Saulnier, Clarksburg, Massachusetts
Day 17: Tex-Mex Summer Squash Casserole
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Mild-flavored yellow squash gets a big boost from flavor-packed chiles, jalapenos and red onion. This side dish also works with zucchini. —Tommy Lombardo, Euclid, Ohio
Day 18: Monterey Spaghetti
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I'm a working mother with two young boys. Our family leads a very active life, so I make a lot of casseroles. It's so nice to have a hearty side dish the kids will eat. Topped with cheese and french-fried onions, this tasty spaghetti casserole recipe is a hit at our house. —Janet Hibler, Cameron, Missouri
Day 19: Cornbread Taco Bake
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Cornbread and beef bake together in one casserole dish, making this entree convenient. This Mexican cornbread casserole is packed with tempting seasonings, and the cheese and onions make an attractive topping. —Vicki Good, Oscoda, Michigan
Day 20: Beefy Eggplant Parmigiana
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I developed this recipe one summer when my husband grew eggplant in the garden. I was thrilled when it won high honors at a national beef contest. —Celeste Copper, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Day 21: Summer Squash Mushroom Casserole
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This rich, creamy squash and zucchini casserole, with its crunchy topping would make a wonderful dish to take to summer potlucks and picnics, or to pair up with a wide variety of entrees. You'll love the buttery flavor of these "comfort veggies!" —Jennifer Wallace, Canal Winchester, Ohio
Day 22: Contest-Winning Cajun Cabbage
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Looking for a different treatment for cabbage? Try this spicy cheese-topped Cajun cabbage 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
Day 23: Mexican Street Corn Bake
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We discovered Mexican street corn at a festival. This easy one-pan version saves on prep and cleanup. In August, I use our own fresh sweet corn in this recipe, but frozen or store-bought corn works just as well. —Erin Wright, Wallace, Kansas
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With herbs from the garden to use, I created a quiche with basil, parsley and dill along with feta, Swiss, Gruyere and mozzarella. Goat cheese is also yummy. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Day 25: Yellow Squash and Zucchini Gratin
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This yellow squash and zucchini casserole is the perfect way to use up an abundance of summer squash. It's easy to prepare, takes just 10 minutes in the oven and serves up bubbly and delicious. —Jonathan Lawler, Greenfield, Indiana
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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
Day 27: Creamy Strawberry French Toast Bake
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I love this recipe because on Sunday mornings I like to take it easy but I still want my family to have a great breakfast. This allows me to sleep in and feel like I’m a great Mom at the same time. Win! —Alynn Hansen, Mona, Utah
Day 28: Chicken Chile Relleno Casserole
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My husband likes Mexican food and casseroles, so I combined the two. This chicken with poblanos and chiles satisfies our craving for dinner at a Mexican restaurant. —Erica Ingram, Lakewood, Ohio
Day 29: Spicy Breakfast Lasagna
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It’s fun to cook up something new for family and friends—especially when it gets rave reviews. When I took this dish to our breakfast club at work, people said it really woke up their taste buds! —Guthrie Torp Jr., Highland Ranch, Colorado
Day 30: Thai Peanut Chicken Casserole
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I used traditional pizza sauce and toppings in this recipe for years. After becoming a fan of Thai peanut chicken pizza, I decided to use those flavors instead. Serve this dish with stir-fried vegetables or a salad with sesame dressing for an easy, delicious meal. —Katherine Wollgast, Troy, Missouri
Day 31: Dilly Zucchini Casserole
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Whenever I take this timesaving 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 tablespoons for the dill weed. —Esther Kilborn, Bridgton, Maine
Originally Published: July 10, 2019
Hazel Wheaton
Hazel is a writer and editor who has worked in the publishing industry for over 25 years in the fields of travel, jewelry arts and food. As the editor of the Taste of Home Christmas Annual (among other titles), she's in the holiday spirit all year round. An enthusiastic baker, she's known for her cookies, cakes and other baked goods. And she still wishes she could cook like her mother.