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Thai Peanut Chicken Casserole
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
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Pesto Chicken Strata
I like this rustic strata for its hearty flavor. It's also nice to have something savory along with sweeter brunch dishes like cinnamon rolls and doughnuts. —Michael Cohen, Los Angeles, California
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Day 3: Sassy Southwest Stuffed Shells
When I was a child, my mom made this dish quite often. When I came across her recipe on an index card, I quickly copied it. Over the years, I have made very few changes to retain that taste-of-home memory. —Kellie Braddell, West Point, California
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Burrito Bake
Back when I was in college, my roommate would frequently make this economical baked burrito casserole. It's so easy to put together, and one serving goes a long way. —Cindee Ness, Horace, North Dakota
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Puff Pastry Chicken Potpie
When my wife is craving comfort food, I whip up this chicken pot pie with puff pastry. It's easy to make, sticks to your ribs and delivers soul-satisfying flavor. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
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Day 6: Pasta Fagioli al Forno
The name of this Italian-inspired dish means "baked pasta with beans." But my busy family translates it as "super satisfying dinner." —Cindy Preller, Grayslake, Illinois
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Fiesta Breakfast Bake
I get a kick out of making breakfast for a crowd when I have weekend guests, and my family also loves breakfast for dinner. I created this dish by combining my family's favorite southwestern flavors in an all-in-one-pan recipe.—Whitney Gilbert, Smithville, Missouri
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Penne and Smoked Sausage
This pasta is a must-try smoked sausage recipe. It just tastes so good when it’s hot and bubbly from the oven. The cheddar french-fried onions lend a cheesy, crunchy touch. —Margaret Wilson, Sun City, California
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Meatball Hash Brown Bake
For a seniors potluck at church, I wanted to create a recipe that would incorporate a meat dish and side dish in one. This casserole proved to be a crowd-pleaser, and many people asked for the recipe. —Joann Fritzler, Belen, New Mexico
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Day 10: Creamy Tuna-Noodle Casserole
When you need supper fast, this tuna noodle casserole makes a super one-dish meal. Cooked chicken breast works well in place of the tuna. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
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Asparagus Ham Strata
You can easily prepare this the night before for a luncheon, or in the morning for dinner. I serve it year-round for large groups, like my card and garden clubs, and make it for picnics and other occasions. Nearly every time I do, someone requests the recipe! —Ethel Pressel, New Oxford, Pennsylvania
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Chicken Amandine
With colorful green beans and pimientos, this attractive casserole is terrific for the holidays. This is true comfort food at its finest. —Kat Woolbright, Wichita Falls, Texas
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Day 13: Chili Tamale Pie
This crowd-pleasing potluck dish packs a little heat, a little sweet and a big-time authentic southwestern flavor. There is no substitute for freshly ground chiles. A small food processor on high speed may be used to grind the chiles and cumin, or use a dedicated coffee grinder for fresh spices. It’s a terrific $15 investment for fresh spices anytime—and your palate will thank you! —Ralph Stamm, Dayton, Ohio
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Eggplant Sausage Casserole
If you want your kids to happily eat their eggplant, serve it in this lovely layered casserole. Our whole family enjoys it. Always a popular potluck item, it's a great company dish, as well. —Carol Mieske, Red Bluff, California
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Day 15: Shrimp & Crab Casserole
This quick, easy recipe is truly delicious. The succulent, melt-in-your-mouth seafood flavors and textures make for elegant comfort food. To make ahead, just assemble, cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready. —Jan Bartley, Evergreen, North Carolina
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Reuben Bread Pudding
Our Aunt Renee always brought this casserole to family picnics in Chicago. It became so popular that she started bringing two or three. I have also made it using dark rye bread or marbled rye, and ham instead of corned beef—all the variations are delicious! —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
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Day 17: Artichoke & Spinach Chicken Casserole
Try this homey and comforting casserole for an alternate main dish at Thanksgiving. The spinach adds nice color, and the red pepper flakes add a pleasant, mild heat. —Janice Christofferson, Eagle River, Wisconsin
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Beef & Tater Bake
The entire family will enjoy this heartwarming, all-in-one dinner. Plus, it offers easy cleanup! —Mike Tchou, Pepper Pike, Ohio
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Day 19: Perfect Four-Cheese Lasagna
Lasagna is one of my favorites, and this is the recipe I’ve been making since I was a teenager. It’s a tantalizing combo of pasta, meat sauce, cheese and more cheese that really lives up to its name! —Lauren Delaney-Wallace, Glen Carbon, Illinois
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Contest-Winning Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
While this special chicken and wild rice casserole is perfect for a company dinner, it's so good that I often make it for everyday family meals. We think it is very nice served with some crusty rolls or French bread. —Elizabeth Tokariuk, Lethbridge, Alberta
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Chili Mac Casserole
This cheesy casserole uses several of my family's favorite ingredients, including macaroni, kidney beans, tomatoes and cheese. Just add a leafy salad for a complete meal. —Marlene Wilson, Rolla, North Dakota
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Chicken Tortilla Bake
Mother frequently made this comforting chicken tortilla casserole when I was growing up. Our family would scrape the pan clean. Chicken, cheese and zippy green chiles are a mouthwatering mix. —Jerri Moror, Rio Rancho, New Mexico
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Day 23: Chicken and Wild Rice Bake
My chicken and rice bake is a lovely example of midwestern cuisine. The dish is ideal for hosting because it can bake away on its own while you turn your attention to other party preparations. —Suzanne Greenslit, Merrifield, Minnesota
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Day 24: Herbed Seafood Casserole
When I wanted a seafood dish for my annual Christmas Eve buffet, my friend gave me a wonderful recipe. This is a rich, creamy casserole loaded with shrimp, scallops and crab. —Donna Schmuland, Westaskiwin, Alberta
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Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Spicy sausage, herbs and vegetables fill this casserole with hearty flavor. I like to make it for my family's Christmas breakfast or it's also a fabulous Christmas brunch idea! —Debbie Carter, O'Fallon, Illinois
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Colorful Ham Strata
Marilou's make-ahead breakfast bake is a cinch, particularly when leftover ham is used. Chock-full of peppers, onions and cheese, the eye-opener makes an ideal contribution to brunch buffets and is a great way to start the day.
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Chicken & Cheese Noodle Bake
This is the recipe my daughters and I often make for new parents when they come home from the hospital. With its creamy spaghetti filling and melted cheese topping, this casserole holds a nice cut and comforts hungry tummies. —Fancheon Resler, Bluffton, Indiana
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Seafood Casserole
A family favorite, this rice casserole is filled with plenty of seafood and veggies. It's hearty, homey and so easy to make. —Nancy Billups, Princeton, Iowa
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Day 29: BBQ Chicken and Apple Bread Pudding
To me, bread pudding is the epitome of comfort food and is simply too good to reserve only for dessert. This sweet and savory twist on the classic is a delicious new way to enjoy an old favorite. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah
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Day 30: Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup Bake
This casserole brings together two classic comfort foods: grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. There’s no need for your hands to get messy dipping bread into a bowl of hot soup! Best of all, my picky-eater husband devours every bite. —Megan Kuns, Perrysburg, Ohio
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Day 31: Oyster Fricassee
I oversee the gardens at Colonial Williamsburg. We've learned that the colonists had a ready source of oysters from Chesapeake Bay. I enjoy this rich, creamy casserole, a special dish from this area's holiday recipe collection. —Susan Dippre, Williamsburg, Virginia
Originally Published: November 28, 2018