7 Recipes for Easter Casseroles Baked in a Pan

Recipes for Easter Casseroles Baked in a Pan – As Easter approaches, the joy of festive gatherings and delightful meals fills the air. Elevate your Easter celebration with these mouthwatering casserole recipes, designed for easy preparation and baked to perfection in a simple pan.

Whether you’re hosting a brunch or a family dinner, these recipes offer a diverse array of flavors and styles, from classic favorites to international twists. Discover the savory goodness of Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham, indulge in the rich flavors of Greek Moussaka, or savor the sweetness of Hot Cross Bun Bread Pudding. This collection caters to every palate, providing both vegetarian options and decadent dessert casseroles.

With helpful tips for preparation and serving, these recipes ensure a stress-free and delicious Easter feast for you and your loved ones. Let the aroma of these casseroles fill your kitchen, creating lasting memories around the table during this special time of the year.

Importance of easy and delicious casseroles for Easter gatherings

Easter gatherings are a time to celebrate with family and friends, and the importance of easy and delicious casseroles in this context cannot be overstated. These casseroles serve as culinary centerpieces, bringing people together over a shared meal with minimal fuss. The significance lies in:

1. Efficiency and Time-Saving: Easter often involves various activities, from egg hunts to religious observances. Easy casseroles allow hosts to prepare a hearty and satisfying meal without spending excessive time in the kitchen, ensuring more time for enjoyment and bonding.
2. Versatility for Large Groups: Casseroles are ideal for feeding a crowd, making them a practical choice for Easter gatherings that often involve extended family and friends. They can be easily scaled up to accommodate varying guest numbers.
3. Stress-Free Hosting: With straightforward recipes and minimal prep work, casseroles contribute to a stress-free hosting experience. This allows hosts to focus on the joy of the occasion rather than being overwhelmed by intricate cooking processes.
4. Warmth and Comfort: Casseroles evoke a sense of homey comfort and warmth, aligning perfectly with the familial and cozy atmosphere associated with Easter celebrations. They often incorporate familiar ingredients that evoke nostalgia and a sense of tradition.
5. Flavorful Variety: Casseroles offer a canvas for diverse flavors and ingredients. Whether it’s a classic ham and potato bake or a unique vegetarian option, casseroles provide a range of options to suit different taste preferences, ensuring everyone at the table finds something enjoyable.
6. Convenient Leftovers: Casseroles are known for their ability to be reheated, making them a practical choice for Easter leftovers. The convenience of enjoying a delicious meal without additional preparation enhances the post-celebration experience.

Also, Read – 7 Make-Ahead Breakfast Casseroles for the Holidays

Recipes for Easter Casseroles Baked in a Pan

Here are seven delicious Easter casserole recipes that you can bake in a pan:

Easter Egg Breakfast Casserole:

1. Ingredients:
   • 8 large eggs
   • 1 cup milk
   • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
   • 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
   • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
   • 4 slices bread, cubed
   • Salt and pepper to taste
2. Instructions:
   1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, mustard, salt, and pepper.
   3. In a greased baking pan, layer bread cubes, cooked sausage, and shredded cheese.
   4. Pour the egg mixture over the layers.
   5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the eggs are set.

Ham and Potato Casserole:

1. Ingredients:
   • 3 cups cooked ham, diced
   • 4 cups potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
   • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
   • 1 onion, diced
   • 2 cups milk
   • 2 tablespoons butter
   • Salt and pepper to taste
2. Instructions:
   1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   2. In a greased baking pan, layer potatoes, ham, and onions.
   3. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the layers.
   4. In a saucepan, heat milk, butter, salt, and pepper until butter is melted.
   5. Pour the milk mixture over the layers.
   6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Asparagus and Mushroom Quiche Casserole:

1. Ingredients:
   • 1 pie crust
   • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and blanched
   • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
   • 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
   • 4 large eggs
   • 1 cup milk
   • Salt and pepper to taste
2. Instructions:
   1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   2. Line a greased baking pan with the pie crust.
   3. Arrange asparagus and mushrooms on the crust and sprinkle with shredded Swiss cheese.
   4. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Pour over the asparagus and mushrooms.
   5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the quiche is set and golden.

Also, Read – 7 Recipes for Easter Casseroles Baked in a Pan

Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Casserole:

1. Ingredients:
   • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
   • 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
   • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
   • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
   • 2 cloves garlic, minced
   • 2 tablespoons olive oil
   • Salt and pepper to taste
2. Instructions:
   1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   2. Cut a pocket into each chicken breast.
   3. In a bowl, mix together spinach, feta, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
   4. Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach and feta mixture.
   5. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a greased baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole:

1. Ingredients:
   • 2 cups cooked rice
   • 2 cups broccoli florets, blanched
   • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
   • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
   • 1 cup milk
   • 2 tablespoons butter
   • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
   • Salt and pepper to taste
2. Instructions:
   1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
   2. In a greased baking pan, combine cooked rice and blanched broccoli.
   3. In a saucepan, melt butter, add flour, and whisk until smooth.
   4. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
   5. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
   6. Pour the cheese sauce over the rice and broccoli, season with salt and pepper, and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Lamb and Vegetable Casserole:

1. Ingredients:
   • 1 1/2 pounds lamb, cubed
   • 3 carrots, sliced
   • 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
   • 1 onion, chopped
   • 2 cloves garlic, minced
   • 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
   • 1/2 cup red wine
   • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
   • 2 tablespoons olive oil
   • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
   • Salt and pepper to taste
2. Instructions:
   1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
   2. In a large skillet, brown lamb cubes in olive oil.
   3. Transfer lamb to a greased baking pan and add carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic.
   4. In a bowl, mix together broth, wine, tomato paste, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour over the lamb and vegetables.
   5. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until lamb is tender.

Chocolate Easter Egg Bread Pudding:

1. Ingredients:
   • 1 loaf of challah or brioche bread, cubed
   • 4 cups milk
   • 4 large eggs
   • 1 cup granulated sugar
   • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
   • 1 cup chocolate chips
   • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
   • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
2. Instructions:
   1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
   2. Grease a baking pan and arrange the bread cubes in it.
   3. In a bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract.
   4. Pour the mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring they are all coated.
   5. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the top.
   6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the pudding is set.
   7. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

These Easter casseroles are sure to be a hit at your holiday gathering. Enjoy your delicious Easter feast!

Conclusion

As you embark on your Easter culinary journey, these easy and delicious casseroles promise to be the heart of your celebration. From the simplicity of preparation to the rich flavors that bring people together, these recipes ensure a memorable and stress-free experience. May the aroma of these casseroles fill your home with warmth, creating cherished moments around the table. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and delicious Easter celebration!

FAQs

Can I prepare these casseroles in advance for Easter?

Absolutely! Many of these recipes allow for preparation ahead of time. Follow the make-ahead tips provided in each recipe to streamline your Easter day.

Can I customize the recipes to accommodate dietary preferences or restrictions?

Yes, these recipes are versatile. Feel free to make substitutions and adjustments to suit dietary needs. Check the tips within each recipe for guidance.

Are there vegetarian options included in the collection?

Certainly! We’ve included delicious vegetarian casseroles like the Spring Vegetable Quinoa Casserole and Broccoli and Cheddar Baked Pasta.