9 Casseroles People Either Love or Absolutely Hate
Few foods divide a dinner table quite like a casserole. To some people, a hot dish bubbling in the oven is the very definition of comfort, the kind of meal that fed whole families on a tight budget. To others, it is a mysterious pile of canned soup, noodles, and leftovers that should never have been invented.
Casseroles became a cornerstone of American cooking in the mid-20th century. Canned soups, frozen vegetables, and boxed noodles made them quick and affordable. Church potlucks, funerals, and holiday dinners all came with a row of casserole dishes, each one labeled with a strip of tape bearing the cook’s name.
But not every casserole has aged well, and some spark arguments that last for generations. Here are nine casseroles that people either love with all their hearts or absolutely refuse to eat.
1. Tuna Noodle Casserole
Tuna noodle casserole is perhaps the most famous of them all. Egg noodles, canned tuna, peas, and cream of mushroom soup were mixed together and topped with crushed potato chips or bread crumbs. It was a Friday night staple in many Catholic homes.
Fans say it is creamy, salty, and nostalgic. Critics say the smell of warm canned tuna is enough to empty a room. It appears on almost every list of casseroles that defined American family dinners.
2. Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is one of the most divisive dishes on the Thanksgiving table. The recipe of green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions was created in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly in the Campbell’s test kitchen, as Smithsonian Magazine reported. It became a holiday tradition almost overnight.
Many people would never skip it. Others say it is a soggy mess that only survives because of habit. Some families have heated debates every November about whether it belongs on the table at all.
3. Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows
This dish is a holiday classic in the South and beyond. Mashed sweet potatoes are mixed with butter, sugar, and spices, then topped with a layer of mini marshmallows and baked until golden. Some versions use a pecan streusel instead.
Supporters say it is the best part of Thanksgiving dinner. Detractors insist it is dessert pretending to be a side dish. The marshmallow topping alone has divided many families.
4. Hamburger Hot Dish
In Minnesota and the Upper Midwest, the “hot dish” is a beloved tradition. One of the most popular versions combines ground beef, vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, and a top layer of crispy tater tots. It is filling, cheap, and easy to make for a crowd.
Midwesterners defend it fiercely. People from other regions are often puzzled by the tater tots on top. But once they try it, many become converts.
5. Broccoli Rice Casserole
Broccoli rice casserole is another holiday and potluck regular. It usually includes chopped broccoli, cooked rice, cream of chicken or mushroom soup, and processed cheese. The result is gooey and rich.
Lovers say it is the most comforting side dish there is. Critics say the processed cheese makes it taste artificial. It is one of those dishes that people either take seconds of or skip entirely.
6. Chicken and Rice Casserole
This easy dish combines chicken pieces, uncooked rice, canned soup, and water, all baked together until the rice is tender. It is sometimes called “forgotten chicken” because it bakes for hours without attention. Many busy mothers relied on it.
Some people grew up eating it weekly and still love it. Others find it bland and mushy. It remains a popular choice for feeding a family on a budget.
7. Funeral Potatoes
In Utah and much of the Mountain West, funeral potatoes are a must at any gathering after a burial. Shredded or cubed potatoes are baked with sour cream, cheese, cream soup, and a crunchy topping of crushed cornflakes. They are also served at holidays and church dinners.
Fans say they are irresistible. Critics say they are heavy and overly rich. Whatever people think, they are one of the most recognizable regional casseroles in America.
8. King Ranch Chicken
In Texas, King Ranch chicken is a casserole with layers of corn tortillas, chicken, cheese, peppers, and a creamy sauce with canned tomatoes and green chiles. It is spicy, cheesy, and hearty. Many Texans grew up eating it at family dinners.
Some people find it messy and heavy. Others say it is the best casserole ever invented. It shows how casseroles can take on regional flavors in different parts of the country.
9. Spam and Potato Casserole
Spam became a household staple during World War II, and it soon found its way into casseroles. Spam was cubed and baked with potatoes, cheese, and cream soup. Some families still make it today.
People who grew up with it love the salty, savory flavor. Others will not even taste it. Spam’s long history is covered by Hormel Foods, and it remains one of the most debated foods in America.
Why Casseroles Spark Such Strong Feelings
Casseroles are tied to memories. If your mother made one every Wednesday, you might love it forever, or you might never want to see it again. Many people’s opinions depend on how the dish was made in their home.
Texture is another sticking point. Casseroles are soft by nature, and people who prefer crisp, distinct ingredients often find them mushy. Fans see that same softness as the whole point, because every bite blends the flavors together. It is a matter of taste that no argument is likely to settle.
They are also tied to an era. Canned soups and convenience foods were modern in the 1950s and 1960s, but many people now prefer fresh ingredients. That shift has made some casseroles look outdated, like other convenience foods from that time.
The Casserole as a Gift
Casseroles also carry emotional weight because of how they are shared. In many communities, a casserole is what neighbors bring when a baby is born, when someone is sick, or when a family is grieving. Opening the door to find a warm dish wrapped in foil is a kindness many people never forget.
That is part of why people defend even the oddest casseroles. They remember who brought it and why. The dish itself may be humble, but the gesture behind it is anything but.
The Comeback of the Casserole
Casseroles are enjoying a quiet comeback. Busy families appreciate meals that can be assembled ahead and baked later. Some cooks are updating old recipes with homemade sauces and fresh vegetables, among other clever kitchen tricks.
Whether you love them or hate them, casseroles remain part of American food history. Which casserole do you love, which one would you never eat again, and does your family argue about it every holiday?
