Christmas calls for a special meal, but for whoever is doing the cooking, it usually means you’re stuck in the kitchen and missing out on all the holiday fun. That’s where these casseroles come in—they’re easy to whip up and can be prepared in advance, which lets the home cook take a much-needed break. Whether you’re preparing breakfast, lunch or dinner, these ideas are sure to come in handy. Ready to start planning? Green bean casserole is an essential holiday dish; and the traditional version can be controversial. Some people love it and some people hate it, so Kardea's swapped out the mushroom soup and store-bought onions for a more-homemade option. This anything-but-ordinary version packs flavor with a sherry-laced cream sauce and from-scratch fried red onion rings.

If you’ve got extra pannettone laying around during the holiday season, don’t let it go to waste. This fun recipe is a great way to use up the ubiquitous holiday cake that everyone loves to give but no one seems to eat. Panettone's raisins, citron and pine nuts make this rich, custardy breakfast just right for special occasions.

If you’re looking for a holiday side dish that will please everyone, you can’t go wrong with macaroni and cheese. It’s a go-to crowd-pleaser for parties or potlucks, and this recipe takes inspiration from Southern flavors. Steering away from the standard stovetop mac, this version includes three kinds of cheese and bakes up like a casserole with a crispy, golden top.

If you dream of waking up to a fancy breakfast on Christmas morning but struggle to get enough time in the kitchen, you’re not alone. That’s where this eggs benedict casserole comes in—it delivers a dreamy, decadent breakfast for eight people with minimal effort. Perfect for a holiday breakfast, English muffins get soaked in a custard and baked along with Canadian bacon, then topped with poached eggs and lemony hollandaise before serving.