Cozy Friendsgiving Potluck with Casseroles – Easy, Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food

Your friends will love this Friendsgiving Potluck with Casseroles recipe. Friendsgiving is all about good food and even better company, and nothing feeds a crowd like a table full of cozy casseroles. They’re budget-friendly, easy to transport, and a lifesaver when you’re juggling oven space and timing. This guide gives you a simple, flexible menu centered around three classic casseroles—Green Bean Casserole, Sweet Potato Casserole, and a Creamy Chicken and Rice Bake—plus tips for hosting.

Everything is straightforward and make-ahead friendly. Keep it simple, keep it warm, and make it delicious.

Why This Friendsgiving Potluck with Casseroles Recipe Works

For a Friendsgiving potluck, casseroles are a smart choice. They use pantry staples, stretch to feed a crowd, and hold up well on a buffet.

You can prep them a day ahead, then bake before the meal or reheat on site. The trio below hits all the notes: a fresh veggie bake, a sweet-savory classic, and a hearty main with protein. Everyone gets something they love, and you don’t need fancy equipment.

Shopping List for Friendsgiving Potluck with Casseroles

• For Green Bean Casserole:
  • 2 pounds fresh green beans (trimmed) or 2 pounds frozen green beans
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (baby bella or white)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (optional)
• For Sweet Potato Casserole:
  • 4 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup milk or half-and-half
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, pinch of salt
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows or pecan topping:
    • 1 cup chopped pecans
    • 2 tablespoons melted butter
    • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• For Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole:
  • 2 cups uncooked long-grain rice (or 1 1/2 cups jasmine)
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie works great)
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, salt and pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• For Serving and Garnish:
  • Fresh parsley
  • Extra Parmesan
  • Olive oil spray or butter for greasing dishes
  • Aluminum foil for transport

Instructions

1. Preheat and prep: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C).Grease three 9×13-inch baking dishes or equivalent casseroles. Set a large pot of salted water to boil.
2. Green Bean Casserole base: Blanch fresh green beans for 4–5 minutes (skip if using frozen), then drain and set aside. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and mushrooms with a pinch of salt until golden, 6–8 minutes.Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
3. Make the mushroom cream: Add butter to the skillet. When melted, sprinkle in flour, stirring 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and broth until smooth.Simmer 3–4 minutes until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir in Parmesan if using.
4. Assemble green bean casserole: Combine beans with the mushroom cream in a baking dish.Top with 1 cup fried onions. Bake 20 minutes, then add remaining fried onions and bake 5–7 more minutes until bubbling and crisp on top.
5. Sweet potato mash: Boil sweet potatoes in salted water until very tender, 15–20 minutes. Drain well.Mash with butter, brown sugar, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
6. Assemble sweet potato casserole: Spread mash in a baking dish. For marshmallow topping, bake 15 minutes, then top with marshmallows and return to oven 5–8 minutes until golden. For pecan topping, mix pecans with melted butter and brown sugar, scatter over mash, and bake 20 minutes.
7. Creamy chicken and rice base: Rinse rice until water runs clear.In a large bowl, mix rice, broth, milk, onion, garlic, thyme, paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Pour into a baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and bake 30 minutes.
8. Finish chicken casserole: Remove foil, stir in chicken, peas and carrots, butter, and sour cream or yogurt. Sprinkle cheese on top.Cover loosely and bake 15–20 more minutes until rice is tender and creamy. If needed, add a splash of broth and bake a bit longer.
9. Rest and garnish: Let all casseroles rest 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or extra Parmesan.
10. For potluck transport: Cover dishes with foil, wrap in a towel, and place in an insulated bag.Bring extra fried onions and marshmallows to refresh toppings if reheating.

Storage Instructions for Friendsgiving Potluck with Casseroles

• Fridge: Store leftovers in airtight containers for 3–4 days. Reheat at 325°F covered until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts.
• Freezer: Green bean and chicken casseroles freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat covered.Sweet potato casserole freezes up to 1 month (without marshmallows); add topping after reheating.
• Make-ahead: Assemble any casserole 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add crunchy toppings right before baking so they stay crisp.

Why This Friendsgiving Potluck with Casseroles is Good for You

• Balanced comfort: You’ve got vegetables, complex carbs, and protein in one spread, which keeps energy steady through a long meal.
• Real ingredients: A simple mushroom cream sauce uses milk, broth, and flour instead of heavy canned soups, with less sodium and more flavor.
• Fiber and vitamins: Green beans and sweet potatoes bring fiber, vitamin A, C, and potassium. The chicken casserole adds protein to keep you full.
• Portion-friendly: Casseroles make it easy to serve small or generous scoops, so everyone can choose what feels right.

Pitfalls to Watch Out For

• Soggy toppings: Add fried onions or marshmallows near the end of baking.Covering them for too long makes them limp.
• Underseasoning: Taste sauces and mashes before baking. Potatoes and rice need more salt than you think.
• Gummy rice: Rinse rice well and avoid over-stirring after it’s cooked. If it looks dry mid-bake, add a splash of hot broth.
• Watery green beans: Drain blanched beans thoroughly.Extra moisture dulls the sauce.
• Timing crunch: Bake casseroles in shifts or slightly underbake, then finish at your host’s place to serve hot.

Friendsgiving Potluck with Casseroles Recipe Variations

• Green Bean Upgrade: Swap mushrooms for leeks, add a squeeze of lemon, and finish with toasted panko and Parmesan.
• Sweet-Savory Twist: Stir orange zest and a pinch of nutmeg into the sweet potatoes. Top with a mix of pecans and pumpkin seeds.
• Chicken and Rice, Lighter: Use brown rice (parboil 15 minutes first), Greek yogurt, and add chopped spinach for extra greens.
• Vegetarian Main: Replace chicken with chickpeas and cauliflower florets, and season with curry powder and cilantro.
• Dairy-Free Swaps: Use olive oil or vegan butter, almond or oat milk, and dairy-free cheese, or skip the cheese and add extra herbs.
• Gluten-Free: Thicken the mushroom sauce with cornstarch (1 1/2 tablespoons) instead of flour. Use certified gluten-free fried onions.

FAQ

Can I make all three casseroles the day before?

Yes.

Assemble each casserole, cover, and refrigerate. For best texture, add crunchy toppings right before baking. You may need 5–10 extra minutes of bake time from cold.

What if I only have one oven?

Bake the chicken and rice first since it takes the longest, then keep it covered and warm.

Bake the green bean and sweet potato casseroles together. You can also reheat one in the microwave in a pinch.

How do I keep the casseroles hot during transport?

Cover tightly with foil, wrap in towels, and place in an insulated carrier. At the host’s house, refresh toppings and warm at 350°F for 10–15 minutes if needed.

Can I use canned soup for the green bean casserole?

You can.

Substitute the mushroom cream with two cans of cream of mushroom plus a splash of milk. Still sauté onions and mushrooms for better flavor.

What proteins can replace chicken?

Turkey, ham, sautéed mushrooms, or white beans all work. Keep the same amounts and season to taste.

How do I scale the recipes?

Double the ingredients and use two baking dishes, or one large deep dish.

Add 5–10 minutes to baking time and check for doneness in the center.

Final Thoughts

A Friendsgiving potluck doesn’t have to be complicated to feel special. With a few trusty casseroles, you can feed a crowd, keep stress low, and still deliver big flavor. Prep ahead, pack smart, and save room for seconds.

The best part isn’t perfection—it’s everyone around the table, passing warm dishes and making memories.