The Best Side Dish Casserole From Every State

Alabama: Baked Two-Cheese & Bacon Grits

In the South, everyone loves three things: bacon, cheese and grits! After playing around with this recipe, I took it to my first family party as a newlywed, and it was a huge hit. This recipe has become a family tradition that I'm sure will be passed down for generations. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Alaska: Smoked Salmon Quiche

My son fishes for salmon on the Kenai River in Alaska and smokes much of what he catches. My mother passed this recipe on to me to help me find new ways to cook with salmon. Regular salmon also works in this quiche, but the smoked flavor can't be beat! —Rose Marie Cherven, Anchorage, Alaska

Arizona: Twice-Baked Cheddar Potato Casserole

Bacon, cheddar and sour cream turn ordinary potatoes into an extraordinary twice baked potato casserole. It's one of our family's beloved standards for the holidays. —Kyle Cox, Scottsdale, Arizona

Arkansas: Chicken Noodle Casserole

Everyone who tries this comforting cheesy chicken casserole asks for the recipe. It's so simple to make that sometimes I feel as if I'm cheating! —Kay Pederson, Yellville, Arkansas

California: Ranch Potato Casserole

We operate a busy fruit farm. I cook every day for my family, so I appreciate this dish for another reason—I can put it together a day ahead and bake it just before we're ready to eat. —Lydia Schnitzler, Kingsburg, California

Colorado: Glorified Hash Browns

You'll be surprised at how quick and easy it is to put together this dressed-up potato casserole! When a friend made it for a church supper, I had to have the recipe. It's great for parties, potlucks and family reunions. —Betty Sitzman, Wray, Colorado

Connecticut: Cheese Tomato Egg Bake

While making eggs, I wanted something different, so I created this egg bake. We loved it! I hope you will, too. —Jonathan Miller, Naugatuck, Connecticut

Delaware: Turkey & Spinach Stuffing Casserole

I know dried cranberries may seem like an odd ingredient to include in this dish, but they add just a hint of sweetness that makes an easy casserole so special. —Gilda Lester, Millsboro, Delaware

Florida: Cheesy Summer Squash Casserole

Onion and cheddar cheese perk up the rich flavor of summer squash in this comforting casserole. A crispy cornflake-crumb topping adds a little crunch. —Katherine Metz, Jacksonville, Florida

Georgia: Chicken and Rice Casserole

Everyone loves this dish—I consider it the best chicken and rice casserole recipe because it's a tasty combination of hearty and crunchy ingredients mixed in a creamy sauce. It's a time-tested classic. —Myrtle Matthews, Marietta, Georgia

Hawaii: Pineapple Ham Casserole

Living in Hawaii, I wanted to share this recipe which features pineapple. It's our most important fruit crop. —Marsha Fleming, Kula, Hawaii

Idaho: Broccoli and Carrot Cheese Bake

A creamy sauce flavored with cheese makes vegetables so much more appealing to my crowd. This holiday side dish will please even the pickiest veggie-phobics. It uses vegetables that are available year-round, so it works for Easter as well as winter holiday meals. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

Illinois: Cheesy Corn Spoon Bread

Homey and comforting, this custardlike side dish is a much-requested recipe at potlucks and holiday dinners. The jalapeno adds just the right bite. Second helpings of this tasty casserole are common—leftovers aren't. —Katherine Franklin, Carbondale, Illinois

Indiana: Creamy Mushroom-Potato Bake

The day I first made this, we'd invited a neighbor—a bachelor farmer—over, and I wanted to fix something hearty. It was a hit instantly. These days, our three sons enjoy it as a change from regular mashed potatoes. We've found that it's best served with beef...either with or without gravy. —Kathy Smith, Granger, Indiana

Iowa: Party Potatoes

These creamy, tasty potatoes can be made the day before and stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to pop them in the oven (I often do that). The garlic powder and chives add zip, and the shredded cheese adds color. —Sharon Mensing, Greenfield, Iowa

Kansas: Scalloped Potatoes with Mushrooms

Potatoes and mushrooms make a one-dish meal I love – it’s the calories you have to watch. Swap out dairy products with lower fat options. —Courtney Stultz, Columbus, Kansas

Kentucky: Loaded Red Potato Casserole

This potato casserole has the same flavor of the potato skins you can order as a restaurant appetizer. It's an ideal dish for tailgating and potlucks. —Charlane Gathy, Lexington, Kentucky

Louisiana: Contest-Winning Cajun Cabbage

Looking for a different treatment for cabbage? Try this spicy cheese-topped Cajun cabbage that I adapted from a friend's recipe. I added a little of this and that until it tasted the way I wanted. Not only do my husband and kids like it, but I also get rave reviews when I make it for company or church functions. —Bobbie Soileau, Opelousas, Louisiana

Maine: Dilly Zucchini Casserole

Whenever I take this timesaving side-dish casserole to a potluck, I seldom bring any home, and folks often ask for the recipe. If I have fresh dill, I'll substitute a couple tablespoons for the dill weed. —Esther Kilborn, Bridgton, Maine

Maryland: Pearl Onion Broccoli Bake

With its creamy white cheese sauce and buttery crumb topping, this dish is great comfort food. If you’re looking for a mild way to dress up broccoli, this is the recipe. —Charles Keating, Manchester, Maryland

Massachusetts: Sweet Potato & Carrot Casserole

This tangy and sweet casserole is full of flavor. We've served it at many celebrations over the years, and it's always been a big hit! —Gloria Mezikofsky, Wakefield, Massachusetts

Michigan: Favorite Cheesy Potatoes

My family loves these potatoes. I make a large batch in disposable pans and serve them at all our get-togethers. The holidays aren't the same without them. It's also a super recipe for Christmas morning brunch. —Brenda Smith, Curran, Michigan

Minnesota: Wild Rice Mushroom Bake

The wild rice adds a wonderful flavor to this casserole. I like to serve it on special occasions. —Jann Marie Foster, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Mississippi: Scalloped Pineapple Casserole

My family can't get enough of this sweet and satisfying side dish. This casserole disappears quickly whenever I prepare it.—Judy Howle, Columbus, Mississippi

Missouri: Monterey Spaghetti

I'm a working mother with two young boys. Our family leads a very active life, so I make a lot of casseroles. It's so nice to have a hearty side dish the kids will eat. Topped with cheese and french-fried onions, this tasty spaghetti casserole recipe is a hit at our house. —Janet Hibler, Cameron, Missouri

Montana: Sausage Spinach Bake

A friend gave me the recipe for this delicious dish, which uses a packaged stuffing mix. A salad and bread of your choice is all you’ll need for a filling lunch or dinner. It’s so versatile, you can even serve it at brunch. –Kathleen Grant, Swan Lake, Montana

Nebraska: Two-Bean Tomato Bake

Parmesan cheese, basil and garlic spice up this mouthwatering medley of beans, mushrooms, onion and tomato. It's even more flavorful when you use your garden harvest. We love the crumb topping because it adds a fantastic crunch.—Dorothy Rieke, Julian, Nebraska

Nevada: Cheesy Chile Casserole

A short list of ingredients packs full flavor in this easy-to-assemble casserole. Serve it as the star of your next southwestern meal. —Phyllis Bidwell, Las Vegas, Nevada

New Hampshire: Tortellini Bake

One year I had so much summer squash, I was desperate for different ways to prepare it. That's when I came up with this recipe. Serve it as a side dish or on its own as a light meal. —Donald Roberts, Amherst, New Hampshire

New Jersey: Broccoli Potato Supreme

My family insists that this two-in-one casserole makes an appearance at all of our special meals. Every bite is doubly delicious! —Jane Birch, Edison, New Jersey

New Mexico: Chiles Rellenos

Chiles are a must where I live. I find they almost always improve a recipe that uses cheese. Sometimes I make this into a heartier main dish by adding shredded cooked chicken after the chile layer. It really tastes good! —Irene Martin, Portales, New Mexico

New York: Corn Pudding

Cornbread mix and canned corn make this southern corn pudding casserole a snap to prepare. Now, this is real comfort food! —P. Lauren Fay-Neri, Syracuse, New York

North Carolina: Cheese 'n' Grits Casserole

Grits are a staple in southern cooking. Serve this as a brunch item with bacon or as a side dish for dinner.—Jennifer Wallis, Goldsboro, North Carolina

North Dakota: 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

Ohio: Summer Squash Mushroom Casserole

This rich, creamy squash and zucchini casserole, with its crunchy topping would make a wonderful dish to take to summer potlucks and picnics, or to pair up with a wide variety of entrees. You'll love the buttery flavor of these "comfort veggies!" —Jennifer Wallace, Canal Winchester, Ohio

Oklahoma: Creamy Hash Brown Casserole

This versatile side dish is so good with grilled steak, and is delicious with other meats as well. A creamy cheese sauce and crunchy topping make this potato casserole popular for family dinners and potlucks. —Teresa Stutzman, Adair, Oklahoma

Oregon: My Mother's Mac and Cheese

I remember my mother sending me to the store for 15 cents worth of cheese. The butcher would cut off a slice from a gigantic wheel covered with a wax-coated cloth. Mother would then blend that cheese into this tasty dish. Today, the memory of her cooking is like food for my soul. —Phyllis Burkland, Portland, Oregon

Pennsylvania: Cheesy Cheddar Broccoli Casserole

Even people who don’t like broccoli beg me to make this comforting broccoli cheese casserole recipe. It's similar to a classic green bean casserole, but the melted cheese just puts it over the top. —Elaine Hubbard, Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania

Rhode Island: New England Baked Beans

For a potluck or picnic, you can’t beat this classic side that starts with a pound of dried beans. Molasses and maple syrup give it a slight sweetness. —Pat Medeiros, Tiverton, Rhode Island

South Carolina: Chicken Club Casserole

This chicken club casserole freezer meal is a warm, welcoming casserole that tastes as fresh and creamy after it's frozen as it does right out of the oven! — Janine Smith, Columbia, South Carolina

South Dakota: Scalloped Potatoes 'n' Ham Casserole

I'm a home health nurse and got this recipe from one of my elderly clients, who had used it for years. Now, it's one of my family's favorites. It will never curdle, thanks to the secret ingredient of powdered nondairy creamer. —Kathy M Johnson, Lake City, South Dakota

Tennessee: Mom's Sweet Potato Bake

Mom loved sweet potatoes and fixed them often in this creamy, comforting baked sweet potato casserole. With its nutty topping, this side dish could almost be served as a dessert. It's a yummy treat! —Sandi Pichon, Memphis, Tennessee

Texas: Creamy Parmesan Spinach Bake

My creamy, comforting side dish wonderfully rounds out any holiday dinner. Just a little of this rich casserole goes a long way. —Jennifer Bley, Austin, Texas

Utah: Summer Vegetable Cobbler

Here’s a comforting vegetarian main dish that uses a lot of garden produce. Try different squashes like pattypan and crookneck or zucchini. — Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

Vermont: Bacon 'n' Egg Lasagna

My sister-in-law served this special dish for Easter breakfast one year, and our whole family loved the mix of bacon, eggs, noodles and cheese. Now I sometimes assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning for a terrific hassle-free brunch entree. —Dianne Meyer, Graniteville, Vermont

Virginia: Sweet Onion Spoon Bread

This unique recipe has been a family favorite for years. The layers of tangy cheese, sour cream and sweet onions in the moist cornbread taste so amazing together. Add chopped green chiles for extra zip. —Heather Thomas, Fredericksburg, Virginia

Washington: Scalloped Potatoes with Ham

This scalloped potatoes and ham dish is a crowd-pleaser with its creamy sauce, chunks of ham and potato slices. I always enjoyed it when Mother made it. I added the parsley and the thyme, and now my husband and five children request it. —Wendy Rhoades, Yacolt, Washington

West Virginia: Eggs Florentine Casserole

For our Christmas brunch, I make this variation on a classic eggs Florentine recipe, adding sausage and spinach to make a snappy casserole. Sometimes I mix in fresh peppers or green chiles, so play with it. —Karen Weekley, Washington, West Virginia

Wisconsin: Three-Cheese Hash Brown Bake

Serve up comfort food for breakfast with this cheesy casserole featuring frozen hash browns. It requires just 10 minutes of prep before you pop it in the oven. —Nancy Sidhu, Franklin, Wisconsin

Wyoming: Zucchini and Cheese Casserole

My daughter and I love zucchini, and this casserole uses plenty for a hearty fall side dish. For extra color, I add fresh diced tomatoes. —Rachelle Stratton, Rock Springs, Wyoming