The Unofficial Guide to State Casseroles: 50 Casserole Recipes Across America (2024)

Because the United States is such a massive country, it can be easy to lose sight of what makes each state unique.

Every state has an official state food or a dish that it's famous for, which is why we have created this collection,The Unofficial Guide to State Casseroles. These easy casserole recipes will show you new ways to enjoy the official statefoods of each state. Learn what each state brings to the table by following this comprehensive collection ofcasserole recipes.

If you're interested in learning what makes each state unique, use our guide as a fun way to cook your way across the USA! We've included every state from A to Z as we take you on a culinary tour of America. So, choose a state and start cooking!

Casseroles from Alabama to Georgia

These casserole recipes feature many different types of ingredients from salmon to peaches. Sample these recipes from Alabama to Georgia and enjoy a culinary tour of America.

Southern-Style Macaroni and Cheese

Alabama -Fried catfish is a popular dinner recipe in Alabama and this Southern mac and cheese would pair perfectly with fried fish.

Penne Salmon Bake

Alaska -King salmon is the official state food, and this Penne Salmon Bake highlights this special state fish in a wonderful way.

Tex Mex Chicken and Rice Casserole

Arizona -Tex-Mex is a popular dinner choice in Arizona, so this Tex Mex Chicken and Rice Casserole is sure to be a hit.

Kitchen Sink Rice Bake

Arkansas -As the largest producer of rice in the United States, it's only natural that rice is also Arkansas's official food.

Skinny Chicken Bacado Casserole

California -When you think of fruit, avocados probably don't come to mind. However, the avocado is the official state fruit of California!

Denver Omelet Casserole

Colorado -Colorado is the birthplace as of the Denver Omelet and this casserole pays tribute to the storied breakfast bake.

All-in-One Seafood Casserole

Connecticut -All types of seafood are popular in Connecticut, so this All-in-One Seafood Casserole lets you sample the flavors of this state.

Crab Pasta Casserole

Delaware -Soft shelled crabs are a popular menu item for dinner, so this Crab Pasta Casserole is sure to be a hit.

Funeral Sandwich Casserole

Florida -These baked sliders are inspired by the Cuban sandwich. The Cuban cultural influence in Florida makes this a hugely popular food throughout the state.

Brandied Georgia Peach Cobbler

Georgia -Peaches are the official state fruit in Georgia and this peach cobbler is one of the best ways to enjoy this sweet fruit.

Casseroles from Hawaii to Maryland

From deep dish pizza, to Amish food, to shrimp and grits, and even pineapple casserole, these casserole recipes will give you a taste of what each state is famous for!

Hot Pineapple Casserole

Hawaii - This state is known for its production of pineapples and this Hot Pineapple Casserole is a uniquely delicious way to enjoy this sweet fruit.

Loaded Bacon Ranch Potatoes

Idaho - The potato is the official state food of Idaho. Potatoes are the largest crop in Idaho and this casserole is a great way to enjoy this official state food.

Easy Deep Dish Pizza Casserole

Illinois - Chicago is known for its famous deep dish pizza, and this casserole lets you make this special dish at home.

Amish Ground Beef and Noodle Casserole

Indiana -This state is home to the third largest Amish population in the world. Enjoy this beef and noodle casserole to get a taste for the simpler things in life.

The Cheesiest Corn Casserole

Iowa - This state is sometimes known as the "Corn State" and this casserole will give you a taste of what this state has to offer.

Apple Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal

Kansas - Oatmeal is a very popular breakfast item in Kansas and this Apple Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal has no shortage of flavor.

Country Gravy Breakfast Casserole

Kentucky -Biscuits and gravy is one of the most popular breakfast recipes in Kentucky. Try this casserole for a simple version of the Southern classic.

Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo Casserole

Louisiana - Gumbo is an official state recipe in Louisiana and this casserole version makes this classic recipe a breeze.

Lobster Pot Pie

Maine - One of the most famous recipes to come out of Maine is the lobster roll. Enjoy the signature taste of lobster in this recipe for Lobster Pot Pie.

Buttery Crab Cake Pudding

Maryland - You haven't had the true Maryland experience until you've tried Maryland crab. This Buttery Crab Cake Pudding is one of the best ways to enjoy this state food.

Casseroles from Massachusetts to New Jersey

These states are known for everything from growing blueberries, hosting "All You Can Eat" buffets, to housing the headquarters of Campbell's. Tour the country with the help of these easy casserole recipes.

Cornbread Cranberry Dressing

Massachusetts -Cranberries and cornbread are both official state foods in Massachusetts. This recipe for dressing combines them!

Blueberry Banana Overnight French Toast Casserole

Michigan -Blueberries are grown in Michigan, which makes this French toast casserole the perfect tribute to the state.

Classic Minnesota Hot Dish

Minnesota -Hot dish recipes are hugely popular in the state of Minnesota. Tater tots, ground beef, and green beans make this a comforting classic.

Southern Collard Greens and Grits Casserole

Mississippi -Popular throughout the South, collard greens and grits combine in this casserole to make one delicious dish.

Cheesy Beefy Potato Casserole

Missouri -This classic casserole from Missouri is perfect for when you crave a comforting meal.

Cattle Drive Casserole

Montana -One of the largest industries in Montana is cattle, and this ground beef casserole will satisfy even the hungriest of cowboys.

Beefy Bierock Casserole

Nebraska -Sometimes also called a Runza, Bierocks are bread pockets made of bread dough that are a hugely popular dinner recipe in Nebraska. Try the casserole version of this state recipe!

Make-Ahead Cheesy Breakfast Casserole

Nevada -Las Vegas is famous for its "All You Can Eat" buffets and this casserole makes enough to give you "All You Can Eat."

Gooey Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole

New Hampshire -French toast is one of the most popular breakfast recipes in New Hampshire, so this casserole is sure to be a hit.

Swiss Cheese Vegetable Casserole

New Jersey -Home of the headquarters of Campbell's, this casserole showcases the versatility of the famed canned soup.

Casseroles from New Mexico to South Carolina

Here you'll find recipes inspired by official state foods such as beans, sweet potatoes, pears, and even okra. These easy recipes for casseroles highlight the specialties of each state.

Santa Fe Breakfast Bake

New Mexico -The state food of New Mexico is beans. This Santa Fe breakfast bake is loaded with black beans and other Mexican-inspired ingredients.

5-Ingredient Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

New York -Buffalo sauce originaled in Buffalo, New York, and the flavorful sauce has since been incorported in many different types of recipes.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Brown Sugar Crumble

North Carolina -The official state food of North Carolina is the sweet potato. You don't have to wait til Thanksgiving to enjoy this sweet side dish casserole!

Cheesy Roasted Potato Bake

North Dakota -Churches in North Dakota are known for their community-wide fellowship dinners. This is the potato casserole is the perfect recipe for a potluck.

Johnny Marzetti Pasta Casserole

Ohio -This pasta casserole recipe created at the Marzetti family restaurant has become an important piece of Ohio's state history.

Southern Okra Parmesan Casserole

Oklahoma -Fried okra is a very popular side dish in Oklahoma and this recipe takes the goodness of that recipe and makes it into a casserole.

Ham, Brie, and Pear Bake

Oregon -The official state fruit of Oregon is the pear. When this fruit is paired with ham and brie cheese, you get a truly delicious recipe.

Cheese Steak Pasta Casserole

Pennsylvania -When you think of Pennsylvania, the first thing you probably think of is the Philly Cheesesteak. This recipe makes that classic sandwich recipe into a pasta casserole.

Mini Ham and Egg Casseroles with Broccoli

Rhode Island -Since Rhode Island is the smallest state in America, it is appropriate to make the smallest casseroles there, too!

Deep South Shrimp and Grits Casserole

South Carolina -Shrimp and grits is an incredibly popular dinner recipe in South Carolina. This recipe combines that signature pairing and adds it to this easy casserole recipe.

Casseroles from South Dakota to Wyoming

Maple syrup, Virginia ham, funeral potatoes, and even cheese curds all hail from these states. These states may be at the end of the alphabet, but they don't have to signify the end of your culinary tour across America!

Beef and Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

South Dakota -Much like in Minnesota, casseroles are hugely popular in South Dakota. If you're looking for a comforting meal, you've found it here.

Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce

Tennessee - The home of a famous whiskey distillery, this delicious bread pudding showcases that signature taste.

Creamy King Ranch Casserole

Texas - Tex Mex is very popular in Texas, so this zesty chicken casserole would be right at home.

Bacon-Topped Funeral Potatoes

Utah -Funeral potatoes originated in Utah, and these bacon-topped funeral potatoes are not to be missed.

Maple Sweet Potato Casserole with Sage Butter

Vermont -Maple syrup is an official state food in Vermont, which makes this maple-flavored casserole a perfect fit.

Ham and Pasta Bake

Virginia - Virginia ham is a type of cured country ham that is made in the state of Virginia. This pasta bake showcases that signature ham flavor.

Salmon Corn Casserole

Washington -Salmon is a hugely popular dinner item in Washington and this Salmon Corn Casserole highlights that perfectly.

Perfect Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

West Virginia -A state known for its famous pepperoni rolls, and this pizza casserole pays tribute to that snack tradition.

Pepperoni and Cheese Curd Pasta Casserole

Wisconsin -Cheese curds are a specialty in Wisconsin and this casserole uses them in a uniquely delicious way.

Cowboy Tater Tot Casserole

Wyoming -Sometimes known as the "Cowboy State," which is why this Cowboy Tater Tot Casserole is so appropriate.

The Unofficial Guide to State Casseroles: 50 Casserole Recipes Across America (2024)

FAQs

What is the oldest known casserole? ›

Macaroni and cheese is the oldest written casserole recipe found in 1250.

Why is John Wayne casserole called that? ›

That's right, the iconic John Wayne Casserole is named after none other than the actor himself. Typically, you'll find that most recipes call for refrigerated biscuits or Bisquick, onions, red bell peppers, jalapeño peppers, sour cream, mayonnaise, ground beef, tomatoes, taco seasoning, and Cheddar cheese.

Is it better to cook casserole the day before or? ›

Make-ahead meals (especially baked casseroles) are terrific because you can completely assemble them in advance and bake them just before serving. They're the ultimate comfort food as they come bubbling hot and delicious straight from the oven to the table to the delight of family and friends.

What do Americans class as a casserole? ›

In the United States, a casserole or hot dish is typically a baked food with three main components: pieces of meat (such as chicken or ground meat) or fish (such as tuna) or other protein (such as beans or tofu), various chopped or canned vegetables (such as green beans or peas), and a starchy binder (such as flour, ...

What is the oldest dish we still eat? ›

The World's 10 Oldest Dishes And Where They Are Today
  • Indian curry, circa 2200-2500 B.C. ...
  • Pancakes, circa 11650 B.C. ...
  • Linzer Torte, circa 1653. ...
  • Tamales, circa 5000 B.C. ...
  • Burgers, circa 100 century A.D. ...
  • Mesopotamian Stew, circa 2140 B.C., and bone broth, circa 400 B.C. ...
  • Rice dishes, circa 4530 B.C. ...
  • Beer, circa 3500 B.C.
Sep 2, 2023

What country did casserole come from? ›

The word casserole is derived from a French word that means 'saucepan'. Apparently, casseroles originated as communal pots that people shared for meals. The oldest recipe for a casserole, around 1250, consisted of pasta sheets cooked in water, layered with grated cheese and spices.

What is Jackie Kennedy casserole? ›

A simple homemade side dish recipe with egg noodles, sauteed onions and a simple sour cream sauce very much like Beef Stroganoff or Noodles Romanoff. Sonya Tesch. Dinners.

What do they call a casserole in Minnesota? ›

Casseroles were used as a means to stretch a leftover meal, which was especially important during the Great Depression and World War II. The term “hot dish” first appeared in a cookbook in 1930 by a Mankato, Minnesota church group called Grace Lutheran Ladies Aid.

What do you call a casserole in Minnesota? ›

Everyone knows that in Minnesota, we call it hot dish. Here's how to make this specialty hot dish at home—wherever you are. Minnesota hot dish: It's hot and creamy with a hint of crunch. If you live in St. Louis or Cedar Rapids, you probably call it a casserole.

Why put foil on casserole dish? ›

It protects your food from drying out or burning and helps keep in the heat and moisture, ensuring a perfectly cooked meal. Loosely covering your dish with foil can prevent uneven browning while baking. However, tightly sealing your bakeware with foil is the way to go for more steam.

What is the key to making a good casserole? ›

  1. Choose the right baking dish. If you're all about the crunchy topping, use a shallow dish. ...
  2. Undercook your pasta. ...
  3. Drain your meat. ...
  4. Beware of mushy vegetables. ...
  5. Know your cheeses. ...
  6. Master the art of casserole assembly. ...
  7. Don't skip the topping. ...
  8. Make it now, but bake it later.
Nov 1, 2021

Do you bake casseroles covered or uncovered? ›

Uncovering the foods promotes browning and crisping, and reduces the amount of liquid in the finished dish. If a casserole looks soupy when it's ready to bake, bake it uncovered unless the ingredients include pasta or rice, which absorb liquid.

What is a fancy word for casserole? ›

Sense: Food

Synonyms: one-dish meal, covered dish, loaf , gratin, hot pot, hotchpotch, cassoulet, timbale, terrine, meat pie, lasagna, lasagne, moussaka, tagine, hash , stew , bake , pie , one-pot dish, food.

What is a very American dish? ›

Among the best traditional American dishes, Southern barbecue stands out, especially the slow-smoked meats of Texas and the Carolinas. These dishes are not just about taste; they're about tradition, community gatherings, and a deep sense of pride in regional cooking methods.

What is the Midwest term for casserole? ›

A hotdish or hot dish is a casserole dish that typically contains a starch, a meat, and a canned or frozen vegetable mixed with canned soup.

Who made the first casserole? ›

And a piece by Langdon Reid in a Staunton, Virginia, newspaper says: “History tells us that a French Canadian immigrant Elmire Jolicour is credited with inventing the casserole, this wonderful dish of culinary breakthrough, in Berlin, New Hampshire, in 1866.”

What was the first food ever made? ›

Bread. Bread is one the very first foods made by mankind. It is believed that bread was first made some 30000+ years ago.

Who made the first recipe? ›

The earliest known written recipes date to 1730 BC and were recorded on cuneiform tablets found in Mesopotamia. Other early written recipes date from approximately 1600 BC and come from an Akkadian tablet from southern Babylonia. There are also works in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs depicting the preparation of food.

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