One thing about the Holidays: someone is always cooking, sharing, or showing up with a dish. Casseroles and special side dishes are perfect for that rhythm of visiting and hosting. They should be simple to make, easy to transport, and often rooted in a family recipe that shows up year after year.
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What Exactly Is a Casserole?
A casserole is less a strict formula and more a friendly gathering of ingredients baked in one dish. It usually includes a protein (but doesn't have to), vegetables (also optional), and a starchy ingredient like pasta, rice, potatoes, or bread to bind everything together. A sauce keeps it moist, cheese often shows up inside or on top, and a crunchy topping is welcome but not required.
What Makes a Side Dish Special?
Side dishes are a broad category that can include just about anything. In South Louisiana, a side dish is extra special when it follows or defines family traditions with an ingredient with deep South Louisiana roots.
At their heart, casseroles and special side dishes are about hospitality and simplicity-shared joy, carrying traditions from one holiday table to the next.
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Sweet Daddy D's Holiday Casserole Recipes
- Spinach Madeleine
- Mirliton Casserole with Shrimp
- Broccoli Cheese Casserole
- Yellow Squash Casserole
- Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gratin
- Eggplant Casserole with Shrimp
- Stuffed Artichoke Casserole
- Crawfish Mac and Cheese
- Baked Macaroni and Cheese, Rocky and Carlo's Style
- Cajun Twice Baked Potatoes
- Creole Sweet Potatoes with Cane Syrup
- Candied Yams
Even though Holiday Dressings and Stuffings are usually thought of as Casseroles, they do meet the criteria of a good Casserole. Jump over and check them out!
Stuffed Mirlitons
Mirlitons, sometimes known as choyite squash, have a symbolic South Louisiana identity.
Questions or Comments about Dressings? Drop them in the Comment Box below!
Sweet Potatoes (Yams)
Sweet Potatoes or Yams (some in casseroles and some not) are ubiquitous on a South Louisiana table.
Lagniappe On The Side
Spinach dishes always find a place on the holiday table, and you can never have too many. Dirty Rice, a South Louisiana classic dating back to Colonial times, almost always makes an appearance. There's usually a rice dish, and this Pecan Rice brings something extra. Brussels sprouts add a touch of elegance-especially when prepared with care. And no feast is complete without gravy. A little rendered turkey fat and homemade stock turn this into something special, mushrooms optional. For the final flourish, don't overlook the cranberries-they bring the whole meal to life.
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It's Me!
Louisiana is a wonderful place where the rich cultural heritage enriches and entertains. I'm Dave Howson, aka Sweet Daddy D. I'm glad you found my website and I look forward to exploring the cultural mosaic of Louisiana with you…
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Cindy Vice says
Do you have a recipe for stuffed mirlitons?
Sweet Daddy D says
Yes I do, Cindy. If you search on my site for Mirlitons, you should go right to them. I'll email them to you just to make sure you get them. Thanks.