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A hand serving a portion of baked creamy vegetable pasta from a white casserole dish, garnished with herbs, beside a festive Christmas decoration.

Easy Christmas Casserole Recipe

Author: Mandy Applegate
This Christmas Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with fresh leeks, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Easy to prepare and stress-free, it’s ideal for festive meals or potlucks. Add it to your holiday menu for a cozy and delicious addition to the table.
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Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Course: Casserole, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Christmas Casserole
Servings: 6
Calories: 417kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 6 leek
  • ¼ cup butter
  • 4 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 ½ cup milk
  • 1 cup gouda cheese shredded
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 ½ cup parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley to serve
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Video

[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id="bwHNyNso" upload-date="2025-11-03T05:44:52+00:00" name="Easy Christmas Casserole" description="A festive and comforting bake that’s perfect for holiday mornings or cozy family gatherings." player-type="default" override-embed="default"]

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Thinly slice the leeks, and in a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with ¼ cup of milk until smooth.
    4 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 ½ cup milk
  • In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the leeks and cook, stirring frequently, for about 15 minutes, until they are soft and creamy.
    ¼ cup butter, 6 leek
  • Pour in the cornstarch and milk mixture, then add the remaining milk. Stir in the gouda cheese, season with salt and pepper, and continue cooking for 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the cheese is fully melted.
    1 cup gouda cheese, Salt and pepper
  • Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and sprinkle the parmesan cheese evenly on top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.
    1 ½ cup parmesan cheese
  • Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
    Fresh parsley

Notes

  • Leek Prep: Leeks often trap dirt between their layers, so slice them lengthwise and rinse them under running water to remove any grit. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel before cooking.
  • Thickening the Sauce: To prevent clumping, always mix the cornstarch with a small amount of cold milk before adding it to the hot pot. This slurry will help the sauce thicken evenly without any lumps.
  • Cheese Variations: Gouda adds a smooth, mild flavor, but if you prefer a sharper taste, you can swap it with cheddar, or try gruyère for a more nutty flavor. Whichever cheese you choose, make sure it’s a good melting variety to maintain the creamy texture.
  • Golden Top: For a crispier top, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes.
  • Add Protein: For a more filling meal, stir in cooked, shredded chicken or turkey. This is a great way to use leftovers from other holiday meals while boosting the protein content.
  • Make Ahead: To save time on busy days, you can prepare the casserole in advance. Assemble it up to the baking step, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Nutrition

Calories: 417kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 826mg | Potassium: 325mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 2236IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 702mg | Iron: 2mg
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