Every holiday, someone suggests trying something “inventive,” only for the group to quietly hope the classics turn up. There are 37 dishes people keep coming back for a reason because they’re tried, true, and exactly what friends and family expect. Skip the experimental phase; these staples just need a generous spoon and hungry guests.

Three slices of banana bread on a white plate. — Easy Pumpkin Waffles. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake

For anyone who loves classic desserts on special occasions, Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake remains a top choice. Rich chocolate and warmly spiced pumpkin batter are combined for a familiar treat everyone looks forward to each year. A generous scoop makes it perfect for a communal table that thrives on favorites. This cake promises a memorable addition without the need for any new tricks or twists.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake

Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer

A sweet potato on a plate with a fork. — Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Reliability meets convenience in Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer, offering a straightforward way to enjoy a dependable side. The tender inside and gently crisp outside let the natural flavors come through as they should. These sweet potatoes always find empty plates at the table, appreciated by those looking for something simple. Prepared this way, they stand out just as they are.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer

31 of Chef Jenn's FAVE Casseroles!

Recipes for Comfort-Filled Family Meals

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Nanna’s Apple Cake

An apple cake on a white plate with cinnamon sticks. — Nanna’s Apple Cake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Tradition holds strong with Nanna’s Apple Cake, bringing back fond memories with its moist texture and perfectly spiced apple layers. The aromatic flavors don’t need any updates to shine during a big celebration. A single slice captures the comfort and love shared at countless gatherings. Everyone who has a taste knows it deserves a spot and a big serving spoon.
Get the Recipe: Nanna’s Apple Cake

Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup

Two bowls of cream of butternut squash and sweet potato soup on a wooden table. — Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Warm bowls of Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup offer the perfect start to any gathering. Smooth, thick, and subtly sweet, each spoonful is familiar and soothing without needing creative adjustments. The recipe has stood the test of time, pleasing guests with its creamy consistency. This soup is consistently welcomed and always leaves bowls empty.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup

Pumpkin Crunch Cake

An all-time favorite, Pumpkin Crunch Cake is a dessert people return to year after year. The contrast of velvety pumpkin filling and a buttery, crisp topping delivers everything expected from classic holiday baking. Its widespread appeal is confirmed every time someone reaches for seconds. Tradition continues without alteration, just a large serving spoon for eager hands.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Crunch Cake

Smoked Dill Pickle Wings

Smoked chicken wings with pickles on a black plate. — Smoked Dill Pickle Wings. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bold yet familiar, Smoked Dill Pickle Wings always attract attention at celebrations. The irresistible combination of smoky chicken and tangy pickle keeps people coming back. Fans of this recipe know exactly what to expect and are never disappointed by its consistent quality. It’s a staple that belongs in every spread, favoring generous helpings over new trends.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Dill Pickle Wings

Puff Pastry Apple Tart

When conversations fill the room, Puff Pastry Apple Tart remains a trusted classic on any table. Layers of buttery pastry and soft baked apples are simple yet appealing to everyone. This dessert doesn’t require new flavors or techniques; its popularity is lasting. Every slice disappears quickly, confirming its well-earned place at the feast.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Apple Tart

Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Balanced and reliable, Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill showcases perfectly cooked florets with just the right touch of freshness. This side dish constantly proves its worth, fitting seamlessly into familiar mealtime spreads. The recipe is approachable and lets the main flavors stand tall. A big spoon is all that’s required to ensure nothing is left behind.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Pumpkin Spice Scones

Trustworthy with every batch, Pumpkin Spice Scones have earned their role in any traditional lineup. The tender, flavorful crumb paired with cozy spices appeals to both young and old. They require no update, just a warm beverage and cheerful company. Plates are routinely cleared when these scones are served, especially during big gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Scones

Classic Corn Pudding Casserole

A square slice of corn pudding casserole with eggs, red bell pepper, and chives sits on a white plate with a serving spoon underneath. — Classic Corn Pudding Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For gatherings that value comfort food, Classic Corn Pudding Casserole is a must-have. Creamy and slightly sweet, this casserole naturally encourages everyone to take a hearty serving. The well-loved texture and flavor have satisfied guests for generations. Old favorites like this keep getting invited back because they never fail to please.
Get the Recipe: Classic Corn Pudding Casserole

Best Ever Pumpkin Bread

A loaf of glazed pumpkin bread with two slices cut sits on a wooden cutting board, surrounded by bowls containing glaze and orange puree. — Best Ever Pumpkin Bread. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Time after time, Best Ever Pumpkin Bread gathers eager hands at the table. Its moist crumb and rich pumpkin flavor are beloved for their simplicity and nostalgia. There’s no need to change what already brings comfort to every bite. The loaf’s familiar aroma signals something special without reinventing the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Best Ever Pumpkin Bread

Turkey à la King

Long celebrated for its creamy sauce and tender meat, Turkey à la King offers dependable comfort. Easily spooned over rice or bread, it transforms leftover turkey into a highly anticipated second-day meal. Those who gather for this dish know it needs no extra bells and whistles. Its presence brings both nostalgia and satisfaction to every forkful.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King

Crumbl Pumpkin Cookies with Caramel

Soft-baked and generously topped, Crumbl Pumpkin Cookies with Caramel are a staple that does not disappoint. Each cookie brings together spiced pumpkin and a smooth caramel layer, delighting both kids and adults. This recipe isn’t new, but it’s requested year after year. Large platters are often left empty after these cookies make their appearance.
Get the Recipe: Crumbl Pumpkin Cookies with Caramel

Baked Spanish Rice

Any feast benefits from the addition of Baked Spanish Rice, known for its tender grains and balanced flavors. Hearty and full, this dish is always part of the traditional spread. It’s perfect for pairing with many other recipes while firmly holding its own. Recipients of large servings appreciate its familiar taste and warming appeal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice

Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

Nothing quite matches the comfort of Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup at a family celebration. Rich broth, tender chicken, and hearty wild rice combine seamlessly in this time-honored bowl. People come back for seconds without asking for anything new. The enduring appeal of this soup is clear in its popularity and empty bowls.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

Easy Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Six pumpkin whoopie pies with cream filling are arranged on a gray plate, viewed from above. Two cinnamon sticks are visible at the edge of the plate. — Easy Pumpkin Whoopie Pies. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

With their tender cake rounds and creamy center, Easy Pumpkin Whoopie Pies remain a cherished classic. Each handheld treat invites smiles and repeat helpings at any festive table. Families appreciate this recipe for its consistent results and nostalgic charm. There is no desire for reinvention, only plenty to go around.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese

Fluffy and silky, Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese have secured a permanent place at memorable meals. The addition of cream cheese gives the mash a beloved richness. Guests anticipate these potatoes, knowing exactly the comfort each bite brings. Simply made, they always vanish quickly once the serving spoon is passed around.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese

Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry

For a dish that feels both nostalgic and special, Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry always fit the bill. Flaky tops enclose a creamy, delicious filling that everyone looks forward to each year. There’s no need for updates when the recipe captures both tradition and flavor in perfect balance. Serving these pies guarantees smiles around a full table.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry

Apple Crisp with Ice Cream

Baked apple-crumble dessert with ice cream and caramel drizzle, homemade cozy fall treat. — Apple Crisp with Ice Cream. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Warm and fragrant, Apple Crisp with Ice Cream is a comfort dessert everyone expects during gatherings. Juicy baked fruit and a crunchy topping blend seamlessly with cold, creamy scoops. No guest wishes for a reinvented version, recognizing the special place this classic holds. Every helping goes quickly, making it worthy of any celebration.
Get the Recipe: Apple Crisp with Ice Cream

Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon

A rectangular white plate with cooked red cabbage and bacon pieces, placed on a light surface next to a floral-patterned cloth. — Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Time-honored and bold, Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon delivers bright, familiar taste in every bite. The combination of tangy cabbage and smoky bacon needs no changes to stand out on a crowded table. This dish pairs well with many, yet easily shines on its own. Diners unapologetically fill their plates with these vibrant, familiar flavors.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Achieving just the right balance, Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins offer a moist crumb and rich filling without the need for novelty. The swirl of cream cheese is a signature many look for each year. There’s a reason these muffins are among the first to disappear from the dessert table. They have more than earned their spot at large family feasts.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Smoked New York Strip Roast

Centerpiece meats rarely inspire as much confidence as Smoked New York Strip Roast. Tender, juicy slices are served with appreciation for their straightforward preparation and deep, traditional flavors. Carving generous servings ensures this roast will draw a crowd. Familiarity is key to its popularity, making it an expected highlight.
Get the Recipe: Smoked New York Strip Roast

Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties

Popular in every kitchen, Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties bring together flavors everyone craves after a big meal. Golden and crisp with tender centers, these patties do not need updates or embellishments. Their enduring appeal is clear when plates are quickly cleared. Many see them as the best way to revisit holiday leftovers in true classic fashion.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties

Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Green beans with pork on a black plate. — Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Familiar and beloved, Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans draw in everyone with their rich flavor and tender texture. A recipe that stands unchallenged, it simply relies on time and tradition. Guests always reach for a big serving, knowing exactly what to expect. That trust is what keeps this dish at the center of special meals.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin

Reminding many of fond memories, Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin offers easy preparation with remarkable consistency. Each bowl is inviting, without needing complex ingredients or techniques. Guests frequently request seconds because it feels both nourishing and familiar. This soup persists year after year without change.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin

Turkey & Apple Panini

Classic combinations shine in Turkey & Apple Panini, where crisp bread, juicy turkey, and sweet apples unite. Simplicity is what gives this panini broad appeal, making it a lunch favorite during celebratory periods. No one misses new spins or additions to an already fulfilling formula. Empty plates confirm its rightful place whenever served.
Get the Recipe: Turkey & Apple Panini

Chef Jenn’s Famous French Onion Soup

A bowl of French onion soup with bread on top. — Chef Jenn’s Famous French Onion Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Tried and trusted, Chef Jenn’s Famous French Onion Soup captures comfort in every cheesy, bubbling bowl. Deep flavors from slow-cooked onions and flavorful broth ensure return visits to the pot. Each serving needs no reinvention, only a big spoon for those who can’t resist seconds. The recipe’s fame rests solidly on experience rather than novelty.
Get the Recipe: Chef Jenn’s Famous French Onion Soup

Pumpkin Brownies

Annual gatherings wouldn’t be complete without Pumpkin Brownies. Layers of fudgy chocolate and gentle pumpkin spice mesh for a familiar treat many crave every year. There’s simply no call to enhance what’s already loved by all who dig in. Big platters are often emptied as guests reach for more.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Brownies

Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli

Dependable and filling, Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli seamlessly joins any gathering. This tried-and-true casserole boasts creamy texture and familiar flavors, pleasing even picky eaters. No changes are necessary for it to keep its well-earned place. Serving spoon in hand, it never stays on the table long.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli

Sweet Potato Chili with Quinoa

Two bowls of quinoa salad topped with avocado slices, cheese, and sour cream. — Sweet Potato Chili with Quinoa. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Heartwarming and robust, Sweet Potato Chili with Quinoa uses humble ingredients in a time-tested way. The combination yields a filling, popular dish without needing surprises or substitutes. Loved by many, it’s a dish that holds strong amid changing trends. It’s best enjoyed with a big scoop and friendly company.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Chili with Quinoa

No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

Smooth and rich, No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake captures all the flavor of its famous baked cousin without extra effort. A crowd-pleaser at any dessert table, it doesn’t need alteration to earn praise. There’s comfort in its predictability, knowing the outcome is always enjoyable. Many prefer this exactly as written, enjoying familiar flavors with each forkful.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

Bacon and Mushroom Tartlets

Perfect for welcoming guests, Bacon and Mushroom Tartlets offer a flavor combination that stands strong year after year. Flaky pastry, delicious bacon, and earthy mushrooms all come together without fuss or innovation. These tartlets disappear quickly, confirming their popularity. Their ongoing inclusion is well deserved, brought out with pride and shared generously.
Get the Recipe: Bacon and Mushroom Tartlets

Dutch Apple Danishes

Pastry fans anticipate Dutch Apple Danishes every time they appear on a buffet spread. Soft dough and sweet apple filling make for a trusted favorite that feels special with each bite. There’s no longing for new versions, only for enough to go around. The taste and presentation have earned an enduring spot on many tables.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Apple Danishes

Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds

Meeting expectations with each serving, Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds have become a staple. Brown butter adds nutty flavor while toasted almonds bring crunch, achieving a dish that never fails to appeal. Guests return for seconds, happy with the classic approach. These Brussels sprouts prove you don’t need new tricks to secure loyalty.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds

Maple Pecan Pie Bars

A slice of maple pecan pie bar topped with chopped pecans sits on a floral-patterned plate. — Maple Pecan Pie Bars. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Fans of reliable treats always enjoy Maple Pecan Pie Bars. Chewy, sticky, and rich, they are passed around with confidence at any gathering. This bar delivers the essence of pecan pie without altering the dependable flavors people anticipate. Over the years, their popularity has only grown stronger.
Get the Recipe: Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

A baked casserole topped with chopped green onions and bacon pieces, with one square being served from the dish using a spatula. — Twice-Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Crowd-pleasing and filling, Twice-Baked Potato Casserole combines soft potatoes, melted cheese, and delicious add-ins for a trusted favorite. Every bite is familiar and comforting, making it a top pick to serve to a hungry group. This recipe is so well-loved that there’s rarely any left once dinner ends. Its repeated appearance at feasts speaks for itself.
Get the Recipe: Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Sliced turkey breast on a white plate with sprigs of thyme. — Air Fryer Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Simple preparation puts Air Fryer Turkey Breast at the forefront of many celebratory spreads. This method offers tender, juicy slices that hold up to any roasted tradition. People reach for second helpings without craving something new. Results are consistently impressive, reinforcing its spot at the table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Breast