There’s something so comforting about a casserole. For many of us, it brings back memories of big family dinners, holiday potlucks or Grandma pulling a dish straight from the oven. But these days, the humble casserole is popping up in an unexpected place: TikTok.
Casseroles have gone viral, with younger generations getting in on this one-pan wonder. So what’s behind the resurgence of a dish that many of us associate with the past? It turns out casseroles offer more than just nostalgia – they’re incredibly practical, budget friendly and versatile, which is exactly what today’s home cooks are looking for amid today’s inflation.
The TikTok revolution: Casseroles in the spotlight
Social media can be a surprising place for trends and casseroles are having a moment. From dump-and-bake lasagnas to vegetarian enchilada bakes, casserole content has been racking up views and likes. On TikTok, users are embracing the convenience and simplicity that casseroles bring to the table – literally. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can toss everything together and let the oven do the work.
Heidi Bruaw, a food blogger at Real Life of Lulu says, “I think casseroles are going viral because they are cheap to make and many people are looking for ways to save money on groceries! They’re also quick and help busy families save time.”
And she’s right. For millennials and Gen Z, who are juggling busy lives, casseroles offer the perfect balance of ease and creativity. These recipes are not only simple but also adaptable – meaning you can throw in whatever’s in the fridge and make it work. It’s no wonder that casseroles have become a go-to for weeknight dinners, potlucks and meal preps.
Take the viral three-ingredient broccoli cheese casserole. You can’t beat a recipe this simple. Just three ingredients, and you’ve got a creamy, cheesy dish that’s perfect for busy nights when you don’t have time to fuss over dinner.
Casseroles are the ultimate year-round dish
One of the things that makes casseroles so special is their versatility – they truly work in every season. They’re not just for cozy winter nights – though there’s nothing quite like curling up with a warm, bubbling casserole. Depending on the ingredients, casseroles can easily be adapted to lighter, fresher versions that are perfect for warmer weather.
In the spring and summer, think vegetable-forward casseroles like carrot casserole. It’s bright, and fresh, and pairs perfectly with grilled meats or a light salad. As the weather cools down in fall and winter, we naturally crave heartier dishes. That’s where classics like a corn casserole or a green bean casserole come in. Rich, creamy and indulgent – this is the kind of dish that makes you want to curl up with a good movie after dinner.
What’s even better is that casseroles allow you to cook with what’s in season, so they’re great for home gardeners or anyone trying to eat more seasonally. It’s the ultimate one-dish meal, no matter the time of year.
Why casseroles work for everyone
There’s a reason casseroles have stood the test of time – they’re practical, and they work for just about everyone. Everything gets baked in one dish, so cleanup is a breeze. Less time scrubbing means more time enjoying your meal.
Casseroles also often rely on pantry staples like pasta, rice or canned vegetables, making them a great option for stretching your grocery budget. And last but not least, whether you’re meal prepping for the week or making a dish ahead of a party, casseroles are the ultimate time saver. Many recipes can be assembled ahead of time and popped in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
Assemble it the night before and have a ready-to-bake dish that’s satisfying and quick – perfect for a hectic weeknight. Food blogger and mom, Casey Rooney at Get On My Plate says, “Casseroles are a weekly staple in our busy household. I can prep it on Sunday night and then pop it in the oven the next day with no prep and hardly any cleanup. The kids love taco casserole and cheesy million-dollar spaghetti casserole.”
Not just American but a truly global phenomenon
While casseroles might feel like a distinctly American comfort food, variations of the dish can be found all over the world. From French gratins to Mexican enchiladas, casseroles take many forms, but the concept remains the same: A hearty, baked dish that’s easy to prepare and share.
Social media has allowed these cultural variations to shine, with food bloggers and home cooks sharing their spins on the casserole. Whether it’s a spicy biryani or a vegetable gratin, there’s a casserole for every taste, making it a global phenomenon.
So, what’s next for the humble casserole?
It seems they’re only gaining popularity and for good reason. In an era when people are looking for ways to eat healthier, save money and simplify their time in the kitchen, casseroles are a natural fit. Expect to see more vegan, gluten-free and even fusion-style casseroles popping up in the future, as home cooks continue to experiment with new ingredients and flavors.
The great thing about casseroles is that they’re adaptable – they can evolve with the times while still offering that same sense of comfort and ease. From Grandma’s table to TikTok, the casserole has proven that it’s more than just a passing trend – it’s here to stay.
Shruthi Baskaran-Makanju is a food and travel writer and a global food systems expert based in Seattle. She has lived in or traveled extensively to over 60 countries, and shares stories and recipes inspired by those travels on Urban Farmie.
