Frugal Casserole Tips

Browning

If an ingredient on top of the casserole needs to be browned, you will have to remove the lid at the end of the cooking time.

Cooking Time

Most casseroles are cooked at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes. The ingredients need to all be warm, and if there is cheese on the top, it needs to be bubbling.

Dishes

To keep your casseroles from drying out, cover them when baking with a lid or aluminum foil. Adding an ingredient like cheese on top also helps.

Dish Size

Don't try and cook a casserole in too small a dish. You will dry out the top trying to heat the inside.

Flavor

Casserole are a great "make ahead" dish. Letting the casserole sit after mixing the ingredients will help the flavor.

Freezing

Casserole generally freeze well, but are best when used within 2 months.

Garnish

Casseroles will look more appetizing if they are garnished. You can do this easily by just adding a little color with a spice like paprika, or you can slice up vegetables like olives and green peppers and lay them on top.

Garnish Suggestions

Olives

Paprika

Parsley

Shredded lettuce (added after cooking)

Sliced green onions (tops and bottoms)

Sliced green peppers

Sliced hard boiled eggs

Sliced tomatoes

Soups

All "cream of" soups can be substituted for each other. This includes cream of mushroom, cream of celery, and cream of chicken.

Toppers