Warm, cheesy and fresh from the oven — nothing gathers guest around the table better than a delicious, hearty casserole, especially one with a kick of Southern flavor. Better yet, all of these one-pan dishes can be made ahead of time; simply warm them up in the oven just before serving (in a gorgeous casserole dish of course) for maximum toasty goodness. 

Try out these comforting casseroles for your next winter gathering. 

Anne Byrn's Make-Ahead Breakfast Strata
This make-ahead breakfast casserole is the perfect way to cozy up after a morning of opening presents or when hosting out-of-town guests. A mixture of eggs and milk, added to bread, cheese and ham, puffs up this casserole and turns it golden brown in the oven to create a dish that looks as impressive as it is tasty. 
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Hot Corn
A healthy amount of green chiles gives this creamy side dish a satisfying layer of heat. A baked play on creamed corn, this recipe works perfectly as both a warm party dip or a vegetarian addition to a holiday spread. 
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Shrimp Gratin
Quick and easy to make, this weeknight casserole can go from oven to plate in 30 minutes. Dress it up with a sprinkle of minced herbs like parsely or chives just before serving when having guests over for a casual, no-fuss dinner party. 
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Photo credit (Hot Corn): Kate Williams