Crispy, crunchy, and/or cheesy, that glorious golden brown crust finishes a casserole most deliciously. Let those toppings shine, and watch your casserole become the star of the meal!
What Makes a Great Casserole Topping?
Regarding casseroles, the toppings take a dish from good to unforgettable. While the creamy filling or hearty base is the heart of the meal, the crunchy, cheesy, or golden crust adds that wow factor everyone craves.
The best part? You don’t need to head to a specialty store for these toppings. You can elevate any casserole into a standout dish with just a handful of simple pantry and fridge staples. A sprinkle of herbs, some grated cheese, or even crushed crackers can take your casserole to the next level, adding a satisfying crunch or gooey finish that everyone will love.
Casserole Toppings: The Finishing Touch
Whether it’s a sprinkle of crispy breadcrumbs, a melted layer of cheese, or a topping of crispy onions, those final touches make all the difference, offering texture, flavor, and a touch of magic to every bite.
In this post, you’ll find the following:
Casserole Topping 1: Breadcrumbs and Panko
Most of us have had and used breadcrumbs and panko. Sure, you can leave it plain with some melted butter, but why not “zhuzh” it up by toasting the breadcrumbs in a skillet with melted butter, then add some grated parmesan and dried herbs?
- Rule of Thumb: 1 cup of breadcrumbs/panko mixed with 1/3 cup of butter
Cheesy Reuben Gnocchi Casserole
Casserole Topping 2: Crackers
I swear I have half a pantry shelf dedicated just to crackers. Those Chicken and Biscuit crackers, y’all, I could easily devour a box myself! And don’t get me started on saltines and an ice-cold ginger ale! Crackers make a killer crunchy casserole topping.
Classic Hot Tuna Noodle Casserole with Cracker Topping
Casserole Topping 3: Chips & Pretzels
- Rule of Thumb 1: 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers (~32) mixed with 6 Tablespoons of butter
- Rule of Thumb 2: 1 sleeve of Saltines crackers (~40-50) mixed with 6-8 Tablespoons of butter
I’m not a huge sweet eater, and given the choice between chocolate cake and a bag of potato chips, I’ll reach for the chips every time.
Cheesy Tater Tot Pulled Pork Casserole with Herb Pretzel Crumble
- Rule of Thumb: ~2 cups of crushed chips or pretzels mixed with 8 Tablespoons of melted butter (unsalted)
You can also use crushed Doritos, corn chips, and hot Cheetos.
Casserole Topping 4: Onions Straws & Chow Mein Noodles
Most folks buy a bag or can of fried onions for their green bean casserole for the holidays, and 99% of the time, only part of it gets used, and the rest gets pitched. Use them as a casserole topping instead!
- Rule of Thumb: 1.5 cups of onion straws or crispy chow mein noodles mixed with 4-6 Tablespoons of melted, unsalted butter
Casserole Topping 5: Tater Tots
Thawed tater tots or even hashbrowns topped with your casserole are a great way to add another textural element to your dish.
- Rule of Thumb: Make sure the tots are thawed and place them in an even, single layer on top of your casserole. Naturally, you must adjust your baking time/when to add them. If your casserole takes 1 hour to bake but the tots only take 30 minutes, don’t add them immediately. Add 30 minutes to the baking process.
Casserole Topping 6: Cheese
Thawed tater tots or even hash browns topped with your casserole are a great way to add another textural element to your dish.
- Rule of Thumb: Make sure the tots are thawed and place them in an even, single layer on top of your casserole. Naturally, you must adjust your baking time/when to add them. If your casserole takes 1 hour to bake but the tots only take 30 minutes, don’t add them immediately. Add 30 minutes to the baking process.
Baked Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Wild Rice Blend Casserole
Casserole Topping 7: Biscuits
Whether you use canned or homemade drop biscuits, they are a great addition to a casserole. Think of a chicken pot pie casserole or the like.
If you’re using canned flakey layered biscuits, you may want to consider splitting the biscuits in half.
- Rule of Thumb 1: If starting with a hot filling, fill your casserole dish, add your biscuits, brush with butter, and bake until the biscuits are cooked.
- Rule of Thumb 2: If your filling is not hot, bake until you have ~25 minutes left on the baking time. Add your biscuits to the top and finish baking until the filling is cooked and the biscuits are golden, brown, and delicious.
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