Our 6 Favorite Ways to Add Crunch to a Casserole (2024)

Casseroles, often creamy and rich, are easily one of the most delicious dinners; they're also a fun way to switch up side dishes from basic steamed veggies and boiled rice. But the main downfall of most casseroles is their monotonous (dare we say mushy?) texture. That's where crunchy toppings come in. A little sprinkling of crispy bits on the top of any casserole can be the perfect contrast to take a casserole up a notch.

While most home cooks are familiar with the classics — Ritz Crackers ad French's Fried Onions come to mind — there are a plethora of ways to top a casserole when you want a little crunch. Check out our list to branch out your next comfort food dinner:

1. Cereal

Casseroles and cereal may seem like an odd combination, but this has been a classic pairing since boxes of cereal hit the grocery store shelves. Extra crunchy and with a hint of natural sweetness, most cereals stay delicately crunchy through the baking process.

Try unsweetened varieties of Chex, Corn Flakes, and Grape-Nuts to add great texture. You can keep the cereal pieces whole if you prefer, but giving them a quick crush in a zip-top baggie with a rolling pin will ensure crunchy goodness in each bite.

Try It: Cornflake Chicken Casserole

2. Anything Fried

Adding a distinct crispy texture and hint of decadence, almost any fried packaged food makes an excellent casserole topper. The classic choice of fried onions is always a safe bet, but you can also branch out to options like fried jalapeños, bacon bits, or even packaged chow mein noodles. You can find pretty much all of these options in the topping section of the salad dressing aisle.

Try It: Chicken and Chinese Noodles Casserole

3. Crackers

Rich and buttery Ritz Crackers are a go-to choice for topping casseroles, but you can branch out in the cracker aisle. Consider the flavors of your casserole. Is there sweetness from corn? Opt for whole-wheat crackers for another hint of sweetness. Poppyseed crackers add a little nutty taste to vegetable casseroles. Double down on cheesiness by crushing up Cheez-Its.

Try It: Yellow Squash Casserole

Our 6 Favorite Ways to Add Crunch to a Casserole (1)

4. Nuts

Naturally crunchy and unlikely to get soggy like the other foods on this list, nuts make a delicious choice for casserole topping. Good, neutral options include chopped walnuts or almond slivers. For bolder flavor and color, opt for pistachios, or make it an extra rich dish with a sprinkling of toasted cashews.

Try It: Bacon and Almond Green Bean Casserole

5. Breadcrumbs

Sure, you can easily sprinkle a few breadcrumbs on top of your casserole straight from the package, and it will give you a crunchy topping just as easily as Ritz or fried onions. But why settle for plain breadcrumbs when you can dress them up with bold taste?

For example, buy a box of Panko breadcrumbs. Scoop out what you need for your dish, and toss them with a little melted butter and oil and whatever aromatics (freshly minced garlic or chopped herbs would be great) you'd like. Not only will you have a crispy topped casserole, it will be extra flavorful, too.

Try It: Classic Cauliflower au Gratin

6. Chips

There's no better use for the chip crumbs lingering at the bottom of the bag than a casserole topping. Next time you have little pieces of chips languishing down there, spoon them atop your ready-to-bake casserole. Plain, salted potato chips have a neutral taste that will pair well with practically anything, or go with a flavored variety (sour cream and onion, anyone?) to match your dish. Doritos and Fritos are a no-brainer for Tex-Mex casseroles. Just avoid compressed potato chips, like Pringles, as they'll become too soggy when baking.

Try It: Nacho Chip Casserole

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