In some countries, casseroles are practical dishes that simply make use of ingredients on hand. In other countries, casseroles are cultural specialties. Either way, the casserole is sure to delight the taste buds and fill the stomach.- BY John Jacobs

Depending on the country you are in, a casserole can be either one of the more ordinary items placed on the table at meal time, or a specialty food with a rich cultural history. The recipe could call for basics, allowing the cook to add any vegetable and meat desired, or it could be a recipe passed down through the generations that calls for a rich combination of items such a scream, butter, cheese, plus meats and vegetables. Some are easy to make, while others are time-consuming and compete with the fanciest foods made by world-class chefs. Today, the casserole graces family and elite restaurant tables all over the world. You can take a filling casserole journey around the world and never tire of the variations.

Been Around a Long Time

A casserole is either baked in the oven or cooked on top of the stove in a skillet or pot. According to Master Class, etymologists believe the word “casserole” came from the Greek word kuathion which means “little cup.” From there it transformed into “cattia,” a medieval Latin word that means ladle, followed by the French version “casse” which means saucepan. By the eighteenth century, the English-speaking countries were calling it a casserole. MasterClass says a casserole is a distinct kind of food in that it is baked in the oven, in a vessel, and served as a main or side dish. However, there is also support for calling some dishes cooked on a stovetop a casserole because of the wonderful mixture of ingredients.

Say the word casserole, and usually, people imagine a steaming bubbling hot comfort food shared by diners. This is probably why the word for ladle in Medieval times was used. People shared a common pot of food. Historically speaking, the Oxford Encyclopedia of Food and Drink says the casserole has been around since prehistoric times, but it was the classic French casserole dish that really kicked off world interest in casseroles, and was made with a mound of cooked rice, to which meat and other ingredients were added.

Today, the simple casserole is a staple food option for so many people, but it has also morphed into a cultural dish. You could travel the world enjoying casseroles at each stop and learn that casseroles are always steaming, but they are certainly not always the home-cooked simple version your family or friends made out of leftovers.

Around the World in Casserole Days

Starting the casserole excursion in Europe, the Porkkanalaatikko is made in Finland with rice, grated carrots, cream, syrup, milk, butter, and spices such as ginger. Topped with breadcrumbs and baked until golden brown, the traditional Christmas dish is creamy and makes a great side dish. In Finland, you will find Maksalaatikko made with rice, ground liver, eggs and onions, as well as Kaalilaatikko made with cabbage, rice, and ground pork.

In Denmark, the Danish classic casserole is Mørbradbøffer i flødesauce made with pork, butter, onion, mushrooms, wheat flour, and whipped cream. Poland offers a simple casserole called Babka ziemniaczana which is grated potato, often made with onions and bacon, and all bound together with eggs. An herbal pepper blend called Pieprz Ziolowy adds just the right taste and aroma. France has several versions of casseroles which are unique from the classic versions. For example, Baeckeoffe is a one-pot dish made with three kinds of marinated meat, vegetables, potatoes, thyme, and of course, wine. It is a peasant dish that uses the ingredients traditionally found on farms. The French cassoulet is prepared in a Dutch oven and takes time if done right, meaning no canned soup. It has chicken, onion, sausages, white beans, carrots, leeks, shallots, and herbs that include rosemary and garlic. To make a more original version, use duck breast.

Japan’s casserole is baked curryor Yaki kare. Steamed rice is covered with curry sauce, cheese, maybe a raw egg, and then baked. In Turkey, the oven-baked dish called Hamsili pilav is served. It is quite unusual in that anchovies are layered on the bottom and also cover the top of a mixture of rice, raisins, onions, pine nuts, lemon juice, mint, and spices. Indian Biryani is a one-pot comfort food meal made with layered basmati rice, curry sauce, cooked chicken or lamb or vegetables, and more rice. In Chile make sure to try pastel de jaiba, a crab casserole from Santiago, made with crab meat, crustless bread, onions, garlic, chili peppers, milk, butter, white wine, cream fish stock, oregano, paprika, and cumin. Baked in pomaires (clay pots), it can only be called savory.

In the U.S., casseroles are a staple food. Who has not eaten a simple tuna casserole, macaroni and cheese, or hamburger, macaroni, and tomato sauce casserole? Casseroles have a history. In 1787, Thomas Jefferson brought a pasta machine home to Monticello. His daughter made a pasta and Parmesan cheese dish, eventually changing to cheddar cheese. The recipe was served at the White House and appeared in the daughter’s 1824 cookbook The Virginia Housewife. As immigrants from a variety of cultures came to the U.S., they brought their casserole recipes with them. During the Depression and World Wars, casseroles became a staple food during times of hardship. In the 1950s, Campbell Soup promoted casseroles and the use of its creamed soups, together with the use of new overproof cookware.

Casserole by Design

Here is an age-old question. Is lasagna a casserole? Lasagna as it is known today probably originated in Naples, Italy during the Middle Ages. It is now a baked dish with layers of pasta sheets, cheese, and tomato sauce but had its inspiration from similar dishes that were made since ancient Greek times without tomatoes. You could make an argument for calling lasagna a casserole, but that is what you would get – an argument. Lasagna is more difficult to make than most casseroles and more importantly, the ingredients are not mixed together as they are in a casserole. However, if you insist, lasagna could be called a fancy casserole. A casserole by any other name…