Friendsgiving Casserole Recipe with Sourdough Bread Topping

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Celebrate Friendsgiving with this delicious casserole topped with sourdough bread! A hearty, comforting dish with layers of flavor, perfect for your holiday feast.

As the crisp air settles in and golden leaves begin to swirl around our feet, something special stirs in the heart—gratitude. Thanksgiving, and its more casual, fun-loving cousin Friendsgiving, give us such a beautiful opportunity to pause, reflect, and gather close.

Whether you’re sitting around a big farmhouse table with extended family or creating your own traditions with dear friends, there’s one thing that always brings us together: food made from the heart. I don’t know about you, but a friendsgiving feast is one of my favorite ways to celebrate with those around us.

top view of friendsgiving casserole in a baking dish next to a hand towel.

This Friendsgiving Casserole Recipe with Sourdough Bread Topping is just that kind of classic Thanksgiving side dish. Warm, comforting, and layered with flavor, it’s the kind of meal that says, “You’re welcome here. Let’s enjoy this moment together.”

I’m so grateful to be sharing this recipe with you—one that my own family enjoys not just in November, but year-round. It’s based on the Magnolia Table Friendsgiving Casserole, but we’ve made it our own over time, and now I hope it becomes part of your kitchen rhythm too.

And if you’re looking for even more Thanksgiving inspiration, don’t miss the Free Thanksgiving Guide—it’s filled with ideas to make your holiday season intentional, delicious, and joyfully simple–all from scratch!

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This casserole is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day–a reminder of the flavors of Thanksgiving dinner. You can even use Thanksgiving leftovers to keep the celebration going! It’s even hearty enough to serve as a main dish at Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving, but also cozy and homey for any weeknight meal. I mean, who doesn’t love good casserole recipes any time of the year? I promise even your pickiest eaters will enjoy!

Here’s why it stands out:

Sourdough bread topping: That perfectly crisped, golden layer of sourdough adds a rustic touch and unbeatable flavor.
Creamy, savory base: With roasted chicken, sour cream, and a rich cream sauce, every bite is packed with comfort.
Make-ahead friendly: You can prep this casserole the day before and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
Crowd-pleaser: Adults and kids alike dig into this dish without hesitation—just watch it disappear from the table!

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chopped onion and celery on a wooden cutting board

Key Ingredients

Sourdough bread – torn into hearty chunks or cut into bread cubes, dried out slightly for that perfect texture.
Chicken – roasted or rotisserie, shredded and juicy.
Heavy cream and sour cream – to create that creamy, luscious interior.
Butter, yellow onion, garlic, celery – the classic aromatics that lay the foundation of flavor.
Chicken broth – added at the end to moisten the bread topping and infuse every bite with flavor.

You can find a full list of ingredients in the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Friendsgiving Casserole

This recipe is wonderfully forgiving and can easily be adapted depending on what you have on hand. Here’s how to bring it together step-by-step:

Dry the Sourdough Bread—Start by tearing or cutting a loaf of sourdough bread into rustic, bite-sized chunks or 1-inch pieces (about 6 cups total). Spread them out on a sheet pan and place them in a low oven to dry out. This should take about an hour at low heat—you’re looking for a lightly crisp texture, not fully toasted. This step helps them soak up the buttery broth mixture later without becoming soggy.

Make the Cream Sauce—In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add in your chopped onions and celery, and sauté until softened and fragrant—about 6 to 8 minutes. Then stir in your garlic and flour. The flour thickens the sauce, and the garlic infuses everything with warmth and depth. Season with garlic salt, salt, and pepper, then slowly whisk in the heavy cream. Keep whisking as it comes to a gentle simmer. This will become the velvety layer that brings everything together.

Assemble the Casserole—In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or your favorite casserole dish, evenly spread out your shredded cooked chicken. Spoon the sour cream over top in an even layer. Next, pour the warm cream sauce over the chicken and sour cream, letting it seep into every corner of the dish.

corner of the pan of thanksgiving casserole

Top with Sourdough and Broth—Scatter the dried sourdough bread pieces over the creamy mixture. Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and mix with the chicken broth. Slowly pour this buttery broth over the casserole, making sure the bread is well-coated. This step ensures the bread becomes crisp on the outside while staying tender on the inside–the best part in my opinion.

corner of the pan of thanksgiving casserole next to tea towel

Bake Until Bubbly and Golden—Bake uncovered at 325°F for about 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the bread is golden. For an extra crispy top, broil it for the last 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown—just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

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How to Serve Friendsgiving Casserole

This casserole is satisfying enough to stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with classic Thanksgiving side dishes like:

Roasted green beans with garlic
Maple-glazed carrots
Alongside holiday cranberry sauce or relish
A bright, lemony kale salad

It also reheats well, so it’s perfect for leftovers the next day—if there are any left!

Baking Tips & Variations

Use leftover turkey instead of chicken if you’re making this after Thanksgiving—it works just as well and prevents waste. You can also easily use a shredded rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time.
Add in veggies like sautéed mushrooms, peas, or spinach for a more veggie-packed version.
Try a cornbread topping for a Southern twist!

Pro Tip: Want extra tang? Add a handful of sharp white cheddar to the cream sauce for a more decadent, cheesy vibe.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything except the broth and butter pour-over step. Cover and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, pour the broth mixture over the bread and bake as directed.

Can I freeze it?

Absolutely. Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven.

What kind of sourdough should I use?

Use a hearty, artisan-style sourdough loaf. Pre-sliced sandwich-style sourdough won’t hold up as well in this dish. You can also try a loaf of french bread like a lot of the traditional recipes call for.

More Holiday Favorites

Looking to round out your Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving menu? Here are a few more cozy seasonal recipes to inspire you:

A Final Word of Gratitude

As you gather around the table this season for a hot meal—whether it’s with a house full of family or a handful of treasured friends—remember that what matters most isn’t the perfect meal or the beautifully set table. It’s the laughter, the stories, the thankfulness shared between bites. Cooking from scratch, with love, is one of the most tangible ways we can nourish both body and soul.

So take a deep breath, pour something warm into your favorite mug, and savor the beauty of gathering. This Friendsgiving Casserole is more than a recipe—it’s an invitation to slow down and enjoy what truly matters.

Want more delicious recipes sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe to my newsletter to receive the latest! If you make this recipe, please leave a rating on the recipe card below! I’d also love for you to tag me @autumn.chasingoursimple on Instagram so I can see what you’ve been baking!