22 Southern Church Potluck Dishes to Feed a Crowd on Sunday
They are worth the praise.
There's something about attending a church event that feels extra special. Being with your congregation can fill you with joy and purpose, and that sense of community is second to none. And then there's the food. If you've ever been to a church potluck, you're already happily acquainted with these epic spreads, particularly in the South. Folks bring their best casseroles, pasta salads, and so many church potluck desserts that make the whole event just, well... heavenly!
If you're looking for church potluck dishes well-loved by Southerners, Ree Drummond has her own favorites. She once said, "Did you know potluck is my genre of food? It is." Many of the recipes she has shared over the years have been passed down over the generations in her home state of Oklahoma and generously shared by other parishioners. As she puts it: "Churchgoing women can cook," and she's got plenty of dishes to show for it.
Of course, you don't need a potluck as an excuse to make any of these dishes. The season of Lent is a wonderful time of year to swap simpler, meatless, or seafood-forward meal ideas with your church community. (On the topic, if you are currently observing Lent, then you'll definitely want to check out Lenten recipes and Lenten desserts and treats next!) And if someone is simply in need for whatever reason, making them a big batch of any one dish will nourish them body and soul. So, give some thanks and praise to these Southern church recipes!
Green Bean Casserole
This is a fresh, from-scratch twist on the classic (no cream-of-mushroom here). It starts with blanched fresh green beans, then gets folded into a simple white sauce enriched with cheddar cheese, bacon, and a pop of pimientos. Finish with a crispy panko topping and bake until bubbly.
Get Ree's Green Bean Casserole recipe.
Southern Potato Salad
This classic side starring potatoes is mixed with chopped eggs, crisp celery, and green onion. It's all coated in a creamy, tangy mayo-and-mustard dressing with a touch of relish, then finished with a little paprika.
Get the Southern Potato Salad recipe.
Sweet Onion Casserole
For a cozy Southern side dish, try these sweet onions baked in a creamy cheddar filling with a buttery Ritz-style cracker and parmesan topping. Bonus: it's make-ahead friendly! Prep the filling a day early and add the cracker topping right before baking.
Get the Sweet Onion Casserole recipe.
Jello Cake
This dessert starts with a box of yellow cake mix, then gets drenched with raspberry gelatin poured over holes poked all across the cake—so it turns extra moist with pretty red streaks throughout. Ree's version is topped with a fluffy white chocolate whipped cream.
Get the Jello Cake recipe.
Grits Casserole
Here's a crowd-feeding breakfast that combines cheesy quick-cooking grits, crispy thick-cut bacon, and eggs in one dish—then takes it over the top with a "secret ingredient" (bacon drippings stirred into the grits for extra richness).
Get the Grits Casserole recipe.
Layered Salad
Ree credits her mother-in-law for this make-ahead luncheon staple. All the ingredients are layered into a clear bowl and sealed with a creamy dressing. All you have to do is toss when you're ready to serve!
Get Ree's Layered Salad recipe.
Macaroni and Cheese
Face it: everyone loves mac and cheese. In fact, Alex Drummond chose this as her favorite church pick back when she was in school. Plenty of happy potluckers would agree!
Get Ree's Macaroni and Cheese recipe.
Deviled Eggs
It's just not a gathering without at least one platter of deviled eggs. You can get creative with fun twists on deviled egg garnishes or just go with this classic recipe that everyone will love.
Get the Deviled Eggs recipe.
Chicken Spaghetti
You'll definitely find at least one baked spaghetti in any church basement. Ree calls this classic one the "all-time greatest" comfort foods that her entire family loves.
Get Ree's Chicken Spaghetti recipe.
Peanut Butter Pie
Ree first tried this decadent pie at a church potluck, and you probably did, too! It's so rich, you only need a thin slice so it's perfect for sharing. Plus, the no-bake filling only has four ingredients.
Get Ree's Peanut Butter Pie recipe.
Pimento Cheese
You know you're in the South if pimento cheese is present. Ree's version is a bit smoky thanks to the addition of adobo sauce. Serve it with toast points, veggie sticks, or crackers.
Get Ree's Pimento Cheese recipe.
Ambrosia Salad
While the word "salad" might trip you up, make no mistake about it: Ambrosia is not meant to be a healthy, veggie-forward side dish. It's meant to be sweet and nostalgic, and just what you want at a potluck.
Get the Ambrosia Salad recipe.
Perfect Potato Salad
There are probably as many potato salad recipes as there are churches in this country, but Ree considers this one to be the best! She says it's "fluffy, light, flavorful, and packed with mix-ins."
Get the Perfect Potato Salad recipe.
Broccoli Cheese and Cracker Casserole
The combination of broccoli and cheese in anything tends to be a crowd-pleaser. This casserole is a great way to get kids to eat their vegetables and for adults to indulge a little.
Get Ree's Broccoli Cheese and Cracker Casserole recipe.
Ree's Favorite Sugar Cookies
Ree has a beloved member of her small town church to thank for these melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies. Their light texture "always made church potlucks and Cookie Sundays a thing to remember."
Get Ree's Favorite Sugar Cookies recipe.
Macaroni Salad
Ree loves macaroni salad, but admits to being picky about it! She wants it "creamy but light, flavorful but not vinegary, and filled with crispy, crunchy, zingy bits for taste and texture." And that's what you'll find with this recipe!
Get Ree's Macaroni Salad recipe.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Ah yes, another not-so-salad salad! You won't find veggies, but you will find a savory-sweet pretzel crust, cream cheese filling, and a sweet strawberry topping.
Get the Strawberry Pretzel Salad recipe.
Ham and Cheese Sliders
You'll sometimes find these similar snacks called "funeral sandwiches" or "funeral sliders," but don't let that deter you from serving them at a happier occasion! This version has a kick from pickled jalapeños.
Get the Ham and Cheese Sliders recipe.
Lemon Bars
From bake sales to church basements, you'd be hard pressed to find an event without these puckery classics. Ree's version has a substantial buttery, cookie-like crust. She promises, "They disappear within four minutes"
Get Ree's Lemon Bars recipe.
The Best Baked Beans Ever
Before making this recipe for the first time, Ree said, "I never knew baked beans could be such a triumph, such a prayer, such a song." But these are, so get ready for a lot of praise!
Get Ree's Best Baked Beans Ever.
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