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When it comes to church potlucks, I always lean toward recipes that are easy to prepare, travel well, and can feed a crowd without too much fuss. Over the years, I’ve collected go-to dishes that strike the perfect balance between comforting and flavorful.
From classic casseroles to hearty mains, fresh salads, and sweet endings, these 25 church potluck recipe ideas are sure to please a diverse crowd and leave no leftovers behind.
1. Lemon Bars
Sweet, tart, and dusted with powdered sugar, lemon bars are always a bright and refreshing way to end the meal—and they travel beautifully too.
2. Classic Deviled Eggs
I start with hard-boiled eggs and mix the yolks with mayo, mustard, and a dash of paprika. They’re always one of the first things gone from the table and super easy to prep the night before.
Get the Classic Deviled Eggs recipe
3. Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
This creamy casserole uses cooked rice, shredded chicken, and a can of cream soup. I top it with cheese and bake until bubbly—it’s warm, filling, and perfect for feeding a big group.
Get the Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole recipe
4. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
I rub a pork shoulder with spices and let it slowly cook until tender. Shred it up and serve with slider buns—it’s a low-effort, high-reward option everyone enjoys.
Get the Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe
5. Baked Mac and Cheese
Comfort food at its best, this mac and cheese is loaded with sharp cheddar and topped with buttery breadcrumbs. It holds up well even after a couple hours on the potluck table.
Get the Baked Mac and Cheese recipe
6. Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Raisins
Chopped broccoli, crispy bacon, sunflower seeds, and raisins tossed in a tangy dressing—this is one of those salads that always get recipe requests.
Get the Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Raisins recipe
7. Ham and Swiss Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls
These baked sliders are layered with ham, Swiss cheese, and a buttery mustard glaze. Warm, melty, and easy to serve in batches—they’re great for both kids and adults.
Get the Ham and Swiss Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls recipe
8. Green Bean Casserole
I mix canned green beans with cream of mushroom soup and top with crispy fried onions. It’s a classic dish that never goes out of style at church gatherings.
Get the Green Bean Casserole recipe
9. Taco Pasta Bake
This casserole mixes pasta with taco-seasoned beef, salsa, and cheese. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and has a fun Tex-Mex twist that’s always a hit.
Get the Taco Pasta Bake recipe
10. Seven-Layer Salad
I layer lettuce, tomatoes, peas, bacon, cheese, and a creamy dressing in a large glass dish. It looks beautiful and feeds a big group without needing reheating.
Get the Seven-Layer Salad recipe
11. Meatballs in BBQ Sauce
Frozen meatballs simmered in a mix of BBQ sauce and grape jelly make for a super easy potluck main. I bring them in my slow cooker to keep them warm all service long.
Get the Meatballs in BBQ Sauce recipe
12. Egg Salad Sandwiches
A big batch of creamy egg salad, served with soft sandwich rolls or croissants, is a lighter option that always goes over well with older guests.
Get the Egg Salad Sandwiches recipe
13. Roasted Veggie Pasta Salad
I toss roasted vegetables with pasta, olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. Served chilled or at room temp, this salad adds color and freshness to any spread.
Get the Roasted Veggie Pasta Salad recipe
14. Chili with All the Fixings
Hearty and easy to serve, chili is perfect for cooler months. I offer it with shredded cheese, sour cream, and cornbread or crackers for a filling, build-your-own meal.
Get the Chili with All the Fixings recipe
15. Fruit Tray with Dip
I arrange grapes, strawberries, and pineapple with a simple yogurt-honey dip. It’s a refreshing, family-friendly option that balances out heavier dishes.
Get the Fruit Tray with Dip recipe
16. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
Mashed sweet potatoes get baked with brown sugar and a buttery pecan topping. It feels like dessert but passes as a side—and always disappears fast.
Get the Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
17. Cucumber and Tomato Salad
A cool salad with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and vinaigrette—this is a great option for warm-weather potlucks or adding something fresh to the table.
Get the Cucumber and Tomato Salad recipe
18. Lasagna
Layered with ground beef, marinara, ricotta, and mozzarella, this classic Italian dish is rich, hearty, and easy to slice into generous servings.
19. Baked Beans with Brown Sugar and Bacon
Canned beans get a flavor upgrade with brown sugar, mustard, and chopped bacon. Baked until thick and caramelized, this dish pairs well with just about everything.
Get the Baked Beans with Brown Sugar and Bacon recipe
20. Pimento Cheese Spread with Crackers
Creamy, cheesy, and full of Southern charm—this dip is easy to whip up and makes a great addition to the appetizer table.
Get the Pimento Cheese Spread with Crackers recipe
21. Mini Chicken Pot Pies
I make these in muffin tins using biscuit dough, shredded chicken, veggies, and a creamy filling. They’re handheld and travel-friendly—great for a crowd.
Get the Mini Chicken Pot Pies recipe
22. Cranberry Jello Salad
A nostalgic favorite, this sweet and tangy salad made with cranberry sauce, Jello, crushed pineapple, and walnuts brings a little retro flair to the table.
Get the Cranberry Jello Salad recipe
23. Biscuits and Gravy Bake
Chopped biscuits layered with sausage gravy and baked into a casserole—it’s a comforting dish that’s especially good for early potlucks or brunch-style spreads.
Get the Biscuits and Gravy Bake recipe
24. Peach Dump Cake
This no-fuss dessert is made with canned peaches, cake mix, and melted butter. I serve it warm with whipped cream or ice cream—if there’s any left!
Get the Peach Dump Cake recipe
25. Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
This old-fashioned cake is light, fluffy, and topped with warm peanut butter frosting. It bakes in a large pan and slices easily for a crowd.
