17 Best Church Recipes Loved By Southerners On Sunday
To say these are heavenly would be an understatement.
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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 know how epic the spreads can be, particularly in the South. There are casseroles and pasta salads and so many church potluck desserts that make the whole event just, well... heavenly!
If you're looking for church recipes Southerners love, Ree Drummond is the person to ask. 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 church recipes. If you know someone that just had a baby, they make excellent comforting dishes for new parents. Or maybe someone is under the weather, in which case plenty of these double as recipes to make when you're sick. And of course, if someone is simply in need for whatever reason, making them a big batch of any of these Southern classics will nourish their bodies and souls. So let's give some thanks and praise to these Southern church recipes!
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.
Sausage Balls
While some old-school recipes call for a box of Bisquick, this version is made entirely from scratch. But don't worry, it's just as easy and even tastier. You can make the honey mustard from scratch, too!
Get the Sausage Balls recipe.
Corn Pudding
Another classic Southern recipe that typically starts with a boxed mix, corn pudding can also be made from scratch in a few simple steps. The result is moist and silky with a rustic corn flavor.
Get the Corn Pudding recipe.
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