Warm weather means it's church picnic season!
How to Make Your Church Picnic Better Than Ever
Updated on Nov. 03, 2023
If you belong to a parish, then summertime likely means an annual church picnic, festival or carnival. It’s a great time for fellowship with other members of the community, not to mention all of the family-friendly outdoor games and activities! If you’re looking to make this year’s picnic even better than last year’s, here are the best ways to contribute your time and talents.
Bring a Dish to Pass
The food is one of the best parts of every church picnic—it’s just so good! Members of the parish bring out their best tried-and-true potluck dishes. There will be an endless line of summer potluck salads, burgers and hot dogs, and maybe even corn on the cob. And if that wasn’t enough, there will be scores of pies, bars and cookies to indulge in. If you need some new ideas, take a look at these summer potluck desserts. Just make sure you bring a copy of the recipe, because people might ask for it!
Worried you’ll forget to take your dish home and it’ll be lost forever? Make your casserole or brownies in a 13×9 disposable aluminum pan ($10 for a pack of 10). That way, you don’t have to worry about getting your dish back at the end of the night.
Here are the Most Divine Church Picnic Recipes
Blueberry-Rhubarb CrumbleA dollop of whipped topping adds a nice finishing touch to this satisfying crumble. Sometimes I drizzle a little flavored coffee creamer on top instead of the whipped topping. —Nancy Sousley, Lafayette, Indiana
Here's how to make your church picnic better than ever!
Layered Salad for a CrowdThis salad is a favorite of my three sons. I took it to a luncheon honoring our school district’s food service manager, and she asked for the recipe. I like to make the dressing the day before so the flavors blend together. —Linda Ashley, Leesburg, Georgia
Red, White & Blue Potato SaladTossing the cooked potatoes with stock and wine right after you drain them infuses them with flavor. The liquid absorbs like magic. —George Levinthal, Goleta, California
Mac and Cheese BitesOur mac and cheese bites are everything you love about your favorite mac and cheese recipe in a hand-held, bite-sized appetizer.
German Apple CakeBursting with pieces of juicy apple, warmly spiced with cinnamon and crowned with a sweet cloud of cream cheese frosting, this German apple cake is perfect for fall.
Baked Chicken BurritosOur baked chicken burritos recipe is wonderfully delicious thanks to loads of cheese, a delightful blend of spices and chicken broth that keeps the filling perfectly moist.
Party Appetizer MeatballsThese are a favorite at parties and gatherings. The recipe is easy, and the meatballs can be made well ahead of time and frozen until needed. I think what makes them taste so good is the sauce. —Nathalie Guest, Caledon, Ontario
Skinny Quinoa Veggie DipDon’t let the name fool you. This good-for-you recipe may appeal to an athlete in training, but it has plenty of flavor to satisfy everyone. We use crunchy cucumber slices for dippers. —Jennifer Gizzi, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Artichoke Shrimp Pasta SaladI have enjoyed this recipe for as long as I can remember. My mom made it famous, and she passed it down to me on my wedding day. It's one of those potluck staples that folks can't get enough of. —Mary McCarley, Charlotte, North Carolina
Layered Chocolate Marshmallow Peanut Butter BrowniesA friend gave me the recipe for these layered brownies, but I added my own touch--chunky peanut butter. Every time I take these to a group gathering, I get requests for the recipe. It's a real crowd-pleaser! —Judy Sims, Weatherford, Texas
Green Bean SaladThis cold green bean salad makes the perfect side dish, starring green beans, a simple vinaigrette and feta cheese.
Hot Cheese DipWhen a colleague brought this cheesy dip to school for a teachers potluck, I immediately gave it an A+. I had to have the recipe for this irresistibly creamy recipe to make for my family! —Ardyce Piehl, Poynette, Wisconsin
Crustless Spinach QuicheThis crustless spinach quiche could not be easier to make, or more delicious. There's no crust to roll out, so it's ready in a snap, perfect for weekend brunches and impromptu get-togethers.
Potluck Mac and CheesePotluck mac and cheese features a rich, creamy cheese sauce that comes together in the slow cooker. This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd at bring-your-own-dish parties and holiday dinners.
Lemon Yeast PuffsThe lemon flavor in these yeast muffins makes them unique. My husband is a minister, and we're invited to many potlucks. People love these muffins.
Macaroni ColeslawMy friend Peggy brought this coleslaw to one of our picnics, and everyone liked it so much, we all had to have the recipe. —Sandra Matteson, Westhope, North Dakota
Apple CrispEvery bite of this apple crisp has tart, tender apples and a cinnamon streusel topping. It smells like heaven when it's baking too!
Spectacular Overnight SlawTo come up with this dish, I used a number of different recipes, plus some ideas of my own. It's great for a potluck because it's made the night before and the flavor keeps getting better. Whenever I serve it, I'm inundated with recipe requests. —Ruth Lovett, Bay City, Texas
Church Supper SpaghettiBecause this recipe feeds so many, I often take it to church dinners and potlucks. This colorful dish also comes in handy when we have lots of help to feed on our farm. —Verlyn Wilson, Wilkinson, Indiana
Potato Salad with BaconIt's like a loaded baked potato, but in salad form!
Potato SaladEveryone needs a reliable potato salad recipe in their repertoire, and this one is classic in its simplicity. It's quick and versatile, and it will go with just about anything.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip BarsPart protein bar and part cookie, these oatmeal chocolate chip bars are the perfect sweet treat for an after-school snack or a quick and easy on-the-go breakfast. Enjoy the delicious, satisfying combination of flavors and textures in every bite!
Nacho TotsThese totchos use a number of ingredients, but they're quite easy to prepare. They're a colorful, fun and flavorful way to switch up your snack routine.
Marinated Three Bean SaladFresh herbs and cayenne pepper provide the fantastic flavor in this marinated salad featuring fresh veggies and canned beans. —Carol Tucker, Wooster, Ohio
Almond Chicken SaladMy mother used to prepare this chicken salad with grapes and almonds for an evening meal during the hot summer months. It's my favorite of my mother's chicken salad recipes. You can also serve it as a delicious but quick luncheon or potluck dish. —Kathy Kittell, Lenexa, Kansas
Summertime Tomato SaladMy crazy good salad has cherry tomatoes, squash and blueberries together in one bowl. Then I layer on the flavor with fresh corn, red onion and mint. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Layered Grilled Corn SaladThis has been a go-to dish for me throughout the years. It's great as a side or can be served for a light lunch in lettuce cups, with warm crusty bread. —Angela Smith, Bluffton, South Carolina
Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed PotatoesWith five different dairy products, you know this make-ahead mashed potato casserole is going to be super rich and, of course, delicious. It gets even better topped with onions and bacon! —JoAnn Koerkenmeier, Damiansville, Illinois
Buttery Horseradish Corn on the CobFor a July Fourth barbecue, I whipped up a butter and horseradish topping for grilled corn. People actually formed a line to get seconds. —Trish Loewen, Bakersfield, California
Fried Chicken and Pulled Pork Cornbread PoppersThese fun little apps are an instant conversation starter wherever they're served. We love them on game day, but they'd be a hit at brunch, too. —Crystal Schlueter, Babbitt, Minnesota
Chili Cornbread SaladA co-worker brought this wonderful dish to a potluck several years ago. She had copies of the recipe next to the pan. Now I make it for get-togethers and also supply copies of the recipe. I never have any leftover salad or recipes. —Kelly Newsom, Jenks, Oklahoma
Marinated Mozzarella & Tomato AppetizersInspired by a dish I had at a restaurant, this simply sensational combination should marinate for at least three hours—the longer the better. —Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York
Orange Gelatin Pretzel SaladSalty pretzels pair nicely with the sweet fruit in this refreshing layered salad. It’s a family favorite that is a slam-dunk at potlucks. —Peggy Boyd, Northport, Alabama
Potluck Pan RollsThe appealing homemade yeast-bread flavor of these golden rolls is unbeatable. Soft and light, they're great alongside any entree. Folks are disappointed if I don't bring them to potluck dinners. —Carol Mead, Los Alamos, New Mexico
Lemon Coconut BitesThe tangy lemon flavor of this no-fuss dessert is especially delicious on a warm day. It gives me delightful flashbacks of selling lemonade on the sidewalk as a little girl. —Donna Biddle, Elmira, New York
Orange-Glazed Chicken & Chorizo MeatballsThese tasty southwestern meatballs warm up a buffet. I add pomegranate seeds, jalapeno pepper jelly and cilantro to make everything pop with color. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Cherry ChewbileesThis is a good dish to carry to potlucks and parties. It's a hit at home, too - my husband rates it as one of his favorite desserts. —Debbi Smith, Crossett, Arkansas
Avocado & Artichoke Pasta SaladA squeeze of lime, a sprinkle of cilantro and a little avocado make this a creamy and zingy pasta salad. —Carrie Farias, Oak Ridge, New Jersey
Cranberry Date BarsRich and fruity, these bars let you enjoy cranberries year-round. I've made batches for all kinds of church and social events.
-Bonnie Nieter, Warsaw, Indiana
Raspberry Crumble BarsUse fresh or frozen fruit to make a tart, tender batch of raspberry crumble bars.
Appetizer Tomato Cheese BreadI found this recipe a few years ago in a dairy cookbook, and it has become a family favorite. My husband, Wayne, and our two children are mostly meat-and-potato eaters, but I don't hear any complaints when I make this bread! —Penney Kester, Springville, New York
Creamy Blueberry Gelatin SaladPlump blueberries and a fluffy topping star in this pretty, refreshing salad that was my mother's recipe. It was served at every holiday and celebration, and now my grandchildren look forward to sampling it at holidays. —Sharon Hoefert, Greendale, Wisconsin
Tomato FrittersI got the basic recipe for these fritters from a friend, then I tweaked it for my family's tastes. It's one of our very favorite things in the summer. We love them right after they've been fried, when they're still hot and crispy. —Pam Halter, Bridgeton, New Jersey
Chili Mac CasseroleThis cheesy casserole uses several of my family's favorite ingredients, including macaroni, kidney beans, tomatoes and cheese. Just add a leafy salad for a complete meal. —Marlene Wilson, Rolla, North Dakota
Bring Something Besides Food
If your talents don’t lie in cooking, then think about non-food items you can bring. You’ll need lots of plates, cutlery and napkins, as well as plenty of tablecloths. They may not be the most glamorous contributions, but they’re absolutely essential. Plain, white disposable plates are a safe bet, especially if there are a lot of members in your church. But if you want to bring a little color to the party, opt for these super-summery plates ($16 for an 80-pack). And for a pop of color on the lawn, protect each table with a colored tablecloth, like this light blue polka-dot one ($16 for a 10-pack).
Help Set Up
Bringing a dish to pass is the most obvious way to help out, but don’t overlook the setup. This is a great way to volunteer, especially if you don’t have much left in your budget for the month. Get there early to set up all the tables and chairs, food stations and games. If you’re crafty, offer to make the centerpieces.
Centerpiece Ideas
- Flower arrangements: It’s likely some member of the church is a florist or has some flower arranging experience. Ask them to share their talent by creating floral centerpieces for the tables.
- Fruit bouquet: Make your own edible fruit arrangements—they’re easier to make than you think. This one is gorgeous!
- A bowl of candy: Set out bowls of M&Ms, skittles, jelly beans or other small candies for folks to much on while chit-chatting. Kids will especially love this tasty centerpiece.
- A colorful plant: Keep them all uniform or give each table a different color.
Pro tip: Give away the centerpieces as a door prize at the end of the night.
Man the Games and Activities
Every church picnic needs games and activities for the kids! Volunteer to set up the game stations, explain the rules (if needed), referee and keep an eye out for everyone’s safety.
Outdoor Games and Activities
- Cornhole: Set up a game of bags and let people’s competitive side come out.
- Tug of war: Grab a thick rope and gather the children for a friendly game of tug of war.
- Lawn bowling: If you have access to a large grassy area, then you have a great spot for lawn bowling. Set up the pins and wait for someone to get a turkey!
- Coloring: For a quieter activity, set up a coloring station. Ask parents to donate a few coloring books (did you know Taste of Home has a line of coloring books? Purchase one here.) and coloring supplies. Tear out pages for everyone to color, and let their creativity shine!
Volunteer to Clean Up
When the festivities are over, stay late and throw away all of the trash, pick up the games and tear down the table and chairs. Volunteering for a job no one else wants to do is much appreciated and a great way to serve your community.
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