Bring copies of the recipe—people will ask for it!
46 Divine Church Picnic Recipes
Cuban Sliders
These wonderful little rolls are baked until lightly toasted and the cheese melts. The leftover King’s Hawaiian ham sliders keep really well in the fridge, and they make a lovely cold snack. Followers of my blog, houseofyumm.com, go nuts for these! —Serene Herrera, Dallas, Texas
1/46
2/46
Blueberry-Rhubarb Crumble
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 305 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 64mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (42g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
3/46
Layered Salad for a Crowd
Total Time
20 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This 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
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 151 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 216mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
4/46
Red, White & Blue Potato Salad
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings (1 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Tossing 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 221 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 405mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
5/46
Mac and Cheese Bites
Total Time
45 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Young relatives were coming for a Christmas party, so I wanted something fun for them to eat. To my surprise, it was the adults who devoured these mini mac and cheese bites. —Kate Mainiero, Elizaville, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 91 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 162mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
6/46
German Apple Cake
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother made this German apple cake for my brothers and me when we were kids. It's an excellent choice for a Christmas potluck or actually any time of year. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 455 calories, 24g fat (6g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 212mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (42g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
7/46
Baked Chicken Burritos
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
2 casseroles (6 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This mouthwatering southwestern burrito recipe makes enough for two casseroles, so you can enjoy one today and freeze the other for a busy weeknight. They're super to have on hand for quick meals or to take to potlucks. —Sonya Nightingale, Burley, Idaho.
Nutrition Facts:
2 burritos: 760 calories, 44g fat (23g saturated fat), 177mg cholesterol, 1608mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 51g protein.
8/46
Party Appetizer Meatballs
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 50 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 94mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
9/46
Skinny Quinoa Veggie Dip
Total Time
35 min
Servings
32 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Don’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
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup (calculated without cucumber slices): 65 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 54mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
10/46
Artichoke Shrimp Pasta Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I 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
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 453 calories, 23g fat (7g saturated fat), 135mg cholesterol, 757mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 6g fiber), 28g protein.
11/46
Layered Chocolate Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 brownie: 189 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 125mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
12/46
Green Bean Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings (3/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Serve up those green beans in a whole new way–with a green bean salad recipe! The tangy flavors and crunch of these balsamic green beans complement any special meal or holiday potluck. —Megan Spencer, Farmington Hills, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 77 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 112mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
13/46
Hot Cheese Dip
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
When 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
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 201 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 285mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
14/46
Crustless Spinach Quiche
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I served this crustless quiche at a church lunch, and I had to laugh when one guy told me how much he disliked vegetables. Many people were surprised by how much they loved this veggie-filled quiche recipe—and he was one of them! —Melinda Calverley, Janesville, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 251 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 480mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
15/46
Potluck Mac and Cheese
Total Time
2 hours 25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll always have a winner at the potluck when you bring macaroni and cheese. Here's an extra-rich, creamy version for the slow cooker. —Jennifer Blondek, Chicopee, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 388 calories, 28g fat (17g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 652mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 17g protein.
16/46
Lemon Yeast Puffs
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The 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.
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 141 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
17/46
Macaroni Coleslaw
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My friend Peggy brought this coleslaw to one of our picnics, and everyone liked it so much that we all had to have the recipe. —Sandra Matteson, Westhope, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 150 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 286mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
18/46
Apple Crisp
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I live in apple country, and making a delicious apple crisp is one way to use the fruit. This treat doesn’t take a lot of time to assemble. —Gertrude Bartnick, Portage, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 426 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 127mg sodium, 79g carbohydrate (58g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
19/46
Spectacular Overnight Slaw
Total Time
15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To 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
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 120 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 267mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
20/46
Church Supper Spaghetti
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Because 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 290 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 259mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein.
21/46
Potato Salad with Bacon
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It isn't a summer cookout without potato salad, but the stuff from the deli just isn't our thing. I toyed with many recipes until I developed this one. Now if I even mention grilling or barbecuing, it's my family's top request for a side. —Paul Cogswell, League City, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 424 calories, 36g fat (7g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 1147mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
22/46
Potato Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This homemade potato salad recipe doesn't have many ingredients, so it isn't as colorful as many that you find nowadays. But Mama made it the way her mother did, and that's the way I still make it today. Try it and see if it isn't one of the best-tasting potato salads you have ever eaten! —Sandra Anderson, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 231 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 323mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
23/46
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
Total Time
35 min
Servings
20 bars
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves this peanut butter cookie bars recipe—oatmeal, brownie bars, peanuts—it's made from all our favorite things! Oatmeal, peanut butter and chocolate chips make these bars a big hit with kids of all ages. Since I always have these basic ingredients on hand, I can whip up a batch anytime. —Patricia Staudt, Marble Rock, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 216 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 170mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
24/46
Nacho Tots
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is an easy, versatile party appetizer that everyone loves. If you can't find chorizo, ground beef or ground chicken are wonderful, too. Top with anything you like! —Connie Krupp, Racine, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 378 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 1152mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 13g protein.
25/46
Marinated Three Bean Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh herbs and cayenne pepper provide the fantastic flavor in this marinated salad featuring fresh veggies and canned beans. —Carol Tucker, Wooster, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 184 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 452mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 8g fiber), 8g protein.
26/46
Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A fruity filling and fluffy coconut topping truly make these strawberry oatmeal bars one of a kind. They really dress up my trays of Christmas goodies. —Flo Burtnett, Gage, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 150 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 86mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
27/46
Almond Chicken Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My 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
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 351 calories, 23g fat (5g saturated fat), 152mg cholesterol, 540mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
28/46
Summertime Tomato Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My 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
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 95 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 108mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
29/46
Layered Grilled Corn Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This 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
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 224 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 656mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
30/46
Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With 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
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 354 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 400mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein.
31/46
Buttery Horseradish Corn on the Cob
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 ear of corn: 203 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 732mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
32/46
Fried Chicken and Pulled Pork Cornbread Poppers
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 mini muffin: 74 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 120mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
33/46
Chili Cornbread Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 383 calories, 24g fat (8g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 839mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 12g protein.
34/46
Marinated Mozzarella & Tomato Appetizers
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Inspired 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
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 119 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 171mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
35/46
Orange Gelatin Pretzel Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Salty 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 400 calories, 21g fat (13g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 402mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (38g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
36/46
Potluck Pan Rolls
Total Time
40 min
Servings
27 rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
The 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 141 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 158mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
37/46
Lemon Coconut Bites
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 82 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 46mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
38/46
Orange-Glazed Chicken & Chorizo Meatballs
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 71 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 169mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
39/46
Cherry Chewbilees
Total Time
55 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 251 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 54mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
40/46
Avocado & Artichoke Pasta Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A 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
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 188 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 248mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
41/46
Cranberry Date Bars
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Rich 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 339 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 212mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
42/46
Raspberry Crumble Bars
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
To give these fresh, fruity bars even more crunch, add a sprinkling of nuts to the yummy crumb topping. Everyone will want to indulge. —Leanna M. Thorne, Lakewood, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 197 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 51mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
43/46
Appetizer Tomato Cheese Bread
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 209 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 521mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
44/46
Creamy Blueberry Gelatin Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Plump 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 221 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 76mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
45/46
Tomato Fritters
Total Time
20 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 fritter: 40 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 79mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
46/46
Chili Mac Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 313 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 758mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.