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20 vintage recipes from church cookbooks and potlucks

Photographer: Jake Sternquist / Food Styling: Sammy Mila / Prop Styling: Kristen Schooley
Credit: Photographer: Jake Sternquist / Food Styling: Sammy Mila / Prop Styling: Kristen Schooley

They've stood the test of time.

They've stood the test of time.

Only the best of the best recipes are printed in church cookbooks—because who would risk their reputation by attaching their name to something that isn't guaranteed to impress? Over the years, our community members have submitted tons of recipes from church cookbooks. We've rounded up a few of our favorites (and thrown in some popular recipes at church potlucks, for good measure).

01 of 20

'Ugly' Chicken Casserole

A baking dish of bacon-wrapped chicken breasts and dried beef in cream sauce
Credit: Allrecipes / Qi Ai

This 9x13 casserole recipe, from my own grandma's 60-year-old church cookbook, isn't much to look at—but, what it lacks in beauty, it makes up for in deliciousness. The mix of modern and vintage ingredients makes for the perfect comfort-food dinner on busy weeknights. 

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02 of 20

Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs

deviled eggs arranged on a white plate with pimento and dill sprinkled over
Credit: Pat Bernitt

This Southern twist on classic deviled eggs is "a staple at every potluck, church picnic, backyard BBQ, or family get-together," says Allrecipes community member Pat Bernitt.

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03 of 20

Mom's Parsley Potatoes

Mom's Parsley Potatoes
Credit: Bibi

"My mother loved potatoes, and she was always on the lookout for ooey-gooey potato recipes. Here is one from my treasure trove of her recipes. This one, I'm sure, actually came from a church potluck, and I actually have it written in her handwriting!" —Recipe submitter Bibi

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04 of 20

Ground Beef Spinach Casserole

ground beef spinach casserole topped with cheese in round casserole dish
Credit: Grocery Addict

This hearty casserole, made with a ground beef and spinach mixture filling and flavorful seasonings, got rave reviews when Allrecipes community member JNAMCD brought it to a church potluck.

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05 of 20

Slow Cooker Belgian Chicken Booyah

A bowl of chicken booyah containing assorted vegetables and chunks of chicken
Credit: Allrecipes / Sonia Bozzo

"This booyah recipe was adapted from a 50-gallon recipe that was cooked in large 55-gallon cast-iron kettles over a wood fire, most often at church picnics in northeastern Wisconsin." —Recipe submitter Bill Bartelme

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06 of 20

Choco-Coconut Bar Cookies

Choco-Coconut Bar Cookies
Credit: Kim

Allrecipes community member debbthebee says this recipe, passed down from her Gramie Watson, is one of the most requested treats at church gatherings and school events.

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07 of 20

Martie's Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheese

Martie's Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheese
Credit: France Cevallos

"This broccoli salad with bacon and cheese recipe is from my mother-in-law, Martie. It is always a crowd-pleaser at family events and church picnics. The combination of bacon, cheese, and raisins gives it a sweet and salty taste." —Recipe submitter Kevin Gorton

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08 of 20

Pulled Pork, Y'all

pulled pork sandwich
Credit: bdweld

"This pulled pork is a favorite at our church. I made it for a fundraiser, and now every time we have a potluck, my inbox is full with people asking me to make it." —Recipe submitter jesscman

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09 of 20

Yia Yia's Baklava

Yia Yia's Baklava
Credit: Annemarie Paglia

Passed down from generation to generation, this baklava recipe is welcome at any get-together. "One time, my mother donated a small tin of baklava to a church charity auction," says Allrecipes community member Jacolyn. "It was very competitive, but the price was driven up to $40!"

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10 of 20

Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

A plated piece of biscuit and gravy casserole sits in front of the red baking dish.
Credit: Jennifer Causey / Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn / Prop Styling: Julia Bayless

Allrecipes community member Angela got this biscuits and gravy casserole recipe at a church potluck: "All the flavors blend really well. I've made it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. So far, every time I've served it, I haven't had any leftovers."

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11 of 20

Mamaw's Chicken and Rice Casserole

A casserole dish with cooked chicken and rice on a table near plates and utensils
Credit: Photographer: Jake Sternquist / Food Styling: Sammy Mila / Prop Styling: Kristen Schooley

This classic 9x13-inch casserole, from Allrecipes community member katiefbenham, is one of our most popular recipes of all time: "I grew up with this chicken and rice casserole recipe. My Grandmother got it from a lady from church at a potluck a long time ago! She passed it down to my mom, and it's always been a family favorite."

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12 of 20

Vanilla Wafer Cookies That Are Better Than Storebought

close up view of Vanilla Wafer Cookies on a red plate, with vanilla ice cream in a glass
Credit: Deb C

"This recipe comes from my favorite cookbook from a church. It is simple, easy, inexpensive, and delicious! Not to mention it tastes better than the vanilla wafers you can buy at the store!" —Recipe submitter usmcwifey

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13 of 20

Good Ol' Alabama Sweet Tea

Good Ol' Alabama Sweet Tea
Credit: KGora

"This sweet tea is found in houses, churches, and cafes all over the great state of Alabama. If you're north of the Mason-Dixon, you've NEVER had tea this good! Fresh-squeezed lemon, lime, or orange juice can be added for an extra flavor." —Recipe submitter LOVECATS2001

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14 of 20

Chocolate Trifle

mid angle looking at a chocolate trifle with cream and brownies in a glass trifle bowl
Credit: Jason Donnelly

"This chocolate trifle has layers of brownies, chocolate pudding, and whipped topping. It's so easy to make and delicious! Folks line up for this dessert at church functions." —Recipe submitter Wayne

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15 of 20

Mrs. Sigg's Snickerdoodles

Mrs. Sigg's Snickerdoodles cookies on a platter
Credit: Stacy Allen / Food Styling: Julian Henserling / Prop Styling: Christina Daley

With nearly 6,000 5-star reviews, this beloved cookie is an Allrecipes icon. "These snickerdoodle cookies have become very popular with my friends at church—and my pastor loves them," says recipe creator Beth Sigworth. "You will too!"

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16 of 20

Zippy Egg Casserole

Zippy Egg Casserole
Credit: Allrecipes Magazine

"This egg casserole recipe has a little zip to it due to the pepper Jack cheese! It's a big hit at church brunches." —Recipe submitter ANY14TNS

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17 of 20

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies

A plate with white chocolate macadamia nut cookies, served with two glasses of milk
Credit: Stacy Allen / Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling: Julia Bayless

Recipe submitter Mary was served these bakery-worthy cookies at a restaurant in Missouri, then went home to serve up her take at church gatherings—it's been a hit ever since (and this version is even better than the original, according to Mary).

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18 of 20

Pecan Crackers

pecan crackers
Credit: BakingBot

"I got this sweet pecan cracker recipe from a lady at church. It is great finger food and is easy to prepare." —Recipe submitter Angie

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19 of 20

Country Style Green Beans with Red Potatoes

Country Style Green Beans with Red Potatoes
Credit: KGora

"These green beans with smoked turkey and potatoes are a spectacular dish. I have been making them for years in large quantities for special events at my church. The smoked turkey tails make an excellent broth that is seasoned beyond words." —Recipe submitter Faye Hughes

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20 of 20

Cashew and Swiss Cheese Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Cashew and Swiss cheese Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Credit: Christina

"This cashew and Swiss cheese salad with poppy seed dressing is another church function favorite." —Recipe submitter tglatz

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