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    Home » MSN Slideshows

    Recipes Grandma Always Packed for Potlucks—41 Timeless Favorites

    Published: Sep 4, 2025 by Barbara Curry

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    Family get-togethers always had a special kind of magic, especially when the table was filled with dishes made with love. The recipes grandma always packed for potlucks carried that warm, homemade touch everyone looked forward to. Whether it was a hearty casserole or a classic dessert, those comforting flavors had a way of bringing people closer. They weren’t just meals, they were traditions worth savoring again and again.

    Grandma’s Classic Deviled Eggs for Every Potluck

    Grandma’s Classic Deviled Eggs for Every Potluck. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.


     

    Deviled eggs with creamy yolk filling were always one of Grandma’s go-to potluck starters. Their tangy flavor and classic look make them a timeless favorite for any table.
    Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Classic Deviled Eggs for Every Potluck

    Taco Casserole the Way Grandma Carried It to Gatherings

    Taco Casserole the Way Grandma Carried It to Gatherings. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This taco casserole was the kind of dish Grandma knew would feed a crowd with ease. Layered and baked, it brings bold flavor in a form everyone can share.
    Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole the Way Grandma Carried It to Gatherings

    Chicken Hashbrown Casserole Just Like Grandma Made

    Chicken Hashbrown Casserole Just Like Grandma Made. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Chicken potato casserole is the kind of comforting dish Grandma relied on for gatherings. With creamy layers and hearty flavor, it always came back empty from the potluck.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Hashbrown Casserole Just Like Grandma Made

    Mac and Cheese with Pulled Pork—Grandma’s Hearty Favorite

    Mac and Cheese with Pulled Pork—Grandma’s Hearty Favorite. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Mac and cheese with pulled pork feels like a modern mashup, but Grandma loved hearty casseroles that filled plates fast. This one delivers comfort and a crowd-pleasing finish.
    Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese with Pulled Pork—Grandma’s Hearty Favorite

    Grandma’s Seven Layer Salad That Always Stood Out

    Grandma’s Seven Layer Salad That Always Stood Out. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    The seven-layer salad is a dish that always caught eyes at Grandma’s potlucks. Fresh layers, creamy dressing, and crunch made it a guaranteed crowd favorite.
    Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Seven Layer Salad That Always Stood Out

    Bacon Mac and Cheese That Grandma Brought to Share

    Bacon Mac and Cheese That Grandma Brought to Share. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Bacon mac and cheese was the kind of indulgence Grandma didn’t mind bringing to a gathering. Rich, bubbly, and familiar, it always disappeared quickly.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Mac and Cheese That Grandma Brought to Share

    Million Dollar Chicken Casserole from Grandma’s Kitchen

    Million Dollar Chicken Casserole from Grandma’s Kitchen. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Million dollar chicken casserole is one of those easy potluck dishes Grandma could pull together in minutes. Creamy and topped with a buttery crust, it never disappointed.
    Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Chicken Casserole from Grandma’s Kitchen

    Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole That Grandma Loved to Make

    Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole That Grandma Loved to Make. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Poppy seed chicken casserole was a Southern staple Grandma carried to church suppers and reunions. Creamy and comforting, it’s the type of dish people always remembered.
    Get the Recipe: Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole That Grandma Loved to Make

    Grandma’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole for a Crowd

    Grandma’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole for a Crowd. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Chicken stuffing casserole was the definition of homestyle comfort in Grandma’s kitchen. With golden topping and savory layers, it belonged at every potluck spread.
    Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole for a Crowd

    Creamy Macaroni Salad the Way Grandma Served It

    Creamy Macaroni Salad the Way Grandma Served It. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Macaroni salad was one of Grandma’s most reliable sides for a potluck table. Creamy, crunchy, and chilled, it balanced out the heavier dishes perfectly.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Macaroni Salad the Way Grandma Served It

    Sock It to Me Cake—A Dessert Grandma Never Skipped

    Sock It to Me Cake—A Dessert Grandma Never Skipped. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

    Sock It to Me Cake was a retro dessert Grandma loved to bake for gatherings. Moist, spiced, and glazed, it felt special while still being easy to slice and serve.
    Get the Recipe: Sock It to Me Cake—A Dessert Grandma Never Skipped

    Heath Bar Cake Straight from Grandma’s Recipe Box

    Heath Bar Cake Straight from Grandma’s Recipe Box. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

    Heath Bar Cake was the kind of fun, layered treat Grandma knew would vanish at potlucks. Gooey, chocolatey, and crunchy, it always had people asking for seconds.
    Get the Recipe: Heath Bar Cake Straight from Grandma’s Recipe Box

    Hello Dolly Bars—The Sweet Treat Grandma Packed Often

    Hello Dolly Bars—The Sweet Treat Grandma Packed Often. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

    Hello Dolly Bars were a dessert Grandma could make with pantry staples and bring anywhere. Sweet, gooey, and rich, they’ve been potluck favorites for generations.
    Get the Recipe: Hello Dolly Bars—The Sweet Treat Grandma Packed Often

    Fudgy Pecan Brownies the Way Grandma Baked Them

    Fudgy Pecan Brownies the Way Grandma Baked Them. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

    Pecan brownies gave Grandma’s potluck table a chocolatey, nutty treat no one could resist. Rich and chewy, they offered comfort in every bite.
    Get the Recipe: Fudgy Pecan Brownies the Way Grandma Baked Them

    Berry Crumble Bars That Remind You of Grandma’s Potlucks

    Berry Crumble Bars That Remind You of Grandma’s Potlucks. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

    Berry crumb bars were a simple dessert Grandma often made in big pans for sharing. Buttery, fruity, and easy to slice, they were perfect for summer potlucks.
    Get the Recipe: Berry Crumble Bars That Remind You of Grandma’s Potlucks

    Ambrosia Salad—A Sweet Classic from Grandma’s Table

    Ambrosia Salad—A Sweet Classic from Grandma’s Table. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Ambrosia salad was one of Grandma’s timeless sweet salads that fit every gathering. Creamy, fruity, and nostalgic, it brought color and charm to the table.
    Get the Recipe: Ambrosia Salad—A Sweet Classic from Grandma’s Table

    Banana Pudding Poke Cake the Way Grandma Shared It

    Banana Pudding Poke Cake the Way Grandma Shared It. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Banana pudding poke cake was a way Grandma turned a Southern classic into a shareable potluck dish. Moist cake with creamy filling always felt like a special treat.
    Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding Poke Cake the Way Grandma Shared It

    Carrot Sheet Cake Just Like Grandma Frosted It

    Carrot Sheet Cake Just Like Grandma Frosted It. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

    Carrot cake sheet cake was one of Grandma’s most practical desserts for a crowd. Moist, spiced, and topped with cream cheese frosting, it always pleased.
    Get the Recipe: Carrot Sheet Cake Just Like Grandma Frosted It

    Possum Pie—A Whimsical Dessert Grandma Always Packed

    Possum Pie—A Whimsical Dessert Grandma Always Packed. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

    Possum pie may have had a funny name, but Grandma knew it was perfect for gatherings. Its rich layers made it a showpiece dessert at any potluck.
    Get the Recipe: Possum Pie—A Whimsical Dessert Grandma Always Packed

    Deviled Eggs with Relish from Grandma’s Potluck Plate

    Deviled Eggs with Relish from Grandma’s Potluck Plate. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Deviled eggs with relish were Grandma’s way of adding a little extra zip to a classic. Creamy, tangy, and sweet, they never lasted long on the potluck platter.
    Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs with Relish from Grandma’s Potluck Plate

    Chess Bars That Were Grandma’s Easy Bake Favorite

    Chess Bars That Were Grandma’s Easy Bake Favorite. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

    Chess bars were a dessert Grandma leaned on for their ease and sweetness. Gooey, buttery, and simple, they were a guaranteed favorite at church suppers.
    Get the Recipe: Chess Bars That Were Grandma’s Easy Bake Favorite

    Texas Sheet Cake That Grandma Carried to Church Suppers

    Texas Sheet Cake That Grandma Carried to Church Suppers. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

    Texas sheet cake was Grandma’s answer to feeding a big group with chocolate. Thin, rich, and frosted, it was made for potluck pans.
    Get the Recipe: Texas Sheet Cake That Grandma Carried to Church Suppers

    Deviled Egg Potato Salad That Sat Beside Every Casserole

    Deviled Egg Potato Salad That Sat Beside Every Casserole. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

    Two classics combined—potato salad and deviled eggs—made this dish unforgettable at church gatherings.
    Get the Recipe: Deviled Egg Potato Salad That Sat Beside Every Casserole

    Homemade Green Bean Casserole From the Church Supper Table

    A serving spoon in a green bean casserole made from scratch,
    Homemade Green Bean Casserole From the Church Supper Table. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Skip the cans—this from-scratch green bean casserole was a church supper favorite done right.
    Get the Recipe: Homemade Green Bean Casserole From the Church Supper Table

    Taco Ring the Fun Dish Grandma Shared at Gatherings

    Taco Ring the Fun Dish Grandma Shared at Gatherings. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

    The taco ring was the kind of playful dish Grandma would bring to a gathering. Warm, cheesy, and shareable, it always drew a crowd.
    Get the Recipe: Taco Ring the Fun Dish Grandma Shared at Gatherings

    Seafood Salad the Way Grandma Served It Chilled

    Seafood Salad the Way Grandma Served It Chilled. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

    Seafood salad was Grandma’s way of bringing something cool and creamy to balance the table. Packed with crunch and flavor, it fit right into potluck spreads.
    Get the Recipe: Seafood Salad the Way Grandma Served It Chilled

    Italian Pasta Salad Grandma Brought to Summer Potlucks

    Italian Pasta Salad Grandma Brought to Summer Potlucks. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

    Italian pasta salad with pepperoni gave Grandma’s potluck table a zesty, colorful option. Easy to toss together, it paired well with just about anything.
    Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta Salad Grandma Brought to Summer Potlucks

    Fluffy 7-Up Biscuits Straight from Grandma’s Oven

    Fluffy 7-Up Biscuits Straight from Grandma’s Oven. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    7-Up biscuits were a quirky favorite Grandma liked to bake for potlucks. Light, fluffy, and buttery, they made every spread feel more welcoming.
    Get the Recipe: Fluffy 7-Up Biscuits Straight from Grandma’s Oven

    Frog Eye Salad That Made Grandma’s Table Complete

    Frog Eye Salad That Made Grandma’s Table Complete. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

    Frog Eye Salad was one of those nostalgic recipes Grandma never skipped for gatherings. Sweet, creamy, and fun, it added something playful to the potluck table.
    Get the Recipe: Frog Eye Salad That Made Grandma’s Table Complete

    Cobb Salad Dip That Grandma Made Crowd-Friendly

    Cobb Salad Dip That Grandma Made Crowd-Friendly. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

    Cobb Salad Dip was Grandma’s way of turning a salad into something scoopable for a crowd. Savory, creamy, and easy to share, it always disappeared fast.
    Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad Dip That Grandma Made Crowd-Friendly

    Green Tomato Casserole Grandma Baked for Gatherings

    Green Tomato Casserole Grandma Baked for Gatherings. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Green tomato casserole was one of Grandma’s savory comfort sides. Bubbly and golden, it fit right in at Sunday lunches and potlucks alike.
    Get the Recipe: Green Tomato Casserole Grandma Baked for Gatherings

    Fried Green Tomatoes the Crispy Snack from Grandma

    Fried Green Tomatoes the Crispy Snack from Grandma. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Fried green tomatoes were Grandma’s crispy, tangy appetizer that brought Southern charm to potlucks. Quick to make and easy to love, they were always eaten first.
    Get the Recipe: Fried Green Tomatoes the Crispy Snack from Grandma

    Tortellini Pasta Salad Grandma Tossed for Potlucks

    Tortellini Pasta Salad Grandma Tossed for Potlucks. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

    Italian tortellini pasta salad was a fresh, hearty dish Grandma liked to carry along. Packed with flavor and color, it brightened any potluck table.
    Get the Recipe: Tortellini Pasta Salad Grandma Tossed for Potlucks

    Southern Fried Green Tomatoes from Grandma’s Skillet

    Southern Fried Green Tomatoes from Grandma’s Skillet. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Fried green tomatoes done Southern-style were a crunchy favorite Grandma often shared. Tangy and golden, they made potlucks feel complete.
    Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Green Tomatoes from Grandma’s Skillet

    Five Cheese Lasagna Grandma Served to Feed a Crowd

    Five Cheese Lasagna Grandma Served to Feed a Crowd. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

    Five-cheese lasagna was Grandma’s way of making sure no one left hungry. Baked ahead and easy to serve, it was perfect for family gatherings and potlucks.
    Get the Recipe: Five Cheese Lasagna Grandma Served to Feed a Crowd

    Seafood Pasta Salad That Grandma Always Chilled

    Seafood Pasta Salad That Grandma Always Chilled. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

    Cold crab pasta salad gave Grandma’s potluck spread a cool and refreshing side. Creamy and colorful, it balanced the richer dishes perfectly.
    Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad That Grandma Always Chilled

    Pulled Pork BBQ Grandma Cooked Up for Potlucks

    Pulled Pork BBQ Grandma Cooked Up for Potlucks. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Pulled pork barbecue was one of Grandma’s most crowd-pleasing potluck mains. Tender and flavorful, it was made to feed a table full of friends.
    Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork BBQ Grandma Cooked Up for Potlucks

    Cucumber Tomato Salad the Way Grandma Kept It Fresh

    Cucumber Tomato Salad the Way Grandma Kept It Fresh. Photo credit: Stetted.

    Cucumber tomato salad with pesto was Grandma’s fresh, no-cook answer for summer potlucks. Crisp and bright, it paired beautifully with heavier dishes.
    Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad the Way Grandma Kept It Fresh

    Antipasto Tortellini Salad Grandma Loved to Pack

    Antipasto Tortellini Salad Grandma Loved to Pack. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

    Antipasto pasta salad was another dish Grandma made to keep potluck plates colorful and hearty. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it never failed to please.
    Get the Recipe: Antipasto Tortellini Salad Grandma Loved to Pack

    Buffalo Mac and Cheese with Grandma’s Bold Twist

    Buffalo Mac and Cheese with Grandma’s Bold Twist. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

    Buffalo mac and cheese gave Grandma’s table a spicy twist on a classic. Creamy, bold, and baked for sharing, it fit right in at gatherings.
    Get the Recipe: Buffalo Mac and Cheese with Grandma’s Bold Twist

    Italian Rice Salad Grandma Made for Summer Tables

    Italian Rice Salad Grandma Made for Summer Tables. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    Italian rice salad was Grandma’s way of adding something light yet filling to a potluck. Colorful and versatile, it was welcome at summer spreads and beyond.
    Get the Recipe: Italian Rice Salad Grandma Made for Summer Tables

    Did Your Mom Make These? 20 Retro Recipes We Still Love!

    A collage of three dishes: chicken and dumplings in a bowl, almond-topped casserole, and slices of meatloaf with sauce on a plate with a knife and fork.
    Did Your Mom Make These? 20 Retro Recipes We Still Love!. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Those tried-and-true recipes have a way of sticking with us, not just for the taste but for the memories they bring back. From the comforting casseroles to the no-fuss dinners our moms leaned on, these retro favorites remind us why they never really went out of style. Every bite feels like a little trip back to those warm, familiar family moments.
    Get the Recipes: Did Your Mom Make These? 20 Retro Recipes We Still Love!

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    Barbara Curry is the culinary adventurer of Butter & Baggage. With a dedicated enthusiasm for real butter made from happy cows she is in constant pursuit of delicious recipes and tasty dishes. She shares her experiences, ventures, and occasional misadventures because let’s face it things can get messy in any kitchen.

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