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    Home » MSN Slideshows

    31 Recipes Grandma Took to Every Potluck—And We’re Still Asking for Them

    Published: Jul 22, 2025 by Barbara Curry

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    Some dishes just have that timeless magic—no matter how many times they show up, they’re always the first to go. These are the kind of recipes Grandma took to every potluck, the ones that had everyone asking for the secret ingredient. From buttery casseroles to old-school desserts, her lineup never missed. Even now, we’re still holding on to those handwritten cards and passing them around like treasure.

    Cheesy Corn Casserole With Cream Cheese And Ham

    A serving spoon in a corn casserole.
    Cheesy Corn Casserole With Cream Cheese And Ham. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.


     

    This ultra cheesy corn casserole with cream cheese and ham will be your new favorite side dish! Creamy, cheesy, and so much flavor!
    Get the Recipe: Cheesy Corn Casserole With Cream Cheese And Ham

    Ambrosia Fruit Salad With Marshmallows

    A glass bowl filled with creamy fruit salad, inspired by vintage recipes, is topped with a red maraschino cherry; the salad contains marshmallows, fruit pieces, and whipped cream. Silver spoons rest beside the bowl on a gray surface.
    Ambrosia Fruit Salad With Marshmallows. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

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    A nostalgic Ambrosia salad with mandarin oranges, pineapple, marshmallows, and coconut, topped with creamy whipped cream and a touch of sour cream.
    Get the Recipe: Ambrosia Fruit Salad With Marshmallows

    Creamy Green Bean Casserole Without Canned Soup

    A serving spoon in a green bean casserole made from scratch,
    Creamy Green Bean Casserole Without Canned Soup. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Follow these steps at home to make this creamy casserole with fresh green beans. No canned mushroom soup here! A homemade cream sauce is used.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Green Bean Casserole Without Can

    Broccoli Casserole With Homemade Cheese Sauce

    A spoon full of cheesy broccoli casserole in a baking dish.
    Broccoli Casserole With Homemade Cheese Sauce. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This baked, bubbling broccoli and cheddar cheese sauce casserole is a quick and simple side dish made with fresh broccoli — and without soup or rice!
    Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole With Homemade Cheese Sauce

    Corn And Cucumber Salad With Greek Yogurt

    A creamy cucumber salad with corn in a glass bowl with a serving spoon
    Corn And Cucumber Salad With Greek Yogurt. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Jazz up your salad menu with a Corn and Cucumber Salad. The mixture of veggies in a creamy yogurt, mayo and dill dressing make it a favorite.
    Get the Recipe: Corn And Cucumber Salad With Greek Yogurt

    Oven Roasted Crispy Potatoes And Onions

    A serving bowl of crispy potatoes and onions.
    Oven Roasted Crispy Potatoes And Onions. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Try some easy oven roasted potatoes and onions for a spectacular side dish that is great with any meal.
    Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Crispy Potatoes And Onions

    Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

    A clear bowl of ranch potato salad.
    Bacon Ranch Potato Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Ranch potato salad loaded with bacon, cheese and a sour cream ranch dressing is just what you need for your next potluck.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

    Quick and Easy Zucchini Casserole Recipe

    Quick and Easy Zucchini Casserole Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    When life gives you fresh zucchini, make this cheesy Zucchini Casserole! It’s loaded with fresh zucchini, a velvety cream sauce, herbs, cheesy pepper jack, and crunchy panko breadcrumbs! Bakes in 30 minutes and is make-ahead and freezer-friendly!
    Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Zucchini Casserole Recipe

    Savory Green Beans With Bacon

    A bowl of Green Beans with Bacon and Onions, topped with crispy bacon pieces and caramelized onions, sits on a light cloth napkin with serving utensils. A small dish of extra bacon crumbles is nearby for added flavor.
    Savory Green Beans With Bacon. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Green Beans with Bacon and Onions will transform a simple side dish into a FABULOUS one. Great for when you want to jazz up your vegetables.
    Get the Recipe: Savory Green Beans With Bacon

    Mexican Corn Casserole

    Close-up of a creamy corn casserole with a golden, crumbly topping, garnished with a small sprig of parsley, and a spoon scooping out a portion.
    Mexican Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

    Mexican Corn Casserole is Mexican Street Corn remixed! With all of the same Mexican flavors but fresh OFF the cob and oh so comforting!
    Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Casserole

    Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Casserole With Gruyere

    A close-up of homemade scalloped potatoes with a golden, bubbly cheese and cream topping, sprinkled with black pepper. A serving spoon rests in the dish, and a small bowl of grated cheese is visible in the background.
    Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Casserole With Gruyere. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This side dish casserole for cheesy scalloped potatoes is made with thinly sliced Yukon gold potatoes and fresh garlic, milk and cream, plus gruyere cheese.
    Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Casserole With Gruyere

    Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Buttermilk

    A bowl of creamy coleslaw with shredded purple cabbage, carrots, and herbs sits on a gray cloth napkin next to vintage silver utensils—perfect as one of your favorite dinner side dishes.
    Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Buttermilk. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Looking for a mouthwatering red cabbage coleslaw recipe? Try our quick and easy Southern dish that is perfect for busy cooks. Enjoy the creamy goodness!
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Buttermilk

    Old Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes And Ham

    A serving spoon removing some potato and ham casserole.
    Old Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes And Ham. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Scalloped potatoes and ham is a comforting casserole of potatoes and tasty chunks of ham in a creamy white sauce under a layer of gooey gruyere.
    Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes And Ham

    Twice Baked Mashed Potato Casserole

    A serving of baked mashed potatoes being taken out of a casserole dish.
    Twice Baked Mashed Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    All the flavors of a twice baked potato in a casserole. Baked mashed potatoes with cheese and green onions are the perfect side dish.
    Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Mashed Potato Casserole

    Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad

    Ranch pasta salad in a bowl with a wooden spoon.
    Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    With all the classic flavors of creamy ranch dressing, salty bacon, and cheddar cheese, this ranch pasta salad is a refreshing crowd pleaser.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad

    Creamy Macaroni Salad With Cheese

    Creamy Macaroni Salad With Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    A Southern-style macaroni salad made with a creamy mayo, sour cream and dijon mustard dressing. Mix with cheddar cheese to finish, and served chilled.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Macaroni Salad With Cheese

    Crispy Potatoes Au Gratin With Gruyere

    Potatoes au gratin in a baking dish with a serving spoon.
    Crispy Potatoes Au Gratin With Gruyere. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Crispy Au Gratin Potatoes are thinly sliced potatoes stacked on their side for the creamiest potatoes with crispy edges in every bite.
    Get the Recipe: Crispy Potatoes Au Gratin With Gruyere

    Summer Squash Casserole With Ritz Crackers

    A scoop of a squash casserole.
    Summer Squash Casserole With Ritz Crackers. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This cheesy squash casserole with Ritz crackers and sour cream has a cheesy, tangy sauce and buttery topping. Perfectly baked and never mushy.
    Get the Recipe: Summer Squash Casserole With Ritz Crackers

    Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Pears

    Balsamic vinegar being poured over roasted sweet potatoes.
    Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Pears. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Not as sweet as sweet potato casserole, Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pears is a healthy addition to your potluck spread.
    Get the Recipe: Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Pears

    Baked Macaroni & Cheese With Cottage Cheese

    A serving of mac and cheese being removed from a casserole dish.
    Baked Macaroni & Cheese With Cottage Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    With cottage cheese blended into its sauce, this baked one-pot mac and cheese recipe is ultra-creamy. A delicious twist on classic mac & cheese.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Macaroni & Cheese With Cottage Cheese

    Grilled Corn Salad With Blueberries

    A clear glass bowl of corn salad with blueberries.
    Grilled Corn Salad With Blueberries. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    You’ll love this Grilled Corn Salad with Blueberries with a little cumin, onions and cilantro to give this a savory twist.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Salad With Blueberries

    Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

    A spoon taking out a serving of cauliflower casserole.
    Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This cheesy cauliflower casserole is fast and easy to make. With sharp white cheddar and smoked paprika, it’s ooey gooey cheesy goodness!
    Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

    Tex Mex Summer Squash Casserole With A Kick!

    A serving of cheesy casserole topped with sour cream and chopped green onions sits on a dark plate next to a fork. The dish, ideal for Cinco de Mayo recipes, features melted cheddar cheese and visible slices of jalapeño.
    Tex Mex Summer Squash Casserole With A Kick!. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Tex Mex casserole uses fresh summer squash and Rotel tomatoes over a base of crunchy tortilla chips, all topped with cheese!
    Get the Recipe: Tex Mex Summer Squash Casserole With A Kick

    Spicy Roasted Cauliflower With Browned Butter

    Roasted cauliflower with brown butter in a serving bowl.
    Spicy Roasted Cauliflower With Browned Butter. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Roasted Cauliflower is even better with some browned butter. Add a little spicy and some pumpkin seeds for a great side dish.
    Get the Recipe: Spicy Roasted Cauliflower With Browned Butter

    Mexican Cornbread Recipe With Creamed Corn

    A stack of Mexican cornbread on a rack.
    Mexican Cornbread Recipe With Creamed Corn. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Try a Tex-Mex version of Southern cornbread made with creamed corn and green chilies. A super moist cornbread that you can prep in 10 minutes.
    Get the Recipe: Mexican Cornbread Recipe With Creamed Corn

    Baked Macaroni Pie With Just 5 Ingredients

    A casserole dish of baked macaroni pie.
    Baked Macaroni Pie With Just 5 Ingredients. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Baked macaroni and cheese has a rich, creamy texture and is so easy to make. Prep in under 30 minutes, with only 5 ingredients.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Macaroni Pie With Just 5 Ingredients

    Southern 7 Layer Salad with Peas and Mayo

    A bowl of 7 layer salad next to a serving spoon.
    Southern 7 Layer Salad with Peas and Mayo. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    With its gorgeous rows of colors and bright flavors, this classic Southern seven-layer salad is the perfect make-ahead dish for family gatherings or a church potluck.
    Get the Recipe: Southern 7 Layer Salad with Peas and Mayo

    Best Southern Corn Pudding Recipe

    A baked corn pudding with a serving spoon removing a portion.
    Best Southern Corn Pudding Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    A Southern Corn Pudding with fresh corn is an easy side that you can prep in 10 minuets. Make it ahead of time for an easy Holiday side.
    Get the Recipe: Best Southern Corn Pudding Recipe

    Creamy Pea Salad With Cheddar Cheese

    A pea salad with cheddar cheese in a serving bowl.
    Creamy Pea Salad With Cheddar Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This green pea salad is a Southern favorite that comes together in one bowl. Easy to make ahead, it’s flavorful with a touch of a spicy kick.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Salad With Cheddar Cheese

    No Mayo Roasted Potato Salad With Bacon

    A glass bowl of roasted potato salad
    No Mayo Roasted Potato Salad With Bacon. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This warm Roasted Potato Salad is not only great for your next potluck or cook out, but it’s perfect for a simple dinner.
    Get the Recipe: No Mayo Roasted Potato Salad With Bacon

    Cornbread Corn Pudding

    A spoonful of cornbread corn pudding.
    Cornbread Corn Pudding. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This baked cornbread casserole features a custardy cornbread pudding base,mixed with toasted cornbread and fresh or frozen corn. Top with grated cheese!
    Get the Recipe: Cornbread Corn Pudding

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    Barbara holds a tote bag filled with flowers, baguettes, and fresh produce at an indoor market.

    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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