22 Comforting Casseroles Perfect For The Church Christmas Potluck

These crowd-pleasing casseroles are begging to be served at the potluck.

By

Southern Living Editors

and

Patricia S York

Updated on October 13, 2023

Southern Living Pineapple Casserole serving on a plate — Photo:
Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Whether you bring comforting food to a friend or want to impress guests at a Christmas potluck, no other dish rises to the occasion like a casserole. Potluck casseroles exude gracefulness and ease, making them ideal for cozy, comforting meals. Plus, they're large enough to serve a crowd.

Hungry friends and relatives wait for months for the annual Christmas potluck so they can get a generous helping of their favorite cornbread dressings, cheesy pasta dishes, and chicken pot pies. We could go on and on about the utility and versatility of this one-pot wonder, but we will leave you with this: A casserole baking in the oven promises something good, honest, and wholesome.

These recipes are our best casserole dishes to bring to your next church Christmas potluck, or to enjoy whenever you crave some classic comfort food.

01 of 22

Chicken-and-Wild Rice Casserole

Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole — Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Buffy Hargett

A classic potluck dish comes together when combining rice and chicken into a casserole. When making for a large crowd, try using toasted almonds and a mixture of long-grain and wild rice to enhance the presentation. Combine ingredients into a cream of mushroom soup sauce, practically a casserole staple.

02 of 22

Husband's Delight

Southern Living Husband's Delight two servings scooped out onto plates — Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke

Think of this comforting casserole as a deconstructed lasagna. It comes together in just 45 minutes using a list of basic ingredients, most of which you probably already have on hand in your kitchen. It's topped off with two layers of cheese, a cream cheese mixture and a layer of shredded cheddar cheese, so that alone tells you it'll be delicious.

03 of 22

Southern Cornbread Dressing

Southern Cornbread Dressing — Photographer: Brittany Conerly; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin

In our opinion, the best dressing recipes start with cornbread. This dressing recipe freezes well, so feel free to prepare it in advance—you never know when you might need it. Fresh ingredients like sage, sweet onions, and celery make this a go-to side.

04 of 22

Ham And Noodle Casserole

Ham and Noodle Casserole — Jen Causey

Glazed ham is a traditional dish on holiday menus, and this recipe turns it into a crowd-pleasing casserole that's ideal for potlucks. Not only is it easy to transport, but it's also simple to pull together. cChive-and-onion-flavored cream cheese is the secret to adding plenty of flavor with little effort on your part.

05 of 22

Pineapple Casserole

Southern Living Pineapple Casserole serving on a plate — Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Not only is Pineapple Casserole a beloved casserole in the South, but it's actually simple to make and calls for just a handful of ingredients. It's one of those casseroles that's welcome at any occasion year-round, and the potluck menu will feel incomplete without one on the table.

06 of 22

Classic Baked Macaroni And Cheese

Southern Living Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese in the dish to serve with a serving scooped out — Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman

We wouldn't recommend showing up to the Christmas potluck with a boxed mac and cheese. Luckily, homemade macaroni and cheese comes together in just three easy steps so it's no much more effort that a boxed variety. Just make sure to shred you own cheese, never reached for the pre-shredded variety.

07 of 22

Old-Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie

Old-Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie — Stacy K. Allen; Food Stylist: Torie Cox; Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Chicken pot pie is a classic comfort food that's welcome at any gathering. Try shortcuts like deli-roasted chicken and refrigerated piecrust when you're in a pinch. This dish's savory gravy complements the vegetables combined in one warm and reassuring container.

08 of 22

Classic Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

Classic Sweet Potato Casserole — Emily Laurae/Southern Living

Showing up to the potluck with a warm casserole dish filled with Sweet Potato Casserole will ensure that you get invited back. You may think this sweet casserole that's topped with cornflakes and marshmallows is sweet enough to be a dessert, but since it's a side dish it can be enjoyed with the main meal.

09 of 22

Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

slow cooker green bean casserole in an oval dish with a gold spoon — Caitlin Bensel / Southern Living

Even at a potluck, the oven can become too crowded. Substitute your baking pan or Dutch oven for the slow-cooker for this classic green bean recipe. Add toasted toppings towards the end of your prep time.

10 of 22

Pasta-Chicken-Broccoli Bake

Pasta-Chicken-Broccoli Bake — Iain Bagwell; Prop Stylist: Heather Chadduck; Food Stylist: Ana Kelly

Cheesy broccoli and chicken is a fan-favorite casserole that hardly needs improvement. Add spinach and cheese tortellini, and you have your new signature dish. Everyone will request you bring it again. Topped with chopped pecans is the icing on this casserole cake.

11 of 22

Chicken Pot Pie with Bacon-and-Cheddar Biscuits

Chicken Pot Pie with Bacon-and-Cheddar Biscuits — Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Buffy Hargett

Bacon cheddar biscuits? Yes, please. This chicken pot pie, topped with warm, flakey biscuits, has the makings of a Southern classic. The vegetable medley makes this casserole a more hearty dish, and the hash browns make it something you'll want to eat for every meal of the day.

12 of 22

Cheeseburger Casserole

Cheeseburger Casserole — Photography: Alison Miksch, Prop Styling: Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland, Food Styling: Melissa Gray

Instead of standing by the grill throughout your entire potluck gathering, replace burgers with a cheeseburger casserole. This dish is a simpler solution than traditional burgers but delivers the same satisfying flavors. Tater tots and bacon make this dish the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

13 of 22

Overnight French Toast Casserole with Bourbon-Maple Syrup

Overnight Eggnog-French Toast Casserole — Caitlin Bensel

For a brunch potluck, this easy-to-assemble French toast casserole is the perfect dish to bring. Since you must chill it for at least eight hours, it's the perfect dish to make the night before. Kick this breakfast casserole up a notch by making bourbon maple syrup.

14 of 22

Cheesy Broccoli-and-Rice Casserole

Cheesy Broccoli-and-Rice Casserole — Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Covering anything in cheese makes it instant comfort food. Adding rice, mushrooms, and broccoli helps to make this casserole a complete one-dish meal. It's an excellent bake-and-take option for any occasion.

15 of 22

Meatball Pasta Bake

Meatball Pasta Bake — Photo: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Start with frozen meatballs to make this dish a more straightforward option to bring to any event. Make this dish a little more distinctive by adding orange juice and fennel. Chopped onions also add flavor if desired.

16 of 22

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Chicken Enchilada Casserole — Photo: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Enchilada casserole is exceptionally versatile. If you've celebrated with one-too-many chicken casseroles lately, try substituting pulled pork, BBQ brisket, or even shrimp into this recipe. The layered tortillas and spicy mixture make this a creamy delight.

17 of 22

Savory Sweet Potato Bread Pudding

Savory Sweet Potato Bread Pudding — Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

This savory casserole uses French bread as its base, making it a great side dish or main meal. Covering in a Parmesan custard, this bread pudding includes bacon, spinach, and roasted sweet potatoes. Cook the sweet potatoes first until tender.

18 of 22

Skillet-Baked Ziti with Andouille, Tomatoes, and Peppers

Skillet-Baked Ziti with Andouille, Tomatoes, and Peppers — Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

After cooking the pasta, this dish is a one-skillet meal you'll love to add to your regular recipe collection. Peppers and andouille sausage give this ziti a unique flavoring. If short on time, substitute andouille with spicy sausages like Italian sausage or pepperoni.

19 of 22

Cheesy Ham, Corn, and Grits Bake

Cheesy Ham, Corn, and Grits Bake — Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Caroline M. Cunnigham

This breakfast-inspired grits bake can be prepared, frozen, and cooked in about an hour. It's a perfect way to reduce your morning stress when bringing something to an early morning church potluck.

20 of 22

Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake Recipe

Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake — Hector Manuel Sanchez

Kale is a superfood, but this cheesy casserole is a superhero. Adding pasta and crispy breadcrumbs adds a savory, creamy mixture to this kale-based dish. Enjoy this casserole on its own or as a side dish at your next event.

21 of 22

Blueberry Pancake Breakfast Casserole

Blueberry Pancake Breakfast Casserole — Jennifer Causey

Pancakes usually don't go well when preparing this breakfast staple for a crowd, but this casserole version makes it possible. Like other breakfast bakes, prepare this pancake arrangement the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning. Top with blueberries in the morning just before baking.

22 of 22

Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Chicken Parmesan Casserole — Photographer: Will Dickey Prop Stylist: Missie Crawford Food Stylist: Erin Merhar

This Italian-inspired dish is topped with panko breadcrumbs and mozzarella cheese, making it a lighter version than its original meal. Pair this casserole with a side of pasta for a complete and hearty dinner.

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