Classic church recipes often come from community cookbooks, potluck gatherings, and family recipe collections. These dishes are designed to be comforting, easy to make in large quantities, and shareable for events like church socials, potlucks, or fundraisers. Below are a few classic recipes that might remind you of a church gathering.
Classic Church Recipes
Welcome to a collection of special recipes that have been loved in churches for years. These dishes are not just tasty; they bring people together and fill our hearts with joy. In this list, we have some amazing recipes like Chocolate Chess Pie, Classic Cheese Ball, Mama's Fried Chicken, and King Ranch Chicken Casserole.
Each recipe is easy to follow so you can make these delicious meals at home. Whether it's a family dinner or a big gathering, these classic church recipes will make everyone happy. Let's start cooking and bring these wonderful flavors to your table.
Chocolate Chess Pie
This classic dessert, made with a dash of cocoa and possibly a sprinkle of espresso powder, is surprisingly easy to whip up, showing that good things don't always take time. Perfect for impressing friends or comforting family, its simplicity in preparation hides the depth of flavor within.
Ingredients:
- 1 pie crust, store-bought or homemade
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon instant espresso powder, optional
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ⅔ cup evaporated milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- Lightly sweetened whipped cream, for serving, optional
Classic Cheese Ball
Growing up, a Classic Cheese Ball wasn't just a tasty snack, it was a holiday tradition, handed out to neighbors as a savory surprise. Made with sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and rolled in crunchy pecans, this easy-to-make appetizer brings a perfect mix of textures and tastes. It's not just delicious; it's a fun, shareable way to enjoy cheese with a twist. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- ½ cup minced green bell pepper
- 4 scallions, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 small lemon)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup chopped pecans, for rolling
To serve:
- Crackers
- Fresh vegetables, such as celery sticks or radishes
- Chips
Mama's Fried Chicken
This delightfully simple recipe brings the warmth of mama's kitchen to your table. With its golden, crispy exterior and succulent inside, it's the essence of comfort food. A good soak in buttermilk, making it wonderfully tender.
Ingredients:
- 1 (3- to 4-lb.) whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 tsp. pepper
- 2 cups buttermilk
- Self-rising flour
- Vegetable oil
Candied Sweet Potatoes
Ideal for Thanksgiving, this treat is all about sharing joy. This recipe makes potatoes that hit the sweet spot between tender and blissfully sweet, laced with a hint of rosemary and a crunch of pecans. The perfect balance of sorghum's earthiness and a sprinkle of flaky salt to finish.
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup packed dark brown sugar
- ½ cup (4 oz.) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup sorghum syrup
- 1 Tbsp. (½ oz.) bourbon
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp. chopped fresh rosemary, plus more for garnish
- ½ tsp. ground ginger
- ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
- 3 ½ lb. sweet potatoes (about 6 medium potatoes), peeled and sliced into ½-in.-thick slices (about 10 cups)
Cooking spray
- ½ cup toasted pecan halves, chopped
- Flaky sea salt
King Ranch Chicken Casserole
It's a cozy, baked treasure with layers of shredded chicken, creamy soups, green chiles, and melting cheese, all nestled between soft tortillas. The added pop of spices like cumin and chipotle powder gives it a kick that will have everyone asking for seconds. Easy to make with pantry staples, it turns dinner into a special occasion without all the fuss.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- medium green bell pepper, diced
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers (such as RO*TEL®)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ancho chile powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon chipotle chile powder
- 1 (3 pound) cooked chicken, torn into shreds or cut into chunks
- 1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese
- 10 (6 inch) corn tortillas, cut into quarters
Awesome and Easy Creamy Corn Casserole
Loved for its simplicity, you just stir the ingredients, bake, and enjoy. It's a mix of sweet corn, rich sour cream, and a fluffy cornbread layer that comes together to make every bite heavenly.
Ingredients:
- 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 (14.75 ounce) can creamed corn
- 1 (8.5 ounce) package dry cornbread mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Sweet Onion Creamed Corn
Passed down for over 40 years, its creamy texture and the gentle sweetness of onions make it a timeless favorite. It's not just corn—it's a side dish with a story, embodying comfort and friendship in every kernel smothered in velvety cream.
Ingredients:
- 5 bacon strips, chopped
- 1 large sweet onion, chopped
- 1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
- 5 cups frozen corn (about 24 ounces), thawed
- 2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
- ½ cup half-and-half cream
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed and softened
Swedish Rice Ring
This creamy rice creation, hugged by a smooth blend of gelatin and whipped cream, forms a beautiful ring that's as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Loved in Minnesota church suppers and family feasts alike, its charm lies in its simplicity and the joy of sharing. Just add sweet strawberries for a touch of sweetness and watch it become everyone's favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
- ¼ cup cold water
- 3 cups whole milk
- ½ cup uncooked long-grain rice
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- Fresh or thawed frozen sweetened strawberries (for serving)
Moroccan Slow Cooker Bean Stew
This traditional Moroccan recipe combines Cannellini Beans, tomatoes, and fragrant spices to warm you on the coldest nights. It's a simple dish that works magic in a slow cooker, creating a meal that's not only delicious but also nutritious. With plant-based protein and fiber, Loubia stands out for its easy preparation and hearty satisfaction, making it perfect for any dinner table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried Cannellini beans
- ¼ c olive oil
- 1 large onion
- 3 medium tomatoes
- 5 cloves garlic peeled
- 2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoon powdered ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ⅛ teaspoon Cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ c parsley finely chopped
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 3 ½ c water
Ham Noodle Casserole
Perfect for using up that ham and delighting everyone at the table. This dish is a simple blend of smoky ham and tender noodles, wrapped in a creamy sauce, then baked until golden. It's your go-to for a no-fuss family dinner or a hit at potlucks. Beyond its comforting taste, this casserole shines for its ease and flexibility—toss in any veggie or cheese you have, making every bite a warm hug of flavors.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked ham diced
- 2 cups egg noodles uncooked
- 1 10.5-ounce cancream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas
