Church cookbooks often hold the best-kept secrets for mouthwatering side dishes that leave a lasting impression. These recipes are tried and true, passed down through generations, and sure to round out your meal. From creamy casseroles to savory salads, here are 20 irresistible side dishes from church cookbooks.
Crispy Cornbread With Honey Butter
When it comes to cornbread, there’s no substitute for the kind that’s moist on the inside with a perfectly golden crust. This church favorite is paired with honey butter, making it the ideal addition to any meal. The sweetness of the butter balances the slight saltiness of the cornbread.
Classic Potato Salad
A dish that always appears at church gatherings, classic potato salad is comforting and straightforward. Its creamy texture, combined with hard-boiled eggs, pickles, and a dash of mustard, brings a perfect balance of flavors. It goes with almost any main dish and is loved by every age group.
Garlic Butter Green Beans
Green beans often get a bad rap, but not when they’re drenched in garlic butter! This dish adds just the right amount of flavor, with a bit of crispness left in the beans. It’s a quick, easy side dish that packs a punch, making it a go-to at church potlucks.
Deviled Eggs (Grandma-Style)
These deviled eggs are always the first to disappear at church picnics. The creamy, tangy filling made from mayo, mustard, and a sprinkle of paprika on top hits all the right notes. The combination of textures is just right: firm egg whites with a smooth, seasoned filling.
Honey-Glazed Carrots
Sweet, tender carrots with a touch of honey glaze can turn any meal into a standout. The sweetness of the honey, combined with the savory flavor of the carrots, creates an irresistible side dish. It’s also a healthy way to add color and flavor to the plate.
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Broccoli and rice baked with a creamy cheese sauce make for a side dish that’s both indulgent and comforting. It’s a family favorite that’s been passed down through generations in church cookbooks. The hearty and rich casserole provides a satisfying balance to any main course.
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
This side dish is perfect for events when you want something a little extra special. Asparagus might seem fancy, but wrap it in crispy bacon, and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser. The smoky flavor from the bacon complements the freshness of the asparagus, creating a dish that’s savory and satisfying.
Classic Macaroni And Cheese
You can never go wrong with mac and cheese, especially when it’s made from scratch with a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Church versions are often baked to perfection with a crispy top layer. It’s the kind of delight that makes everyone ask for the recipe.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Comfort food at its best! Sweet potatoes are the star of this dish, often paired with a brown sugar and marshmallow topping that caramelizes as it bakes. The sweet flavor is a perfect complement to savory mains like ham or turkey—a popular choice for church feasts.
Southern-Style Collard Greens
Collard greens are a Southern cooking staple, and this church cookbook recipe brings out their best qualities. Cooked low and slow with a smoky ham hock, these greens are tender and flavorful. They’re the perfect side to any hearty meal and add a touch of Southern hospitality to the table.
Corn Pudding
Corn pudding pairs beautifully with roasted meats or grilled veggies. This creamy, slightly sweet side dish blends the goodness of cornbread with the richness of a custard. It’s easy to prepare and incredibly comforting—best for church potlucks and holiday meals.
Three-Bean Salad
Three-Bean Salad is a timeless, tangy dish made with green beans, wax beans, and kidney beans tossed in a zesty vinaigrette. Its bright, crisp flavors and colorful presentation make it a favorite at picnics and potlucks. This easy, protein-packed salad has been loved for generations.
Green Bean Almondine
Green bean almondine showcases the best of green beans by sauteing them with toasted almonds and a hint of lemon juice. The almonds add a delightful crunch, while the lemon juice brightens up the flavor. It’s a sophisticated side dish that’s surprisingly simple to make.
Baked Beans With Brown Sugar
Beloved for decades! Sweet, smoky, and savory baked beans with brown sugar are a classic side dish that always disappears fast. The beans absorb all the rich flavors from the slow-cooking process and the addition of brown sugar balances out the savory components.
Classic Coleslaw
Want the ideal complement to fried chicken, barbecue, or sandwiches? A well-made coleslaw can pair with any meal. Church versions have a balance of crunchy cabbage and a creamy dressing. People just can’t get enough of the tangy and sweet notes!
Buttery Biscuit Bombs
These flaky, buttery biscuits are soft on the inside with a light, golden-brown exterior. Church cookbook recipes often include a hint of garlic or cheddar for extra flavor, making them the perfect addition to any meal. When served warm, they’re impossible to resist and will have everyone asking for more.
Cucumber And Tomato Salad
A fresh, crisp cucumber and tomato salad is a refreshing way to balance out richer dishes. This simple recipe combines juicy tomatoes with crisp cucumbers, all tossed in a light vinaigrette. It’s light, bright, and perfect for adding a touch of color and freshness to your plate.
Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped Potatoes are rich and comforting. The dish is made with thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy, savory sauce. With its golden, bubbling top and tender layers, this classic recipe has been a family favorite for generations, pairing perfectly with hearty mains and bringing warmth to any meal.
Corn On The Cob With Herbed Butter
There’s something so satisfying about biting into sweet, tender corn on the cob. With herbed butter that melts into every kernel, you can take corn on the cob to a whole new level. It’s an easy, no-fuss side dish and a big crowd favorite that is mostly served at cookouts or potlucks.
Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried green tomatoes are crispy on the outside and tangy on the inside. Coated in a seasoned cornmeal crust and deep-fried to golden perfection, they make an irresistible side dish. Recipes usually call for a zesty dipping sauce on the side, adding even more flavor to this Southern classic.
Creamed Corn
It’s a cozy, creamy side dish that combines sweet corn with a buttery, rich sauce. Smooth, sweet, and incredibly easy to make, creamed corn is the best accompaniment to any big family meal or holiday table. Fresh corn is typically in peak season from late spring through early fall.
Apple Waldorf Salad
A perfect way to round out any church event spread! This sweet and crunchy salad combines apples, walnuts, and celery with a creamy dressing, which makes it both refreshing and filling. It’s a lighter option that contrasts nicely with heavier dishes and adds a pop of freshness to your meal.
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