35 Grandma-Approved Recipes To Take To Your Next Bible Study

From salty to sweet, no church gathering is complete without plenty of snacks.

By

Updated on August 20, 2024

Sausage Balls - Southern Living — Photo:
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Whether you're hosting a group at your home or need a dish to bring along to your next bible study, these classic Southern recipes are reminiscent of what you would probably find perusing the pages of a vintage church cookbook. These are the recipes your Grandma refused to share with any of her church friends—they're that good.

From simple recipes that even novice cooks can pull off to homemade desserts that'll blow everyone away, we've got options for anyone. This recipe collection is proof that sometimes, simple is really best. After all, nobody can resist a handful of Buttery Toasted Pecans—and our Buttered Saltines are known to disappear quickly. If you're looking to make something a bit more elaborate, our Million Dollar Pound Cake is always a winner, as is Gooey Butter Cake.

These crowd-pleasing recipes have stood the test of time, so we know they'll please everyone in your bible study group. They also make great refreshment ideas for church events.

01 of 35

Homemade Brownies

Southern Living Homemade Brownies on a plate to serve with a glass of milk — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

While sometimes boxed brownies may come to the rescue in a pinch, we recommend making a homemade version for Bible study. They come together with just 15 minutes of hands-on time.

Homemade Brownies

02 of 35

Bacon Bow Tie Crackers

Bacon Bow Tie Crackers — Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Tami Hardeman

These crackers are so good that we recommend at least doubling this recipe, which is easy to do since you'll need just two ingredients: bacon and buttery crackers.

03 of 35

Party Cheese Ball

party cheese ball — Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

This classic appetizer comes together in just 10 minutes, so you can make it at the last minute if needed. We like serving with a variety of crackers and cut vegetables.

04 of 35

Gooey Butter Cake

gooey butter cake — Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

Even though it's called cake this classic recipe is still easy to serve in squares without any mess. It's also much easier to transport than a layer cake.

05 of 35

Nuts And Bolts

Nuts And Bolts — Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

This homemade snack mix is made for munching. It can also be made ahead and stored in an airtight container, so if you're on a tight schedule on the way to bible study, you can prepare it in advance to save time.

06 of 35

Baked Brie In Puff Pastry

Baked Brie In Puff Pastry — Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Easy yet impressive, this cheesy appetizer also makes a beautiful centerpiece. Plus, you'll need just four ingredients, plus an assortment of crackers and apples for dipping.

07 of 35

Butter-Baked Saltine Crackers

Southern Living Butter Baked Saltines on a platter to serve — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

Although this snack recipe couldn't be any more simple, we guarantee it'll still impress your guests. Like many of our favorite appetizer recipes, it just requires two ingredients.

08 of 35

Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs

Grape Jelly Meatballs — Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Ali Ramee; Prop Styling: Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland

If you'll be meeting during dinnertime and need a heartier dish, this classic recipe was made for company. Thanks to the slow cooker, it's easy to keep this dish warm.

09 of 35

Luscious Lemon Bars

Luscious lemon bars on parchment paper — Fred Hardy; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke

This lemon bar recipe cab be prepared up to one month ahead of time and kept in the freezer, perfect to keep on hand for your weekly gathering.

10 of 35

Buttery Toasted Pecans

Buttery Toasted Pecans — Photo: Iain Bagwell

About as simple as it gets, a bowlful of toasted pecans is the perfect snack to set out to enjoy at the beginning of a bible study gathering.

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Million Dollar Pound Cake

million dollar pound cake - southern living — Will Dickey

You're just seven ingredients away from getting this homemade cake on the table. It's great on its own or with fresh berries on top.

12 of 35

Cheddar Cheese Straws

Cheese Straws — Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford

With a recipe this simple and delicious, you'll never serve store-bought cheese straws again. Plus, the recipe makes 10 dozen, so there will be plenty with just one batch.

Cheddar Cheese Straws

13 of 35

Muddy Buddy Mix

Muddy Buddy Mix — Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall Prop Stylist: Audrey Davis

There's no baking required to pull together this sweet snack. In addition to powdered sugar, we add some unsweetened cocoa to the coating of this classic snack.

14 of 35

Ham-and-Cheese Sliders

Ham-And-Cheese Sliders — Photography and Styling: Karen Rankin

If you're looking for a more filling snack that's still easy to serve, these sliders will satisfy everyone's appetite. They come together from start to finish in just 30 minutes.

15 of 35

Toasted Oatmeal Cookies

Toasted Oatmeal Cookies Recipe — Hector Manuel Sanchez

Toasting the oatmeal in this recipe is the key to giving classic oatmeal cookies an instant upgrade.

16 of 35

Pimiento Cheese

Southern Living Basic Pimento Cheese in a bowl to serve with crackers and vegetables — Fred Hardy; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke

You can never go wrong with this Southern staple. Just make sure to grate your own cheese for this recipe just like Grandma does.

17 of 35

Mamie Eisenhower's Chocolate Fudge

Southern Living Mamie Eisenhower Chocolate Fudge cut and ready to serve — Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Christine Keeley

A no-bake dessert everyone will love? Yes, please.

18 of 35

Sausage Balls

Sausage Balls - Southern Living — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Sausage balls come together with just three ingredients. They're also great to serve at any time of the day so they're suitable for both morning and evening bible study groups.

19 of 35

Chocolate Peanut Butter-Fudge Bars

Peanut Butter-Fudge Bars — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

If you'll have a large group, this recipe makes 32 bars in one batch so there will be plenty to go around.

20 of 35

Egg Salad Sandwiches

Egg Salad Sandwiches — Jen Causey

We're always looking for a reason to serve egg salad, and bible study sounds like a good reason to us.

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Cheese Dreams

Cheese Dreams — Antonis Achilleos; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

You'll know these cheesy bites are ready to take out of the oven when they're golden brown in color.

22 of 35

Party Puffs with Ham Salad

Cheese Puffs with Ham Salad — Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: Torie Cox

These puffs are practically begging for a spot on the table of a lunchtime bible study. Ham salad is delicious on its own, but is even better when served on a cheesy puff.

23 of 35

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Strawberry-Pretzel Jello Salad in a red dish with strawberry linen — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Be careful bringing this one around your bible study group, it may become your specialty that's requested every week!

24 of 35

Homemade Chicken Salad

Homemade Chicken Salad on a white plate with lettuce leaves, tomatoes, and crackers — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This simple old-fashioned recipe will keep everyone full, and happy. It can be served over greens, with crackers, or on bread.

25 of 35

Cream Cheese Brownies

Cream Cheese Brownies — Micah A. Leal

Cream cheese ensures that these brownies have an extra-gooey texture.

26 of 35

Warm Cheese Box Bites

Warm Cheese Box Bites — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

This classic community cookbook recipe is best when served warm. However, they can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to three months before they're baked.

27 of 35

Smoky Snack Mix

Smoky Snack Mix — Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

The bowl will be empty before you know it, so you may want to double or triple this hard-to-resist mix.

28 of 35

Pimiento Cheese-Stuffed Peppers

Southern Living Pimiento Cheese-Stuffed Peppers on a blue platter to serve — Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray

Need a Hail Mary appetizer? Two ingredients and 20 minutes will solve your hosting woes in a flash—and no one will be the wiser.

29 of 35

Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

All-Time Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies — Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Chocolate chip cookies will never disappoint, especially when they're made from scratch.

30 of 35

Cheese Slaw

Southern Living Cheese Slaw in a bowl to serve — Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Born in Roanoke, Virginia, this "cousin of pimiento cheese" will be beloved by all. Serve with crackers or crudité.

31 of 35

Heaven in a Bowl

Southern Living Heaven in a Bowl ready to serve — Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Marianne Williams, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

The name says it best: This chocolate-y, peanut butter-y trifle is sure to win over even the pickiest in the bunch.

32 of 35

Kentucky Benedictine Sandwiches

Southern Living Kentucky Benedictine Sandwiches on a tray to serve — Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This classic, two-bite snack comes with a short ingredient list and even easier prep instructions. Make a couple dozen and watch them disappear.

33 of 35

Hot Bacon and Swiss Dip

Southern Living Hot Bacon and Swiss Dip scooped out and ready to serve with vegetables — Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

This hearty dip pairs as well with prayer requests as it does with a good football game. Ask us how we know.

34 of 35

Conecuh Sausage Pigs in Blankets

Southern Living Fancy Pigs in Blankets on a plate to serve with sauce — Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Micah Morton; Prop Stylist: Ginny Branch

The Alabama-made sausage and flaky layers of puff pastry elevate this childhood after-school favorite.

35 of 35

Pimiento Cheese Flatbread

Southern Living Pimento Cheese Flatbread on a board to serve with extra pimento cheese — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Use pre-made pizza dough from the grocery store to make this deliciously easy, super Southern shortcut for focaccia.

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