55 Perfect Summer Potluck Recipes You Can Make In Your 13x9

All of our sweet and savory casserole favorites.

By

Kaitlyn Yarborough

Updated on May 21, 2024

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

Summertime is the best time for a Southern potluck full of dishes that take advantage of the season's vibrant bounty from farmers' markets, local farm stands, or even your own backyard. Unlike during the holidays, summer potlucks let you make it more about the fresh peaches, tomatoes, okra, corn, summer squash, and peas than anything else. Fresh, easy, and pretty enough for a get-together, these 13x9 summer potluck recipes, featuring crowd-friendly appetizers, seasonal sides, delicious casseroles, and flavorful desserts, will showcase every bright and colorful thing we love about summer.

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Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese

Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese — Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Bulk up macaroni and cheese with pulled pork from your favorite local joint, and you have a main and side dish all in one.

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Cakey Strawberry Cobbler

Southern Living Cakey Strawberry Cobbler with a serving scooped out and topped with vanilla ice cream — Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Ana Kelly; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

We can't be sure of which part we love the most: the fresh, juicy cooked strawberries or the golden, cake-like topping with crispy edges and a tender center.

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Ham Delights

Ham Delights - Southern Living — Antonis Achilleos; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

We updated this tried-and-true appetizer with flavorful Gouda cheese and a sprinkling of everything bagel seasoning. Bake in your trusty 13x9 to get nice and melty.

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Baked BLT Dip

Baked BLT Dip — Skyler Burt

Much like your go-to BLT sandwich, this dip is a seasonal summertime favorite made with bacon, cherry tomatoes, cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, and lemon juice.

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Cornbread Casserole

Southern Living Cornbread Casserole with a serving scooped out into a bowl — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Inspired by sweet and silky creamed corn, we turned a Southern breadbasket staple into a delicious baked casserole.

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Zucchini Lasagna

zucchini lasagna — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Kay E. Clarke; Food Stylist: Tina Stamos

Say hello to the prettiest use of summer's bounty. This lasagna alternates between layers of lasagna noodles and laced zucchini strips.

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Strawberry-Pretzel Jello Salad

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

With a delicious sweet and savory crust and a cream cheese filling, this retro Jello dessert is sure to be the life of the party!

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Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

loaded cauliflower casserole in a baking dish and bowls — Stacy K. Allen; Props: Julia Bayless; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

This is like a loaded baked potato, but in casserole form and made a little less rich by using cauliflower instead of heavy potatoes. It makes a super satisfying side dish.

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Toomer's Lemonade Sheet Cake

Southern Living Toomer's Lemonade Sheet Cake in the pan with a few pieces cut to serve — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christina Dailey

No occasion is complete without something sweet. This confection which takes inspiration from the beloved beverage uses plenty of lemon juice and zest in the frosting to ensure it is extra refreshing.

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Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip

Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip — Monica Farber

What makes this sensational recipe stand out? Lots of ooey, gooey cheese—including sharp Cheddar, pepper Jack, cream cheese, and crumbled blue cheese. Chopped cooked chicken makes it a breeze to whip together for a party.

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Zucchini, Squash, and Corn Casserole

Zucchini, Squash, and Corn Casserole — Hector Sanchez

Can you name a better summertime trio than zucchini, squash, and corn? Bound together with a cheesy, creamy filling, this bright dish gets beautifully golden on top to match that sunny weather.

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Tomato Pudding

Southern Living Tomato Pudding after baking — Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Ana Kelly, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Turn one of the South's favorite summertime produce varieties into an irresistible side in your 13x9 casserole dish with fresh tomatoes, thyme, tomato sauce, sourdough bread, and a little bit of brown sugar.

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Okra and Rice Casserole

Okra and Rice Casserole — Hector Sanchez

Tender sautéed okra, sweet corn, bell pepper, and tomatoes give this dish so much bright summery color. Cajun spices and buttery garlic breadcrumbs make sure it doesn't skimp on the flavor.

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Old-School Squash Casserole

squash casserole on a plate with a casserole dish behind it — Photographer: Fred Hardy II, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Props Stylist: Christina Brockman

This classic will make the most of the harvest. You can't go wrong when showing up with this bright crowd favorite.

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Banana Pudding Brownies

Southern Living Banana Pudding Brownies sliced and ready to serve — Hannah Hufham, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

A traditional banana pudding will always be a winner, but these easy-to-transport, banana flavored brownies will steal the show.

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New-School Pineapple Casserole

New-School Pineapple Casserole in casserole dish — Photo: James Ransom; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

The biggest change we made in our new take on classic pineapple casserole, which is perhaps slightly controversial, is we swapped the canned pineapple for fresh.

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Triple Berry Sonker With Dip

Berry Sonker with Dip — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl Jones

Some might call this fruity dessert a cobbler, but if you're from the Blue Ridge Mountains you know it better as a sonker. But regardless of its name, everyone can agree this summertime dessert is hard to beat.

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Reunion Pea Casserole

Reunion Pea Casserole — Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

This casserole packs a delicious punch. The stuffed-to-the-brim dish is full of Italian sausage, cheese, squash, and peas. Then, it's finished off with a buttery crescent roll crust.

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Fresh Peach Cobbler

Southern Living Fresh Peach Cobbler with a serving scooped into a bowl with ice cream — Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman

This recipe's name just about sums up why it's the perfect dish for a summertime gathering.

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Savannah Red Rice

Savannah Red Rice — Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

This regional delicacy is simple to prepare while still showcasing rich flavor. The smoky bacon and tangy tomatoes will keep guests coming back for more.

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Chicken Tortilla Casserole

Chicken Tortilla Casserole — Stacy K. Allen; Props: Josh Hoggle; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray

Get ready for your easiest ever Taco Tuesday without having to bring all the toppings separately. The only question left is: Who's making the margs?

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Lemon-Lime Poke Cake

Lemon-Lime Poke Cake in a rectangle blue pan — Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer Prop Stylist: Audrey Davis

Citrus-spiked sweetened condensed milk and buttermilk add a double-dose of moisture and tang to plain white cake.

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Key Lime Cheesecake Bars

Key Lime Cheesecake Bars — PHOTO: MORGAN HUNT GLAZE; FOOD STYLIST: CHELSEA ZIMMER; PROP STYLIST: CHRISTINE KEELY

These creamy bars are a breeze to pull together and combine two crowd-favorite desserts.

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Corn Pudding Casserole

corn pudding casserole - southern living — Courtney West

Corn pudding will always be a potluck go to and this recipe bakes up a creamy, herb-filled version that will have the whole table talking (and going back for seconds).

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Blueberry Bread Pudding

Blueberry Bread Pudding — Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Loren Wood; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Laden with extra juicy, in-season blueberries, crispy bits of bread, and a custardy filling, the only thing missing from this 13x9 dish is a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice-Baked Potato Casserole - Southern Living — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

People like potatoes in just about any form, and this is a new recipe to save as a go-to. We like to think of this dish as a portable, easy-to-portion take on twice-baked potatoes.

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Roasted Tomato Macaroni and Cheese

Roasted Tomato Macaroni and Cheese — Victor Protasio

Even your macaroni and cheese should have a summery touch, thanks to the bounty of ripe tomatoes at your fingertips. This comforting homemade mac-and-cheese will wow the kids and the adults alike at the potluck.

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Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Southern Living Chicken Spaghetti Casserole in the dish to serve — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

With chicken, vegetables, and pasta all held together by a creamy sauce, this casserole is a well-rounded, family-friendly meal.

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Baked Ziti with Summer Vegetables

Baked Ziti with Summer Vegetables — Alison Miksch

Loads of in-season squash and tomatoes give a freshness to this classic dish that's a staple at Southern reunions, potlucks, and funerals. Fresh mozzerella and basil top off the dish in a delicious fashion.

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Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

Southern Living Creamy Chicken Enchiladas in the baking dish to serve — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Made with a flavor-bursting chili-cheese gravy, this Tex-Mex casserole will be the tastiest thing at the potluck. Add any ingredients you have on hand, such as a can of corn, black beans, refried beans, or shredded chicken.

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Deep-Dish Loaded Hash Brown Casserole

Deep-Dish Loaded Hash Brown Casserole — Photographer: Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Missie Neville Crawford

This casserole captures the flavors of hash browns from the diner, but in a size that'll feed your whole family and can easily work for lunch and dinner, as well as breakfast.

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Pasta-Chicken-Broccoli Bake

Pasta-Chicken-Broccoli Bake — Iain Bagwell

This casserole is full of summer color with broccoli, bell peppers, and colorful spinach-and-cheese tortellini. It's always one of the first to disappear.

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Buffalo Chicken Casserole

Buffalo Chicken Casserole — Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Everyone's favorite party dip got a hearty upgrade with chicken and penne pasta making it the perfect bake-and-take for any potluck or weeknight dinner.

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Hummingbird Sheet Cake

Southern Living Hummingbird Sheet Cake — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Mary Clayton Carl Jones

This sheet cakes looks like it just belongs at a breezy picnic. The vanilla-flavored cornmeal batter makes a not-too-sweet base for the fresh berries and plums.

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Texas-Style Baked Beans

Texas-Style Baked Beans — Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Loren Wood; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

You can never go wrong when showing up to a summer cookout with baked beans—especially these smoky ones that call for bacon, jalapeños, beer, and chili powder for a little kick.

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Ham and Noodle Casserole

Ham and Noodle Casserole — Jen Causey

This family-friendly casserole is made with egg noodles, chopped ham, a tasty mix of vegetables (carrots, broccoli, asparagus), and a rich and creamy sauce.

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Party Potatoes

Party Potatoes - Southern Living — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

While we can list a number of reasons why this cheesy side dish deserves a spot at the potluck, just look at the recipe name for their party-worthy appeal.

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Red, White, and Blue Poke Cake

Red, White, and Blue Poke Cake — Jennifer Causey

This dessert pleases the crowd by being both patriotic and packed with fruity flavor. It's made with two fillings of fresh summer berries and topped with rich mascarpone frosting.

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Layered Squash Casserole

Layered Squash Casserole — Photographer: James Ransom, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

While this recipe is similar to classic squash casserole, the flavor is dialed up with a few key ingredients, such as Dijon mustard and white cheddar cheese.

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Cheeseburger Casserole

Cheeseburger Casserole - Southern Living — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Forget individual patties and whip up this cheeseburger casserole for a crowd. It's easy to tote and cut if you're bringing it to a party or serving individual slices for a group.

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Chicken-and-Wild Rice Casserole

Southern Living Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole with a serving scooped out onto a teal plate — Morgan Hunt Glaze; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Bring summertime freshness to your potluck lineup with this almond-topped casserole. Take a break from the pasta bakes with a wild rice casserole filled with chicken, water chestnuts, sour cream, and cheese.

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Tennessee Onions

Tennessee Onions — CAITLIN BENSEL; FOOD STYLIST: TORIE COX

This onion casserole is made with a handful of simple ingredients: sweet vidalia onions, cheese, and butter mainly. It's unsuspecting good for pairing at a burger cookout.

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Doritos Chicken Casserole

Southern Living Doritos Chicken Casserole serving on plate with casserole beside — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

If you're wondering what a Doritos casserole has to do with summer, then you must not be around children often. Nobody will complain when this dish shows up on the table!

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Macaroni Corn Casserole

Macaroni Corn Casserole — Will Dickey; Prop Styling: Christina Daley; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

We upped the ante on a classic side dish with crumbled bacon and pretty little corn kernels. It's topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs.

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Tamale Casserole

Southern Living Tamale Casserole on a plate ready to serve — Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Ana Kelly; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

One of our favorite quick-fix dishes to bring to the summer potluck, this take on a tamale pie is packed with a filling of ground beef, cornmeal, tomato sauce, and corn that gets finished with a layer of cheese.

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Pineapple Bread Pudding

Pineapple Bread Pudding — Victor Protasio

That extra bread in your kitchen has never been tastier. Made with pineapple pieces, pineapple juice, soft Hawaiian dinner rolls, and macadamia nuts, it's a tropical dream.

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Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake

Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake — Hector Manuel Sanchez

Make use of your lush greens from the farmers' market with this creamy bake with loads of cheese and tender kale. This dish comes together in half an hour, making it a hearty no-brainer for any get-together.

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French Onion Chicken Casserole

French Onion Chicken Casserole — Stacy Allen; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower

For this casserole, we quickly caramelized fresh onions for the filling and then topped everything with crispy fried onions before baking for double the French onion flavor.

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Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Bars

Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Bars — Linda Pugliese; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Instead of serving cake or pie at your next gathering, consider making these cheesecake bars in a casserole dish. They're easy to cut up and transport for a party, and, thanks to the fresh berries, the colors look especially festive for a 4th of July or Memorial Day celebration.

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Savory Corn Pudding

Savory Corn Pudding — Emily Laurae / Southern Living

Although corn pudding is technically a casserole, it has a rich, soft texture that's almost dessert-like. This corn pudding recipe puts a savory spin on the classic with the addition of chopped onion and fresh thyme.

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Classic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

Classic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes — Beth Dreiling Hontzas

There's nothing not to love about these scalloped potatoes, which are done up in a casserole dish with a load of parmesan and heavy cream. We recommend rounding out your meal with something on the light side like fresh vegetables.

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Peanut Butter Cake

Peanut Butter Cake - Southern Living — Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Bring this tender, peanut buttery cake your your next potluck and watch the crowd go into an absolute dessert frenzy.

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Smoky-Sweet Baked Beans

Southern Living Smoky-Sweet Baked Beans in a serving dish with grilled corn beside — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

This gently lightened-up version of baked beans delivers all the flavor of the original with much less refined sugar.

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Chicken Tortilla Casserole

Chicken Tortilla Casserole — Stacy K. Allen; Props: Josh Hoggle; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray

This easy casserole tastes just like a plate of your favorite loaded nachos.

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Lemon Lush

Lemon Lush - Southern Living — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

With its easy press-in crust and sweet-tart filling, this make-ahead crowd icebox pleaser is perfect for summer parties.

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