20 Classic Church Picnic Recipes

A good church picnic is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of community, comfort, and recipes passed down through generations.

These dishes come packed in casserole carriers and covered in foil, ready to be shared with friends and neighbors under the sun. From savory sides to sweet finishes, these picnic staples are made with heart and always disappear fast.

Here are 20 classic recipes that bring everyone to the table.

1. Deviled Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs get halved and filled with a creamy mix of mayo, mustard, and a touch of tangy pickle juice. A dash of paprika on top seals the deal.

Cool, creamy, and gone in minutes, they travel well and vanish fast. Every picnic starts with a platter of these.

2. Southern Fried Chicken

Juicy chicken pieces are marinated, dredged in seasoned flour, and fried until golden with an audible crunch. Serve warm or room temperature.

The crispy coating holds its magic all afternoon. Kids and grown-ups alike reach for drumsticks first.

3. Potato Salad

Tender potatoes are tossed in a creamy blend of mayo, mustard, chopped eggs, and celery for crunch. A sprinkle of paprika or dill finishes it.

It chills beautifully in a cooler and tastes even better the next day. This one’s a picnic essential.

4. Macaroni And Cheese

Elbow noodles swim in a buttery cheddar sauce, baked until bubbly and golden on top. Some recipes add a crunchy breadcrumb crust.

Rich, gooey, and completely comforting, it’s the side that makes every plate better. Always bake extra.

5. Green Bean Casserole

Canned green beans get mixed with creamy mushroom soup and topped with crispy fried onions. Bake until warm and bubbling.

Soft, salty, and crispy in every bite, this nostalgic dish always brings smiles. A must for every season.

6. Baked Beans

Slow-cooked beans with brown sugar, molasses, and bits of smoky bacon create a sweet and savory side. Let them bubble until thick.

They go with everything from burgers to pulled pork. Warm or cold, they’re always welcome.

7. Coleslaw

Shredded cabbage and carrots get tossed in a tangy mayo or vinegar-based dressing. Serve crisp and cool straight from the fridge.

It’s a crunchy, refreshing contrast to heavier dishes. A great way to balance out the plate.

8. Cornbread Muffins

These golden muffins are lightly sweet with a crumbly texture and just the right touch of cornmeal. Some versions sneak in jalapeños or cheese.

Good for soaking up sauces or spreading with honey butter. Warm or room temp, they never last long.

9. Ham And Swiss Sliders

Mini Hawaiian rolls get layered with ham and melty cheese, brushed with a buttery mustard glaze, and baked until gooey.

Pull-apart, salty-sweet magic in every bite. Easy to transport and even easier to devour.

10. Classic Lemon Bars

Bright lemon custard sits atop a shortbread crust, dusted in powdered sugar. Sweet, tart, and buttery all at once.

They slice neatly into squares and hold up well in picnic trays. A sunny finish to any meal.

11. Fruit Salad With Whipped Cream

Chunks of melon, grapes, berries, and bananas are folded into a cloud of lightly sweetened whipped cream or Cool Whip.

Soft, cool, and slightly nostalgic, it’s dessert disguised as a salad. A bowl of this always gets scraped clean.

12. Pimento Cheese Sandwiches

Sharp cheddar, mayo, and chopped pimentos create a creamy, tangy spread that’s slathered between slices of soft white bread.

Cut into triangles for the full effect. It’s Southern comfort in sandwich form.

13. Peach Cobbler

Sliced peaches bubble beneath a buttery biscuit topping or golden cake crust. Best served warm, but still dreamy at room temp.

Cinnamon and sugar bring out the juicy sweetness. A scoop of cobbler tastes like summer itself.

14. Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

Rotini pasta gets tossed with crisp veggies, olives, and salami, then soaked in zesty bottled or homemade dressing.

Served chilled, it’s tangy, colorful, and endlessly adaptable. A reliable favorite for feeding a crowd.

15. Layered Jello Salad

Bright gelatin layers alternate with creamy fillings, sometimes studded with fruit or marshmallows. Chill in a glass dish to show it off.

Wiggly, whimsical, and retro in the best way. It’s more dessert than salad—and nobody minds.

16. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Slow-cooked pork is shredded and mixed with tangy barbecue sauce, then piled high onto soft buns. Add coleslaw for crunch.

Sticky, savory, and satisfying, they’re the first thing to disappear from the buffet. Extra napkins required.

17. Banana Pudding

Layers of vanilla pudding, sliced bananas, and Nilla Wafers stack into a chilled dessert that’s soft and sweet.

Topped with whipped cream or meringue, it’s pure comfort in a spoon. The longer it sits, the better it gets.

18. Seven-Layer Dip

Refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, cheese, olives, and green onions form colorful layers in a wide dish.

Scoop with tortilla chips for the perfect bite. Cold, creamy, and always gone before the prayer circle.

19. Biscuits And Sausage Gravy

Biscuits and sausage gravy is a hearty breakfast dish that brings comfort to any picnic setting. Flaky biscuits get smothered in creamy sausage gravy with black pepper and just a hint of heat.

Best served warm from a crockpot or covered dish. Pure Southern comfort in every ladle.

20. Sweet Tea

Brewed strong and sweetened while warm, this Southern staple is chilled and served over ice with lemon slices.

Golden, brisk, and refreshing, it’s the sip everyone’s holding between bites. Picnic-perfect hydration in a glass.