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I Always Turn To Grandma's Recipe Box For Summer Potluck Success

The best way to beat the summer heat is in the shade of the family tree.

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mac and cheese with pimentos and bacon topped with breadcrumbs
PHOTO: LINDA PUGLIESE; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Listen, I know a potluck technically isn’t a competition, but don’t you feel at least a little bit better about yourself heading home with no leftovers to wrap up? Nobody wants to watch as person after person passes by their dish without a second thought. With summer potluck season in full swing, it’s time to pull out the big guns. For when you need a no-nonsense recipe that has proven to win the hearts of potluckers time and time again, grandma’s recipe box is the only place to turn. I’ve gathered 24 of our favorite grandma-approved recipes to guarantee you potluck success this summer.

Like any good grandma-worthy list, I’ve gathered plenty of casseroles, some classic nostalgic throwbacks, and several great sweets. While our tater tot casserole, ultimate tuna noodle casserole, and Jell-O cake are sure to earn oohs and aahs, it's side dishes that really shine at a summer potluck. We’ve got plenty to choose from, like our 7-layer dip, our cocktail meatballs, and our cheesy shrimp & grits bites.

Grandmas know how to take advantage of seasonal produce, and so should you. Take advantage of the best the summer has to offer with mains and sides like our yellow squash casserole, tomato feta pinwheels, or loaded cheesy corn bites, or any of our seasonal desserts like our peach crumble, cherry pies slab bar, or pineapple upside-down cake. Whether your potluck is out under the summer sun or tucked inside with the A/C blasting, any of these seasonal classics are sure to please.

What are you waiting for? Get out there and make grandma proud. And consider making double batches, because these potluck stars are so good you’ll want seconds—and there certainly won’t be any leftovers to take home.

1

Tater Tot Casserole

tater tot casserole with ground beef, corn, and cheddar cheese
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Grandmas love a store-bought hack, and perhaps no recipe does it as well as tater tot casserole. This casserole combines tater tots and cream of mushroom soup for an cheap and easy meal. Take the base of the casserole a little further with Worcestershire, sharp cheddar cheese, and mustard.

Get the Tater Tot Casserole recipe.

2

Cherry Pie Slab Bars

cherry pie bars in a casserole dish
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

With flaky crust and juicy-tart filling that sets just right, the classic cherry pie is the ultimate dessert for any summertime soiree, potluck, or BBQ. Best yet, the large slab format is big enough to feed a crowd of hungry party-goers; slice into bars and let folks have at it straight from the 13" x 9" pan.

Get the Cherry Pie Slab Bars.

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3

Bacon & Pimento Mac & Cheese

mac and cheese with pimentos and bacon topped with breadcrumbs
PHOTO: LINDA PUGLIESE; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Everybody has their own rendition of classic mac and cheese. From the kick of the pimento peppers and hot sauce to the bacon crumble in the sauce and the breadcrumbs, this kicked-up variation keeps every bite interesting.

Get the Bacon & Pimento Mac & Cheese recipe.

4

Ultimate Tuna Noodle Casserole

tuna noodle casserole vertical
Parker Feierbach

If you're a 90's kid, it's likely that cheesy tuna casserole was your grade-school jam. We love it, not just because it is a budget-friendly way to used canned tuna, but it is decadently cheesy in the best way.

Get the Ultimate Tuna Noodle Casserole recipe.

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5

Classic Deviled Eggs

deviled eggs piped in a star shape with paprika and chives
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

A classic appetizer, deviled eggs bring the party to any event. While they’re fairly simple to make, there are a few ways things can go wrong. If you’re looking for a foolproof method for hard-boiling and filling your deviled eggs, this recipe should be your new go-to.

Get the Classic Deviled Eggs recipe.

6

Tomato Feta Pinwheels

tomato feta pinwheels
PHOTO; ANDREW BUI FOOD STYLIST; TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

You need something like these pinwheels at every cocktail party, every holiday get-together, and every girls’ night in. They might sound like a silly old-school delight, but they’re surprisingly wonderful. The cream cheese-feta layer hits just right with pops of rich caramelized tomato that you will be dreaming of for days.

Get the Tomato Feta Pinwheels recipe.

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7

Jell-O Cake

jello cake topped with frosting and strawberry slices
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Jell-O cake is the nostalgic, grandma-approved dessert that we're bringing back. It’s an easy dessert that was all the rage at potlucks and parties in the '70s and '80s. All it takes to whip up is a boxed cake mix, strawberry-flavored gelatin, and a whipped cream topping.

Get the Jell-O Cake recipe.

8

7-Layer Dip

layered dip with refried beans, sour cream, guacamole, cheese, tomatoes black olives, and lettuce in a clear dish
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

This classic party dip is layered with all your favorites—refried beans, creamy sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and more—all in one bite. Ready in under 30 minutes, this is the easiest last-minute app to prepare when you need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Get the 7-Layer Dip recipe.

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9

Cobb Egg Salad

cobb egg salad with tomatoes, bacon, and avocado
PHOTO: PARKER FEIERBACH

Egg salad is a potluck staple. It’s difficult to beat the OG, but this Cobb egg salad is giving the classic a run for its money. With bacon, blue cheese, avocado, and tomatoes, this recipe is a welcome upgrade that you’ll be dreaming about for days.

Get the Cobb Egg Salad recipe.

10

Classic Macaroni Salad

creamy macaroni salad with carrots, celery, and olives
PHOTO: NICO SCHINCO; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Macaroni salad is a go-to, classic side I look forward to at every summer get-together. It's simple to throw together and is a creamy, bright addition to any party, potluck, or picnic spread. To get perfect mac salad every time, ditch the store-bought and make my guaranteed showstopper recipe instead.

Get the Classic Macaroni Salad recipe.

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11

Onion Soup Mix Roasted Potatoes

roasted potatoes coated in onion soup mix
PHOTO: LINDA PUGLIESE; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Crispy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside, and seasoned to absolute perfection, these onion soup mix roasted potatoes are going to be your new favorite side dish. And if roasting potatoes in the oven wasn’t simple enough, we’ve made seasoning even simpler by using a flavor-packed packet of onion soup mix.

Get the Onion Soup Mix Roasted Potatoes recipe.

12

Cheesy Shrimp & Grits Bites

smoked gouda grits, breaded and fried until crispy then topped with cajun seasoned shrimp and creamy remoulade sauce
PHOTO: JOSEPH DE LEO; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Shrimp and grits are a Southern staple for good reason. For my take on the two-bite version of this classic dish, smoked gouda grits are breaded and fried until golden brown and crispy, then topped with saucy Cajun-spiced shrimp and a flurry of fresh scallions.

Get the Cheesy Shrimp & Grits Bites recipe.

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13

Yellow Squash Casserole

sliced yellow squash in a casserole topped with crushed ritz crackers
PHOTO: LINDA XIAO; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

There are countless ways to enjoy summer squash during peak season, but this comforting casserole just might be my favorite. Mixed with sour cream, mayo, cheddar and Parm, this squash casserole is creamy, extra-flavorful, and more than satisfying.

Get the Yellow Squash Casserole recipe.

14

Peach Crumble

Peach Crumble - Delish.com
Parker Feierbach

Peach crumble, not to be mistaken for a peach crisp or a peach cobbler, has a decadent, buttery topping. While they're all a variation of crustless pie, a crumble usually has topping that forms larger clumps made made of flour, butter, and sugar.

Get the Peach Crumble recipe.

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15

Chinese Chicken Salad

crunchy mandarin orangechicken salad
PHOTO: BRYAN GARDNER; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

This classic salad is sweet, savory, refreshing, and extremely crunchy. The key ingredient in this summer salad? Uncooked ramen noodles for that irresistible crunch.

Get the Chinese Chicken Salad recipe.

16

Corn Casserole

classic midwestern casserole made with jiffy muffin mix, creamed corn, and fresh corn then baked and topped with paprika and chives
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI ; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

This corn casserole is packed with sweet corn, balanced by a pinch of paprika and herby chives, and has an insanely tender and custardy texture that will have you on your third helping before you even know what hit you.

Get the Corn Casserole recipe.

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17

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip

crockpot buffalo chicken dip
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE

Buffalo chicken dip has long been a favorite, but our crockpot recipe makes it even easier to enjoy. Plus, to make things even better, we're using rotisserie chicken here for maximum ease.

Get the Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe.

18

Loaded Cheesy Corn Bites

loaded cheesy corn bites topped with sour cream, sliced scallions, and bacon
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

What happens when you cross a corn muffin with a loaded baked potato—and then miniaturize it?! Bite-sized bliss. Packed with cheese, bacon, and three types of corn, these loaded cheesy corn bites will be the first app gone at your summer cook-out.

Get the Loaded Cheesy Corn Bites recipe.

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19

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

pineapple upside down cake topped with pineapple circles and cherries
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS

It may be retro, but this classic cake is a staple summer dessert for a reason. In it, a sweet pineapple and cherry topping is paired with a light and airy cake for the perfect balanced bite.

Get the Pineapple Upside-Down Cake recipe.

20

Classic Coleslaw

classic coleslaw tossed in a creamy, mayo based dressing
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE

A classic, staple side dish, coleslaw is a must for summer BBQs, potlucks, and picnics. With its mix of purple and green cabbage, it’s a winner on looks alone. But the kicker is the dressing, which is lighter and punchier than other coleslaw dressings thanks to apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard.

Get the Classic Coleslaw recipe.

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