10 Church Dishes No One Remembers and 5 Comfort Foods That Stole the Show
Church potlucks were once the gold standard for comfort food spreads. Every dish came with a story, a passed-down recipe, and usually a whole lot of mayo. But while some casseroles and desserts became legends, others quietly disappeared—left behind in the ’70s along with shag carpet and green Jell-O molds. Here are 10 church dishes that faded from memory, plus 5 time-honored comfort foods that still get requests after Sunday service.
1. Ham and Banana Hollandaise
Ham and Banana Hollandaise was an experimental church dish that didn’t last. Bananas wrapped in ham slices, topped with hollandaise sauce, and baked, this odd combination was more of a culinary curiosity than a taste sensation. Once you got past the oddity of it, you were left with a texture that was simultaneously mushy and creamy.
Though it was a brave attempt at fusion cuisine, the flavors simply didn’t blend, leaving most attendees reaching for other plates. It was a short-lived fad that is now just a quirky memory of church potluck history.
2. Tuna Jell-O Salad
Tuna Jell-O Salad was a perplexing creation from the past. Imagine a lime gelatin mold with tuna and peas suspended within, often presented on a crisp bed of iceberg lettuce. It was a daring combination meant to intrigue, but it mostly confused the palate.
The texture was a jarring mix of gelatinous and chunky, leaving many wondering why such a dish was ever conceived. At church gatherings, it was more often a conversation starter than a crowd-pleaser. Although it aimed for novelty, it ultimately ended up as a puzzling chapter in potluck lore.
3. Celery Casserole
Celery Casserole was a dish that didn’t make a lasting impression. Chopped celery baked in a creamy white sauce and topped with breadcrumbs, it was the epitome of blandness in a sea of flavorful options.
The casserole was crunchy, but lacked the zest and excitement needed to make a memorable impact. Few attendees reached for seconds, as it didn’t deliver the comforting warmth usually associated with potluck fare.
A dish that promised texture but delivered little else, it faded quietly into the background, an unremarkable footnote in church potluck history.
4. Molded Shrimp Salad
Molded Shrimp Salad was one of those dishes that seemed like a good idea at the time. Combining shrimp, gelatin, mayo, and pimentos, it was meant to be a seafood delight. But the reality was a retro experiment gone awry.
The dish’s appearance was intriguing, yet the texture and combination of flavors left many hesitant. It was more of a showpiece than a satisfying meal. With its odd mix of ingredients, it was quickly forgotten, a relic of a bygone culinary era that few long to recreate.
5. Bologna Boats
Bologna Boats were a church potluck oddity that briefly captured imaginations. Hollowed-out bologna slices filled with mashed potatoes or macaroni salad, they were a creative attempt at finger food.
Unfortunately, their appearance didn’t quite translate into a culinary success. The combination of processed meat and creamy filling lacked the flavor punch needed to win over potluck-goers.
While they were certainly inventive, Bologna Boats didn’t become a staple, instead drifting into obscurity as a quirky, short-lived experiment in the church dining scene.
6. Macaroni and Spam Bake
Macaroni and Spam Bake was a dish that aimed to feed a crowd but failed to be a standout. Canned Spam paired with elbow noodles in a cheesy white sauce, it was hearty yet uninspiring in taste.
The combination was certainly filling, but the flavor lacked depth and finesse. It was a practical dish for large gatherings, but not one that left attendees clamoring for the recipe.
As tastes evolved, this dish quietly slipped away from the potluck menu, remembered only by those who experienced its unique blend of convenience and mediocrity.
7. Prune Whip
Prune Whip brought a sweet but rarely requested touch to church potlucks. Made with pureed prunes and whipped egg whites, it was intended to be a light dessert option. However, its delicate texture and subtle flavor didn’t quite capture the crowd.
While some appreciated its airy consistency, it often went overlooked amid more decadent choices. It was sweet without being overwhelming, yet lacked the appeal needed to become a favorite.
For those few who enjoyed it, Prune Whip was a hidden gem, but for most, it remained an enigma on the dessert table.
8. Creamed Eggs on Toast
Creamed Eggs on Toast was a dish more suited to quiet mornings than bustling potlucks. Hard-boiled eggs in a rich white sauce spooned over bread, it felt more like nursery comfort food than a communal celebration dish.
The simplicity of the flavors was intended to be soothing, yet it failed to stand out among more vibrant offerings. Guests often skipped this option, favoring dishes with more complexity. It was a warm, comforting meal, indeed, but not one that lent itself to the festive potluck spirit.
9. Green Pea Loaf
Green Pea Loaf brought a vegetarian twist to church potlucks, but it wasn’t a lasting hit. Think meatloaf, but with mashed green peas and breadcrumbs. It was meant to be a hearty, meatless alternative, yet it fell short of expectations.
The loaf’s texture was dense and its flavor was subtle, leading many to pass it by in favor of more familiar tastes. While it was an earnest attempt to diversify the menu, it never quite captured the hearts—or taste buds—of the congregation.
10. Tomato Soup Cake
Tomato Soup Cake was a surprising creation that intrigued but rarely delighted. Made by blending boxed cake mix with canned tomato soup, it promised a moist texture but delivered an unsettling flavor.
The cake’s unique composition was a conversation starter, yet its taste left many puzzled. It wasn’t sweet in the way most desserts aimed to be, and the hint of tomato was an acquired taste. Despite its innovative spirit, it wasn’t a recipe that stood the test of time in church kitchens.
11. Deviled Eggs
Deviled Eggs remain a timeless favorite at church potlucks, disappearing almost as soon as they arrive. Creamy and tangy, these eggs are endlessly customizable, allowing each cook to add their personal touch.
Whether sprinkled with paprika, filled with relish, or spiced with a dash of mustard, they embody the spirit of sharing and community.
Always the first to vanish, they prove that sometimes simplicity is key to enduring popularity. Deviled Eggs are not just a dish; they’re a tradition, continuing to charm potluck attendees with their classic appeal.
12. Cheesy Potato Casserole
Cheesy Potato Casserole, affectionately known as “Funeral Potatoes,” is pure comfort in a casserole dish. Shredded potatoes, sour cream, and cheese combine under a crunchy cornflake topping, creating a texture that delights.
This dish embodies warmth and home, appealing to all ages with its rich, satisfying flavors. It’s a staple that never fails to draw smiles and second helpings, celebrated for its heartiness and the comforting embrace it offers. Its enduring popularity at church gatherings speaks to its timeless appeal and ability to bring people together.
13. Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and Dumplings are a potluck classic, offering comfort in every bite. Fluffy dumplings bathed in rich broth with tender chicken create a dish that warms the soul as much as the stomach.
The harmonious blend of textures and flavors ensures that this dish remains a beloved staple, delighting young and old alike. Its hearty nature makes it perfect for gatherings, where it stands as a symbol of homey goodness and culinary love.
Chicken and Dumplings continue to be cherished, embodying the heartfelt spirit of church potlucks.
14. Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers
Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers is a southern staple that never fails to please. Layers of creamy pudding, ripe bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers create a dessert that’s as delightful as it is nostalgic.
The combination of flavors and textures ensures that it’s always a hit, with guests often returning for seconds and thirds. Topped with whipped cream, this dessert embodies sweetness and joy, capturing the essence of community and shared enjoyment.
Its perennial popularity is a testament to the timelessness of simple pleasures at church gatherings.
15. Baked Mac and Cheese
Baked Mac and Cheese is a beloved church potluck staple, known for its rich blend of sharp cheddar, tender elbow noodles, and a golden crust that beckons. This dish offers a simplicity that belies its deep comfort and universal appeal.
Its creamy interior, coupled with a satisfying crunch, makes it irresistible to attendees of all ages. No potluck is complete without this classic, which continues to win hearts and palates alike. Baked Mac and Cheese is more than food; it’s a cherished tradition, celebrated for its ability to unite and delight.