If you belong to a parish, then summertime likely means an annual church picnic, festival or carnival. It’s a great time for fellowship with other members of the community, not to mention all of the family-friendly outdoor games and activities! If you’re looking to make this year’s picnic even better than last year’s, here are the best ways to contribute your time and talents.
Bring a Dish to Pass
The food is one of the best parts of every church picnic—it’s just so good! Members of the parish bring out their best tried-and-true potluck dishes. There will be an endless line of summer potluck salads, burgers and hot dogs, and maybe even corn on the cob. And if that wasn’t enough, there will be scores of pies, bars and cookies to indulge in. If you need some new ideas, take a look at these summer potluck desserts. Just make sure you bring a copy of the recipe, because people might ask for it!
Worried you’ll forget to take your dish home and it’ll be lost forever? Make your casserole or brownies in a 13×9 disposable aluminum pan ($10 for a pack of 10). That way, you don’t have to worry about getting your dish back at the end of the night.
Here are the Most Divine Church Picnic Recipes
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Blueberry-Rhubarb Crumble
A dollop of whipped topping adds a nice finishing touch to this satisfying crumble. Sometimes I drizzle a little flavored coffee creamer on top instead of the whipped topping. —Nancy Sousley, Lafayette, Indiana
Here's how to make your church picnic better than ever!
Cuban Sliders
Bake until these wonderful little Cuban sliders are lightly toasted and the cheese melts. The leftover King's Hawaiian ham sliders keep really well in the fridge, and they make a lovely cold snack. Followers of my blog, houseofyumm.com, go nuts for these! —Serene Herrera, Dallas, Texas
Layered Salad for a Crowd
This salad is a favorite of my three sons. I took it to a luncheon honoring our school district’s food service manager, and she asked for the recipe. I like to make the dressing the day before so the flavors blend together. —Linda Ashley, Leesburg, Georgia
Red, White & Blue Potato Salad
Tossing the cooked potatoes with stock and wine right after you drain them infuses them with flavor. The liquid absorbs like magic. —George Levinthal, Goleta, California
Buffalo Macaroni and Cheese Bites
In this vegetarian Buffalo-style appetizer, macaroni and cheese get heated up with Louisiana-style hot sauce, then breaded and baked. These tasty nibbles are served with blue cheese dressing. —Ann Donnay, Milton, Massachusetts
Potluck German Apple Cake
My mother made this cake for my brothers and me when we were kids. It's an excellent choice for potlucks any time of year. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Turkey Almond Salad
Our congregation was holding a luncheon at which I was helping, and we were supposed to use turkey left over from the church's Thanksgiving supper. Everyone liked this so much that—at another church luncheon—we cooked a turkey for the specific purpose of making my salad. —Donna Rear, Olds, Alberta
Chicken Burritos
This mouthwatering chicken burrito recipe makes enough for two casseroles, so you can enjoy one today and freeze the other for a busy weeknight. They're super to have on hand for quick meals or to take to potlucks. —Sonya Nightingale, Burley, Idaho.
Party Appetizer Meatballs
These are a favorite at parties and gatherings. The recipe is easy, and the meatballs can be made well ahead of time and frozen until needed. I think what makes them taste so good is the sauce. —Nathalie Guest, Caledon, Ontario
Skinny Quinoa Veggie Dip
Don’t let the name fool you. This good-for-you recipe will appeal to the health-conscious, but it has plenty of flavor to satisfy everyone. We use crunchy cucumber slices for dippers. —Jennifer Gizzi, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Artichoke Shrimp Pasta Salad
I have enjoyed this recipe for as long as I can remember. My mom made it famous, and she passed it down to me on my wedding day. It's one of those potluck staples that folks can't get enough of. —Mary McCarley, Charlotte, North Carolina
Layered Chocolate Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies
A friend gave me the recipe for these layered brownies, but I added my own touch--chunky peanut butter. Every time I take them to a group gathering, I get requests for the recipe. It's a real crowd-pleaser! —Judy Sims, Weatherford, Texas
Balsamic Green Bean Salad
Serve up those green beans in a whole new way–with a green bean salad recipe! The tangy flavors and crunch of these balsamic green beans complement any special meal or holiday potluck. —Megan Spencer, Farmington Hills, Michigan
Hot Cheese Dip
This recipe started at school—I'm a teacher, and when a colleague brought Hot Cheese Dip to our regular staff potluck, I immediately gave it an A-plus. —Ardyce Piehl, Poynette, Wisconsin
Crustless Spinach Quiche
I served this quiche recipe at a church lunch, and I had to laugh when one guy told me how much he disliked vegetables. Many people were surprised by how much they loved this veggie-filled crustless quiche—and he was one of them! —Melinda Calverley, Janesville, Wisconsin
Potluck Macaroni and Cheese
This is a great way to make America's most popular comfort food. The dish turns out cheesy, rich and creamy. —Jennifer Babcock, Chicopee, Massachusetts
Lemon Yeast Puffs
The lemon flavor in these yeast muffins makes them unique. My husband is a minister, and we're invited to many potlucks. People love these muffins.
Macaroni Coleslaw
My friend Peggy brought this coleslaw to one of our picnics, and everyone liked it so much, we all had to have the recipe. —Sandra Matteson, Westhope, North Dakota
Apple and Squash Crisp
Someone brought this crisp to a parish dinner at my church. I asked for the recipe, and now I take this yummy dessert to every potluck I attend. —Therese Butler, Ijamsville, Maryland
Greek Couscous Salad
Bright flavors and crisp raw veggies make a satisfying salad that's hearty enough to be a full meal. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Spectacular Overnight Slaw
To come up with this dish, I used a number of different recipes, plus some ideas of my own. It's great for a potluck because it's made the night before and the flavor keeps getting better. Whenever I serve it, I'm inundated with recipe requests. —Ruth Lovett, Bay City, Texas
Four-Cheese Spinach Lasagna
This rich cheesy lasagna has become one of my specialties. It's packed with fresh-tasting vegetables like spinach, carrots, red pepper and broccoli. I'm never afraid to serve the colorful casserole to guests, since it's always a huge success. —Kimberly Kneisly, Englewood, Ohio
Church Supper Spaghetti
Because this recipe feeds so many, I often take it to church dinners and potlucks. This colorful dish also comes in handy when we have lots of help to feed on our farm. —Verlyn Wilson, Wilkinson, Indiana
You're-Bacon-Me-Crazy Potato Salad
It isn't a summer cookout without potato salad, but the stuff from the deli just isn't our thing. I toyed with many recipes until I developed this one. Now if I even mention grilling or barbecuing, it's my family's top request for a side. —Paul Cogswell, League City, Texas
Grandma's Potato Salad
Our Fourth of July feast wouldn't be complete without this cool, old-fashioned potato salad. It's my grandma's treasured recipe. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bars
Oatmeal, peanut butter and chocolate chips make these bars a big hit with kids of all ages. Since I always have these basic ingredients on hand, I can whip up a batch anytime. —Patricia Staudt, Marble Rock, Iowa
Nacho Tots
This is an easy, versatile party appetizer that everyone loves. If you can't find chorizo, ground beef or ground chicken are great, too. Top with anything you like! —Connie Krupp, Racine, Wisconsin
Marinated Three Bean Salad
Fresh herbs and cayenne pepper provide the fantastic flavor in this marinated salad featuring fresh veggies and canned beans. —Carol Tucker, Wooster, Ohio
Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
A fruity filling and fluffy coconut topping truly make these strawberry oatmeal bars one of a kind. They really dress up my trays of Christmas goodies. —Flo Burtnett, Gage, Oklahoma
Almond Chicken Salad
My mother used to prepare this chicken salad with grapes and almonds for an evening meal during the hot summer months. It's my favorite of my mother's chicken salad recipes. You can also serve it as a delicious but quick luncheon or potluck dish. —Kathy Kittell, Lenexa, Kansas
Summertime Tomato Salad
My crazy good salad has cherry tomatoes, squash and blueberries together in one bowl. Then I layer on the flavor with fresh corn, red onion and mint. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Layered Grilled Corn Salad
This has been a go-to dish for me throughout the years. It's great as a side or can be served for a light lunch in lettuce cups, with warm crusty bread. —Angela Smith, Bluffton, South Carolina
Black Forest Ham Roll-Ups
We love to entertain at home and the office. Ham and cheese rolled in tortillas make a quick and easy appetizer that's easy to transport. —Susan Zugehoer, Hebron, Kentucky
Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
With five different dairy products, you know this make-ahead mashed potato casserole is going to be super rich and, of course, delicious. It gets even better topped with onions and bacon! —JoAnn Koerkenmeier, Damiansville, Illinois
Buttery Horseradish Corn on the Cob
For a July Fourth barbecue, I whipped up a butter and horseradish topping for grilled corn. People actually formed a line to get seconds. —Trish Loewen, Bakersfield, California
Fried Chicken and Pulled Pork Cornbread Poppers
These fun little apps are an instant conversation starter wherever they're served. We love them on game day, but they'd be a hit at brunch, too. —Crystal Schlueter, Babbitt, Minnesota
Chili Cornbread Salad
A co-worker brought this wonderful dish to a potluck several years ago. She had copies of the recipe next to the pan. Now I make it for get-togethers and also supply copies of the recipe. I never have any leftover salad or recipes. —Kelly Newsom, Jenks, Oklahoma
Marinated Mozzarella & Tomato Appetizers
This party hit was inspired by a dish I ate at a restaurant. It’s best served chilled and should marinate for a few days—the longer the better. My daughter likes to put the mozzarella on her antipasti platters. —Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York
Orange Gelatin Pretzel Salad
Salty pretzels pair nicely with the sweet fruit in this refreshing layered salad. It’s a family favorite that is a slam-dunk at potlucks. —Peggy Boyd, Northport, Alabama
Potluck Pan Rolls
The appealing homemade yeast-bread flavor of these golden rolls is unbeatable. Soft and light, they're great alongside any entree. Folks are disappointed if I don't bring them to potluck dinners. —Carol Mead, Los Alamos, New Mexico
Lemon Coconut Squares
The tangy lemon flavor of this layered bar dessert is especially delicious on a warm day. It takes me back to selling lemonade on the sidewalk as a little girl. —Donna Biddle, Elmira, New York
Orange-Glazed Chicken & Chorizo Meatballs
These tasty southwestern meatballs warm up a buffet. I add pomegranate seeds, jalapeno pepper jelly and cilantro to make everything pop with color. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Cherry Chewbilees
This is a good dish to carry to potlucks and parties. It's a hit at home, too - my husband rates it as one of his favorite desserts. —Debbi Smith, Crossett, Arkansas
Avocado & Artichoke Pasta Salad
A squeeze of lime, a sprinkle of cilantro and a little avocado make this a creamy and zingy pasta salad. —Carrie Farias, Oak Ridge, New Jersey
Cranberry Date Bars
I first discovered this recipe at Christmas a couple years ago, but it's a great way to use frozen cranberries throughout the year. I help out at the elementary school our three sons attend and am active at our church. It seems I'm always baking a batch of these moist bars for some event. -Bonnie Nieter, Warsaw, Indiana
Raspberry Patch Crumb Bars
To give these fresh, fruity bars even more crunch, add a sprinkling of nuts to the yummy crumb topping. Everyone will want to indulge. —Leanna M. Thorne, Lakewood, Colorado
Appetizer Tomato Cheese Bread
I found this recipe a few years ago in a dairy cookbook, and it has become a family favorite. My husband, Wayne, and our two children are mostly meat-and-potato eaters—but I don't hear any complaints when I make this bread! —Penney Kester, Springville, New York
Creamy Blueberry Gelatin Salad
Plump blueberries and a fluffy topping star in this pretty, refreshing salad. My mom's blueberry salad was served at every holiday and celebration. Now my grandchildren look forward to sampling it at holidays. —Sharon Hoefert, Greendale, Wisconsin
Tomato Fritters
I got the basic recipe for these fritters from a friend, then I tweaked it for my family's tastes. It's one of our very favorite things in the summer. We love them right after they've been fried, when they're still hot and crispy. —Pam Halter, Bridgeton, New Jersey
Chili Mac Casserole
This cheesy casserole uses several of my family's favorite ingredients, including macaroni, kidney beans, tomatoes and cheese. Just add a leafy salad for a complete meal. —Marlene Wilson, Rolla, North Dakota
[skyword_tracking]Bring Something Besides Food
If your talents don’t lie in cooking, then think about non-food items you can bring. You’ll need lots of plates, cutlery and napkins, as well as plenty of tablecloths. They may not be the most glamorous contributions, but they’re absolutely essential. Plain, white disposable plates are a safe bet, especially if there are a lot of members in your church. But if you want to bring a little color to the party, opt for these super-summery plates ($16 for an 80-pack). And for a pop of color on the lawn, protect each table with a colored tablecloth, like this light blue polka-dot one ($16 for a 10-pack).
Help Set Up
Bringing a dish to pass is the most obvious way to help out, but don’t overlook the setup. This is a great way to volunteer, especially if you don’t have much left in your budget for the month. Get there early to set up all the tables and chairs, food stations and games. If you’re crafty, offer to make the centerpieces.
Centerpiece Ideas
- Flower arrangements: It’s likely some member of the church is a florist or has some flower arranging experience. Ask them to share their talent by creating floral centerpieces for the tables.
- Fruit bouquet: Make your own edible fruit arrangements—they’re easier to make than you think. This one is gorgeous!
- A bowl of candy: Set out bowls of M&Ms, skittles, jelly beans or other small candies for folks to much on while chit-chatting. Kids will especially love this tasty centerpiece.
- A colorful plant: Keep them all uniform or give each table a different color.
Pro tip: Give away the centerpieces as a door prize at the end of the night.
Man the Games and Activities
Every church picnic needs games and activities for the kids! Volunteer to set up the game stations, explain the rules (if needed), referee and keep an eye out for everyone’s safety.
Outdoor Games and Activities
- Cornhole: Set up a game of bags and let people’s competitive side come out.
- Tug of war: Grab a thick rope and gather the children for a friendly game of tug of war.
- Lawn bowling: If you have access to a large grassy area, then you have a great spot for lawn bowling. Set up the pins and wait for someone to get a turkey!
- Coloring: For a quieter activity, set up a coloring station. Ask parents to donate a few coloring books (did you know Taste of Home has a line of coloring books? Purchase one here.) and coloring supplies. Tear out pages for everyone to color, and let their creativity shine!
Volunteer to Clean Up
When the festivities are over, stay late and throw away all of the trash, pick up the games and tear down the table and chairs. Volunteering for a job no one else wants to do is much appreciated and a great way to serve your community.
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The post How to Make Your Church Picnic Better Than Ever appeared first on Taste of Home.
Emily Racette Parulski