Summer is the perfect time for Southern potlucks filled with dishes featuring seasonal, vibrant ingredients from farmers markets, local produce stands, and even your own backyard. Unlike during the holidays, summer potlucks focus on fresh peaches, tomatoes, okra, corn, summer squash, and peas above all else. Fresh, easy, and perfect for gatherings, these 13×9 summer potluck recipes include crowd-pleasing appetizers, seasonal sides, delicious casseroles, and flavorful desserts you’ll love during summer. All the bright and colorful things are featured here.
Jen Causey. Food Stylist: Anna Kelly.Prop Stylist: Christina Daly
We’re not sure what we like best: fresh, juicy cooked strawberries or a golden, cake-like topping that’s crispy on the edges and soft in the center.
Antonis Achilles.Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn
We’ve updated this tried-and-true appetizer with flavorful Gouda cheese and a sprinkle of bagel seasoning. Bake it in your trusty 13×9 and it will come out mushy.
Just like the classic BLT sandwich, this dip is a summer favorite made with bacon, cherry tomatoes, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and lemon juice.
Caitlin Bensel.Food stylist: Tori Cox
Inspired by sweet, smooth creamed corn, we’ve transformed the Southern breadbasket staple into a delicious baked casserole.
Antonis Achilles. Prop Stylist: Kay E. Clark.Food Stylist: Tina Stamos
Let’s make the most beautiful use of summer’s bounty. This lasagna is made with alternating layers of lasagna noodles and lace-woven zucchini.
Stacey K. Allen.Props: Julia Bayless; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer
It’s similar to a hearty baked potato, but in casserole form and with cauliflower instead of heavy potatoes, it’s a little less rich. A very satisfying side dish is ready.
Victor Protasio. Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.Prop Stylist: Christina Daly
No event is complete without sweets. Inspired by the popular drink, this treat uses plenty of lemon juice and zest in the frosting for an extra refreshing taste.
monica farber
What makes this sensational recipe stand out? Loaded with melty cheeses, including sharp cheddar, pepper jack, cream cheese, and crumbled blue cheese. Chopping cooked chicken is an easy way to make it for parties.
Can you name a better summer trio than zucchini, pumpkin, and corn? This bright dish with a cheesy, creamy filling bunched together has a beautifully golden surface to match the sunny weather.
Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Anna Kelly, Props Stylist: Julia Bayless
Transform one of the Southern’s favorite summer vegetables into an irresistible side by adding fresh tomatoes, thyme, tomato sauce, sourdough bread, and a little brown sugar to a 13×9 casserole dish.
Tender sautéed okra, sweet corn, peppers, and tomatoes give this dish a bright, summery flavor. Cajun spices and buttery garlic crumbs don’t skimp on flavor.
This classic makes the most of your harvest. You can’t go wrong when you show up with this bright crowd favorite.
Hannah Huffam, Food Stylist: Emily Neighbors Hall, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Traditional banana pudding is always a winner, but an easy-to-go banana-flavored brownie is sure to steal the show.
The biggest change in this new take on the classic pineapple casserole, and perhaps a little controversial, is replacing canned pineapple with fresh pineapple.
Victor Protasio.Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl Jones
Some people may call this fruity dessert a “cobbler,” but if you’re from the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’re probably more familiar with it as a “sonker.” But regardless of its name, everyone will agree that this summertime dessert is one of a kind.
This casserole packs a delicious punch. Filled to the brim, the plate is loaded with Italian sausage, cheese, pumpkin, and peas. It is then finished with buttery crescent roll dough.
Fred Hardy II. Food Stylist: Emily Neighbors Hall.Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman
The name of this recipe pretty much sums up why it’s the perfect dish for summer gatherings.
This regional delicacy is easy to prepare yet rich in flavor. The smoky bacon and tangy tomatoes will have your guests coming back for more.
Stacey K. Allen.Props: Josh Hoggle; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray
Prepare for the easiest Taco Tuesday ever without having to bring all the toppings separately. The only question left is who is benefiting?
Citrus-flavored sweetened condensed milk and buttermilk add double the moisture and tartness to a plain white cake.
Add a local favorite, pulled pork, to macaroni and cheese for a main and side dish in one.
Photography: Morgan Hunt Glaze; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Kristin Keeley
These creamy bars are an easy way to mix and match two popular desserts.
courtney west
Corn pudding is always eaten at potluck. This recipe bakes a creamy, herb-filled version that will have the whole table talking (and coming back for seconds).
Loaded with juicy seasonal blueberries, crunchy bread, and a custard-like filling, all this 13×9 plate is missing is a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Caitlin Bensel.Food stylist: Tori Cox
People love potatoes in any form, but this is a new recipe you’ll want to keep as a classic. We think of this dish as a portable, easy-to-portion dish of twice-baked potatoes.
With plenty of ripe tomatoes, macaroni and cheese is bound to have a summery feel, too. This comforting homemade macaroni and cheese will wow kids and adults alike at your potluck party.
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Karen Rankin, Props Stylist: Claire Spollen
This casserole with chicken, vegetables, and pasta all in a creamy sauce is a balanced family meal.
Generous amounts of seasonal squash and tomatoes bring freshness to this classic dish, a staple at Southern reunions, potlucks, and funerals. Fresh mozzarella and basil bring out the deliciousness.
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Props Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Made with a flavorful chili cheese gravy, this Tex-Mex casserole will be the tastiest addition to your potluck. Add whatever ingredients you have on hand, like canned corn, black beans, refried beans, or shredded chicken.
This casserole recreates the flavor of diner hash browns, but in a size that feeds the whole family, making it easy to serve for breakfast as well as lunch or dinner.
A summery casserole with colorful tortellini made with broccoli, green peppers, spinach, and cheese. That’s always the first thing to disappear.
Caitlin Bensel. Food Styling: Emily Neighbors Hall.Prop styling: Audrey Davis
Everyone’s favorite party dip gets a hearty upgrade with chicken and penne pasta for a freshly baked dish perfect for potlucks or weeknight dinners.
Victor Protasio. Food Stylist: Emily Neighbors Hall.Prop Stylist: Mary Clayton Carl Jones
This sheet cake is perfect for a refreshing picnic. Vanilla-flavored cornmeal batter creates a not-too-sweet base of fresh berries and plums.
You can never go wrong with baked beans, especially if you’re attending a summer cookout that calls for smoky beacons, bacon, jalapenos, beer, and chili powder for a little kick.
This family-friendly casserole is made with egg noodles, chopped ham, a delicious mix of vegetables (carrots, broccoli, and asparagus), and a rich, creamy sauce.
Caitlin Bensel.Food stylist: Tori Cox
There are many reasons why this cheesy side dish deserves a place at a potluck, but check out the recipe title for its party-worthy appeal.
This dessert is a crowd-pleaser because it’s patriotic and packed with fruity flavors. Made with two fillings of fresh summer berries and topped with a rich mascarpone frosting.
Photographer: James Ransom, Prop Stylist: Christine Keeley, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn
This recipe is similar to a classic squash casserole, but boosts the flavor with a few key ingredients like Dijon mustard and white cheddar cheese.
Caitlin Bensel.Food stylist: Tori Cox
Forget about individual patties and make this cheeseburger casserole for a crowd. Easy to transport and cut if you want to take to a party or serve individually sliced to a group.
Morgan Hunt Glaze; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf.Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Bring summer freshness to your potluck lineup with this almond-topped casserole. Take a break between pasta bakes with this wild rice casserole stuffed with chicken, water chestnuts, sour cream, and cheese.
This onion casserole is made with a few simple ingredients: sweet Vidalia onions, cheese, and butter. Definitely the perfect accompaniment to hamburger dishes.
A classic side dish with crumbled bacon and cute little corn kernels that upped the ante. It is topped with crispy bread crumbs.
Caitlin Bensel.Food stylist: Tori Cox
Show off your summer fruits at your cookout with this patchwork cobbler filled with peaches, plums, and blueberries. Top with sugar-dusted puff pastry for a picturesque finish.
Jen Causey. Food Stylist: Anna Kelly.Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
One of my favorite easy dishes to bring to a summer potluck, tamale pie is filled with ground beef, cornmeal, tomato sauce, corn filling, and finished with a layer of cheese.
That extra bread you have in your kitchen will taste better than ever. A tropical dream made with pineapple pieces, pineapple juice, soft Hawaiian dinner rolls, and macadamia nuts.
Make use of the lush vegetables you bought at the farmers market with this creamy baked good with lots of cheese and tender kale. This dish is ready in just 30 minutes, making it a hearty dish perfect for any gathering.
In this casserole, the fresh onions inside are quickly caramelized, then topped with crispy fried onions and baked to double the french onion flavor.
Linda Pugliese. Prop styling: Kay E. Clark.Food Styling: Tory Cox
Instead of serving cake or pie at your next gathering, consider making these cheesecake bars in a casserole dish. It’s easy to cut and transport for parties, and the fresh berries make it an especially bright color for Fourth of July or Memorial Day celebrations.
Although corn pudding is technically a casserole, it has a rich, soft texture that makes it feel like a dessert. This corn pudding recipe puts a flavorful twist on a classic with the addition of chopped onions and fresh thyme.
It’s hard not to love these scalloped potatoes, filled with Parmesan cheese and heavy cream and served in a casserole dish. End your meal with something light, such as fresh vegetables.
