Praiseworthy Potluck Recipes: Nourishing Your Church Family from Breakfast to Dessert

Feeding your church family is more than just providing physical nourishment; it’s about fostering a sense of community, love, and togetherness. Whether it’s a Sunday morning breakfast, a midweek dinner, or a special occasion dessert, the food you share can be a testament to your care and commitment to your church family. Here are some praiseworthy potluck recipes that are sure to nourish your church family from breakfast to dessert.

Breakfast: Overnight French Toast Casserole

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and this Overnight French Toast Casserole is a perfect way to start a Sunday morning. It’s easy to prepare the night before, and it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to fill everyone up.

• 1 loaf of French bread, cut into cubes
• 8 eggs
• 2 cups of milk
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 1/2 cup of butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons of cinnamon

Combine the eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla in a bowl. Pour over the bread cubes and let it soak overnight. In the morning, mix the brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon, and pour over the top. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, or until golden brown.

Lunch: Classic Chicken Salad

For a light and refreshing lunch, try this Classic Chicken Salad. It’s a versatile dish that can be served on its own, in a sandwich, or on a bed of lettuce.

• 4 cups of cooked chicken, chopped
• 1 cup of mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup of celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup of red onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup of dried cranberries
• Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl. Chill for at least an hour before serving.

Dinner: Hearty Beef Stew

Nothing says comfort food like a Hearty Beef Stew. This recipe is packed with vegetables and tender beef, making it a satisfying and nutritious dinner option.

• 2 pounds of beef stew meat
• 1/4 cup of flour
• 2 cups of beef broth
• 1 cup of red wine
• 2 cups of carrots, chopped
• 2 cups of potatoes, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Dredge the beef in flour and brown in a skillet. Transfer to a slow cooker and add the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 8 hours, or until the beef is tender.

Dessert: Apple Crisp

End the meal on a sweet note with this classic Apple Crisp. It’s a simple and delicious dessert that’s sure to please everyone.

• 6 apples, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 cup of flour
• 1 cup of oats
• 1/2 cup of butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon

Place the apples in a baking dish. Mix the remaining ingredients together and sprinkle over the apples. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.

These praiseworthy potluck recipes are sure to nourish your church family from breakfast to dessert. Remember, it’s not just about the food, but the love and care you put into preparing it.