45 Perfect Summer Potluck Recipes You Can Make In Your 13x9

Everything you love about summer—in a casserole dish.

Lemon-Lime Poke Cake in a rectangle blue pan
Photo: Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer Prop Stylist: Audrey Davis

Summertime is the best time for a Southern potluck full of dishes that take advantage of the season's vibrant bounty from farmers' markets, local farm stands, or even your own backyard. Unlike during the holidays, summer potlucks let you make it more about the fresh peaches, tomatoes, okra, corn, summer squash, and peas than anything else. Fresh, easy, and pretty enough for a get-together, these summer potluck recipes will showcase every bright and colorful thing we love about summer.

From packed-to-the-brim vegetable gratins to freshened-up pasta bakes, these easy summer casseroles will wow the crowd and disappear faster than those fleeting summer days. To top it off, we included some easy summer desserts for a crowd that'll be easy to make and even easier to take, thanks to your 9x13 dish.

Here are 45 of our favorite 13x9 summer potluck recipes, featuring crowd-friendly appetizers. seasonal sides, delicious casseroles, and flavorful desserts.

01 of 45

Ham Delights

Ham Delights
Photographer: Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

We updated this tried-and-true appetizer with flavorful Gouda cheese and a sprinkling of everything bagel seasoning. Bake in your trusty 13x9 to get nice and melty.

02 of 45

Baked BLT Dip

Baked BLT Dip
Skyler Burt

Much like your go-to BLT sandwich, this dip is a seasonal summertime favorite made with bacon, cherry tomatoes, cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, and lemon juice.

03 of 45

Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip

Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

What makes this sensational recipe stand out? Lots of ooey, gooey cheese—including sharp Cheddar cheese, pepper Jack cheese, cream cheese, and crumbled blue cheese. Chopped cooked chicken makes it a breeze to whip together for a party.

04 of 45

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole
ennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

This is like a loaded baked potato, but in casserole form and made a little less rich by using cauliflower instead of heavy potatoes. It makes a super satisfying side dish.

05 of 45

Cakey Strawberry Cobbler

Cakey Strawberry Cobbler
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Torie Cox

We can't be sure of which part we love the most: the fresh, juicy cooked strawberries or the golden, cake-like topping with crispy edges and a tender center.

06 of 45

Zucchini Lasagna

Zucchini Lasagna
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Tina Stamos

Say hello to the prettiest use of summer's bounty. This lasagna alternates between layers of lasagna noodles and laced zucchini strips.

07 of 45

Zucchini, Squash, and Corn Casserole

Zucchini, Squash, and Corn Casserole
Hector Sanchez

Can you name a better summertime trio than zucchini, squash, and corn? Bound together with a cheesy, creamy filling, this bright dish gets beautifully golden on top to match that sunny weather.

08 of 45

Okra and Rice Casserole

Okra and Rice Casserole
Hector Sanchez

Tender sautéed okra, sweet corn, bell pepper, and tomatoes give this dish so much bright summery color. Cajun spices and buttery garlic breadcrumbs make sure it doesn't skimp on the flavor.

09 of 45

Old-School Squash Casserole

squash casserole on a plate with a casserole dish behind it
Photographer: Fred Hardy II, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Props Stylist: Christina Brockman

This classic will make the most of the harvest. You can't go wrong when showing up with this bright crowd favorite.

10 of 45

Banana Pudding Poke Cake

Banana Pudding Poke Cake
Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

This cake is rich and delicious, bursting with fresh banana flavor and big enough to feed a crowd. We recommend chilling the cake in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.

11 of 45

New-School Pineapple Casserole

New-School Pineapple Casserole in casserole dish
Photo: James Ransom; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

The biggest change we made in our new take on classic pineapple casserole, which is perhaps slightly controversial, is we swapped the canned pineapple for fresh. 

12 of 45

Reunion Pea Casserole

Reunion Pea Casserole
Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

This casserole packs a delicious punch. The stuffed-to-the-brim dish is full of Italian sausage, cheese, squash, and peas. Then, it's finished off with a buttery crescent roll crust.

13 of 45

Fresh Peach Cobbler

Southern Living Fresh Peach Cobbler with a serving scooped into a bowl with ice cream

Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman

This recipe's name just about sums up why it's the perfect dish for a summertime gathering.

14 of 45

Savannah Red Rice

Savannah Red Rice
Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

This regional delicacy is simple to prepare while still showcasing rich flavor. The smoky bacon and tangy tomatoes will keep guests coming back for more.

15 of 45

Lemon-Lime Poke Cake

Lemon-Lime Poke Cake in a rectangle blue pan
Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer Prop Stylist: Audrey Davis

Citrus-spiked sweetened condensed milk and buttermilk add a double-dose of moisture and tang to plain white cake.

16 of 45

Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese

Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese
Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Bulk up macaroni and cheese with pulled pork from your favorite local joint, and you have a main and side dish all in one.

17 of 45

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland; Food Styling: Melissa Gray

People like potatoes in just about any form, and this is a new recipe to save as a go-to. We like to think of this dish as a portable, easy-to-portion take on twice-baked potatoes.

18 of 45

Cheese Cracker-Topped Squash Casserole

Cheese Cracker-Topped Squash Casserole Recipe
Hector Sanchez

Thanks to the Goldfish topping, this recipe is automatically kid-approved. Don't be fooled, though: Made with in-season zucchini and yellow squash, it's also adult-approved and highly encouraged as a welcome side dish on just about any supper menu.

19 of 45

Raspberry-Rhubarb Bars

Raspberry-Rhubarb Bars
Cedric Angeles; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Everyone will appreciate these fruity hand-held treats. Fresh rhubarb adds a tart touch that balances out the buttery shortbread-like crust.

20 of 45

Classic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

Classic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes
Beth Dreiling Hontzas

There's nothing not to love about these scalloped potatoes, which are done up in a casserole dish with a load of parmesan and heavy cream. We recommend rounding out your meal with something on the light side like fresh vegetables.

21 of 45

Sweet Potato, Cauliflower, and Greens Casserole

Sweet Potato, Cauliflower, and Greens Casserole
Hector Sanchez

Big chunks of fresh vegetables—cauliflower, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, butter beans—mingle with a creamy cheese sauce and tender kale to make up this meat-free casserole that'll shine at your summer potluck.

22 of 45

Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

With chicken, vegetables, and pasta all held together by a creamy sauce, this casserole is a well-rounded, family-friendly meal.

23 of 45

Roasted Tomato Macaroni and Cheese

Roasted Tomato Macaroni and Cheese
Victor Protasio

Even your macaroni and cheese should have a summery touch, thanks to the bounty of ripe tomatoes at your fingertips. This comforting homemade mac-and-cheese will wow the kids and the adults alike at the potluck.

24 of 45

Chili Cheese Enchiladas

Chili Cheese Enchiladas
Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Made with a flavor-bursting chili-cheese gravy, this Tex-Mex casserole will be the tastiest thing at the potluck. Add any ingredients you have on hand, such as a can of corn, black beans, refried beans, or shredded chicken.

25 of 45

Sweet Tea-and-Lemonade Cake

Sweet Tea-and-Lemonade Cake
Hector Manuel Sanchez

No occasion is complete without this showy confection that takes inspiration from the refreshing Southern beverage: the Arnold Palmer. You can spin this into a tipsy cake by substituting up to two tablespoons of vodka or bourbon for the lemon juice in the frosting.

26 of 45

Deep-Dish Loaded Hash Brown Casserole

Deep-Dish Loaded Hash Brown Casserole
Photographer: Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Missie Neville Crawford

This casserole captures the flavors of hash browns from the diner, but in a size that'll feed your whole family and can easily work for lunch and dinner, as well as breakfast.

27 of 45

Baked Ziti with Summer Vegetables

Baked Ziti with Summer Vegetables
Alison Miksch

Loads of in-season squash and tomatoes give a freshness to this classic dish that's a staple at Southern reunions, potlucks, and funerals. Fresh mozzerella and basil top off the dish in a delicious fashion.

28 of 45

Pasta-Chicken-Broccoli Bake

Pasta-Chicken-Broccoli Bake
Iain Bagwell

This casserole is full of summer color with broccoli, bell peppers, and colorful spinach-and-cheese tortellini. It's always one of the first to disappear.

29 of 45

Buffalo Chicken Casserole

Buffalo Chicken Casserole
Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Everyone's favorite party dip got a hearty upgrade with chicken and penne pasta.

30 of 45

Plum-Berry Cornmeal Sheet Cake

Plum-Berry Cornmeal Sheet Cake
Photo: Alison Miksch

This sheet cakes looks like it just belongs at a breezy picnic. The vanilla-flavored cornmeal batter makes a not-too-sweet base for the fresh berries and plums.

31 of 45

Ham and Noodle Casserole

Ham and Noodle Casserole
Jen Causey

This family-friendly casserole is made with egg noodles, chopped ham, a tasty mix of vegetables (carrots, broccoli, asparagus), and a rich and creamy sauce.

32 of 45

Turkey-Noodle-Poppyseed Casserole

Turkey-Noodle-Poppyseed Casserole Recipe
Hector Manuel Sanchez

You can never go wrong when showing up with a poppyseed casserole in tow. This version uses traditional egg noodles, diced turkey, and plenty of creamy sauce to get the job done.

33 of 45

Red, White, and Blue Poke Cake

Red, White, and Blue Poke Cake
Jennifer Causey

This dessert pleases the crowd by being both patriotic and packed with fruity flavor. It's made with two fillings of fresh summer berries and topped with rich mascarpone frosting.

34 of 45

Cheeseburger Casserole

Cheeseburger Casserole
Photography: Alison Miksch, Prop Styling: Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland, Food Styling: Melissa Gray

Forget individual patties and whip up this cheeseburger casserole for a crowd. It's easy to tote and cut if you're bringing it to a party or serving individual slices for a group.

35 of 45

Deb Wise's Tamale Pie Mix-up

Deb Wise's Tamale Pie Mix-up
Hector Sanchez

One of our favorite quick-fix dishes to bring to the summer potluck, this take on a tamale pie is packed with a filling of ground beef, cornmeal, tomato sauce, and corn that gets finished with a layer of cheese.

36 of 45

Chicken-and-Wild Rice Casserole

Chicken-and-Wild Rice Casserole
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Bring summertime freshness to your potluck lineup with this almond-topped casserole. Take a break from the pasta bakes with a wild rice casserole filled with chicken, water chestnuts, sour cream, and cheese.

37 of 45

Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake

Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake
Hector Manuel Sanchez

Make use of your lush greens from the farmers' market with this creamy bake with loads of cheese and tender kale. This dish comes together in half an hour, making it a hearty no-brainer for any get-together.

38 of 45

Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Bars

Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Bars
Linda Pugliese; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Instead of serving cake or pie at your next gathering, consider making these cheesecake bars in a casserole dish. They're easy to cut up and transport for a party, and, thanks to the fresh berries, the colors look especially festive for a 4th of July or Memorial Day celebration.

39 of 45

Layered Squash Casserole

Layered Squash Casserole

Photographer: James Ransom, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

While this recipe is similar to classic squash casserole, the flavor is dialed up with a few key ingredients, such as Dijon mustard and white cheddar cheese.

40 of 45

Macaroni Corn Casserole

Macaroni Corn Casserole
Will Dickey; Prop Styling: Christina Daley; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

We upped the ante on a classic side dish with crumbled bacon and pretty little corn kernels. It's topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs.

41 of 45

Patchwork Cobbler

Patchwork Cobbler
Photo: Hector Sanchez

Show off your summer fruits at the cookout with this patchwork cobbler packed full with peaches, plums, and blueberries. A sugar-crusted pastry topping makes it look pretty as a picture.

42 of 45

Tennessee Onions

Tennessee Onions
CAITLIN BENSEL; FOOD STYLIST: TORIE COX

This onion casserole is made with a handful of simple ingredients: sweet vidalia onions, cheese, and butter mainly. It's unsuspecting good for pairing at a burger cookout.

43 of 45

French Onion Chicken Casserole

French Onion Chicken Casserole
Stacy Allen; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower

For this casserole, we quickly caramelized fresh onions for the filling and then topped everything with crispy fried onions before baking for double the French onion flavor.

44 of 45

Pineapple Bread Pudding

Pineapple Bread Pudding
Victor Protasio

That extra bread in your kitchen has never been tastier. Made with pineapple pieces, pineapple juice, soft Hawaiian dinner rolls, and macadamia nuts, it's a tropical dream.

45 of 45

Savory Corn Pudding

Savory Corn Pudding
Emily Laurae / Southern Living

Although corn pudding is technically a casserole, it has a rich, soft texture that's almost dessert-like. This corn pudding recipe puts a savory spin on the classic with the addition of chopped onion and fresh thyme.

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