The best covered dish dinner recipes our readers swear by

It's hard to beat the classics.

A covered dish is essentially just another term for a recipe that is traditionally prepared ahead of time, then covered with a lid, foil, or plastic wrap to be easily transported to a potluck or cookout. We asked readers: What's your favorite recipe to bring to a covered dish dinner? From classic casseroles to trifle desserts, here are 26 crowd-favorite covered dish dinner recipes to bring to your next gathering.

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01 of 26

Broccoli Cornbread

While we love a classic cast-iron cornbread, this broccoli and cheddar version is potluck-perfection. A box of corn muffin mix helps it come together in just 15 minutes before popping the dish in the oven to bake.

02 of 26

Million Dollar Baked Beans

Sure, baked beans go hand-in-hand with backyard barbecues, but in the South they're a staple dish that's welcome regardless of the occasion.

03 of 26

Cornbread Salad

This non-salad salad might not be fancy, but the colorful and beloved ingredients will impress. A few of the layers require a bit of prep, but it's worth it for the delicious end result.

04 of 26

Homemade Brownies

We're not against a good boxed brownie, but this recipe might convince you that the homemade confection is easier to make than you think.

05 of 26

Southern-Style Potato Salad

Potato salad is the quintessential Southern potluck dish that is always welcome on the table. This classic version is one everyone will love.

06 of 26

Classic Deviled Eggs

Show off your culinary prowess with a tray of deviled eggs. Keep it simple with a classic paprika garnish or take it up a notch with one of our other deviled egg recipes that play with different flavors and fun garnishes.

07 of 26

Chicken Parmesan Casserole

A classic chicken parm meal might be served on a bed of spaghetti with marinara, but this easy to make-and-take version is ideal for potlucks.

08 of 26

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

We have a plethora of creamy chicken casserole recipes, but this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole takes the cake. Cream of chicken soup, cottage cheese, sour cream, and a bit of cream cheese ensure there's no lack of creaminess while buttery crackers give it a nice crunchy topping.

09 of 26

Strawberry Trifle

You can't go wrong with a trifle dessert. This easy one comes together in just 30 minutes with layers of coconut whipped cream, macerated strawberries, and toasted coconut flakes.

10 of 26

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Who can say no to cheesy and creamy potatoes? Layers of thinly-sliced potatoes and onions are covered in a decadent cream sauce, then baked until golden.

11 of 26

Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding

You can't beat this old-fashioned banana pudding recipe. Once you walk in the door with this divine dessert, everyone will be begging for the recipe.

12 of 26

Chicken Gumbo

We love a traditional seafood gumbo, but chicken and sausage recipes are always a safe bet to avoid any shellfish allergies when serving a large crowd.

13 of 26

Pineapple Casserole

Pineapple casserole can be served at just about any gathering from Easter and Thanksgiving to showers and dinner parties.

14 of 26

Broccoli Salad

This raw veggie "salad" is one that can be found at just about every Southern picnic and potluck. Aside from the bacon, it's a no-cook dish which makes it super easy to toss together last minute.

15 of 26

Best Homemade Macaroni And Cheese

Boxed mac & cheese works in a pinch, but the homemade stuff will always have our hearts at first bite. Bonus: if there are children at the function, it's a guaranteed winner for everyone.

16 of 26

Cajun-Style Potato Salad

Up your potato salad game and impress fellow guests with this cajun-style spud recipe. It has all the traditional elements with the addition of Creole mustard, Cajun seasoning, bell peppers, celery, bacon, and scallions.

17 of 26

Classic Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole might most often be found on a holiday sideboard, but it's also welcome year-round at our covered dish dinners.

18 of 26

Classic Coleslaw

From cookouts to Fourth of July picnics, it's hard to go wrong with a heaping bowl of coleslaw.

19 of 26

Potato Kugel

Though it's a dish traditionally associated with Passover, kugel is simply the yiddish word for casserole or pudding—two things we love anytime of year in the South.

20 of 26

Heaven In A Bowl

It's all in the name. Brownies (made from a mix or store-bought), a peanut butter whipped pudding mixture, peanut butter cups, and whipped cream are layered to form a truly show-stopping dessert.

21 of 26

Million Dollar Spaghetti

Whether it's a weeknight family meal or covered dish dinner party, spaghetti casserole will always be a hit.

22 of 26

Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms aren't just for passed apps at fancy soirées. These bite-sized shrooms are just what your next covered dish event is missing.

23 of 26

Scalloped Corn Casserole

Corn casserole will always be a crowd-favorite—and it's a cinch to make. No shucking required thanks to frozen corn!

24 of 26

Caramel Apple Dump Cake

All you need is 15 minutes and 7 ingredients to have this dump cake ready to go in the oven. It's delicious on its own, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top really makes it sing.

25 of 26

Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs

These sweet, tangy, and saucy little bites have long held a special place in our hearts—and bellies. Though they require 2.5 hours in the slow cooker, all you have to do is dump the ingredients in the pot and press start.

26 of 26

Homemade Chicken Salad

While some like raisins, grapes, or walnuts in their chicken salad, this simple recipe is sure to be one that everyone will enjoy.