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Comforting Church Potluck Casserole

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A creamy, cheesy, and hearty casserole with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, perfect for church potlucks, family dinners, or cozy weekend brunches. This easy recipe uses simple pantry staples and delivers comforting flavors everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great for convenience)
  • 1 cup elbow macaroni (or any small pasta shape), cooked al dente
  • 1 cup cottage cheese, small-curd preferred
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1/2 cup sautéed onions
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 clove fresh garlic, minced)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley or Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup of elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup chopped onions and cook until translucent and slightly golden, around 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  3. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked pasta, sautéed onions, cottage cheese, shredded cheddar, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until well combined. Add more milk if mixture seems dry.
  4. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and dried parsley. Stir until crumbs are evenly coated.
  5. Transfer the casserole mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread evenly. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over the surface.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until topping is golden brown and casserole is bubbling. Cover loosely with foil for last 10 minutes if topping browns too fast.
  7. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not skip sautéing the onions for added sweetness and depth. Use small-curd cottage cheese for creamier texture. Keep pasta al dente to avoid mushiness after baking. Breadcrumb topping adds essential crunch. The casserole reheats well and flavors deepen after a day. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs. For dairy-free, substitute with plant-based alternatives and nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: casserole, church potluck, comfort food, chicken casserole, cheesy casserole, easy recipe, crowd-pleaser

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