Tennessee Grandma Says: “This Is the Casserole Jesus Would’ve LOVED at the Last Supper!”
A Tennessee grandma’s quirky claim about a casserole fit for Jesus turns a church potluck into a memorable tale with a recipe you’ll want to try. 🌐 #News #NashvilleTN #Tennessee #Food
NASHVILLE, TN – Last Sunday, my hubby Jack and I hauled our usual tater tot hotdish to a church potluck in Franklin, Tennessee, expecting the same old spread of macaroni and green beans. But then Bernice—an 82-year-old spitfire with a twinkle in her eye—plopped down a steaming dish and declared, “This here’s the ONE casserole Jesus would’ve LOVED at the Last Supper!” Jack nearly choked on his sweet tea, and I couldn’t help but giggle. Bernice swore this recipe was a heavenly match for any table, biblical or not, and after one bite, I had to agree it was worth writing about.
Why Bernice’s Casserole Stands Out
Bernice didn’t just bring food—she brought a story. She said this dish, with its creamy layers and crunchy topping, would’ve fit right in among the bread and fish of that famous meal. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but hearty enough to feed a crowd.
What makes it special? The balance of flavors—rich, tangy, and just a hint of sweetness—plus a texture that keeps you scooping for more. It’s the kind of recipe that sticks with you, whether you’re at a potluck or just feeding your family.
The Recipe: Heavenly Chicken Casserole
Here’s Bernice’s go-to casserole, straight from her stained recipe card. It’s easy to whip up and uses ingredients you likely already have.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 sleeve buttery crackers (like Ritz), crushed
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- In a small bowl, toss the crushed crackers with melted butter, then scatter them over the cheese layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and the edges bubble.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before digging in.
Tips for Making It Your Own
Bernice swears by her version, but she’s all for tweaking it. Swap the chicken for turkey after Thanksgiving, or toss in some frozen peas for color. If you’re feeding picky eaters, skip the garlic powder and lean on the cheese to carry the day.
The beauty of this casserole is its flexibility—it’s a blank canvas that still tastes amazing as-is. Jack likes it with a dash of hot sauce, while I’m partial to the classic crunchy top.
FAQ: Grandma Bernice’s Casserole
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble it up to the cracker topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the crackers and butter just before baking.
Q: Does it freeze well?
A: It does. Bake it first, let it cool, then freeze in portions. Reheat at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through.
Q: What sides go best with this?
A: A green salad or steamed broccoli keeps it light, but Bernice says mashed potatoes are a winner if you’re feeling extra cozy.
Q: Did Jesus really eat casseroles?
A: No clue—Bernice just likes to think so! Hehe. It’s more about the spirit of sharing good food with good company.
RELATED TOPICS: Faith | Food | Lifestyle | Tennessee
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