Classic Seventh-Day Adventist Potluck Recipes

Discover how Adventist potlucks blend faith, food, and fellowship—with classic vegan recipes, cultural traditions, and crowd-pleasing casseroles.

The Potluck as Cultural

You need to understand that potlucks (or "fellowship meals") are to Adventist Christians what a catwalk is to the fashionista. This is the place where we gather to catch up on our lives, to mingle with visitors (Adventist Christians from elsewhere) and guests (former- or non-Adventists who either dropped in on their own or were brought as a guest of a member), and to nosh down on great vegetarian and/or vegan chow. After the meal people depart to a nature walk, an afternoon service in a nursing home, a video about witnessing or a personal ministries committee meeting, etc.

About 35% of Adventists worldwide are reported to be vegetarian, some eating eggs and/or dairy products (ovo-lacto vegetarian) and some a more strict vegan (no animal flesh or by-products). I don't have figures, but today there are also a number of advocates of the "high raw vegan" lifestyle, which generally means a diet made up of about 50-70% raw fruits and vegetables.

The Adventist Church perceives health and wellness as a positive support for spiritual growth and along with not eating "unclean" foods as described in the Bible (i.e., pork, other mammals who don't chew their cuds or have split hooves, birds and animals of prey, fish without scales) a vegetarian/vegan diet is promoted as optimally healthy. While 35% of Adventists DO practice vegetarianism in some form, it is clear that the vast majority of Adventist Christians (65%) do not. However, a Sabbath community meal is generally at least ovo-lacto vegetarian in most of the churches we have visited.

The Potluck Recipes

The potluck (or fellowship meal) itself is an important part of Adventist "culture." We have eaten at Adventist potlucks Coast to Coast in Canada, in continental United States, Philippines and Hong Kong. While there were slight cultural or traditional differences (in Philippines they had fish on their potluck table) every one of the potlucks was similar in that there was at least one baked bean dish, one vegetarian casserole, lots of salads and an abundance of dazzling desserts.

I hope you enjoy the following traditional recipes. Since I wrote this article I have received requests from people who wanted direction to additional healthy "Adventist" recipes. . If you are looking for up-to-date plant-based recipes that use gluten-free ingredients, you will love Michelle Blackwood's Healthier Steps: 125 Gluten-Free Vegan Recipes. Michelle is an Adventist trained nurse, who researched and developed delicious, healthy recipes based on her own issues with gluten and animal foods. Many of her recipes also have a Caribbean influence, so you can share that sunny holiday cuisine at your next potluck or family dinner! 

And least, but by no means last, I would like to alert veggie cooks to the excellent cookbook, Tastefully Vegan: Creative Vegetarian Cooking by a couple of nutrition-savvy foodies: Kathryn McLane, RN and Gerard McLane DrPH and MPH. This particular book will be welcomed by both vegetarians and meat eaters, parents with children who have decided to go vegan, and entertainers expecting vegetarian guests. 

For more popular recipe books please see the site made to showcase these excellent recipe books, with some samples from each of them.

Scroll to the Recipes:

Holiday Dinner Roast

The Haystack Salad

The Hawaiian Haystack

Special K Roast

Chicken-like Seasoning

Beef-like Seasoning

Carrot-Peanut Butter Loaf

Corn Muffins

Oat-Onion Soup Patties

Millet or Quinoa Patties

Baked Beans

Wheat Gluten Meat or Seitan

Vegan Turkey Recipes

Holiday Dinner Roast

Holiday Dinner Roast: Winner of November 2021 Joy of Eating Club Contest    Prea Lindeman

Every respectable holiday Sabbath potluck (Fellowship Dinner) will contain at least one sensational vegetarian "holiday roast". The recipe chosen for this article is a plant-based chickpea roast. The ingredients are in most pantries and all grocery stores. It is easy to make, and outstanding in the deliciousness department! So yummy is it that Prea Lindeman won the November 2021 "Joy of Eating Club" contest with her presentation. Find the recipe HERE.

The Haystack Salad

The one common and delicious North American potluck item that we have come across is something called "Haystacks" that is basically a combination of baked beans, corn chips, salsa, various salad veggies, and cheese (dairy or non-dairy).  Anthony Leong

The Hawaiian Haystack

The delectable Hawaiian Haystack is probably more accurately described as rice and Chinese vegetables plus pineapple and/or sweet and sour pineapple sauce and/or chopped peanuts and/or soya sauce. And maybe olives and cheese. (Wikipedia)

VEGAN Hawaiian Haystack Shorty Recipe:

 

As in the traditional Haystack, assemble your usual salad ingredients and add in or swap: 

• cooked rice (about 1 12 cups per each adult expected) 
• diced red bell pepper, 
• diced fresh tomato, 
• finely chopped celery, 
• shredded lettuce or other leafy greens, 
• faux cooked and diced, or shredded chicken such as soy curls, or firm tofu cubes, 
• pineapple tidbits 

For the Topping: 

• vegan mozzarella type shreds 
• crunchy chow mein noodles 
• vegan sour cream 
• toasted nuts: chopped macadamia, peanuts or almonds
• fine chopped green onions
• Vegan Dressing: (2 Recipes below or use ready-made)

 

(1) Vegan Oriental Sauce for Hawaii Haystacks

Ingredients:

3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

2 tbsp maple syrup or agave

1 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tsp toasted sesame oil

1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

1 small clove garlic, minced

1 tbsp tahini or peanut butter (optional, for creaminess)

2–3 tbsp water (to thin as needed)

Pinch of chili flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

Instructions:

Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl or shake in a jar until smooth. Adjust water to reach your desired consistency.

(2) Creamy Coconut-Oriental Sauce (Vegan)

Ingredients:

¼ cup canned coconut milk (full-fat or light)

1½ tbsp soy sauce or tamari

1 tbsp maple syrup or agave

1 tbsp lime juice or rice vinegar

1 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated

1 small clove garlic, minced

½ tsp toasted sesame oil

1 tbsp nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew), optional for extra creaminess

Pinch of chili flakes or a dash of sriracha (optional)

Instructions:

Whisk until smooth or blend briefly for an ultra-creamy texture. Chill for 15 minutes if you'd like the flavors to meld.

The Impossible Friday Night Fantasy Haystack

Someday-- in some Church Basement... Unlikely  (A.I. image)

Special K Roast

When I became an Adventist in the 1990s, Special K Roast appeared at most of the church potlucks. I was a little shocked, as a newly minted vegetarian, at the eggs and cottage cheese-- and butter in some of the recipes-- for this favourite casserole.

Fast forward a couple of decades and you will find that healthier vegan variations of this recipe have been developed. The recipe here is shown in the video above. If you do not have access to the Chicken-like seasoning brand (McKay's) they use, I have provided a recipe for making that following this recipe below.

As you can see from this video, small children enjoy helping out with food preparation. The benefits of bringing them in to the enjoyment of cooking include the long-term ability to prepare nutritious meals for themselves and others.

Special K Roast - Author

Ingredients for Special K Roast, Vegan-ized Recipe

1 yellow onion, chopped

2 pounds, tofu, medium firm, drained

1/2 cup olive oil

2 cups walnuts and/or pecans, chopped fine

1/4 cup nutritional yeast

5 tablespoons onion soup mix

1 tablespoon beef-like OR chicken-like seasoning (see DIY seasoning recipes below)

1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk, soy milk or rice milk

1 teaspoon sea salt or vegetable herb/salt blend (like Mrs. Dash)

7 cups Special K cereal (or non-sugary cereals or gluten-free cereal flakes-- some suggestions include Wheat Chex, Wheatabix, Rice Chex, Rice Krispies, leftover steel-cut oats (cooked), corn flakes, no name non-sweet cereals and even Pepperridge Farms stuffing mix!)

Method for Making Special K Roast

Stir fry up chopped onion in 1 inch of water until translucent and softened. Set aside.

Fit parchment paper into baking pan and set aside. (optional)

Using a large bowl, mash tofu well (original recipe used cottage cheese, so that could be an overall idea of what you are aiming for with the tofu)

Add in other ingredients and mix well for an even consistency

Spoon into a baking pan and press down evenly.

Bake at 350 degrees F./180 degrees C. for about 45 - 60 minutes

Serve with mushroom or onion gravy.

Chicken-Like Seasoning

Rows of Rich Spices (Pixabay)

Chicken-Like Seasoning:

Mix together:

1 tablespoon corn starch

1 1/2 tablespoons onion powder

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon coriander powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon parsley flakes

Store in a container with tight-fitting lid in cool dry place.

Beef-like Seasoning

1 cup nutritional yeast

2 tablespoons sea salt or salt/herb blend

2 tablespoons paprika

1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 1/2 tablespoons onion powder

1 teaspoon basil flakes

1/8 teaspoon thyme flakes

1 teaspoon celery seeds

1/2 teaspoon marjoram powder

*Blend together and store in an airtight container.

*Use in the Special K recipe above, and in soups,seitan/gluten, stew, stir-fries, broth, gravies where you desire beef-like flavor.

Carrot-Peanut Butter Loaf

Old Adventist recipes often include peanut butter as an ingredient.
-author's photo of Carrot-Peanut Butter Loaf

Ingredients:

3/4 cup peanut butter

1 cup unsweetened plant milk

1/2 cup chopped onion

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon sage

2 1/2 cups grated carrots

1 3/4 cups cooked brown rice (or quinoa or barley)

1 cup wholewheat or glutenfree bread crumbs

Corn Muffins

Ingredients:

2 cups soaked soybeans (or 2 cups tofu)

2 cups water or coconut water

2 tablespoons honey

2 teaspoons salt

1/4 cup steel cut oats

2 cups corn meal (not corn starch).

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F/205°C.

Blend the soybeans (or tofu), water, honey, salt and oats.

Pour the above into corn meal and mix well.

Fill the muffin cups.

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes

Serve warm or cold.

🌾 Vegan Oatmeal-Onion Soup Patties

Makes 10–12 patties

🧂 Ingredients:

2 cups (200 g) quick oats

1 packet (approx. 40 g) dry onion soup mix (ensure it's vegan)

1 ½ cups (375 mL) boiling water

½ cup (60 g) whole wheat flour or oat flour

2 tbsp (30 mL) soy sauce or tamari

1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil (optional for texture)

1 tsp (5 mL) garlic powder

1 tsp (5 mL) thyme or poultry seasoning

Optional: ½ cup (50 g) chopped walnuts, sunflower seeds, or grated carrot

🔪 Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375°F / 190°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine:

Quick oats

Dry onion soup mix

Garlic powder, thyme, flour, and optional seeds or veggies.

Add boiling water, soy sauce, and optional oil. Stir until mixture thickens. Let sit for 5–10 minutes.

Form into 10–12 patties using damp hands or a large spoon.

Place patties on the baking sheet. Flatten slightly.

Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and firm.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions:

Serve with mushroom gravy, on a sandwich bun, or alongside steamed veggies and brown rice.

Leftovers freeze well and reheat nicely in a toaster oven or skillet.

Millet or Quinoa Patties

Millet Patties -image generated by Adobe Firefly.

4 C. cooked millet or quinoa

1/4 C. nut butter (not peanut)

2 t. onion powder

1 t. celery salt

Form into patties and brown in the oven at 350F. for about 35 minutes. Serves 6.

Vegan Baked Beans

Wheat Gluten Meat, or Seitan

By Amy Stephenson from New York, USA - SeitanPlatter, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=62009871

Vegan Turkey Recipes for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter Potlucks

Here are three vegan turkey recipes that can be made up and taken to special occasions potlucks during the Seventh-day Adventist Church calendar, or enjoyed by a gathering of family or friends. One recipe is made with wheat gluten (seitan), another with tofu and a third is a raw vegan nut-vegetable recipe. They are all on one page =click on image----- >

Some General Ideas for What You Might Take To A Church Potluck

For a vegan potluck at a church, it's always a good idea to bring a dish that is not only delicious but also likely to appeal to a diverse group of people. Here are some ideas for vegan dishes that are often crowd-pleasers:

Vegan Chili: A hearty and flavorful vegan chili made with beans, lentils, tomatoes, and a variety of spices. You can serve it with toppings like avocado, green onions, and vegan cheese.

Vegetable Stir-Fry: A colorful and vibrant vegetable stir-fry with tofu or tempeh. Use a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas. Serve it over brown rice or noodles.

Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad with a mix of vegetables, herbs, and a tangy lemon dressing. You can add ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and fresh herbs for a refreshing dish.

Vegan Pasta Salad: Create a pasta salad with colorful vegetables, olives, and a tasty vegan dressing. You can use a variety of pasta shapes and add ingredients like cherry tomatoes, artichokes, and roasted red peppers.

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Make stuffed bell peppers with a mixture of quinoa, black beans, corn, and spices. Bake until the peppers are tender, and you have a satisfying and visually appealing dish.

Vegan Casserole: Prepare a vegan casserole with layers of roasted vegetables, lentils or beans, and a flavorful sauce. Top it with breadcrumbs or vegan cheese for an extra touch. Or old school, a layer of Mushroom Sauce (made from canned Mushroom Soup).

Hummus and Veggie Platter: Create a colorful platter with a variety of hummus flavors (such as classic, roasted red pepper, or spinach) accompanied by an assortment of fresh vegetables and pita bread..

Remember to check with the organizers or attendees if there are any specific dietary restrictions or allergies to consider. Bringing a dish that is not only vegan but also nut-free and gluten-free, if possible, can be thoughtful and inclusive.

You may want to compare the home-made recipes above with Loma Linda and other traditional commercial products. (I am an Amazon associate and receive a small referral fee if you purchase using the link. You are not charged extra.)

AI was used to edit some of the above content, and to generate a few of the images. Approved by me.