There is something about Brenda Gantt recipes that feels made for sharing. From creamy dips set out with crackers to old-fashioned cakes and Southern side dishes, these are the kinds of recipes that fit naturally around a table filled with family and friends.
If you’re planning a holiday meal, potluck, game-day spread or simple weekend get-together, we’ve gathered some of our favorite Brenda Gantt-inspired recipes in one place.
Some are sweet, some are savory, and several can be prepared ahead of time. Here are 8 Brenda Gantt recipes for desserts, dips and Southern gatherings to try at home.
1. Brenda Gantt Pineapple Dip
Sweet pineapple, cream cheese and cheddar come together in this unusual but delicious Southern-style dip. It’s creamy, slightly sweet and particularly handy when you need something that can be made ahead of a party.
Serve it chilled with crackers, pretzels or crisp apple slices.
2. Brenda Gantt Corn Dip
For something more savory, this creamy corn dip is an easy addition to a party table. Corn, cheddar cheese, green chiles, peppers, mayonnaise and sour cream create a rich dip with a little kick.
It’s especially good for potlucks, cookouts, game days and casual family gatherings. Make it ahead and give it some time in the refrigerator before serving so the flavors have a chance to come together.
3. Brenda Gantt Pimento Cheese
Few foods say Southern gathering quite like pimento cheese.
Our Brenda Gantt-inspired version combines sharp and mild cheddar with cream cheese, pimentos and roasted red peppers for a creamy spread that’s easy to put out for guests.
Serve it with crackers and vegetables, spread it onto sandwiches or use it to make small party sandwiches.
4. Brenda Gantt’s Good Morning Cake
Not every cake needs to wait until after dinner.
Brenda Gantt’s Good Morning Cake is a warmly spiced cake made with cinnamon, cloves and brown sugar, with optional pecans for a little crunch. It works particularly well alongside a hot cup of coffee.
Although it’s called a morning cake, we’d happily put slices of this one onto a brunch or dessert table too.
5. Brenda Gantt Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole sits somewhere between a side dish and dessert, which is exactly why it deserves a place on this list.
The creamy sweet potato filling is topped with a buttery brown sugar, flour and pecan mixture that turns golden as it bakes.
It’s an especially good choice for Thanksgiving, Christmas and other fall and winter gatherings, but there’s no reason to save it only for the holidays.
6. Brenda Gantt Bean Salad
When the rest of the table is filled with rich dips and baked dishes, a sweet-and-tangy bean salad makes a useful contrast.
This version combines several varieties of beans with corn, pimentos and onion in a simple sugar-and-vinegar dressing.
It’s also an excellent make-ahead recipe because the salad benefits from spending time in the refrigerator. Prepare it the evening before a cookout or family gathering and it will be ready when you need it.
7. Brenda Gantt Tomato Pie
Fresh tomatoes, cheese and a flaky pie crust make this Southern tomato pie a lovely option when you want something more substantial on the table.
The tomatoes are layered with a creamy cheese mixture and fresh basil before the pie is baked until golden and bubbly.
Cut it into smaller wedges for a party spread, or serve larger slices alongside salad for an easy lunch
8. Brenda Gantt Cornbread
A basket of warm cornbread is an easy addition to almost any Southern-style meal.
This simple Brenda Gantt-inspired cornbread uses self-rising cornmeal, buttermilk and egg to create a soft center with that all-important golden exterior.
Serve it alongside dips, casseroles, barbecue or a big family dinner. Leftovers are pretty good warmed up the next day, too.
Which Brenda Gantt Recipe Should You Make First?
For a party or game day, start with the corn dip or pimento cheese. If you’re looking for something sweet, try the Good Morning Cake. For Thanksgiving and Christmas, the sweet potato casserole fits naturally onto the holiday table.
Or turn several of these recipes into a Southern-inspired spread: put out pimento cheese and corn dip to start, add tomato pie and bean salad to the table, then finish with slices of Good Morning Cake.
The best part is that you don’t have to choose just one.
Which Brenda Gantt Recipe Should You Make First?
For a party or game day, start with the corn dip or pimento cheese. If you’re looking for something sweet, try the Good Morning Cake. For Thanksgiving and Christmas, the sweet potato casserole fits naturally onto the holiday table.
Or turn several of these recipes into a Southern-inspired spread. Put out pimento cheese and corn dip to start, add tomato pie and bean salad to the table, then finish with slices of Good Morning Cake.
Whether you’re planning a holiday meal, potluck or relaxed family gathering, these Brenda Gantt-inspired recipes give you plenty of easy ideas to bring to the table.
