Whether it’s a church social, a family reunion, retirement celebration or just a group of family and friends getting together, there’s nothing like some tasty casserole dishes to feed the hungry masses.

Casseroles, or potluck dinners, are a great way to have a party and keep work to a minimum. When everyone brings their favorite dish, it is a great way to taste each other’s recipes. Which is why events like the Jeanerette Chamber of Commerce annual Taster’s Luncheon is so popular.

The 2008 luncheon will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday at the Ward 8 Recreation Center. Tickets are available at the door.

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With members of the community and restaurants from the surrounding area supplying the great dishes ranging from cabbage casserole to desserts from Chef Blake Payne of Cypress Bayou Casino and Mr. Lester’s, there’s sure to be something to please everyone.

Martha Frederick of Jeanerette has been cooking for the luncheon about four years.

“For the last couple of years, I have brought the same dish, Crawfish Fettuccini,” Frederick said. “I’ll make it early in the morning and bring it over (to the event) hot.”

Audry Harris said she has been cooking for the luncheon as long as they have been having it.

“I used to make a potato au gratin, but now I make a spaghetti noodle casserole,” Harris said. “I used to belong to a Pokeno Club and I cooked it for them one year and (the other members) wanted it every year after that. Served with garlic bread and a salad, it’s a one-dish meal. It’s all good (at the luncheon). You know you’re eating something that someone made at home.”

Cindy Ayers, vice president of the Campbell’s Soups kitchen, has spent more than 30 years in the culinary world and operated her own restaurant and catering company. She offered three casserole recipes (printed right) using Campbell’s Soup, that will please any group or party.

Hearty Sausage and Rice Casserole combines Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup with seasoned white and wild rice mix, mushrooms, pork sausage, and Cheddar cheese. For more traditional fare, try Hearty Chicken and Noodle Casserole or Country Chicken Casserole, using basic pantry ingredients.

“Impress your guests with these surprisingly easy, crowd-pleasing casserole recipes that require minimal prep and clean up, but taste like you spent hours in the kitchen,” Ayers said.

For more popular potluck recipes, visit www.campbellskitchen.com.