The new parents will be so thankful for these casseroles, baked goods, breakfast bakes and more.
32 Recipes Proud Grandmas Cook For New Parents
Updated on Sep. 16, 2024
1/32
Chicken & Cheese Noodle Bake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 casseroles (6 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the recipe my daughters and I often make for new parents when they come home from the hospital. With its creamy spaghetti filling and melted cheese topping, this casserole holds a nice cut and comforts hungry tummies. —Fancheon Resler, Bluffton, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 509 calories, 24g fat (13g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 691mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
2/32
Maple-Roasted Chicken & Acorn Squash
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I became a new mother, my mom helped me find comforting and simple recipes to have on hand. This terrific roast chicken is a happy discovery. —Sara Eilers, Surprise, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 363 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 497mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
3/32
Grandma’s Honey Muffins
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I can remember my Grandma Wheeler making these delicious muffins—we'd eat them nice and warm, fresh from the oven! She was a "pinch of this and handful of that" kind of cook, so getting the ingredient amounts correct for the recipe was a challenge. Now it's a family treasure! —Darlis A. Wilfer, West Bend, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 179 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 242mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
4/32
Chicken Manicotti
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like making this dish for special occasions. You can also use low-fat ingredients, and it turns out just as good. —Liz Lorch, Spirit Lake, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
2 each: 761 calories, 44g fat (27g saturated fat), 190mg cholesterol, 962mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 49g protein.
5/32
Chicken Potpie
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
2 potpies (8 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the best chicken potpie recipe! Chock-full of chicken, potatoes, peas and corn, this recipe makes two golden pies, so you can serve one at supper and save the other for a busy night. —Karen Johnson, Bakersfield, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 475 calories, 28g fat (14g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 768mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
6/32
How to Make Mini Meat Loaves
Total Time
50 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My family and I can't get enough of these little meat loaf muffins topped with a sweet ketchup sauce. They are the perfect portion size. This recipe requires no chopping, so it's quick and easy to make a double batch and have extras for another day. I've given them to new moms, too. —Joyce Wegmann, Burlington, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
2 mini meat loaves: 341 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 135mg cholesterol, 608mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 31g protein.
7/32
Frosted Brownies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A neighbor brought over a pan of these rich fudge brownies along with the recipe when I came home from the hospital with our baby daughter. I asked her how to make brownie frosting like that, and I've made them ever since for family occasions, potlucks and parties at work. —Sue Soderlund, Elgin, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 brownie: 277 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 248mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
8/32
Mini Sausage Pies
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The simple ingredients and family-friendly flavor of these little sausage cups make them a go-to dinner favorite. And everyone gets their own pies—which makes them even better! —Kerry Dingwall, Ponte Vedra, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2 mini pies: 551 calories, 36g fat (10g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 784mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 16g protein.
9/32
Glazed Cranberry Biscuits
Total Time
45 min
Servings
about 1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My family likes biscuits for breakfast. One Sunday, I decided to make those golden goodies extra special by adding white chips, dried cranberries and a simple orange glaze. —Lori Daniels, Beverly, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 biscuit: 285 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 206mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
10/32
Chicken Pasta Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my family’s favorite every week or two and we never tire of it. I like that I can put it together and relax while it bakes. —Carmen Vanosch, Vernon, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 579 calories, 28g fat (12g saturated fat), 128mg cholesterol, 1357mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 47g protein.
11/32
Aunt Betty's Blueberry Muffins
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My Aunt Betty is quite a baker, but I look forward to these mouthwatering blueberry muffin recipe the most. She gives me enough so that I can freeze and enjoy them for weeks. —Sheila Raleigh, Kechi, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 208 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 172mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
12/32
Pork and Green Chile Casserole
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I work at a local hospital and another job part time, so I'm always on the lookout for good, quick recipes to fix for my family. Some of my co-workers and I exchange recipes. This zippy casserole is one that was brought to a picnic at my house. People raved over it. —Dianne Esposite, New Middletown, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 390 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 814mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 32g protein.
13/32
Lasagna Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
While growing up, I always wanted this meal on my birthday. Mother made the sauce from scratch, but now I use store-bought spaghetti sauce to save time. Replace the ground beef with Italian sausage if you want more spice. —Deb Morrison, Skiatook, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 667 calories, 30g fat (14g saturated fat), 157mg cholesterol, 1209mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 44g protein.
14/32
White Bean Chicken Chili
Total Time
3 hours 25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My sister shared this white bean chicken chili recipe with me. I usually double it and add one extra can of beans, then serve with cheddar biscuits or warmed tortillas. The jalapeno adds just enough heat to notice but not too much for my children. —Kristine Bowles, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 344 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 894mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 6g fiber), 25g protein.
15/32
Cornbread
Total Time
40 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend gave me this homemade cornbread recipe several years ago, and it's my favorite of all I've tried. I love to serve the melt-in-your-mouth side hot from the oven with butter and syrup. It gets rave reviews on holidays and at potluck dinners. —Nicole Callen, Auburn, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 262 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 395mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
16/32
Chocolate Chip Blondies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Folks who adore the classic cookies will enjoy that same beloved flavor in these chocolate chip bars. This blondie recipe can be mixed up in a jiffy, tastes wonderful, and is perfect for occasions when company drops by unexpectedly or you need a treat in a hurry. —Rhonda Knight, Hecker, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 blondie: 102 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 72mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
17/32
Chicken Noodle Casserole
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone who tries this comforting cheesy chicken casserole asks for the recipe. It's so simple to make that sometimes I feel as if I'm cheating! —Kay Pederson, Yellville, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 632 calories, 35g fat (12g saturated fat), 130mg cholesterol, 751mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 32g protein.
18/32
Cinnamon Raisin Quick Bread
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
2 loaves (12 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Cinnamon and raisins bring heartwarming flavor to this mildly sweet bread. It's ideal for an on-the-go breakfast or a quick snack before dinner. —Flo Burtnett, Gage, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 204 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 231mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
19/32
Balsamic Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our kitchen is tiny and cramped, so we try to grill simple (but tasty) meals outside as often as possible during the summer months. Dried herbs work as well, but during the summer use fresh herbs for the best taste. —Kelly Evans, Denton, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 2 teaspoons sauce: 245 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 358mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
20/32
Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Sauce
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my mom made this spaghetti sauce, the house would smell so good that I'd open the windows to torture the neighbors. It even tastes wonderful the next day, when the flavors have really melded. —Vera Schulze, Holbrook, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup spaghetti with 3/4 cup sauce (calculated without cheese): 327 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 10g protein.
21/32
Hearty Slow-Cooker Chili
Total Time
6 hours 25 min
Servings
10 servings (2-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
When it’s time to build my zesty chili, I combine everything the night before. In the morning, I load the slow cooker and let it do the work. —Molly Butt, Granville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without rice and toppings): 278 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 863mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
22/32
Pasta Fagioli al Forno
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The name of this Italian-inspired dish means "baked pasta with beans." But my busy family translates it as "super satisfying dinner." —Cindy Preller, Grayslake, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 440 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 1029mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 22g protein.
23/32
Chewy Honey Granola Bars
Total Time
25 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There's sweetness from the honey, chewiness from the raisins, hints of chocolate and cinnamon, and a bit of crunch. To save a few for later, wrap individual bars and place in a resealable freezer container. When you want a satisfying treat on short notice, just grab one and let it thaw for a few minutes. —Tasha Lehman, Williston, Vermont
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 178 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
24/32
Penne and Smoked Sausage
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This pasta is a must-try smoked sausage recipe. It just tastes so good when it’s hot and bubbly from the oven. The cheddar french-fried onions lend a cheesy, crunchy touch. —Margaret Wilson, Sun City, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 553 calories, 35g fat (14g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1425mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
25/32
Raspberry-Rhubarb Slab Pie
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Slab pie is a pastry baked in a jelly-roll pan and cut into slabs like a bar cookie—or a pie bar, if you will. My grandfather was a professional baker and served pieces of slab pie to his customers back in the day. Here is my spin, featuring rhubarb and gorgeous red raspberries. —Jeanne Ambrose, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 247 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
26/32
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish always gets rave reviews! Using rotisserie chicken makes it super easy to assemble and gives it an extra boost in flavor. Sometimes I like to add smoked paprika to the sauce and a little seasoned salt to the bread crumbs. —Mary Brehm, Cape Coral, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 489 calories, 29g fat (15g saturated fat), 156mg cholesterol, 899mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 41g protein.
27/32
Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Total Time
40 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These banana chocolate chip muffins are one of the first things my husband gets hungry for when he’s home from deployment. I make sure to have the overripe bananas ready. They’re a family tradition. —Kimberly Duda, Sanford, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 207 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 172mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
28/32
The Best Shepherd’s Pie
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the best shepherd's pie recipe I've ever tasted. It's very quick to make, and I usually have most—if not all—of the ingredients already on hand. —Tirzah Sandt, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 472 calories, 23g fat (12g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 802mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein.
29/32
Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I make these banana bars with cream cheese frosting whenever I have ripe bananas on hand, then store them in the freezer to share later. With creamy frosting and big banana flavor, this treat is a real crowd-pleaser. —Debbie Knight, Marion, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 148 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
30/32
Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicious chicken and broccoli casserole recipe is a twist on chicken divan that came from an old boss. It’s quick, satisfying comfort food. —Jennifer Schlachter, Big Rock, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 317 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 899mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
31/32
Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Your family is going to gobble up this cheesy, southwestern and easy chicken enchilada casserole…and will ask for it again and again. It’s real comfort food! —Melanie Burns, Pueblo West, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 428 calories, 27g fat (14g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 709mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 32g protein.
32/32
Strata
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We start this strata recipe the night before so it's ready for the oven the next day. That way, we don't have to deal with the prep and dirty dishes first thing in the morning! —Debbie Johnson, Centertown, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 295 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 126mg cholesterol, 555mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
