Should I Share My Secret Potluck Casserole Recipe for a Cooking Competition?

A 35-year-old man has a potluck casserole recipe that people swear by, the kind that disappears the second it hits the table. He’s won a local cooking contest with it, and for him, it’s more than food, it’s a family heirloom he’s guarded for years.

Then his friend, a 28-year-old woman who also loves cooking, tries it and gets obsessed. Now she’s planning to enter a cooking competition and wants his recipe, insisting she’ll use it without giving away that it came from him. He’s torn, because if she wins, he might get credit, but he’s also worried the recipe could be taken and claimed without proper recognition.

It all comes down to one question: is he protecting his family secret, or just making things awkward before the competition even starts?

Original Post

I (35M) have a famous casserole recipe that's always a hit at potlucks. It's been a family secret passed down for generations.

My friend (28F), who's also into cooking, recently tasted it and loved it. She's planning to enter a cooking competition and wants to use my recipe.

For background, I take great pride in this recipe and have even won a local cooking contest with it. I'm hesitant to share it, as it's been a treasured family secret.

My friend asked if I could give her the recipe, claiming she won't disclose it's from me. I feel conflicted.

If she wins with my recipe, it might lead to recognition for me too, but I'm worried about it being used without proper credit. I've always been open to sharing recipes, but this one feels different.

So, AITA if I refuse to share my famous potluck casserole recipe with my friend for her cooking competition?

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Also, see what Reddit said about demanding distant relatives who felt entitled to the secret potluck casserole.

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The whole thing kicks off after she tastes the casserole and immediately decides she wants to bring it to her cooking competition plans.

OP’s pride hits hard when he remembers he won with this exact recipe, and suddenly “just share it” feels like giving away part of his history.

When she promises she won’t disclose it’s from him, that’s when the trust part gets messy, especially since he’s usually open about recipes.

By the time OP is picturing her walking away with recognition, the potluck casserole turns into a credit problem instead of a comfort food moment.</p>

We're curious to hear your perspective. Share your thoughts in the comments.

He’s not mad she wants to compete, he’s mad she might win with his family’s secret and his name still left out.

Want more casserole drama, read about refusing your cousin’s demands for the family secret recipe.