If I’m going to a potluck, I’m signing up for dessert. And no matter if it’s a graduation party, baby shower, or backyard BBQ, you can guarantee that the dessert will always be the same. 

That’s because not too long ago, I realized the brownie recipe my grandma whipped up for us as kids isn’t just delicious—it’s also ridiculously easy. Ever since, I’ve let others fuss over the seven-layer dips and fancy cheese boards. My grandma’s classic, crowd-pleasing brownie recipe will forever be my signature.

My Grandma’s 4-Ingredient Brownies

Every trip to my grandma’s house in North Georgia had a routine for us kids. You showed up at the door, gave your hugs and kisses, then made a beeline straight for the kitchen, where, without fail, a plate of brownies would always be waiting. 

I never knew why her “brownies” looked and tasted different from the ones I had everywhere else, but it didn’t matter—they were fudgy, nutty, salty-sweet, and irresistibly good. My only complaint was that she cut them into the teensiest little servings. I realize now that it’s because of how incredibly rich they are, but my 7-year-old sweet tooth knew no bounds.

Now, these “brownies” don’t have the usual suspects that make up a standard brownie batter (eggs, oil, butter, etc.)—they’re only made up of four simple ingredients. In fact, the base is made of graham cracker crumbs and the only chocolate element comes from chocolate chips. Chopped nuts (usually walnuts) provide a toothy texture, and a rich coating of sweetened condensed milk helps the flavors meld together into an irresistibly chewy treat.

If this sounds familiar, you might know this dessert as Magic Bars or even Hello Dolly Bars, but in my house, they’re Noreen’s (or Nonni’s) Brownies.

The Ultimate Potluck Offering

Why do I love these brownies for every occasion? Because there’s nothing like an easy, two-step recipe to save you from pre-potluck panic. Best of all, the only four ingredients you need in this recipe can live in your pantry year-round, saving you from a trip to the store in every season of baking. And the instructions? “Combine.” Doesn’t get easier than that.

You can also personalize the to your crowd’s tastes, adding in coconut, pecans, butterscotch chips, or anything else you’d like to the mix. The crave-worthy flavors and blend of textures will complement any ol’ potluck spread.

No matter who or what I make them for, these time-honored treats are always a stand-out. The low effort they require can stay a secret between us—all that matters is that they’re an original, homemade offering that will always steal the show from box-mix brownies or store-bought sugar cookies.

So, feel free to adopt my Nonni’s staple recipe as your own potluck sweet. Some might call it “magic,” but I like to think the beauty of these bars is just my grandma’s special touch. 

Grandma Noreen’s Famous Brownie Recipe

• 18 graham crackers (or 9 doubles), crushed into fine crumbs
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (6-ounce) package chocolate “bits” (or chips)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts

1. Combine the ingredients in a mixing bowl until fully coated.
2. Grease and line a 9-inch square baking dish. Add the mixture and use a spatula to ensure it’s even inside the pan. Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 30 to 40 minutes, checking when you can smell them in the oven. Cut into very small squares to serve.