43 Delicious Ways to Become the Hero of Your Next Potluck
As lovely as full-out dinner parties are, potlucks are a super smart and enjoyable way to share both the load and the wealth — plus, they invite everyone to have a hand in making the event a smashing success. Here, we’ve compiled the best potluck dishes for whatever gathering you may be gearing up for: An annual Friendsgiving meal, Sunday dinner with the family, breakfast potluck, office holiday party and everything in between. Say hello to cozy comfort food, tasty finger foods, irresistible dips, party desserts and so much more!
You may be wondering what exactly makes a dish potluck-friendly. For starters, it should make enough food to share (with room for seconds), so depending on the number of guests, you may need to scale up the recipe. Potluck dishes should also be relatively portable and easy to serve (assuming you’ll be transporting them), and make-ahead meals are always a masterful move if you’re all about not being stressed during crunch time (*raises hand*). Most importantly, anything you bring to a potluck should be crowd-pleasing, regardless of the occasion! From easy appetizers and stunning sweets to vegetarian dishes and air fryer recipes, we’ve definitely got you covered on that front, no matter what you signed up to bring.
Connecting with loved ones over delicious food and good conversation is one of life’s greatest pleasures, so get the party started with these amazing potluck ideas. You’ll be proud to contribute any of these shareable dishes to the spread — and glad you skipped the checkout line to pick up something store-bought.
Applesauce Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Bring along some fluffy challah buns and a vinegary cabbage-apple slaw so everyone can make their own sandwiches.
Get the Applesauce Pulled Pork Sandwiches recipe.
Baked Ricotta
Serve these jammy roasted vegetables with warm ricotta with crusty bread and a drizzle of olive oil for a potluck appetizer the whole crew will enjoy.
Get the Baked Ricotta recipe.
Pull-Apart S'mores Sliders
These delicious, gooey sliders made with Hawaiian buns, milk chocolate and mini marshmallows will be a crowd fave.
Get the Pull-Apart S'mores Sliders recipe.
Vegetarian Antipasto Salad
This crunchy, large-format salad loaded with mozzarella pearls adds some fresh flavor to the table — and perfect for any vegetarian attendees.
Get the Vegetarian Antipasto Salad recipe.
Fig Cornmeal Skillet Cake
Serve up this gorgeous skillet cake made with fresh figs, cornmeal and a layer of crunchy sugar and watch the compliments pour in.
Get the Fig Cornmeal Skillet Cake recipe.
RELATED: 79 Best Fall Desserts That Are Perfect to Make for Autumn
Saucy Sausage Meatballs
The secret to these savory, saucy meatballs is a little bit of cinnamon and orange zest (yes, really!). Make it an app with some toothpicks, or DIY subs stuffed into pillowy rolls.
Get the Saucy Sausage Meatballs recipe.
RELATED: 51 Juicy Meatball Recipes That Are Simple Enough for Any Weeknight Dinner
Shepherd's Pie
Our version of this comfort dish features thyme-infused mashed potatoes and parsnips spread over a meaty filling. Finish under the broiler for a golden-brown top, then dig in!
Get the Shepherd's Pie recipe.
Cheesy Garlic Bread
Using split focaccia means each bite is perfectly crispy and cheesy, and butter mixed with garlic, lemon zest and Dijon provides an extra flavor boost.
Get the Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe.
Tiramisu Dip
This creamy dessert dip can be spooned into individual cups or served family-style, with ladyfingers for dipping. No soaking or wait time required!
Get the Tiramisu Dip recipe.
RELATED: 80 Best Party Dip Recipes That Are Easy to Serve a Crowd
Apple Sausage Rolls
Flaky puff pastry is stuffed with flavorful homemade sausage in this crowd-pleasing app. Like pigs in a blanket but way better!
Get the Apple Sausage Rolls recipe.
Gochujang Fried Rice
This sweet and spicy fried rice dish is sure to have everyone at your potluck coming back for seconds... and maybe even thirds.
Get the Gochujang Fried Rice recipe.
Mixed Berry Cobbler
This rustic dessert brings together fresh berries under a crunchy, crumbly topping. Take it to the next level by topping it with vanilla ice cream.
Get the Mixed Berry Cobbler recipe.
Scallion and Sesame Focaccia
This tasty twist on focaccia features scallions two ways, with toasted sesame oil, white pepper and sesame seeds rounding out the savory flavors.
Get the Scallion and Sesame Focaccia recipe.
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
These spicy, cheesy bites come together in the air fryer. Who doesn't love an easy appetizer?
Get the Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers recipe.
RELATED: 72 Easy Air Fryer Recipes That You Absolutely Need to Try
Ropa Vieja
Everyone at the potluck will love this saucy beef main dish, the national dish of Cuba. Plus, it comes together entirely in the slow cooker!
Get the Ropa Vieja recipe.
RELATED: 80 Easy Slow Cooker Recipes the Whole Family Will Love
Spiced Chocolate Bark
This chocolate bark gets a unique twist from a little bit of homemade Sriracha mixed in with the melted chocolate. You can also prep this simple dessert ahead of time.
Get the Spiced Chocolate Bark recipe.
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
These saucy snacks aren't just for game day! Everyone at your potluck will enjoy these flavorful bites, especially dunked in a blue cheese dip.
Get the Buffalo Cauliflower Bites recipe.
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Mashed Potatoes With Buttery Sliced Scallions
A tray of mashed potatoes is a welcome addition to any potluck. These ones are extra special thanks to the lemony scallion relish that adds a welcome pop of brightness.
Get the Mashed Potatoes with Buttery Sliced Scallions recipe.
RELATED: 46 Easy Mashed Potatoes To Help You Find the Ultimate Holiday Side
Pierogi With Sautéed Cabbage
Store-bought frozen pierogi gets a delicious glow-up with crispy bacon, tender savoy cabbage and onion.
Get the Pierogi with Sautéed Cabbage recipe.
Neapolitan Cookies
These picture-perfect cookies are surprisingly easy to make, not to mention delicious.
Get the Neapolitan Cookies recipe.
Onion and Gruyère Quiche
If it's a potluck brunch you're attending, you can't go wrong with this cheesy, flavor-packed quiche with a gorgeous braided crust.
Get the Onion and Gruyère Quiche recipe.
RELATED: 51 Best Brunch Recipes to Host a Weekend Feast
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
These roasted Brussels sprouts are tossed with a maple-sriracha glaze and seasoned twice for extra intense flavor.
Get the Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts recipe.
RELATED: 38 Brussels Sprouts Recipes That Will Have You Asking for Seconds
Penne With Spicy Anchovy Marinara
Pasta can be a great potluck dish because it's relatively inexpensive and feeds a crowd. This recipe calls for homemade pasta, but you can swap in store-bought. Any pasta is sure to shine when it's coated with this spicy, savory sauce.
Get the Penne With Spicy Anchovy Marinara recipe.
RELATED: 50+ Easy Pasta Recipes for the Perfect Weeknight Dinner
Beef Empanadas
These handheld appetizers are sure to be a hit — you can't go wrong with flaky pie dough stuffed with seasoned ground beef.
Get the Beef Empanadas recipe.
Chickpea Salad With Smashed Cucumbers
Vegetarian guests will be thrilled with this veggie-packed salad topped with crumbly, salty feta. Serve as a side dish or double the recipe to make it a main.
Get the Chickpea Salad with Smashed Cucumbers recipe.
RELATED: 55 Healthy Vegetarian Recipes You’ll Absolutely Love
Spicy Taco Slaw
Not just for tacos, this easy slaw shines on burgers, with barbecue or as a simple side to add to your plate.
Get the Spicy Taco Slaw recipe.
Pimiento-Cheese Deviled Eggs
Introducing a twist on the classic deviled egg that all your Southern friends will adore.
Get the Pimiento-Cheese Deviled Eggs recipe.
RELATED: 28 Best Egg Recipes for Morning, Noon and Night
Blondies
Be the hero and bring dessert to your potluck. A tray of these thick, chewy squares won't last long!
Get the Blondies recipe.
Cheesy Monkey Bread
Garlic, cheese, and a side of marinara — need we say more?
Get the Cheesy Monkey Bread recipe.
Spaghetti and Meatball Nests
This is definitely the most fun way to eat everyone's favorite pasta dish.
Get the Spaghetti and Meatball Nests recipe.
Best-Ever Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Try this crowd-fave dip baked or on the grill — then serve with toasted bread for a definite potluck pleaser.
Get the Best Ever Spinach and Artichoke Dip recipe.
Grilled Onion Dip
Yep, you're gonna need a lot of chips (and maybe some breath mints).
Get the Grilled Onion Dip recipe.
Smoky Guacamole
It's not a potluck without some guac, of course, and we grilled the avocados first for that extra somethin' somethin'.
Get the Smoky Guacamole recipe.
Chilled Tortellini Romesco
Your guests will agree: Cheese-filled pasta salad > regular pasta salad, any day.
Get the Chilled Tortellini Romesco recipe.
Honey-Lime Ramen Salad
Bring ramen to the party and every single person will love you, guaranteed.
Get the Honey-Lime Ramen Salad recipe.
Parisian Potato Salad
We ditched the mayo for Greek yogurt in this classed-up potato salad, but we swear nobody will know the difference.
Get the Parisian Potato Salad recipe.
White Pizza With Brussels Sprouts and Ham
Your friends will hardly believe this easy sheet pan pizza didn't come from a brick-oven restaurant.
Get the White Pizza With Brussels Sprouts and Ham recipe.
Mini Shrimp Rolls
The secret ingredient here is crushed-up potato chips, which add just the right amount of satisfyingly salty crunch.
Get the Mini Shrimp Rolls recipe.
Crab, Mango, and Cucumber Finger Sandwiches
For a more colorful platter like ours, add a few Pimiento Cheese and Minty Pea and Pecorino sandwiches, as well.
Get the Crab, Mango, and Cucumber Finger Sandwiches recipe.
Grilled Chicken Sliders
These sweet-and-salty sliders taste like summer in a sandwich — and they're so fun to eat!
Get the Grilled Chicken Sliders recipe.
Campfire Baked Beans
Homemade ketchup (plus bacon) brings this classic cookout dish to the next level.
Get the Campfire Baked Beans recipe.
Fiesta Nacho Casserole
Best eaten with tortilla chips, of course.
Get the Fiesta Nacho Casserole recipe.
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