A potluck dinner is one wherein each guest brings a dish to be enjoyed by the group. They are a time to get together with friends and enjoy a wonderful, communal meal. Sounds amazing, right?

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Well, yes! Potluck dinners are great experiences and should be a part of everyone’s social life. Although, they can be quite intimidating and stressful. At the end of the day, no one wants to be the person who brings the wildly unpopular plate of food.

If you’re concerned about this, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a list of our favorite 40 potluck recipe ideas. Whether you’re a whiz in the kitchen or you heavily rely on frozen foods, there is a recipe for you that is sure to knock the socks off any guests!

1. Jimmy’s Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

We just had to kick this list off with some sliders. They are easy to make, customizable, and are always a crowd-pleaser. What more could you want for a potluck dish? If you want to rock up to the party with a dish that’ll knock the socks of the guests, check out this recipe!

This recipe has a fairly long ingredients list and takes just over an hour to make. As such, this dish requires a little bit more effort than others on this list, but we promise, it is absolutely worth it! If you want to cut down on time, you can purchase a store-bought dip.

2. Potluck Pasta Salad Recipe

Potlucks can be difficult to coordinate sometimes, especially if you have to travel a fair distance to the host’s house. If this is the case, you can never go wrong with a salad. You don’t need to worry about temperature, and they are super easy to transport!

This pasta salad recipe is perfect for potlucks. It is packed full of vegetables and makes for a really great light addition to any table. To make it the best it can be, we recommend buying your veggies from a local farmers’ market (if they’re in season).

3. Cheese Ball Antipasto

If you’re looking for a low-effort way of wowing party guests, cheese is your best friend. It is loved by most people and when it’s presented right, makes a table look super elegant and decadent. If this sounds like your idea of heaven, you should check out this recipe!

This Cheese Ball Antipasto is sure to knock the socks off any cheese lovers that you’re catering for. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, salami, chives, peppers, olives, and cheese is mouth-wateringly good. As a bonus, it takes little-to-no time to make!

4. Sheet Pan Pizza

If you’re attending a potluck with some picky guests, and are worried about being able to satisfy everyone, why not opt for a simple dish that always goes down well? Pizza is perfect for potlucks – it is easy to customize, works well hot and cold, and most people love it!

This recipe, in particular, is perfect for busy people. Depending on how much time you want to spend, you can make your own pizza dough or choose to buy store-bought dough. Also, feel free to swap out the toppings for your favorites!

5. Vegan Cauliflower Gyros

Potlucks can be especially stressful if there is a combination of meat-eaters, vegetarians, and vegans attending. If this is the case, bringing a delicious plant-based dish is sure to go down well. In fact, these vegan cauliflower gyros will be loved by meat-eaters and vegans!

This Greek-inspired recipe is ideal for spring and summer gatherings. It is light, fresh, and absolutely bursting with flavor. If you’re catering for vegetarians and meat-eaters too, you can always add some grilled halloumi or chicken to a few of the wraps.

6. Caprese Sandwich

Caprese salads are always a winner. In addition to being super simple and easy to put together, they also taste incredible. However, salads are often a go-to dish for many people at potlucks. If you want to bring something different, you should give this recipe a go!

Turning a Caprese salad into a sandwich is genius, we can’t believe that we haven’t thought of it before! This recipe is perfect for summertime get-togethers. They are fresh, crisp, and absolutely delicious. Be sure to use super ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.

7. Fresh Spring Rolls

If you’re anything like us, you love any dish that includes noodles. However, noodle plates at a party can be a bit of a nightmare. If you want to incorporate noodles into your potluck dish, we recommend making a fresh spring roll, they are much more party-friendly!

This recipe has everything you might want from a party side dish. They are light, healthy, colorful, fun, and look awesome on the table! Be sure to bring a few different dipping sauces to make the rolls really sing (these can be store-bought if you don’t have a lot of time).

8. Cherry Tomato Couscous Salad

It’s easy to get bored of the same old salad recipes. If you fancy trying something different, you should definitely check out this Israeli couscous salad. It is a great way to show off your culinary skills at a party with minimal effort required!

This recipe is brimming with flavor and consists of a wonderful mixture of textures. The combination of raw cherry tomatoes, roasted cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, feta, cucumber, and couscous means that every mouthful is well-rounded and absolutely delicious.

9. Kale And Apple Salad

Like the recipe above, this one is perfect for when you fancy making a different style of salad. In fact, this recipe is sure to be the talk of the potluck! The combination of luscious green kale and sweet apples is sure to have all of the guests addicted.

The best thing about this recipe is just how versatile it is. It works as a side dish for pretty much any main, which is exactly what you want for a potluck dish! To make it extra special, we recommend adding a touch more Gorgonzola than the recipe suggests.

10. Smoked Salmon Pinwheels

Let’s face it, people often use potlucks to show off their culinary skills a little. However, for the busy people out there, this can make these parties more intimidating. If you’re familiar with this problem, we suggest you give these Smoked Salmon Pinwheels a try!

This recipe is absolutely ideal for people who want to make an impression, but only have a limited amount of time or skills. These pinwheels can be put together in just 10 minutes, are super easy to make, but look and taste divine.

11. Asian Slaw

If you’re going to a summer BBQ potluck party and want to bring something a little different, an Asian Slaw is perfect. Slaw works with pretty much any BBQ dish and this Asain twist on a classic will have everyone asking for seconds!

This recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and works with pretty much any summery main dish. It is packed with contrasting textures and flavors and looks beautifully colorful on the table. We love putting this slaw in our burgers or sliders!

12. Hummus

Dips are often forgotten about in potluck gatherings, but they are an important addition to any table. If you don’t have much time to plan a dish, putting together homemade hummus is the perfect answer.

This recipe should be in everyone’s repertoire. It is a simple, classic hummus that has a wonderful, creamy texture, nutty flavor, and is easily customizable. What more could you ask for? If you’re feeling ambitious, you could make your own chips to go with this dip!

13. Vegan Summer Vegetable Picnic Pies

If you have a bit of extra time on your hands, you should consider making personal-sized pies for your potluck dish. These are perfect for gatherings, as guests can take them as they please, and they work hot and cold. Whilst you’re at it, why not make them vegan too?

If you’ve recently tried to dip a toe into vegan cuisine, you have to check out this recipe. It gives you all of the information you need to make perfect, plant-based pies every single time! They also happen to be super simple and require very few ingredients.

14. Classic Deviled Eggs

Many believe that deviled eggs belong in the 1980s. However, we believe that those people couldn’t be more wrong! In fact, we think they are perfect as a potluck dish. They are classic, simple, and delicious finger food.

This recipe is perfect if you want a no-frills recipe that produces the perfect deviled eggs every time. The ingredients list is small, the steps are clear and concise, and it gives you some super useful tips and tricks to make sure you produce perfect eggs every time!

15. Cocktail Meatballs

At a potluck, you cannot go wrong with cocktail meatballs. Homemade meatballs are so tender, juicy, and are sure to please any crowd! If you are attending a large party, make sure you double the quantities in this recipe, as they will disappear fast.

Ok, we won’t lie to you, the ingredients list for this recipe is really quite long, and the steps do require a bit of extra effort than some others on this list. However, we promise you, these meatballs are 100% worth it! They are some of the best we’ve ever had.

16. Picnic Egg Salad

It wouldn’t be a summer get-together without an egg salad. They are light, creamy, and work well with pretty much anything. They are also perfect for potlucks, because they are easy to throw together, are enjoyed cold, and are loved by most people!

This recipe has put a few minor spins on the classic dish. Specifically, it suggests that you add radishes to the mix instead of using black pepper. This really brings the salad to life and makes it feel a little bit more special.

17. Mac and Cheese with Ham

If you’re attending a potluck with both adults and children, you have to bring this dish with you! Mac and cheese is always a favorite at a party, and the addition of ham really makes this recipe addictively good.

This recipe is one of the best mac and cheese recipes we’ve ever tried. The combination of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and smoked gouda cheese makes for a super indulgent, creamy, and delicious dish!

18. Taco Cupcakes

Tacos are excellent party food. However, they can be messy and particularly hard to transport. If you want to make a taco dish for a potluck, we recommend making these taco cupcakes. They are the perfect finger food and are sure to go down a treat!

This recipe has the perfect combination of flavors and textures. The beef is well seasoned and works wonderfully with the fried beans and fresh toppings. We recommend making your own salsa and guacamole to accompany these if you have the time!

19. Slow-Cooker Bourbon Cocktail Wieners

Cocktail wieners are a party staple food. However, rocking up with store-bought cocktail wieners at a potluck screams ‘last minute’ and ‘lazy’. This recipe is ideal if you want to put a delicious spin on a classic dish. Be warned, they will disappear in no time!

This recipe is absolutely delicious. The slow-simmered mini hot dogs are coated in a moreish sweet and tangy bourbon-infused sauce. If you’re a fan of a bit of extra spice in your meals, be sure to add some extra jalapenos to the sauce!

20. Chicken, Chorizo, and Poblano Pasta Bake

If you’re attending a winter gathering, you might not fancy making the traditional, light, fresh potluck dishes like salads and salsas. If this is the case, and you’re looking for something a bit more comforting and warming, you have to check out this pasta bake recipe.

This Southwest recipe is packed with chunks of chicken, Mexican chorizo, and poblano chiles. It is absolutely bursting with flavor and is sure to be a crowd favorite! If you love a bit of extra spice, add a few more poblano chilies!

21. Tex-Mex Ranch Potatoes

You can never go wrong with bringing a potato dish to a party, especially when it is bursting with bold and fun flavors. If you want to make a dish that is sure to please pretty much everyone at the party, you have to give this recipe a try.

This recipe is unbelievably simple considering the huge flavor payoff. It requires just 6 different ingredients and takes only 10 minutes to prep. Although the bacon is labeled as optional, we really recommend that you use bacon in this recipe.

22. Strawberries and Cream Loaf Cake

Dessert often gets overlooked when it comes to potlucks. However, everyone is always so grateful when someone brings one! If you prefer baking rather than cooking, we cannot recommend this strawberries and cream loaf cake enough!

This gorgeous cake doesn’t only taste amazing, but it looks absolutely beautiful too! This recipe is sure to wow everyone and will be a real talking piece (of cake) at the party. It does take around over 2 hours to make, so make sure you set aside enough time

23. 7 Layer Dip

Bringing a dip to a party can often feel like a bit of a cop-out. However, if you bring this 7 layer dip to a potluck, people will adore you! It is still minimal effort, but goes incredibly well with pretty much anything!

7 layers might sound like a LOT, but this recipe is actually super simple. The 7 layers are made from refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese, diced tomato, sliced olives, and sliced green onions. Feel free to add your own favorite ingredients too!

24. Summer Watermelon Lemonade

Like desserts and dips, drinks often get overlooked at potluck gatherings. In particular, non-alcoholic drinks are often few and far between. If you fancy filling this oh-so-annoying gap in the market, why not try your hand at making a wonderful, fresh lemonade?

This recipe puts a super delicious twist on a classic, Summer beverage. As a bonus, it is also incredibly easy to put together and is a beautiful peachy color that will look fantastic on the table. Make sure to use super fresh watermelon for the best results.

25. Best Ever Guacamole

There are so many different variations when it comes to guacamole recipes, but this one is our absolute favorite! It is authentic and contains absolutely no unnecessary ingredients or fillers. It is a great dish for a potluck and is sure to be a winner!

This recipe keeps things traditional and simple. This will likely induce a sigh of relief in anyone who is sick and tired of unnecessarily fancy, loaded guacamole. To make this guacamole perfect, you just need to make sure the ingredients are as fresh as possible!

26. Herbed Cassava Tortilla Chips

We’ve spoken a lot about the importance of dips at a party, but we haven’t yet touched on the importance of good potato chips. If you want to show that you’ve put some extra thought and time into your potluck, why not try making your own tortilla chips?

These chips, in particular, are perfect for potlucks. In addition to being super delicious and far better than any shop-bought version, they are also gluten-free and corn-free. As such, they’re ideal for catering to people with food intolerances too!

27. Herbed Honey Mustard Chicken

Chicken is always a crowd favorite at a party. It is a super versatile and delicious meat that works well with quite literally everything! If you’re thinking of bringing a chicken dish to a potluck, we cannot recommend this recipe enough.

This herby, honey, mustardy chicken has perfectly balanced sweet and savory flavors. It also has a mouth-watering golden and crispy skin that will have everyone going back for seconds… and thirds! We recommend serving this dish with some grilled veggies!

28. Spinach Artichoke Dip in a Bread Bowl

A few years ago, serving dips and soups in a bread bowl was all the rage… and we loved it! This way of serving is so great for get-togethers and looks awesome on the table. If you miss this trend as much as we do, be sure to check out this Spinach Artichoke Dip recipe!

This recipe is surprisingly simple to throw together. If you need to throw together something delicious and beautiful in under 30 minutes, this recipe is your new best friend! Make sure to use a super crusty sourdough load for the best results.

29. Cheesy Monkey Bread

In our humble opinion, there is nothing more impressive than rocking up to a party having made your own bread. If you prefer baking to cooking, why not take a cheesy loaf to the gathering? This recipe, in particular, is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

This cheesy monkey bread recipe is so perfect for sharing. It is delightful by itself but also works incredibly well with most dishes. From hummus to pasta sauces, you can dip this loaf in pretty much anything!

30. Chilled Tortellini Romesco

We love pasta dishes, but they aren’t always potluck-friendly. They can be messy and generally should be served hot. However, if you are on the hunt for the perfect potluck pasta dish, we have you covered! This chilled tortellini romesco recipe is perfect.

The combination of the cheese tortellini and the simple but bold sauce in this recipe is to die for, and it can be thrown together in no time at all! In fact, this dish can be ready in the time that it takes for the tortellini to cook. What more could you want?

31. Campfire Baked Beans

Ok, so baked beans might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of parties or potlucks. However, if you’re having a winter get-together, these Campfire Baked Beans are just so perfect. They are warming, delicious, and are sure to become a favorite.

When the nights draw in and the air gets crisp, preparing food for a party might be the last thing you want to do. However, with this recipe, it’s just oh-so-easy! You only need a few ingredients and the dish is ready in just 3 simple steps.

32. Sparkly Slab Apple Pie

What could be better at a gathering than a sweet, flaky, buttery apple pie? This apple pie recipe is so perfect as a potluck dish, guests won’t be able to resist going back for more… and more… and more!

If you’re a bit intimidated by the process of baking a pie, this recipe is perfect. It is incredibly clear and will give you all of the information you need to produce wonderful pastry and a hearty filling every single time.

33. Sunny Broccoli Salad

Although parties should be a time to just enjoy yourself, consuming an excess of heavy foods and drinks can sometimes make you feel quite rubbish. If you want to bring a healthier option to the table, you should definitely give this broccoli salad a try!

Honestly, the other guests will thank you for bringing such a healthy but delicious dish to the party. This nutrient-packed recipe combines sweet raisins, nutty sunflower seeds, smokey bacon, and crunchy broccoli. It is absolutely divine!

34. Ricotta and Parmesan Spread

Bringing a spread to a potluck is a perfect illusion. It is as easy as making the most simple dip, but the presentation and addition of a high-quality, crusty bread make it seem as if you’ve put in 150 times the amount of effort.

This ricotta and parmesan spread feels particularly indulgent. It is unbelievably creamy and is delicious when topped with some fresh, Mediterranean herbs. We recommend serving this spread with a board of fresh veggies appropriate for dipping, and some super crusty bread.

35. Very Berry Triple Fruit Pie

There is nothing more homely and rustic than a berry fruit pie. If you’re looking for a recipe that is certain to be enjoyed by everyone at the party, you should definitely check out this recipe.

This recipe is ideal for fruity pie beginners. It is simple, uses few ingredients, but is incredibly effective! It takes around 35 minutes to prep the dish and 55 minutes to bake in the oven, which is pretty decent considering the outcome! Always serve this with vanilla ice cream.

36. Potluck Pleaser Chili

This list wouldn’t be complete without a chili recipe. Chili is the perfect, hot, potluck dish! It is full of flavor, can be made in huge batches, and works well with a variety of other plates! It is also quite a low-maintenance dish to make, so be sure to give it a try!

This chili recipe includes both beef, pork, and various types of beans, which makes for an explosion of flavor! However, it is also an easy dish to make vegetarian or vegan if necessary! Simply eliminate the meat products and add some mushrooms instead.

37. Vegan Blueberry Muffins

If the event you’re attending is more of a daytime affair, muffins are a great potluck dish to take with you. In particular, these vegan blueberry muffins are sure to go down well! They are plant-based, gluten-free, healthy, and delicious!

We absolutely love these blueberry muffins. Don’t let the vegan and gluten-free status fool you, these are just as flavorful (if not more) than the regular version! They are also incredibly easy to make, so be sure to give them a go!

38. Colorful Falafel Bowl

Obviously, the most important thing in a potluck dish is flavor. It has to taste good! However, considering these dishes are severed at parties, it also helps if they look good too. This colorful falafel bowl is the perfect combination of flavor and beauty, be sure to give it a try!

This recipe is perfect for any of your plant-based pals. If you’ve never tried to make homemade falafel, take this as your sign to give it a go! It is so much more delicious than the store-bought version.

39. Korean Potato Salad

Potato salads can get a little bit samey, especially in the summer months. If you want to put a delicious spin on a classic potluck dish, you need to take a look at this Korean Potato Salad recipe. It is just so tasty!

Unlike Western versions of potato salads, Koran versions, such as this, include both fruit and vegetables. In this case, carrots, apples, cucumbers, and potatoes are combined to create a veritable explosion of flavor. You just have to give it a try!

40. Curry Puffs

Finally, we just had to include this curry puff recipe. Curry is a great dish that has a special place in many people’s hearts. However, it isn’t the most party-friendly dish ever. If you want to serve an Indian-style curry at a potluck party, we can’t recommend these puffs enough.

This recipe takes around 75 minutes to make, from start to finish (including the cooling period). As such, it requires a little bit more time than some others on this list, but it is definitely worth it. They are absolutely bursting with flavor and are sure to go down a treat!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is A Potluck?

A potluck is an occasion wherein the guests each bring a plate of food. This tends to make for a very well-rounded event, and takes the stress of the host!

Generally, to avoid doubling up, people express their dish well in advance of the event. This is also done so that there is certain to be a variety of dishes, rather than an excess of side dishes or desserts, for instance.

What Should I Bring To A Potluck If I Can’t Cook?

Being invited to a potluck gathering can feel a little intimidating if you aren’t confident in the kitchen. However, there is no need to feel overwhelmed!

If you’re not a great cook, there are plenty of options available to you. We recommend opting for a dip or spread, such as hummus or guacamole. That way, you only need to mix a few ingredients together and buy some store-bought potato chips! Other options include skewers, pasta salads, potatoes, or a simple salad (such as a Caprese).

How Much Do You Bring To A Potluck?

Generally, you bring one dish. As a rule of thumb, this dish should be substantial enough to serve around 6 to 8 people. However, this can vary depending on the size of the gathering you are attending.

Conclusion

Potlucks are always such a fun event. They are a time where friends, family, colleagues, and even strangers, can come together and enjoy some wonderful food. We hope that this list of the 40 best potluck recipe ideas has inspired you to take part!

The 40 Best Potluck Recipe Ideas

From elegant dips and appetizers to hearty main courses and desserts, any one of these 40 best potluck recipe ideas is sure to be a hit at your next party.

Ingredients

Jimmy’s Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Potluck Pasta Salad Recipe
Cheese Ball Antipasto
Sheet Pan Pizza
Vegan Cauliflower Gyros
Caprese Sandwich
Fresh Spring Rolls
Cherry Tomato Couscous Salad
Kale And Apple Salad
Smoked Salmon Pinwheels
Asian Slaw
Hummus
Vegan Summer Vegetable Picnic Pies
Classic Deviled Eggs
Cocktail Meatballs
Picnic Egg Salad
Mac and Cheese with Ham
Taco Cupcakes
Slow-Cooker Bourbon Cocktail Wieners
Chicken, Chorizo, and Poblano Pasta Bake
Tex-Mex Ranch Potatoes
Strawberries and Cream Loaf Cake
7 Layer Dip
Summer Watermelon Lemonade
Best Ever Guacamole
Herbed Cassava Tortilla Chips
Herbed Honey Mustard Chicken
Spinach Artichoke Dip in a Bread Bowl
Cheesy Monkey Bread
Chilled Tortellini Romesco
Campfire Baked Beans
Sparkly Slab Apple Pie
Sunny Broccoli Salad
Ricotta and Parmesan Spread
Very Berry Triple Fruit Pie
Potluck Pleaser Chili
Vegan Blueberry Muffins
Colorful Falafel Bowl
Korean Potato Salad
Curry Puffs

Directions

Pick a recipe from the list above
Click the recipe name and visit the website
Collect the ingredients and cook the food
Enjoy – don’t forget to leave a review

Jess Smith

Hi, my name is Jess Smith, and I love cooking in my spare time. Around three years ago, I decided to give up my day job as a teacher to pursue my passion for food. While I have enjoyed sharing tips and tricks on Social Media, I have decided to expand my horizons through this blog.

Through this blog I hope to help others learn the basics and more intricate details of cooking. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to cook a meal, only to realize you are missing one ingredient from your list. This is why I love to write articles chatting readers through some great substitutes that can be used in an emergency.

I hope you will find this blog useful, and that it will help you to develop your culinary skills, to help you cook up a storm!