40 Tried-and-True Potluck Recipes (2024)

Home Potluck

40 Tried-and-True Potluck Recipes (1)Sue StetzelUpdated: Feb. 25, 2022

    Searching for the best potluck recipes? Look no further! These are the top-rated, most-loved, tried-and-true recipes according to readers just like you.

    1/40

    Potluck Taco Casserole

    This is the dish I take most often to potlucks, and the pan comes home empty every time. It has the irresistible taco taste that everybody craves. —Kim Stoller, Smithville, Ohio

    Get Recipe

    2/40

    Strawberry Pretzel Salad

    Need to bring a dish to pass this weekend? This make-ahead strawberry pretzel salad will disappear quickly at any potluck. —Aldene Belch, Flint, Michigan

    Go to Recipe

    3/40

    Baked Spaghetti

    Every time that I make this cheesy baked spaghetti, I get requests for the recipe. It puts a different spin on pasta and is great for any meal. The leftovers, if there are any, also freeze well for a quick dinner later in the week. —Ruth Koberna, Brecksville, Ohio

    Go to Recipe

    4/40

    Taste of Home

    Jalapeno Popper Spread

    I've been told by fellow partygoers that this recipe tastes exactly like a jalapeno popper. I like that it can be made without much fuss. —Ariane McAlpine, Penticton, British Columbia

    Go to Recipe

    5/40

    Taste of Home

    Raspberry-Rhubarb Slab Pie

    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

    Go to Recipe

    6/40

    Three-Bean Baked Beans

    I got this recipe from my aunt and made a couple of changes to suit my taste. With ground beef and bacon mixed in, these satisfying beans are a big hit at backyard barbecues and church picnics. I'm always asked to bring my special beans. —Julie Currington, Gahanna, Ohio

    Go to Recipe

    7/40

    Oat Dinner Rolls

    These soft rolls are out of this world. The addition of oat makes them a little heartier than other dinner rolls. —Patricia Rutherford, Winchester, Illinois

    Go to Recipe

    8/40

    Taste of Home

    Candy Bar Apple Salad

    This creamy, sweet salad with crisp apple crunch is a real people-pleaser. It makes a lot, which is good, because it will go fast! —Cyndi Fynaardt, Oskaloosa, Iowa

    Go to Recipe

    9/40

    Ham and Swiss Sliders

    My next-door neighbor shared this ham and Swiss sliders recipe with me, and I simply cannot improve it! You can make it ahead and cook it quickly when company arrives. The combo of poppy seeds, ham and cheese, horseradish and brown sugar makes it so delicious. —Iris Weihemuller, Baxter, Minnesota

    Go to Recipe

    10/40

    Chocolate Chip Cookie Delight

    This is a simple chocolate dessert recipe for any type of potluck occasion, and the pan always comes home empty. —Diane Windley, Grace, Idaho

    Go to Recipe

    11/40

    Taste of Home

    Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

    I got this grilled chicken recipe from a friend while living in Hawaii. It sizzles with the flavors of brown sugar, ginger and soy sauce. Huli means "turn" in Hawaiian. This sweet and savory glaze is fantastic on pork chops, too. —Sharon Boling, San Diego, California

    Go to Recipe

    12/40

    Taste of Home

    Taco Meatball Ring

    While it looks complicated, this attractive meatball-filled ring is really very easy to assemble. My family loves tacos, and we find that the crescent roll dough is a nice change from the usual tortilla shells or chips. There are never any leftovers when I serve this at a meal or as a party appetizer!—Brenda Johnson, Davison, Michigan

    Go to Recipe

    13/40

    Taste of Home

    Tangy Barbecue Sandwiches

    Since I prepare the beef for these robust sandwiches in the slow cooker, it's easy to fix a meal for a hungry bunch. The savory homemade sauce assures I come home with no leftovers. —Debbi Smith, Crossett, Arkansas

    Go to Recipe

    14/40

    Taste of Home

    Special Sesame Chicken Salad

    With its delicious mix of crunchy peanuts, tangy dried cranberries and mandarin oranges, this colorful Asian chicken salad is a definite crowd-pleaser. Water chestnuts and a teriyaki dressing give this main dish its Asian flare. —Carolee Ewell, Santaquin, Utah

    Go to Recipe

    15/40

    Lemon Berry Dump Cake

    This sweet-tart cake recipe is so much fun to make with my grandkids. They love just "dumping it all in" and watching it magically become a pretty, delicious dessert. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

    Go to Recipe

    16/40

    Chicken Parmesan Slider Bake

    Sliders are the perfect finger food for any get-together, and this flavorful chicken Parmesan version won’t disappoint. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado

    Go to Recipe

    17/40

    Apple Maple Pecan Salad

    A well-made salad has good taste and pleasing crunch. This one with cabbage, apples and pecans gets high marks in both, with extra points for color contrast. —Emily Tyra, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

    Go to Recipe

    18/40

    Taste of Home

    Cherry Tomato Bites

    Cherry tomatoes may be small, but these are full of amazing flavor. Plus, they add color to any table. —Rev. David Bostedt, Zephyrhills, Florida

    Go to Recipe

    19/40

    Taste of Home

    Chocolate Trifle

    For a fabulous finale when entertaining, this lovely layered chocolate trifle is a winner! Chocolate trifle recipes are a do-ahead dessert that serves a group, and it even tastes great the next day. —Pam Botine, Goldsboro, North Carolina

    Go to Recipe

    20/40

    On holidays, a friend serves these creamy, cheesy potatoes when we gather together to celebrate with lifelong friends and grown children. —Carol Blue, Barnesville, Pennsylvania

    Go to Recipe

    21/40

    Ginger Salmon with Cucumber Lime Sauce

    Lime with ginger is a favorite flavor combo for me, especially with grilled salmon. So good. Even with the cucumber sauce, this recipe is easy, too. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota

    Go to Recipe

    22/40

    Taste of Home

    Buttery Horseradish Corn on the Cob

    For a July Fourth barbecue, I whipped up a butter and horseradish topping for grilled corn. People actually formed a line to get seconds. —Trish Loewen, Bakersfield, California

    Go to Recipe

    23/40

    Taste of Home

    Baked Spinach Dip Loaf

    Any round loaf works as a serving bowl for this cream-cheesy dip, with spinach, cheddar, water chestnuts and, yes, bacon. Scoop the dip with the extra bread and veggies—then eat the bowl! —Frieda Meding, Trochu, Alberta

    Go to Recipe

    24/40

    Honey Chipotle Ribs

    Nothing is better than having a sauce with the perfect slather consistency. Here's one that will ensure a lip-smacking feast. Go ahead and make the sauce up to a week ahead for an easier grilling experience. —Caitlin Hawes, Westwood, Massachusetts

    Go to Recipe

    25/40

    Taste of Home

    Tomato wedges give this salad a juicy bite. It's a great use of fresh herbs and veggies from your own garden or the farmers market. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin

    Go to Recipe

    26/40

    Louisiana Jambalaya

    My husband helped add a little spice to my life. He grew up on Cajun cooking, such as Louisiana jambalaya, while I ate mostly meat-and-potato meals. —Sandi Pichon, Memphis, Tennessee

    Go to Recipe

    27/40

    Soft Buttermilk Dinner Rolls

    Warm, buttery dinner rolls are absolutely irresistible. I save time and use a stand mixer to make my dough. —Jennifer Patterson, Shoshone, Idaho

    Go to Recipe

    28/40

    Toffee Pecan Bars

    Curl up with a hot cup of coffee and one of these treats. The golden topping and flaky crust give way to the heartwarming taste of old-fashioned pecan pie. —Dianna Croskey, Gibsonia, Pennsylvania

    Go to Recipe

    29/40

    My primo pork is smoky, tender and tastes like it came from a barbecue joint. Without much help from me, it basically shreds itself. —Lauren Adamson, Layton, Utah

    Go to Recipe

    30/40

    Taste of Home

    Fontina Asparagus Tart

    This lemony tart is loaded with fontina cheese and fresh asparagus. It's a snap to make but looks really impressive. Be advised…your guests will be vying for the last tasty slice. —Heidi Meek, Grand Rapids, Michigan

    Go to Recipe

    31/40

    Golden Mashed Potatoes

    When there's no gravy with the meat, this dish is fabulous to serve in place of regular mashed potatoes. I make it often to take to picnics and church socials. My husband even made it for his family's reunion one year when I couldn't go! —Cindy Stith, Wickliffe, Kentucky

    Go to Recipe

    32/40

    Slow-Cooked Hoisin Pot Roast

    One day my husband commented that he loves plums and meat. The next time I put a roast in the slow cooker, I added some plums. He was onto something! —Jackie Cole, Dunnellon, Florida

    Go to Recipe

    33/40

    Southern Cornbread Salad

    To feed a crowd, especially when I want to make a good impression, I make this eye-popping cornbread salad. It’s beautiful in a trifle bowl. I love it in summer, when we can make it with our own garden produce. —Debbie Johnson, Centertown, Missouri

    Go to Recipe

    34/40

    These colorful little drop biscuits are very easy to put together and yet are packed full of flavor. I serve them warm out of the oven. —Keith Mesch, Mt. Healthy, Ohio

    Go to Recipe

    35/40

    Taste of Home

    Mushroom Cheese Bread

    This savory grilled bread is delightful with barbecued steak, baked potatoes and corn on the cob. For variation, we sometimes use half cheddar cheese and half mozzarella. —Dolly McDonald, Edmonton, Alberta

    Go to Recipe

    36/40

    Barbecued Meatballs

    Grape jelly and chili sauce are the secrets that make these meatballs so fantastic. If I’m serving them at a party, I prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance and reheat them right before guests arrive. —Irma Schnuelle, Manitowoc, Wisconsin

    Go to Recipe

    37/40

    Garden Bounty Panzanella Salad

    My sister gave me fresh tomatoes and basil, so I made a bread salad known as Panzanella. The longer it sits, the more the bread soaks up the seasonings. —Jannine Fisk, Malden, Massachusetts

    Go to Recipe

    38/40

    Taste of Home

    Candy Bar Cheesecake Brownies

    I came up with these brownies as a way to use up my son's leftover Halloween candy. You can tint the cream cheese orange for a spooky touch. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grv, Utah

    Go to Recipe

    39/40

    Homemade Potato Chips

    Forget buying a bag of potato chips at the grocery store when you can make these at home. This quick and easy recipe will delight everyone in the family. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

    Go to Recipe

    40/40

    Layered Salad for a Crowd

    This salad is a favorite of my three sons. I took it to a luncheon honoring our school district’s food service manager, and she asked for the recipe. I like to make the dressing the day before so the flavors blend together. —Linda Ashley, Leesburg, Georgia

    Go to Recipe

    Originally Published: May 23, 2019

    40 Tried-and-True Potluck Recipes (41)

    Sue Stetzel

    Sue has been working with Taste of Home since 2011. When she isn’t writing, she’s answering your burning cooking questions and working with our team of Community Cooks. She spends her free time cooking, crafting, and volunteering for various organizations in her home town.

    40 Tried-and-True Potluck Recipes (2024)

    FAQs

    Is there a free app for potluck organizing? ›

    BringIt is a FREE app for organizing together with friends, neighbors, co-workers, and loved ones! We make it fun to coordinate and host Thanksgiving, Christmas, and potlucks, and to plan camping trips and all kinds of gatherings! Create new events, add items to the event, and invite friends and participants.

    How many people should a potluck dish feed? ›

    Main Dishes and Side Dishes

    As a general rule, plan for one main dish serving and one or two side dish servings per person.

    What is a true potluck? ›

    Potluck dinners are events where the attendees bring a dish to a meal. The only traditional rule is that each dish be large enough to be shared among a good portion of the anticipated guests. Guests may bring in any form of food, ranging from the main course to desserts.

    What's the easiest thing to bring to a potluck? ›

    Pasta Salad: A simple pasta salad with veggies and Italian dressing is quick and budget-friendly. Vegetable Tray: Bring a colorful assortment of fresh vegetables with dip. Deviled Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs filled with a flavorful mixture are always a hit.

    What is a good finger food to bring to a potluck? ›

    Best Finger Food Ideas on a Budget
    • Parmesan Bread Bites. Bake addictive parmesan bread bites for delicious finger food ideas. ...
    • Tomato Bruschetta Bites. ...
    • Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts. ...
    • Sheet Pan Nachos. ...
    • Cheese Puffs. ...
    • Cheesy Garlic Bread. ...
    • Vegetarian Quesadillas. ...
    • Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus.
    Jan 10, 2024

    Does potluck have to be homemade? ›

    If you don't have time to cook, there's a world of store-bought food that is acceptable to bring to a potluck. Cheese and crackers, a veggie tray from the produce section or a box of cookies from the in-house bakery are all good options.

    How to make a perfect potluck? ›

    60 Tips for Your Next Potluck
    1. "What can I bring?" Make it easy for guests by prepping a list of what you will need. ...
    2. Signature dish, you say? ...
    3. Assign dishes. ...
    4. Be specific. ...
    5. Set a theme. ...
    6. Picky eaters can be found in any group of kids. ...
    7. Consider dietary needs and allergies. ...
    8. Plan for variety.

    Is there a website to plan a potluck? ›

    Potluck by Meal Train | a free online tool for organizing a group meal.

    How do you plan a potluck for 40 people? ›

    A Suggested Menu for a Perfect Potluck of 40 Guests Includes:
    1. 4 People Bringing Appetizers. ...
    2. 5 People Bringing Main Dishes. ...
    3. 8 People Bringing Side Dishes. ...
    4. 4 People Bringing Bread. ...
    5. 4 People Bringing Dessert. ...
    6. 3 People Bringing Beverages. ...
    7. 1 Person Bringing Cups, Plates & Napkins.
    8. 1 Person Bringing Utensils.

    How much food do you need for a party of 40? ›

    Rules to Plan By

    Each adult will consume 1 pound of food total; children, about 1/2 pound. The more options you have, the less you need of each; decrease the main course portion sizes by 1 to 2 ounces if served on a buffet. Guests will always eat — and drink — more at night than during the day.

    Can I bring store bought food for potluck? ›

    These are store-bought foods that everyone is happy to see, or even perhaps expects, on the spread. Think of items such as the best cookies or sandwiches in town from a mom-and-pop storefront. Just make sure to arrive with the prepared foods on your own serving platter. Many times, no one will be the wiser anyway.

    Is it rude to not eat at a potluck? ›

    It's not rude to NOT eat anything, even what you brought yourself. What is rude is to monopolize one dish, no matter who brought it, especially if it is a premium dish - i.e. someone brings a jumbo shrimp ring and you eat half of it before anyone else has even one.

    What do Southerners call a potluck? ›

    In the south, “covered-dish supper,” or “covered-dish dinner” is (or was) a more common term for the gathering of folks for a meal in which the attendees bring a dish of their choosing for all to enjoy. Other names I have heard include bring-and-share, bring-a-plate, dish-to-pass, or fellowship meal.

    Is it rude to not bring food to a potluck? ›

    Yes, it is considered rude to not bring anything to a potluck, as it can seem that you're taking advantage of other people's contributions without giving anything in return.

    What to bring to a potluck last minute? ›

    Last-Minute Appetizers
    • Ham and Cheese Tortilla Roll Ups. You can put anything in tortilla pinwheels, like this recipe with ham and ranch seasoning. ...
    • 5-Minute Taco Dip. ...
    • Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese. ...
    • Crockpot Meatballs with Grape Jelly Sauce. ...
    • 5-Minute Black Bean Dip. ...
    • Pimento Cheese. ...
    • Antipasto Platter. ...
    • Homemade Salsa.
    Nov 29, 2023

    What is a good meal to feed a large crowd? ›

    Make it easy by prepping any veggies in a food processor like the Ninja™ Professional XL food processor.
    • Taco Bar. A taco bar is one of the best inexpensive meals for large groups. ...
    • Meatballs. ...
    • Butter Chicken. ...
    • Lasagna. ...
    • Chili. ...
    • Homemade Pizza. ...
    • Baked Pasta. ...
    • Skewers.
    Apr 4, 2023

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Twana Towne Ret

    Last Updated:

    Views: 5764

    Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

    Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Twana Towne Ret

    Birthday: 1994-03-19

    Address: Apt. 990 97439 Corwin Motorway, Port Eliseoburgh, NM 99144-2618

    Phone: +5958753152963

    Job: National Specialist

    Hobby: Kayaking, Photography, Skydiving, Embroidery, Leather crafting, Orienteering, Cooking

    Introduction: My name is Twana Towne Ret, I am a famous, talented, joyous, perfect, powerful, inquisitive, lovely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.