40 Easy Potluck Recipes for A Crowd

These potluck recipes are tasty, satisfying, and guaranteed to stand out!

Plus, they’re super easy and ideal for feeding a crowd of hungry party-goers!

Antipasto Pasta Salad with cherry tomatoes, feta, olives, and salami, garnished with dill and basil leaves served on a brown bowl

40 Best Potluck Recipes & Ideas

From dips and salads to sliders and casseroles, there are so many amazing potluck dishes out there.

In fact, it can be hard to choose just one!

That’s why I’ve gathered 35 easy potluck recipes for you to try.

Make something savory and something sweet, and you’ll be the talk of the night!

Bowl of elbow pasta with mayonnaise, chopped celery, onions, red and green bell peppers and garnished with parsley

1. Macaroni Salad

Macaroni salad is perfect for cookouts and barbecues. But it’s also welcome at potlucks!

Creamy, savory, and mild in flavor, it’ll pair just as well with your neighbor’s chicken wings as with your in-laws’ tray of cold sandwiches.

Feel free to add extra veggies, shredded cheese, or even peppers to the mix.

Taco dip with layers of refried beans, cream cheese, sour cream, salsa, tomatoes, bell peppers with lots of cheddar cheese and black olives on top served on a casserole

2. Seven-Layer Taco Dip

This dip brings all the fun of tacos without the stress of making enough to feed the whole party.

Plus, you can easily make it ahead and keep it in the fridge until the party.

Serve it with plenty of tortilla chips, and it’ll be gone in a flash!

Bunch of sausage balls made with ground pork sausage, cheddar cheese, Bisquick baking mix, milk and dried chives served on a bowl

3. Bisquick Sausage Balls Recipe

Sausage balls are a savory snack everyone will love. And believe it or not, you only need a handful of pantry staples.

Since you’ll use Bisquick, the prep is lightning-fast, and the resulting balls are super fluffy.

Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor, and serve them with a dipping sauce.

Bowl of salad made with crushed pineapple, mandarin oranges, whipped topping, marshmallows, and shredded coconut

4. Ambrosia Salad 

Fruit salad is a terrific choice for most parties. But it can turn brown pretty fast – especially in the summer.

So why not make this creamy fruit-filled ambrosia ‘salad’ instead?

Loaded with pineapple tidbits, mandarin segments, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows, it’s sure to be a smash with kids and adults alike!

Stacks of square slices of Cornbread

5. Cornbread

Cornbread is a classic side that’ll go with almost every meal. And it’s a lovely change from the usual dinner rolls.

Luckily, it’s easy to make and even easier to jazz up.

So go ahead and add bacon, jalapeños, cheese, and more! There are no wrong answers here.

Mix of corned beef, sauerkraut, mayo dressing and lots of melted cheese on top served on a casserole

6. Hot Reuben Dip

Meaty and cheesy, this Reuben dip is a thing of beauty. And it’s one of those easy potluck ideas you’ll crave again and again.

To get that signature Reuben taste, you’ll mix corned beef, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing.

Top it with lots of Swiss cheese and bake until it’s bubbly. Yum!

Brioche buns filled with tangy BBQ coated shredded chicken and melty cheese and brushed with butter
Source: Familyfoodonthetable.com

7. BBQ Chicken Sliders

Sliders are the perfect potluck sandwich because they’re small enough to mingle with. 

And everyone will love these finger-licking good BBQ chicken ones. They are juicy, meaty, and oozing with cheese.

Not only that, but you can make a big tray in a flash. Just use a slab of slider buns.

Dip made with mix of mayo, sharp cheddar, bacon, almonds, and green onion served on a bowl with a plate of crackers

8. Million-Dollar Dip

Creamy, cheesy, salty, and full of texture, this cold dip is my go-to for potluck parties.

It’s a dreamy blend of mayo, cheddar, bacon, almonds, and green onions. And every mouthful is a delight.

As much as I love hot dips, this cold one is a great make-ahead recipe. Make it the night before and you’re set.

Layers of pretzels, cream cheese, and strawberry gelatin on a casserole

9. Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Skip the sad, wilted leafy greens and bring this salad to the party. I guarantee, there won’t be a bite left in sight!

All the sweet layers come together for an irresistible treat. There’s a crunchy pretzel crust, thick cheesecake filling, and juicy strawberry jelly topping.

Salty, sweet, and bursting with berry, this salad is better than cake.

Bowl of Fruit Salad with Bowl of Fruit Salad with mix chopped strawberries, kiwi, peach, pineapple, oranges and bananas

10. Fruit Salad With Peach Pie Filling

No one will neglect this fruit salad. It’s radiating sweet juicy goodness with a rainbow of color.

Instead of unripe melons, it opts for a vibrant assortment of fruit. Strawberries, kiwis, bananas, pineapple, and mandarin oranges to be exact. 

But there’s a secret that makes it pop. It’s peach pie filling!

Sourdough boule cut into grid pattern and stuffed with butter, cheese, ranch, and bacon on a wooden cutting board
Source: Mybakingaddiction.com

11. Cheesy Ranch Pull-Apart Bread

Pull-apart bread might look complicated if you’ve never made it before. But it’s totally beginner-friendly.

You can throw this crusty, gooey delight together in 35 minutes with just 5 ingredients.

All those crevices full of butter, cheese, ranch, and bacon are begging to join the party!

Easy Potluck Recipes -Waldorf Chicken Salad on Croissant

12. Chicken Waldorf Salad

Waldorf salad is a traditional potluck food that’s light, refreshing, and hearty.

This recipe kicks the protein up a notch with chicken. So it could be served as a chunky dip or with rolls to make sandwiches.

Either way, you’ll love the sweet and creamy dressing and pops of color.

Taco Pinwheels with chicken, taco seasoning, cream cheese and peppers, all rolled up inside tortillas
Source: Dinneratthezoo.com

13. Taco Pinwheels

Pinwheels are an enchanting dish that everyone loves to eat. So, try this taco-inspired version for a spiced-up twist of the old favorite.

You’ll need chicken, taco seasoning, cream cheese, and peppers. Oh, and tortillas, of course!

Use flavored tortillas if you want them extra colorful (spinach, carrot, beet, etc.).

Stacks of Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars served on a plate

14. Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars 

What’s better than a batch of chocolate chip cookies? These Toll House chocolate chip cookie bars, of course!

They’re everything you love in a cookie, amplified to a hundred! They’re thicker, fudgier, and even more addictive.

Add a sprinkle of sea salt before baking for maximum yumminess.

Stacked of chocolate bars with nuts

15. Fudge

Need to bring a potluck-friendly dessert to a Christmas party? Fudge is just the thing!

It’s rich, decadent, and served in the perfect little bite. So your guests can satisfy their sweet tooth without feeling too full.

Skip the nuts if you know someone with an allergy. Or swap them for another crunchy element – I like pretzels.

Bowl of broccoli salad with crumbled bacon, raisins, red onions and sunflower seed nuts

16. Broccoli Salad

The name may not scream exciting. But I assure you this salad is too good to resist.

It’s one of those dishes you throw together with little effort. And somehow it miraculously turns out delish. 

Crunchy broccoli, salty bacon, sweet raisins, and creamy dressing pack it with flavor and texture. Don’t be surprised when it’s a big hit!

Glass of lemonade with ice. slice lemon and mint leaves on top

17. Lemonade

Lemonade is a lovely tart drink you can easily make in bulk.

Not only that, you can add all kinds of fruits and spirits to make it a fun punch.

Need some inspiration? Try fresh raspberries, a glug of gin or vodka, and a bit of ginger ale for bubbles.

Bowl of Greek Pasta Salad with tender pasta, ripe juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, feta cheese and olives
Source: Spendwithpennies.com

18. Greek Pasta Salad

Pasta salad is always a crowd-pleaser, and this unique twist stirs up the traditional pasta salad scene.

It’s loaded with all your favorite Mediterranean flavors, including black olives, banana peppers, and feta.

Mix in some cherry tomatoes and chopped cucumber, and you’re all set.

Bunch of sugar cookies served on a pan with parchment paper

19. Amish Sugar Cookies

The Amish have spent hundreds of years perfecting every recipe.

So if you see Amish in the title, you know it’ll be great. And these soft and sweet cookies are no exception.

They’re the perfect blend of salty and sweet. Plus, you can make them in a pinch for a holiday party.

Bowl of Potato Salad with egg and mayonnaise, garnished with chopped green onions

20. Potato Salad

Like pasta salad, potato salad is one of those easy potluck recipes you’ll always see at parties and BBQs.

It’s rich and creamy, hearty and delish. What more could you ask for?

Add bacon, onions, or pickles if you want. But it’s pretty perfect as it is.

Bunch of Deviled Eggs garnished with paprika powder served on a plate

21. Deviled Eggs 

Nothing says “potluck” like a tray of deviled eggs. So their cool and tangy presence is mandatory at every summer gathering.

Two or three of these will slide right down before you even know what’s happened.

So you better make two dozen to ensure there’s enough to go around.

Slice of chocolate brownie cake served on a saucer with stainless fork

22. Texas Sheet Cake

I’m pretty sure the original Texas sheet cake was made for a potluck.

It means you can enjoy a soft and sweet cake without all the hassle. Heck, you can serve it right in the baking tray!

Throw on sprinkles for color or make it extra special with flavored frosting. It’ll be devoured in no time, either way.

Celery sticks dipped in a bowl of Buffalo Chicken Dip

23. Buffalo Chicken Dip

What is there to say about the king of all dips?

Its rise in popularity over the past ten years is well-deserved and understood. I mean, how can you beat spicy-creamy chicken?

Serve it with chips, bagel bites, fresh veggies, and more. Just don’t forget the extra hot sauce on the side!

Chili Dip garnished with chilis and chopped parsley served in a bowl on a wooden cutting board with nachos

24. Hormel Chili Dip

Cheesy dip is always a winner. And this Hormel Chili dip is a sure-fire hit with everyone who tries it.

It’s a super quick dish featuring layers of cream cheese, chili, and shredded cheese.

You don’t even have to make the chili! Just grab a can and mix it in the pot. Easy peasy.

Stacked of biscuits on a saucer and a baking dish of biscuits on the side

25. Biscuits

Everybody loves biscuits, and this recipe yields delightfully fluffy and buttery ones.

What makes them so special? You’ll add 7 Up to the dough!

It brings a light sweetness and, more importantly, bubbles. They make the finished biscuits airy and to die for.

Say, you know what these would pair well with? That cheesy dip above!

Tacos Dipped in a bowl of Guacamole with slice lime on the side

26. Guacamole

Guacamole is a family fave, and whether you like it creamy, chunky, spicy, or mild, it’s always a good idea.

This recipe features plenty of lime juice, so it’s fresh and zippy.

But you’ll also add peppery red onions and chopped jalapeños for a layer of heat.

A pitcher and a glass of Fruit Punch with lemon wheel

27. Fruit Punch

Fruit punch is perfect for potlucks with kids. And it always looks great in a pitcher with citrus slices.

Make it as sweet or tart as you like. Or make it boozy with vodka!

Bowl of Creamy Grapes Salad with crushed walnuts on top

28. Creamy Grape Salad

Like the ambrosia recipe above, this ‘salad’ is more of a dessert.

It’s loaded with fruity, crisp grapes and a heavenly dressing of cream cheese and sour cream.

Add some chopped pecans for crunch, and it’s ready to be devoured.

Spoon scooping on a mac and cheese casserole with cheesy golden crust

29. Velveeta Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese may not seem like an obvious choice for a potluck, but if you’ve ever been to one in the midwest, you’ll know it’s a must-make.

Creamy, cheesy, and beloved by all, this is the perfect side to all kinds of other dishes.

You can even add chicken to the mix if you want it extra hearty!

Hotdogs wrap in  crescent roll with cheese in the middle served on a plate with dipping sauce on the side

30. Pigs in a Blanket

Did you know that pigs in a blanket in the U.K. are little cocktail sausages wrapped in bacon?

Pretty delish. And a scrummy option for any party.

But if you want classic finger food, you can’t beat these sausages wrapped in crescent rolls.

Bunch of meatballs covered in tomato sauce and garnished with chopped cilantro served on a plate

31. Porcupine Meatballs

Meatballs are my go-to for cocktail parties because they’re tasty, hearty, and easy to serve to a crowd.

Just insert toothpicks into the tops, and they’re good to go.

This recipe is a little unusual because you’ll mix rice into the meat. It brings a ton of extra roughage and makes them way more filling.

Chocolate brownie stack on top of each other with parchment paper in the middle

32. Godiva Chocolate Brownies

I have a ton of insanely good brownie recipes. I’m talking peanut butter, caramel, Baileys, and more!

But if you just need something sweet and simple, you can’t go wrong with these Godiva chocolate brownies.

Add fun extras if you like, or even a tasty frosting. Your party guests will love them either way!

Slice of layers of lasagna, spaghetti sauce, cottage cheese and mozzarella cheese served on a plate with basil leaf on top

33. Cottage Cheese Lasagna

Here’s an easy potluck dish the whole family can get behind.

And with all that cottage cheese in the mix, it’s even ideal for health enthusiasts looking for a protein boost!

Use ground beef for a richer flavor, or go for ground turkey if you want it extra lean!

Crab meat, onion, spices, cheese, cream cheese, mayo, and sour cream baked on a casserole served with crackers on the side

34. Crab Casserole

The first time I tried crab casserole, I was a little skeptical. I mean, seafood and cheese don’t always mix, right?

But boy, was I wrong!

This stuff is the real deal. It’s salty, meaty, and cheesy to the max!

The OG recipe calls for imitation crab meat, but use lump crab meat if you prefer.

Healthy Salad with Quinoa, Cucumber, Parsley and Onions in a White Bowl

35. Jennifer Aniston Salad

If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that Jen Aniston is stunning. She just keeps getting more beautiful with age!

And while this salad won’t give you her hair or cheekbones, it’ll certainly make you feel like a million bucks!

Homemade Caprese Salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, basil. olive oil and balsamic vinegar
Source: Downshiftology.com

36. Caprese Salad

Who doesn’t love a good caprese? It’s a classic Italian salad that’s always sure to please. 

The rip tomatoes, chewy mozzarella, fresh basil, and balsamic create an immaculate bite.

It’s about as easy a potluck dish can get. And, it takes just 5 minutes.

BLT Pasta Salad with Crispy Bacon, Tomatoes, Lettuce and Scallions served on a bowl with chopped spring onions on top

37. BLT Salad

Making a platter of BLT sandwiches for a crowd can be tedious. So skip the fuss and turn it into a pasta salad instead. 

It takes the quintessential potluck dish and merges it with one of the best sandwiches. 

There’s tons of bacon, juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and tender pasta. All tossed with a creamy dressing.

Caviar with bell peppers, beans, corn, and tomatoes served on bowl

38. Cowboy Caviar

Cowboy caviar is one of my all-time favorites to bring to any gathering.

The colors, flavors, and textures simply look like a party. It’s enough to feed one too.

To make things even better, it’s customizable, economical, and quick. Serve it as a side or a salsa. It transports well either way.

Bowl of White Chicken Chili filled with shredded chicken, beans, corn, and peppers

39. Chicken Chili

If you really want to impress, make this chicken chili. It’s warming, flavor-packed, and cozy to boot!

The shredded chicken, tender beans, and sweet corn are swimming in a creamy broth. 

I know what you’re thinking, how do I keep it warm? It’s easy, just bring the Crockpot.

Brioche buns filled with sliced ham, Swiss Cheese, and Hawaiian rolls, smothered with a garlic Dijon butter sauce
Source: Flavormosaic.com

40. Ham and Cheese Sliders

You know what always kills it at a potluck? Mouthwatering sliders like ham and cheese.

It’s a classic flavor combo that’s always sure to please. Especially when you slap those two ingredients on a warm, buttery Hawaiian roll.

Not only will these sliders serve a crowd, but they also won’t break the bank.

40 Easy Potluck Recipes

Course: Lunch, SidesCuisine: Italian
Servings

12

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

1

hour 
Calories

336

kcal

Experience the vibrant blend of traditional Italian ingredients in this antipasto pasta salad. Each forkful offers a delightful experience in every bite!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound dry pasta (rotini, penne, fusili, etc.)

  • 1/2 cup red wine vinegar

  • 1/4 cup liquid from jars of artichoke hearts

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon dried basil

  • Salt & pepper to taste

  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 pound cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 2 (6-ounce) jars artichoke hearts, quartered and drained (save the liquid)

  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

  • 1 cup green or black olives

  • 8 ounces salami, sliced or cubed

  • 12 ounces feta or bocconcini

  • 4 tablespoons fresh basil, sliced

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water, then leave to drain in the colander.
  • In a large bowl, whisk the red wine vinegar, artichoke liquid, garlic powder, basil, and salt and pepper. Slowly pour the olive oil, whisking constantly.
  • In the same bowl, gently toss in the pasta, tomatoes, artichokes, onions, olives, salami, feta, basil, and parsley.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour.
  • Toss again before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a richer flavor in the dressing.
  • Incorporate a variety of colored tomatoes for added visual appeal.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 336kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 39mg
  • Sodium: 663mg
  • Potassium: 170mg
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Calcium: 163mg
  • Iron: 1mg
Potluck Recipes

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