Best Potluck Recipes

Potlucks are my favorite way to get family and friends together for special occasions, summer BBQs, holidays, and Sunday dinners. And I’ve definitely worked in offices where they loved having a potluck to celebrate just about anything. I’m always looking for something easy, budget-friendly and delicious to bring to the next potluck, so I put together 23 of the best potluck recipes to impress at the next social gathering!

Anytime I get invited to a potluck, my brain immediately goes into overdrive wondering what to bring. The best dishes to bring to the summer cookout are not always ideal for the office party. And what if I get put on dessert duty? But with this list of easy potluck ideas, I can find something delicious to make–even last-minute!

What to Bring to a Potluck Dinner

1. Lasagna

When I need a dinner-worthy potluck dish that’s easy to make, large enough for a crowd, and sure to please, I go straight to this lasagna recipe!

2. Cornbread

If there is one thing I absolutely love, it’s definitely homemade cornbread. Ditch the box stuff and serve this easy recipe along with whatever dishes everyone else brings to the potluck.

3. Chili

Everyone loves hearty chili, so I know it’ll be a hit when I bring it to the party. It’s easy to serve a larger gathering, and everyone can choose their own toppings.

4. Sloppy Joes

Any big party or gathering is better off with these homemade sloppy joes. The rich homemade sauce makes them extra flavorful, and I like bringing along mini slider buns so they’re crowd-ready.

What to Bring to a Summer BBQ

5. Macaroni Salad

A summer cookout loves to see me coming with this cold macaroni salad. It’s creamy, budget-friendly, and delicious! It’s just not a BBQ or potluck without this classic dish.

6. Potato Salad

This classic potato salad recipe is another summer potluck must-have! I love the mix of creamy and tangy ingredients, and it’s so easy to throw together.

7. Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad

Speaking of summer, this pasta salad with summer veggies is my favorite way to celebrate the season. I can make this and throw it in the fridge in the days leading up to the party, and I know it’ll be ready to go when I am.

8. Pulled Pork

Every good BBQ potluck needs this Crockpot pulled pork, and I feel like a star bringing it in for everyone to see. I usually make it the day before, so it’s ready to go!

Potluck Ideas for Work

9. Turkey Pinwheels

I always rely on these quick turkey pinwheels for an office potluck because they’re ready in 15 minutes and easy to store in the fridge. And pinwheels are really versatile, so I don’t have to make the same exact kind every time.

10. Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken

This slow cooker shredded buffalo chicken is always a favorite at potluck lunches. Ranch seasoning adds a huge burst of flavor to the sauce that everyone always loves.

11. 3 Bean Salad

Side dishes are my favorite thing to bring to work potlucks because they’re usually so much easier to make! This three bean salad is a delicious option, and it’s classic enough to please everyone.

12. Cucumber Sandwiches

These simple cucumber sandwiches are easy to make in bulk then transport to the work function. It’s a totally stress-free recipe!

Desserts to Bring to a Potluck

13. Texas Sheet Cake

When it’s my turn to bring a dessert, this is the recipe I turn to. This Texas chocolate sheet cake can easily feed a crowd, so it’s great for all kinds of potlucks and large family gatherings.

14. Banana Pudding

Is it just me or does it seem like banana pudding is always the first dessert to be devoured at potlucks? I suggest making a double batch of this recipe because it’s always a crowd favorite!

15. Fudgy Brownies

If (like me) you’re team fudgy brownies with dense, chewy, rich chocolate, then these are just for you! It’s a great potluck idea because who can resist brownies? Plus you can slice them up as small as you need to make them crowd-friendly (or make extra!).

What to Bring to a Holiday Potluck

16. Broccoli Cheese Casserole

This broccoli cheddar rice casserole recipe has the trifecta of holiday side dishes: vegetable, cheese, and rice. It’s filling, delicious, and I know it’ll pair well with any other potluck dish on the table.

17. Stuffed Mushrooms

I love bringing stuffed mushrooms to Thanksgiving because they’re quick to make, they look fancy, and everyone can enjoy one while waiting for dinner.

18. Christmas Punch

Too often, it seem like everyone phones it in on the potlucks drinks, but I’m not about to let a holiday party go by without this Christmas punch. It’s super quick to make, and it definitely adds some cheer to the room.

19. Vegetarian Stuffing

I know I’m not alone in searching the holiday table for the stuffing! I always make this vegetarian-friendly stuffing for Christmas or Thanksgiving potlucks so that everyone can enjoy it without worrying about the ingredients.

Recipes for a Last-minute Potluck Invite

20. Lemon Cucumber Couscous Salad

This lemon cucumber couscous salad is a trusty recipe when I’m in a hurry. I usually have most of these ingredients on hand, and it’s ready to go in just 20 minutes!

21. Nashville Hot Deviled Eggs

Ready in just 30 minutes and packed with spicy flavor, I know these Nashville hot deviled eggs will impress every potluck guest who tries them!

22. Cowboy Caviar

Showing up at the party with this cowboy caviar recipe is an easy way to steal the show. Little does anyone know, I only spent 20 minutes throwing it together on my way out the door!

23. Nacho Cheese Sauce

Sometimes I just really don’t have the time to make anything before the party. So this 5-minute cheese sauce is my secret for every last-minute potluck, because I know no one will bat an eye at my dish once they taste it.

Enjoy all of these delicious potluck recipes at your next party and let us know which one is your favorite in the comments below!