Whether it’s for a family reunion, summer barbecue or a holiday get-together for co-workers, chances are you’ll be invited to participate in a potluck a time or two throughout the year. Many times the host will organize who brings what (a side, a meat dish, a dessert, etc.), but the actual recipe will be up to you.
You can bring your tried-and-true salad that everyone raves about or maybe you’re ready to try something new…if you’re stumped and have no idea what to bring and are looking for fresh ideas, this is the tipsheet for you!
Here are dozens of different recipes that will get your creative juices flowing. First you’ll find a mix of dishes that I’ve handpicked from around the ‘net, some quick & easy while others promise to be impressive taste bud pleasers.
Next you’ll find groups such as Appetizers & Dips, Salads, Casseroles, Potatoes, Rice & Pasta Dishes and finally Desserts & Squares…referencing hundreds (yup, hundreds!) of recipes that I’ve already gathered and organized here on Tipnut.
You’ll also find a few quick tips listed at the bottom of this page. Plenty here to help you decide on a perfect dish for whatever the occasion, enjoy!
Lasagna Rolls: Baked in a 13x9x2″ glass baking dish, ingredients include whole milk ricotta cheese, spinach, prosciutto, marinara sauce and shredded mozza.
Best Baked Spinach: Made with fresh spinach, unsalted butter, stock, grated Swiss cheese, dry breadcrumbs, flour, salt and pepper.
Fiesta Rice Salad: Ingredients include brown rice, corn kernels, black beans, limes (juiced), bell peppers, cherry tomatoes and more.
Butternut Squash & Macaroni Casserole: A creamy main dish made with coconut milk, yellow onion, butternut squash, elbow macaroni, chopped walnuts and more.
Cheddar Corn Spoon Bread: A southern side dish that’s so soft it can be served & eaten with a spoon.
Spicy Sausage, Chicken and Bean Pot: A one-pot dish that features Italian hot sausage, andouille sausage, chicken, onion, carrots, celery, white cannellini beans and more.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Noodles: Ingredients include extra-wide egg noodles, roasted chicken, frozen peas, garlic, whole milk (or light cream), bread, shredded Parmesan and fresh thyme.
Bonanza Bean Dip: Yields 8 to 10 servings and needs to chill up to 24 hours before serving. Made with refried beans, Lime Guacamole (recipe included), cheese, sour cream, and more.
Chicken Tetrazzini: Ingredients include fresh asparagus, whole fresh mushrooms, sweet peppers, chicken broth, shredded Swiss cheese, roasted chicken and more.
Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Bake: Made with noodles, chicken, fresh mushrooms, green onions, red sweet pepper, chicken broth, garlic, sour cream, canned soup, broccoli, bread crumbs and more.
Baked Chicken Enchiladas: Made with whole wheat tortillas, crushed tomatoes, black beans, chicken, mozza & cheddar cheeses, Philadelphia Santa Fe Blend Cooking Creme and seasonings.
Lasagna Cups: Yields 12, jumbo muffin tins are lined with squares of parchment paper then filled with lasagna noodles, ground beef, cheese, tomato sauce and more.
Need more ideas? Lots to pick from below! Simply click on the picture that catches your eye and you’ll be whisked to the page full of more recipes for that particular dish.
Appetizers & Dips
Salads
Casseroles
Potatoes, Rice & Pasta Dishes
Desserts & Squares
Tips
- Transport warm dishes in a casserole tote or wrap in aluminum foil and a thick towel.
- Keep cold dishes in the refrigerator until just before you leave, pack in a cooler or with ice packs if needed (for longer drives).
- Keep dishes stable during transport by packing them in a cardboard box (no worries about spills or dishes sliding around).
- Uh oh, which one is your dish to take home? Avoid confusion by dabbing the bottom of a casserole dish or bowl with colored nail polish (just a dot will do or paint your initials). You can also use a strip of masking tape marked with your name or make personalized potluck dishes using etching cream (see this DIY project).
- If you’re planning on bringing a salad, keep the dressing in a separate container and add just before serving, this will keep the vegetables nice and crisp (unless the salad needs to marinate in dressing for best results).
- Should you bring serving utensils? Check with the host first, if so you can keep track of your item by wrapping the top of the handle with decorative tape.
to identify my potluck casserole, cake pan, or crock-pot, I use the free address labels that are sent to me in the mail. Stick an address label on the side of the main pot, on the lid, and on the spoon handle backside. It works, and the labels adhere even through being rinsed or washed. I have a plentiful supply of labels and now something to do with them. Don’t forget to put your label on the outside of your carrier, also.
Hi there. Thanks for featuring my potluck pesto pasta. It really is good for potlucks because it’s easy to make and stays tasty at room temperature.
julie