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 60 of the best potluck recipes to impress at your 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? Or if there are certain dietary requirements? But with this list of easy potluck ideas, I can find something delicious to make–even last-minute!

What to Bring to a Community Gathering

Community gatherings are some of my favorite events because they bring everyone together, from church dinners to school functions. The best dishes are easy to make, travel well, and feed a crowd. These recipes are made to share and are always a hit on the buffet table!

Work & Office Potluck Ideas

1. Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken

This slow cooker shredded buffalo chicken is always a favorite at workplace potluck lunches. Ranch seasoning adds a huge burst of flavor to the sauce that everyone always loves, and it’s easy to transport!

2. 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.

3. Three 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.

4. 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!

Church Potluck Favorites

5. 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!

6. Macaroni Salad

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

7. Chicken Spaghetti

I’ve made this chicken spaghetti more times than I can count, and it’s always a hit. It’s creamy, cheesy, and impossible to mess up.

8. 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.

9. 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!

School Potluck DIshes

10. Ham and Cheese Sliders

Think of your favorite ham and cheese sandwich, then imagine it warm, gooey, and brushed with buttery goodness. That’s exactly what these ham and cheese sliders deliver. Kids and grown-ups love them!

11. 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!).

12. Seven Layer Dip

This 7 layer dip has all the makings of a perfect student potluck dish—cheap, easy, and a total crowd-pleaser. Plus, there’s no cooking required!

13. BBQ Chicken Pizza

BBQ chicken pizza is always a win with kids…and honestly, adults too. It’s loaded with flavor and tastes amazing whether it’s fresh out of the oven or straight from the fridge! I love a homemade pizza where I can mix and match the toppings.

14. Fruit Dip

If there’s one recipe that’ll get kids excited about eating fresh fruit, it’s this easy fruit dip. I’ll slice up whatever fruit I have on hand, like apples, strawberries, grapes, or melon, and throw it all on a serving platter for a no-fuss, last-minute potluck treat.

What to Bring to a Friends & Family Gathering

I love any excuse to cook for the people I care about, and these recipes make it simple. These recipes are perfect for cookouts, backyard dinners, or any casual get-together where good food and good company come first.

BBQ Potluck Recipes

15. Turkey Burgers

You can shape these turkey burgers in advance and cook them up on the grill at the potluck. They’re light, flavorful, and everyone loves making their own with toppings!

16. 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.

17. 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!

18. Smoky Grilled Mushroom Kebabs

These smoky grilled mushroom kebabs are a veggie BBQ fave! Mushrooms are much more budget-friendly than meat, so I’ll happily make a ton and know everyone will still be satisfied.

19. Elote (Street Corn) Pasta Salad

The first time I made this elote street corn pasta salad, I knew it would firmly gain a spot in my BBQ potluck repertoire! It’s made with smoky corn, creamy dressing, zesty lime, and a sprinkle of queso fresco for the perfect mix of fresh and flavorful.

Picnic-Perfect Potluck Ideas

20. Tomato Cracker Salad

I don’t think many people have tried a tomato cracker salad…but I beg you to give it a chance. It’s simple, Southern, and way more delicious than it has any right to be!

21. Cowboy Caviar

Showing up at the picnic 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!

22. Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad

This pasta salad with summer veggies is my favorite way to celebrate the summer. 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.

23. 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! It’s absolutely perfect for a picnic with the whole family.

Tailgating Potluck Recipes for Game Day

24. Chili

Everyone loves hearty chili, and I know it’s always a favorite at tailgate potlucks. It’s easy to serve a larger gathering, and everyone can choose their own toppings.

25. 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 tailgate party.

26. Philly Cheesesteak Recipe

Philly cheesesteaks aren’t known to be the most budget-friendly dish, but I use shaved beef steak and load them up with mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions, to get all that classic flavor without breaking the bank.

27. Buffalo Wings

Buffalo wings are a must at a tailgate potluck or game day celebration! They’re easy to make, travel well, and are the perfect finger food to enjoy while cheering on your home team.

28. 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.

29. 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 Holiday Gathering

I’m sure I’m not alone when I say one of my favorite things about the holidays is the FOOD! And let me tell you, we have some pretty delicious recipes for the holidays (these lists could have gone on and on), but here are a few choice options for Easter, 4th July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas potlucks.

Easter Potluck Favorites

30. Ham and Potato Casserole

Got some leftover baked ham or deli ham steaks? Mix it with diced potatoes, cheddar, and a creamy sauce and make this ham and potato casserole! I love this one for a breakfast or brunch holiday potluck with the family.

31. Glazed Carrots

20 minutes and a few simple ingredients are all I need to make this easy, tasty, and totally Easter-ready side dish! Glazed carrots are the simple dish your holiday potluck table needs.

32. Deviled Eggs

I don’t think I’ve ever been to an Easter potluck without deviled eggs on the table. They’re creamy, tangy, and always the first to disappear. I love that I can make them ahead of time and keep them chilled until serving.

33. Carrot Cake Muffins

These carrot cake muffins are my favorite bite-sized dessert for spring gatherings. They’ve got all the cozy flavors of classic carrot cake—warm spices, grated carrots, and a touch of sweetness—in a perfectly portable muffin form.

Potluck Recipes for the 4th of July

34. Red, White, and Blue Trifle

This red, white, and blue trifle looks like a showstopper but couldn’t be easier to make! It’s a delicious summer potluck dessert with a patriotic pop of color.

35. BBQ Ribs

Every 4th of July cookout in my family has to have BBQ ribs, and this recipe never lets me down. They’re tender, smoky, and sticky from the BBQ sauce. 🤤

36. Stovetop Baked Beans

I love a good baked bean recipe that doesn’t require turning on the oven. These stovetop baked beans are rich, hearty, and sweet—perfect for pairing with anything off the grill.

37. Creamy Coleslaw

A creamy coleslaw is a MUST at any Independence Day potluck. It goes with pretty much everything, and my plate wouldn’t be complete without it.

38. Red, White, and Blue Fruit Salad

Nothing brightens up a 4th of July potluck table quite like this red, white, and blue fruit salad. It’s colorful, light, and just the right mix of creamy and crunchy. Plus, it takes almost no time to make, which is a win in my book.

Thanksgiving Potluck Classics

39. 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.

40. Turkey Sliders

These turkey sliders are my solution for using up leftover Thanksgiving turkey (or deli meat!). They’re quick to assemble, easy to transport, and make a fun, crowd-friendly addition to the potluck table.

41. Butternut Squash Salad

This butternut squash salad is a fresh and colorful side dish for fall gatherings. With roasted squash, greens, and a simple maple Dijon vinaigrette, it’s the perfect mix of cozy and crisp.

42. Pumpkin Pie Bars

If you love pumpkin pie but don’t want the fuss of dealing with a pie crust, my pumpkin pie bars are the answer. They’ve got all the same creamy, spiced flavor…just in easy-to-slice squares that are perfect for sharing.

43. Squash Casserole

This Southern-inspired squash casserole is one of my favorite comfort foods. It’s creamy, buttery, and topped with a crispy layer that makes it impossible to resist a second helping.

Christmas Potluck Recipes to Share

44. 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.

45. 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.

46. Christmas Punch

Too often, it seems 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.

47. Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

If you’re not a Brussels sprouts fan, I beg you to at least try this shaved Brussels sprouts salad! It’s a far cry from the mushy boiled sprouts you’re used to, and the honey Dijon dressing is too good to pass by.

48. Sugar Cookies

Stuck with dessert duty, but stumped on what to bring? You can never go wrong with a batch of sugar cookies!! I almost always have the ingredients on hand, making this one of my favorite treats to bring to a festive potluck.

What to Bring to a Potluck Dinner When You Have Dietary Restrictions

I know just how tricky it can be if you have dietary requirements and are headed to a potluck. To make sure you have something you and the other guests can enjoy, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite dishes that fit a variety of needs. These recipes are simple, satisfying, and full of flavor, so no one has to miss out on the fun (or the food!)

Vegetarian & Vegan Potluck Dishes

49. Lentil Bolognese

When I want something hearty and comforting that everyone can enjoy, I make this lentil bolognese. The lentils soak up all that rich tomato flavor, and it’s so satisfying that even the meat lovers at the table don’t miss a thing.

50. Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

You don’t have to miss out on the classic potluck favorite with these buffalo cauliflower wings! They’re coated in a spicy buffalo sauce and baked until crisp and golden. I promise you’ve never tasted cauliflower quite like this before!

51. Tofu, Spinach, and Green Pea Curry

This tofu, spinach, and green pea curry is creamy, totally vegan, and perfect with rice or naan on the potluck table. I love how it feels indulgent while still being light!

52. Green Goddess Dressing

I don’t think I’ve ever seen an easier potluck dish than this Green Goddess dressing. It takes just 10 minutes to make, then all I need to do is slice some veggies and add everything to a serving platter! It’s also super easy to make vegan if you use a vegan mayonnaise.

Gluten-Free Potluck Recipes Everyone Can Enjoy

53. Stuffed Bell Peppers

These stuffed bell peppers are on repeat in my house all year long. They’re full of Italian sausage, rice, and cheese, making them totally gluten-free too! (Just double check your sausage doesn’t have any gluten-containing fillers, and you’re good to go).

54. Curry Chicken Salad

This curry chicken salad has just the right balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet. It’s one of my go-to recipes for warm-weather gatherings because it’s served cold and travels so well!

55. Breakfast Cookies

I make these breakfast cookies all the time—not just for breakfast! They’re chewy, lightly sweet, and packed with oats and nut butter. Go for certified gluten-free oats to ensure these treats are gluten-free friendly!

56. Mashed Potato Casserole

Some casseroles are made with thickeners like flour, which makes them off-limits for anyone with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity. But not this mashed potato casserole! It’s creamy, cozy, and a total budget-friendly win for the holidays.

Dairy-Free Potluck Recipes Made Easy

57. Chocolate Depression Cake

A chocolate cake made without eggs OR dairy? I know, I wouldn’t believe it either if I hadn’t tried this chocolate Depression cake myself! Your next potluck needs this insanely chocolatey cake, dairy-free or not. 😉

58. German Potato Salad

A good potato salad is a must-have potluck dish in my opinion. This German potato salad is dressed in a bacon and mustard vinaigrette, making it as delicious as it is dairy-free!

59. Ramen Noodle Salad

This ramen noodle salad is my “I need something fast but fun” recipe. It’s crunchy, colorful, and tossed in a tangy dressing that always gets compliments around the potluck table.

60. Ground Beef Fajitas

These ground beef fajitas are perfect for catering to a bunch of different dietary needs. I like to serve the toppings on the side and let everyone build their own fajitas based on what they can eat. A potluck-winning dish every time!

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