Make Waves at the Potluck With 19 Must-Try Recipes

ByMandy

A potluck is no place to play it safe with forgettable dishes. These 19 recipes make sure the plate comes back empty, and everyone asks, “Who brought this?” Showing up with something boring is a one-way ticket to being ignored in the food line. Bring something that gets people talking—or at least makes them come back for seconds.

A slice of chicken pot pie being lifted, showing its creamy filling with chunks of chicken and vegetables, garnished with thyme.
Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cattle Drive Casserole

A slice of cheesy lasagna being lifted from a baking dish, topped with melted cheese and parsley.
Cattle Drive Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

If you’re ready to bring a bit of excitement to the potluck table, imagine a dish that melds hearty comfort with easy preparation. Cattle Drive Casserole combines favorite flavors in one baking dish that’s sure to disappear fast among guests. Warm, filling, and ready to feed a hungry crowd, it holds its own on a table full of options.
Get the Recipe: Cattle Drive Casserole

Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders

Close-up of a pulled pork sandwich with pickles and red cabbage on a bun, held in hand, with chips in the background.
Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Picture bite-sized delights with a tropical twist that fit right in your hand. Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders offer a sweet and savory punch that’ll have people talking. They’re the perfect combination of convenience and a crowd-pleaser, making them a go-to pick. As sliders disappear from the platter, you know they’ve made their mark.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Two pieces of fried chicken on a gray plate, garnished with small bits of green herbs.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Everyone values a crunchy, golden classic that promises to be a hit at any gathering. Buttermilk Fried Chicken is that reliable choice that never disappoints, offering juicy bites enveloped in a crispy coating. It’s a tried and true favorite that always feels special, and certainly a must-have at the table.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Caprese Pesto Tarts

Fresh cherry tomatoes and herbs served in crispy puff pastry cups on a wooden surface.
Caprese Pesto Tarts. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Have you ever wanted a dish that stands out for its simple elegance and burst of flavor? Caprese Pesto Tarts are easy to pick up and even easier to fall in love with, blending ripe tomatoes, fresh cheese, and pesto. They’re a refreshing change of pace from the usual potluck fare, and their vibrant presentation catches the eye.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pesto Tarts

Tiramisu

A slice of tiramisu is being lifted from the dish, showcasing layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone, topped with cocoa powder.
Tiramisu. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

When you want to end the meal on a high note, a no-bake classic dessert like Tiramisu becomes the star. It layers creaminess and subtle espresso hints, offering a sweet escape at the end of a feast. This dessert is a universal favorite, and it’s usually one of the first to be polished off.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu

Meatball Sliders

Close-up of a cheesy meatball slider with a seasoned bun, showing melted cheese and tomato sauce. Other sliders are visible in the background.
Meatball Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Small in size but big on taste, these mini sandwiches pack a flavorful punch that guests can’t resist. Meatball Sliders are a fulfilling combination that thrills with every bite, navigating the fine line between appetizer and hearty fare. They make for great conversation starters and even better handheld treats.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Sliders

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Close-up of a serving of chicken cordon bleu casserole with shredded chicken, ham, melted cheese, and breadcrumb topping, garnished with parsley.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

If your aim is to blend classic tastes in a novel way, bringing a dish that marries different textures could be the answer. Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole takes familiar ingredients and presents them in a form meant for sharing. It’s a unique twist on a beloved dish that invites interest and rave reviews from those who try it.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Homemade Corn Dogs

Close-up of a bitten corn dog showing its interior with a layer of crispy fried batter and a hot dog inside.
Homemade Corn Dogs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Transform a fair favorite into potluck gold with a homemade version everyone will adore. Homemade Corn Dogs are a fun and portable choice that adults and kids alike will reach for eagerly. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, they strike that perfect balance of taste and texture.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Corn Dogs

Garlic Knots

Close-up view of freshly baked garlic knots with parsley and seasoning, resting on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Garlic Knots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A potluck isn’t complete without some savory baked goods, especially when they’re fragrant and full of flavor. Garlic Knots are the ideal companion to any meal, providing a warm bite that’s both comforting and flavorful. They are often the hidden gems of the food spread, complementing other dishes or shining on their own.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Seven Layer Salad

A clear glass bowl layered with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, green peas, corn, diced celery, and topped with chunks of grilled chicken, garnished with a dollop of mayonnaise.
Seven Layer Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Brighten up the potluck buffet with layers of color and a variety of textures. Seven Layer Salad is a feast for the eyes and a treat for the palate. It’s the type of dish that offers something for everyone, and it always seems to draw a line of eager plate-fillers.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad

Roast Beef Sliders

Close-up of a fork lifting a beef sandwich topped with sesame seeds on a soft bun, with more sandwiches in the background.
Roast Beef Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When it’s about delivering flavor and satisfaction in a portable parcel, a little creativity goes a long way. Roast Beef Sliders provide that perfectly seasoned bite that’s hearty and wonderful. They’re a sensible choice for a crowd because they’re easy to eat while mingling.
Get the Recipe: Roast Beef Sliders

Funeral Potatoes

Close-up of a creamy, golden-brown macaroni and cheese dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping reminiscent of comforting funeral potatoes. A spoon is partially submerged in the cheese sauce.
Funeral Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sometimes, it’s the unexpected favorites that receive the most attention and leave lasting impressions. Funeral Potatoes have a name that piques curiosity and a taste that lives up to the intrigue. This casserole-style dish is creamy, cheesy, and impossible to resist.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!)

Mexican taco salad cups on a plate.
Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!). Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Who can resist the allure of personal-sized servings that pack a punch of flavor? Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!) is a playful take on a beloved classic, wrapped up in convenient form. Don’t blink, or you might miss the chance to grab one as they fly off the serving tray.
Get the Recipe: Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!)

Marry Me Chicken Soup

A creamy pasta dish with spinach, shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and shell pasta, garnished with herbs.
Marry Me Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Warm, flavorful, and downright comforting, this soup promises an experience that may just warrant marriage proposals. Marry Me Chicken Soup turns the simple act of ladling soup into a highlight. It’s not just the warmth it brings to the table, but the rich flavors that have everyone hooked.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Soup

Antipasto Salad

A bowl of salad with mixed greens, prosciutto, cherry tomatoes, olives, artichokes, and roasted red peppers.
Antipasto Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

There’s always room on the potluck table for a dish that invites you to take a bite of tradition. Antipasto Salad brings a medley of tastes and a richness that complements any meal. Its vibrant hues and robust flavors promise to be an instant hit.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Beef Stew

A close-up of a beef stew with green peas and chopped parsley, showing a spoon partially submerged in the rich, red sauce.
Beef Stew. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

On cooler days or when comfort food is called for, a pot brimming with hearty stew becomes the gathering spot. Beef Stew proves its worth as a potluck staple, offering tender bites in a thick, rich sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser that fills both the room and plates with warmth.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

A plate of bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers filled with cheese, secured with toothpicks, next to a small dish of dipping sauce.
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Looking for something that delivers a slight kick along with a crowd-pleasing presentation? Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers bring heat and meat in a single, exquisite bite. They’re the kind of appetizer that starts conversations and keeps everyone dipping back for more.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

A bowl of vibrant pasta salad with penne, cherry tomatoes, black olives, diced cucumbers, red onions, and a drizzle of dressing.
Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A dish that’s as refreshing as it is fulfilling can become the perfect palate cleanser or a standalone star. Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies offers a bounty of flavors that meshes well with the rest of the menu. This colorful array is a hit for its healthful appeal and its ability to stand out among more traditional dishes.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

Chicken Pot Pie

A slice of chicken pot pie being lifted, showing its creamy filling with chunks of chicken and vegetables, garnished with thyme.
Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bring back a touch of nostalgia with a classic that conjures up feelings of home and comfort. Chicken Pot Pie is a sumptuous choice with a flaky crust that encases a creamy, savory filling. It’s the kind of dish that comforts and fills, never failing to please a diverse crowd. Just watch it become the comfort food favorite of the night.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

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