Yahoo Lifestyle Win the Potluck with These Flavorful, Portable Dishes
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Fall really is party season. Between sports tailgating, seasonal parties, PTA get-togethers, and general friends-gatherings, it feels like every other weekend there's some kind of bring-a-dish dinner party to attend.
That's why it makes sense to keep a big list of potluck recipes on hand. And here we are!
I feel like there are four main qualities that make a recipe potluck-perfect:
It's easy to transport.
It's easy to portion out. (Bonus if it serves a crowd!)
It can sit. (Ideally, it tastes better if it sits a bit.)
It's got wide appeal.
While comfort foods are always safe bets, you'll also want to watch out for friends with food allergies. And of course if a dish is too spicy or contains divisive flavors, it may not be the best fit for kids. To help out, we've included notes for each recipe, so you know which ones are (or can be made) to appeal to as many people as possible. We've got everything from family-friendly casseroles to seasonal salads to sweet treats everyone will enjoy!
More Big-Batch Dinner Recipes:
Ultimate Two-Beef Chili
Fall potlucks are made for chili! Jump on the signup list early and claim the chili spot; This recipe is both easy, and a surefire hit.
Get the recipe for Ultimate Two-Beef Chili.
Harvest Salad with Pickled Pomegranate Seeds
This recipe contains our secret to a potluck salad bowl that comes home empty: pickled pomegranate seeds. You can pickle them in just about the time it takes to make the rest of the salad.
The result? Bright pops of flavor that explode like tangy fireworks on the tongue and take this salad from good to give-me-that-recipe great.
Get the recipe for Harvest Salad.
Cream of Pumpkin Soup with Bacon-Pepita Crunch
Don't overlook soup as a serious Potluck contender. Bring it in a slow cooker to keep it warm, serve it in mugs or disposable coffee cups, and keep a large container of the topping on the side. Trust us: it's a winner.
Get the recipe for Cream of Pumpkin Soup with Bacon-Pepita Crunch.
Apple Cider-Glazed Wings
Wings are always appreciated at a potluck, but these sweet cider-glazed guys will be flying off the plate! Keep 'em warm in transit with an insulated carrier.
This recipe is gluten free and dairy free.
Get the recipe for Apple Cider-Glazed Wings.
Cheddar Cornbread
Whether you're sopping up chili, dunking it in soup, or cleaning the last of the bbq sauce off the plate with it, cornbread is a must-have at potlucks. And crunchy shreds of cooked cheddar on top? That makes it even better.
Get the recipe for Cheddar Cornbread.
Ewing Steele's Orange Rolls
Every potluck needs some sweet treats, and these classic Alabama orange rolls are a no-nonsense addition. This recipe comes from Ewing Steele, owner of the Vestavia Gardens in Birmingham, AL, and the source of some of the best orange rolls for many many years.
Get the recipe for Ewing Steele's Orange Rolls.
Baked Mac and Cheese with Poblanos
Here, your favorite shells and cheese get just a couple ingredient upgrades that are sure to appeal. Extra sharp Cheddar (get the good stuff) makes a big difference, but the real flavor comes from a couple Tex-Mex additions: poblano peppers.
Leave out the poblano peppers here to make this dish a little more kid friendly.
Get the recipe for Baked Mac and Cheese with Poblanos.
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork with Cabbage Slaw
This easy treat is perfect for dinner, parties, or backyard picnics! The pork cooks in the slow cooker so there's minimal work for you!
Make these gluten free with your favorite gluten free hamburger buns.
Get the recipe for Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork with Cabbage Slaw.
Tossed Salad with Green Goddess Dressing
This salad is the perfect potluck accompaniment! The secret flavor boosters are the grilled corn, which give it a smoky sweetness, and the chili-infused honey-lime vinaigrette, which offers a smoky kick.
To make this dish a little safer for kids and families, swap the dressing for your favorite!
Get the recipe for Tossed Salad with Green Goddess Dressing.
Wacky Cake
Probably one of the easiest and best chocolate sheet cakes you can make, this recipe surprisingly doesn't use milk, butter, or eggs! The result is a tender and delicious chocolate cake that you'll want to make again and again.
Make this recipe gluten free by subbing in gluten-free flour.
Get the recipe for Wacky Cake.
Ground Chicken Noodle Casserole
Perfect potluck food! This casserole is full of cheesy veggies, and it'll have everyone licking their plates clean.
Make this recipe gluten free by swapping the flour for a gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Get the recipe for Ground Chicken Noodle Casserole.
Fried German Potato Salad Bites
Take this shockingly simple German-style potato salad to your next potluck! Roll it into a ball and fry it up, and you've suddenly got a party snack that will make people's eyes pop with delight.
This dish is vegetarian. Make it gluten free by substituting gluten free flour and gluten free breadcrumbs.
Get the recipe for Fried German Potato Salad Bites.
Ritzy Ranch Mac ’n’ Cheese
Upgrade your mac and cheese! These super simple pantry additions will have folks begging for the recipe.
Make this recipe gluten free by using gluten free flour and gluten free crackers.
Get the recipe for Ritzy Ranch Mac ’n’ Cheese.
Guinness Beef Stew
A good stew is an under-appreciated potluck addition. Kept warm in a slow cooker or an insulated Dutch Oven Carrier, it's hearty and filling. You can set it out with crusty bread for dipping. Don't forget the disposable bowls!
This recipe can be made gluten free with gluten-free flour. It contains alcohol.
Get the recipe for Guinness Beef Stew.
Classic Buffalo Chicken Dip
Not just a game-day treat, this easy recipe can be whipped up in under half an hour, especially if you're using leftover or rotisserie chicken. Pair it with chips or crunchy vegetables for a crowd-pleasing dip.
Get the recipe for Classic Buffalo Chicken Dip.
Gorgonzola Baked Polenta
This scoopable, delicious casserole bake is almost as simple as it is delicious. Three kinds of cheese and cooked polenta is all you need. Use a casserole carrier and serve it warm!
This recipe is vegetarian and gluten free.
Get the recipe for Gorgonzola Baked Polenta.
Tater Tot Casserole
If you want to uphold tradition—especially in the Midwest—then your potluck absolutely needs at least one hot dish, also known as Tater Tot Casserole.
This dish can be made gluten free if you use a gluten free cream of mushroom soup.
Get the recipe for Tater Tot Casserole.
Tortellini Meatball Soup with Crispy Panko Topping
Pack the crispy panko topping in a separate container. Bring this soup in a slow cooker. to keep it warm. And then watch as it disappears. Don't forget the disposable bowls!
This recipe can be made vegetarian with vegetable stock and vegetarian meatballs.
Get the recipe for Tortellini Meatball Soup with Crispy Panko Topping.
Smashed Potatoes with Paprika and Cumin
With all the flaky goodness of baked potatoes, all the crunchy deliciousness of fried, and a combo of spices that we sometimes dream about at night, it's a side dish that is sure to have guests and family alike asking for seconds.
This recipe is gluten free and vegetarian.
Get the recipe for Smashed Potatoes with Paprika and Cumin.
Basic Italian Pasta Salad
This classic is a must-have at barbecues, potlucks, cookouts, and summer events everywhere. It's a basic recipe that's sure to become a staple!
This recipe is vegetarian. Make it gluten free with gluten free pasta.
Get the recipe for Basic Italian Pasta Salad.
Cornmeal Butter Biscuits with Chive Butter
This simple country recipe is a must-have at dinners and potlucks of all stripes.
Get the recipe for Cornmeal Butter Biscuits with Chive Butter.
Caprese Pasta Salad
This classic combo turns into the perfect pasta salad potluck side!
This recipe is vegetarian. Make it gluten free with gluten free pasta.
Get the recipe for Caprese Pasta Salad.
Skillet Angel Biscuits with Spicy Honey Butter
These so-light-they-could-float biscuits taste absolutely heaven-sent! Bring these to a potluck and they'll be gone before you know it.
Get the recipe for Skillet Angel Biscuits with Spicy Honey Butter.
Skillet Spinach-Artichoke Dip with Fire-Roasted Bread
Prepare and serve this delicious dip in your cast iron skillet. It's sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
This recipe is vegetarian. Make it gluten free by serving with gluten free bread.
Get the recipe for Skillet Spinach-Artichoke Dip with Fire-Roasted Bread.
Cajun Sausage Puffs with Bourbon Mustard
These three ingredient sausage puffs are easy to make and can be packed and distributed without much fuss. And they're good.
This recipe contains alcohol.
Get the recipe for Cajun Sausage Puffs with Bourbon Mustard.
Tomato Pie with Bacon
Want to shake things up a bit? A savory pie is the way to go! With bacon, cheese, and roasted tomatoes, folks'll be fighting for seconds.
This dish can be made gluten free with gluten free pie crust mix. It can be made vegetarian by leaving out the bacon, or using an alternative.
Get the recipe for Tomato Pie with Bacon.
Classic Southern Pimento Cheese
Another party and potluck staple, Pimento cheese is a must-have at gatherings of all sizes. Pair it with bread, crackers, or some quick pickled vegetables for a plate-filling addition.
This recipe is vegetarian and gluten free.
Get the recipe for Classic Southern Pimento Cheese.
Classic Deviled Eggs
There are plenty of innovative ways to make deviled eggs, but if you're looking for a crowd pleaser, it's hard to beat the original. A deviled egg carrier makes transport a snap.
This recipe is vegetarian and gluten free. (If using bottled ranch dressing, check the label.)
Get the recipe for Classic Deviled Eggs.
Root Beer Baked Beans
Want a show-stopping side dish? Pop a slow cooker packed to the brim with these baked beans on the potluck table, and you'll be fielding complements all night long.
This recipe is gluten free and can be made vegetarian by leaving out the bacon, or using an alternative.
Get the recipe for Root Beer Baked Beans.
Mixed Berry Pie with Rye Crust
With a "berry" delicious filling and a rich, nutty crust, this anytime pie is a potluck dessert winner!
This recipe is vegetarian. It cannot be made gluten free with the rye crust. The filling can be used in a gluten-free pie crust, however.
Get the recipe for Mixed Berry Pie with Rye Crust.
Blueberry-Lemon Loaf Cake
It's easy to get focused on the savory stuff and forget about desserts. For a portable, delectable sweet treat, this berry-lemon loaf takes the cake!
This recipe is vegetarian and can be made gluten free with a gluten-free flour.
Get the recipe for Blueberry-Lemon Loaf Cake.
Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake
Bring this perfectly fall bundt to the potluck along with a big carafe of hot coffee. It's the perfect way to end a meal.
This recipe is vegetarian and can be made gluten free with a gluten-free flour.
Get the recipe for Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake.
Lemony Cabbage Salad
This salad skips the two biggest problems with potluck salads: wilted lettuce, and uneven topping distribution. Not only does this salad stay crunchy, it actually needs time marinating in the dressing.
This recipe is vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free.
Get the recipe for Lemony Cabbage Salad.
Gougères (French Cheese Puffs)
Cheesy and soft, these are major upgrades to your standard dinner roll. If you can, keep them warm in an insulated carrier. If not, they're still great at room temp.
This recipe is vegetarian and can be made gluten free with a gluten-free flour.
Get the recipe for Gougères (French Cheese Puffs).
Greek Chicken with Tzatziki Sauce
Bring a main dish that's easy to carry and already portioned! This tender chicken is flavorful and good even at room temp. Dip it in Tzatziki sauce for extra flavor.
Get the recipe for Greek Chicken.
Get the recipe for Tzatziki Sauce.
Chicken Pot Pie
We love any excuse to make a chicken pot pie. With this recipe, you'll be taking home a pie pan that's practically been licked clean.
Get the recipe for Chicken Pot Pie.
Tamale Pie
When planning a potluck dish, we say head straight for the comfort food. And nothing is more comforting than a ground beef casserole.
To make this more portable, transfer the sautéed ingredients to a casserole dish, then top with cornbread before baking. Transport it with an insulated carrier.
Get the recipe for Tamale Pie.
Classic Stuffed Shells
Filled with spinach, three kinds of cheese, and doused in tomato sauce, these easy shells are absolute crowd-pleasers.
This dish is vegetarian.
Get the recipe for Classic Stuffed Shells.
Chicken Pozole Verde with Cilantro Chimichurri
This bright, tart, mildly spicy soup has lots of flavor—but we recommend making a potluck version with cilantro only in the topping, so the folks who don't like it can leave it out.
Serve it with plenty of sliced radishes and lime wedges. Don't forget the disposable bowls!
This recipe is gluten free and dairy free.
Get the recipe for Chicken Pozole Verde with Cilantro Chimichurri.
Beef Enchiladas
Another comfort food masterpiece, this spicy Tex-Mex masterpiece is at home on potluck tables everywhere.
This recipe is gluten free and can be made vegetarian with a plant-based ground beef.
Get the recipe for Beef Enchiladas.
Cheddar, Scallion, and Jalapeño Drop Biscuits
You can make up a batch (or several) of these drop biscuits on a sheet pan in just about 30 minutes. Bag 'em up and you've got your potluck contribution sorted!
This recipe is vegetarian and can be made gluten free with a gluten-free flour. Remove the spice by leaving out the jalapeño.
Get the recipe for Cheddar, Scallion, and Jalapeño Drop Biscuits.
Olive Oil Cake with Citrus Compote
Simple cakes this this super moist olive oil version are much easier to bring to potlucks because they aren't iced. Transfer the compote in a separate container.
This recipe is vegetarian and can be made gluten free with a gluten-free flour. It contains alcohol.
Get the recipe for Olive Oil Cake with Citrus Compote.
Creole Shrimp Caesar Salad with Cheesy Croutons
Want to turn a classic salad into a whole meal? Add freshly cooked cajun-style shrimp! This easy dish cooks fast and tastes great.
To avoid seafood or shellfish allergies, swap the shrimp for chicken.
Get the recipe for Creole Shrimp Caesar Salad with Cheesy Croutons.
Saltines with Basil Mayo and Burst Tomatoes
This smart, simple snack addition is best assembled on site. The tomatoes and basil mayo can be made and packed separately, and the whole thing will take about five minutes to put together. Watch people eat one, then circle back for more.
This recipe is vegetarian and can be made gluten free with gluten-free crackers.
Get the recipe for Saltines with Basil Mayo and Burst Tomatoes.
Apricot-Almond Slab Pie with Brandy Caramel Sauce
Want to make dessert for a crowd that'll knock their socks off? This sheet pan apricot slab is a stunner! The caramel sauce is a must-have. Pack it in an insulated carrier for easy transport.
This recipe contains tree nuts and alcohol. It can be made gluten free with gluten free pie crust mix.
Get the recipe for Apricot-Almond Slab Pie with Brandy Caramel Sauce.
Dump Cake
Want to make dessert for a crowd that doesn't take all afternoon? We hear you. For this cake, you literally just dump things into a dish and bake them! Pack it in an insulated carrier for easy transport.
This recipe can be made gluten free with a gluten-free cake mix.
Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
What could be more crowd pleasing than cookies? If you love 'em soft and chewy, this is your recipe.
Get the recipe for Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Thin-and-Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you love your cookies with a little more snap, then these are the ones for you!
Get the recipe for Thin-and-Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Farro-and-Tomato Salad with Crispy Capers
Another smart addition to the potluck table—especially for those who want healthier options—is a grain salad. This can sit without wilting, and offer something both filling and flavorful to the spread.
This recipe is vegan, vegetarian and can be made gluten free by swapping the farro for brown rice.
Get the recipe for Farro-and-Tomato Salad with Crispy Capers.
Grandsue’s Sweet-and-Spicy Roasted Pecans
These spiced pecans make a great snack for pre-potluck munching. They're hard to stop eating.
This recipe is vegetarian and gluten free. It contains tree nuts.
Get the recipe for Grandsue’s Sweet-and-Spicy Roasted Pecans.
Easy Root Vegetable Gratin
We can't decide if the best thing about this potluck mainstay is how easy it is, or how delicious it is. Use a casserole carrier to keep it warm in transit!
This recipe is vegetarian and gluten free.
Get the recipe for Easy Root Vegetable Gratin.
Cream Cheese Herb Biscuits
Biscuits are never out of place at a potluck. That goes double for herby, cheesy biscuits. Bring a big basket full and you'll be everyone's favorite.
This recipe is vegetarian and can be made gluten free with a gluten-free flour.
Get the recipe for Cream Cheese Herb Biscuits.
Nana’s Famous Corn Pudding
This sweet Southern classic is practically tailor-made for potlucks. It's hearty and delicious, and it tastes great warm or cold, though you can use a casserole carrier to keep it warm in transit.
This recipe is vegetarian and can be made gluten free with a gluten-free flour.
Get the recipe for Nana’s Famous Corn Pudding.
Pecan-Brownie Pie
Choosing between brownies and pecan pie for dessert can be difficult. Our advice: don't.
This dish is vegetarian and it can be made gluten free with gluten free pie crust mix. It contains tree nuts.
Get the recipe for Pecan-Brownie Pie.
Buttermilk-Boursin Mashed Potatoes
Want to really amp up the mashed potatoes? Stir in buttermilk and an herby cheese so it's super creamy, then bake it off. We guarantee it'll fly out of the bowl.
This recipe is vegetarian and gluten free.
Get the recipe for Buttermilk-Boursin Mashed Potatoes.
Brioche Bread Pudding with Bourbon-Butterscotch Sauce
Just tell 'em "I got dessert."
This recipe is vegetarian. It contains alcohol.
Get the recipe for Brioche Bread Pudding.
Apple Blossom Tart
With a crushed-cookie crust and no top, this stunner of a dessert is easier to make than you'd think. Slice before serving to make it easier at the potluck.
This recipe is vegetarian and can be made gluten free with gluten-free gingersnap cookies.
Get the recipe for Apple Blossom Tart.
Parker House Rolls
Having a few light-as-air dinner rolls on the table makes any gathering an event.
This recipe is vegetarian.
Get the recipe for Parker House Rolls.
Salted Caramel-Apple Slab Pie
Keep this for when the potluck crew becomes a potluck crowd.
This dish is vegetarian and it can be made gluten free with gluten free pie crust mix.
Get the recipe for Salted Caramel-Apple Slab Pie.
Chopped Salad
Potlucks can be full of heavy food. This cucumber-filled salad (and its tangy red wine vinaigrette) is a delicious addition.
This recipe is vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free.
Get the recipe for Chopped Salad.
Corn Salad with Bacon and Honey
Crisp bacon meets tart sherry vinegar and sweet honey in this Southern-style dish. Pro tip: Make enough for seconds!
This dish is gluten free. It can be made vegetarian by leaving out the bacon, or using an alternative.
Get the recipe for Corn Salad with Bacon and Honey.
Fresh Herb Spoon Rolls
Looking for something impressive, but still simple? These herb-flecked spoon rolls are just the thing.
This dish is vegetarian. It can be made gluten free with a gluten-free self-rising flour.
Get the recipe for Fresh Herb Spoon Rolls.
Skillet Cornbread
Quick and delicious, a good cornbread draws everyone together, the way a potluck should.
This recipe is vegetarian and can be made gluten free with a gluten-free flour.
Get the recipe for Skillet Cornbread.
Dark Chocolate Pecan Cobbler
Move aside, pecan pie! This year's dessert of choice is a show-stopping dark chocolate cobbler.
This recipe is vegetarian and can be made gluten free with a gluten-free flour. It contains tree nuts.
Get the recipe for Dark Chocolate Pecan Cobbler.
Nancy Fuller's Double-Crust Apple-Cheddar Pie
Pie is one of the easiest things to make ahead. We love this tart cheddar and sweet apple pairing.
This dish is vegetarian and it can be made gluten free with gluten free pie crust mix.
Get the recipe for Double-Crust Apple-Cheddar Pie.
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