Looking for potluck ideas? Here are 50 tasty and easy potluck recipes that will make you the star of the party.
![Potluck Recipes](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Potluck-1.jpg)
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What is a ‘Potluck’?
A potluck is a social gathering where each guest or family brings one dish to the table. Later, the potluck members share all the dishes for a meal.
It is an excellent way of eating good food together without burdening the hostess. And probably one of the fun ways to feed a large crowd with a delicious variety of food.
Before jumping to the potluck recipes, let’s look at some essential points to keep in mind when planning the perfect potluck dish:
Potluck Themes: Does your potluck have a theme? If so, adhere to it and think of potluck recipes that align with that theme. For example, if the theme is Chinese Takeaway Meals, don’t carry an Italian main course.
Don’t be Stingy: When we used to have office potlucks, some colleagues were notorious for not bringing enough portion sizes or signing up for low-quality food that no one wanted to touch. Don’t be that person.
What is a good dish to take to a potluck?
Potluck Recipes should be easy to pack and eat (even at room temperature), safe to carry around, and should be able to sustain the travel time.
Ask yourself these questions before picking a dish for the potluck:
- Will my dish taste good if served after a couple of hours?
- Will I have access to a microwave or a refrigerator? (storage depending on whether your dish needs to be served hot or cold). E.g. carrying a homemade ice cream to a potluck and ending up serving a milkshake.
- Is this a dish that requires additional cutlery to be eaten with? Is additional cutlery available at the venue? (if it isn’t, are you prepared to carry/purchase it?)
- Will my dish survive a few minutes/hours of travel time?
What should you not take to a potluck?
You should never take to a potluck the dishes that:
- have a peculiar smell
- contains a bizarre variety of meat or seafood
- too spicy for everyone’s palate, especially kids
- have too much synthetic flavour, colour, and preservatives
Overall, potlucks are a time to come together and share good food. So try to put your best effort into making a dish that tastes good and shows off your cooking skills.
Here are easy and tasty potluck recipes that are always a crowd favourite.
Appetizers/Dips/Snacks For Potluck
A no-mayonnaise potato salad recipe is perfect for potluck.
![side angle shot of potato salad in a white ceramic bowl with the wooden spoon](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/cropped-Potato-Salad-5.jpg)
![aerial shot of Greek orzo pasta salad in a white bowl](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/cropped-Greek-Salad-6.jpg)
Greek Orzo Pasta Salad is a perfect choice for potluck.
This Mediterranean Couscous Salad is – fresh, vibrant, and vegan.
![close up shot of couscous salad in a mixing bowl with spoons](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Couscous-Salad.jpg)
![This summer pasta salad is loaded with pineapple and a creamy, flavorsome homemade dressing.](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Pasta-Salad.jpg)
Creamy Pasta Salad with pineapple flavour.
Chicken Pasta Salad with a Herb Dressing. You can carry the dressing separately.
![aerial shot of chicken pasta salad with a herb dressing](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Chicken-Pasta-Salad-2.jpg)
![Aerial shot of Mexican style mixed beans salad in a white bowl with silver serving bowls.](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Mixed-Bean-Salad-2.jpg)
Mexican Style Mixed Beans Salad is easy to make and budget-friendly.
Gluten Free Lentil Salad is a great healthy salad for a potluck.
![Lentil Salad in a white bowl with serving spoons on a white table](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Lentil-Salad-3.jpg)
Vegetarian Mediterranean Chickpeas Salad
![cropped-Chickpea-Salad-3.jpg](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/cropped-Chickpea-Salad-3.jpg)
![side shot of macaroni salad in a bowl with a serving spoon](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Macaroni-salad-3.jpg)
Creamy Macaroni Salad is a perfect side dish for a family picnic or potluck.
Hummus is always a popular potluck recipe.
![Hummus Recipe Without Tahini](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Hummus-2.jpg)
![Beet Hummus With Chopped Cilantro, Feta Cheese, Walnuts](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Beet-Hummus.jpg)
Beetroot Hummus add so much colour to the potluck table.
Roasted Red Pepper Dip is perfect for dipping snacks and chips.
![A spicy Mediterranean roasted red pepper vegn dip](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Red-Pepper-Dip-3.jpg)
![Mexican style chunky tomato salsa](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Tomato-Salsa-3.jpg)
Tomato Salsa is a vegan, gluten-free, and paleo-friendly dip perfect for tacos, burritos, nachos.
Corn Salsa is a perfect 15-minute snack for the crowd.
![side shot of corn salad in a bowl with nachos](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Corn-Salsa-4.jpg)
![A sweet and spicy vegan mango salsa](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Mango-Salsa.jpg)
Fresh Mango Salsa is always a crowd favourite dish. Accompany it with a bag of chips.
Indian Style Peas Kachori is a crispy, flaky vegetarian pastry that will remain fresh for hours.
![Matar Kachori Recipe](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Kachori.jpg)
![side shot of corn chaat in a glass mug](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Corn-Chaat-2.jpg)
Corn Chaat is a is a widely popular Indian street food.
These mae ahead teatime sandwiches are perfect for potluck.
![](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Sandwich-3-663x1024.jpg)
![aerial shot paneer tikka skewers stacked on a vintage platter with green chutney and salad](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PPaneer-Tikka-4.jpg)
A delicious vegetarian skewer perfect for potluck or BBQ party.
Main-Course Potluck Recipes
Creamy Vegetable Bake is one of the best main course for potluck.
![side close up shot of baked vegetable in a rectangular](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Baked-vegetable-3.jpg)
![Asian Chicken Meatballs](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Chicken-Meatballs-4.jpg)
Serve Asian Style Chicken Meatballs with with fried rice or noodles.
Shepherd’s Pie is one of the best vegetable casseroles for a potluck.
![aerial shot of Shepherd's pie in a white bakeware](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Shepherd-Pie-1.jpg)
![Tomato Sauce Pasta is a classic pasta recipe bursting with flavors of homemade tomato sauce.](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Pasta-1.jpg)
When it comes to potluck, you can never go wrong with a classic Tomato Sauce Pasta.
Potato Bake is a delicious, comforting, gluten-free casserole of potatoes
![aerial shot of baked potato in a white ceramic baking dish](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/cropped-Cheeese-Potato-Bake-1-1.jpg)
![side shot of chicken pulao in an oval serveware](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Chicken-Pulao-2.jpg)
Instant Pot Indian Chicken Pulao is one of my favorite potluck recipes that always win tons of compliments.
Try hearty, wholesome, vegetarian Instant Pot Lentil Stew for feeding the large crowd.
![Aerial shot of lentil stew in a white ceramic serving bowl on a white background.](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Lentil-Stew-1.jpg)
![aerial shot of kung pao chicken served on a white ceramic pan](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Kung-Pao-Chicken.jpg)
Kung Pao Chicken is a delicious Chinese style chicken stir fry with peppers and peanuts.
You can never go wrong with a classic Indian Dal Makhani when it comes to potluck.
![side top shot of dal makhani in a traditional Indian bowl](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Dal-Makhani-2.jpg)
![](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Veg-Pulao-3.jpg)
Vegetable Pulao is a perfect one-pot meal for the potluck.
Indian Mushroom and Peas Pulao makes an excellent main course for potluck.
![aerial shot of mushroom pulao in a white ceramic bowl](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Mushroom-Pulao-1.jpg)
![aerial shot of Thai red curry with chicken in a black bowl](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Thai-Red-Curry-3.jpg)
Thai Red Curry is a flavoursome, bold, aromatic curry.
This one-pot paneer curry requires 30 minutes and is perfect to feed the crowd.
![](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Paneer-Curry-1.jpg)
![aerial shot of keema curry in a plate with spoon.](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Keema-Matar-2.jpg)
This keema curry is a celebration of bold Indian flavours and comforting textures.
Side Dish Recipes for Potluck
Roasted Potato is the easiest and the most delicious way to eat crisp potato bites.
![Garlic Roasted Potato](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Garlic_and_herb_roasted_potato_recipe2-698x1024.jpg)
![Focaccia bread topped with cherry tomatoes, rosemary and olive oil on cloth, with garlic beside](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Focaccia-3.jpg)
This Easy Rosemary Garlic Focaccia is perfect savory bake for the potluck.
Indian Style Coconut Rice compliments all the main-course dishes.
![side shot of coconut rice in a black ceramic bowl](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Coconut-Rice-1.jpg)
Refreshing Green Boondi Raita is a cooling and refreshing side dish for a potluck.
![aerial shot of spring onion boondi raita in a black ceramic bowl](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Boondi-Raita.jpg)
![aerial shot of roasted tomato chutney in a steel bowl with a spoon](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Tomato-Chutney-3.jpg)
This is roasted tomato chutney recipe with a delicious smokey flavour.
Here is a restaurant style sweet and savoury pineapple raita recipe.
![](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Pineapple-Raita-1.jpg)
![aerial shot of matar pulao in a black ceramic bowl](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Matar-Pulao-2.jpg)
Matar Pulao is one side dish that compliments all the Indian main course dishes perfectly.
Dessert Recipes For Potluck
![Aerial shot of sliced pound cake loaf garnished with lemon.](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Lemon-Pound-Cake-2.jpg)
Lemon Pound Cake is the perfect teatime bake with the flavour and aroma of fresh lemons.
This Eggless Chocolate Cake is fudgy, super moist, and easy to prepare from start to finish.
![Eggless Chocolate Cake Decorated With Chocolate Frosting And Strawberries](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Chocolate-Cake-3.jpg)
![Chocolate Brownie](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Chocolate-Brownie4-683x1024.jpg)
A Classic Chocolate Brownie is always a huge hit among adults and teens when it comes to potluck.
These Mocha Muffins are perfect for brunch or teatime potluck.
![Mocha Muffins are a delicious whole wheat coffee muffins.](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Mocha-Mufins-1.jpg)
![side shot of eggless sponge cake with a slice](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Sponge-Cake-1.jpg)
A Vanilla Sponge Cake is always in demand when it comes to potluck. Easy to bake and carry around.
Baked Shahi Tukra is a popular Indian bread pudding made with bread, milk, and sugar.
![Side shot of baked shahi tukra in a green ceramic baking dish.](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Shahi-Tukda-2.jpg)
![Gajar Halwa Garnished With Sliced Pistachio And Almonds](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Carrot-Halwa-1.jpg)
This Carrot Halwa recipe is a family heirloom that requires only 10 minutes in an instant pot or pressure cooker.
Gulab Jamun is a popular Indian sweet. They are easy to pack, reheat, and serve.
![](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Gulab-Jamun-1.jpg)
![Rice Phirni Recipe](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Rice-Phirni-Recipe-1-683x1024.jpg)
You can make Phirni a day in advance and serve it cold or at room temperature.
Eggless Tutti Frutti Cake is a delightful dessert for potluck.
![side shot of eggless tutti frutti cake stacked on a platter](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Tutti-Frutti-cake-3.jpg)
![](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Mithai-Cake-2.jpg)
This is a mithai-style semolina cake inspired by the Ottoman delicacy Basbousa
Coconut Ladoo is a tasty and easy Indian sweet.
![aerial shot of coconut laddo in a plate full of desiccated coconut](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Coconut-Ladoo-1.jpg)
![side shot of sliced no bake strawberry cheesecake](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Strawberry-Cheesecake-3.jpg)
This no-bake strawberry cheesecake is one of the easiest desserts for a crowd.
Mango Shrikhand is an ultimate summertime delight.
![Aerial shot of mango shrikhand](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Mango-Yogurt-1.jpg)
![aerial shot of badam payasam served in a brass bowl](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Badam-Kheer-7.jpg)
Whether it’s a festive occasion or potluck, a Badam Kheer never fails to impress.
Seviyan Kheer is a perfect dessert for festive potluck dinners.
![aerial shot of seviyan kheer in a glass serving dish](https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Seviyan-Kheer-1.jpg)
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