Potluck time… Get together time… Fun time… Summer is coming and with that all the party times are coming. Whether you’re hosting a potluck or invited to one, there’s always that question: “what to make for Potluck?”
You want something easy, yet something that looks and tastes great, something that will catch everyone’s eyes and attention. We are giving you this amazing list of Potluck Recipe Ideas which you can have in your arsenal.
Go through them all. Some of them will sure make you feel like trying them out NOW, potluck or no potluck… 🙂 Perfect these great potluck ideas before your next get together.
Tips for a Great Potluck
- Plan Ahead: Coordinate with friends or family to avoid duplicate dishes. Variety is the spice of life!
- Keep It Simple: Choose recipes that are easy to serve and eat. Finger foods and one-pot dishes are excellent choices.
- Food Safety First: Ensure hot dishes remain hot and cold dishes stay cold. Utilize slow cookers and ice packs as needed.
- Label Foods: With allergies and dietary preferences in mind, labels can be a lifesaver.
- Utensils & Supplies: Don’t forget serving spoons, napkins, and extra plates.
- Make It Shareable: Opt for dishes that are easy to divide and share, like sliders or bite-sized appetizers.
- Prep for Leftovers: Bring along some small containers or zip-lock bags for guests to take home leftovers.
- Have Fun: The best ingredient for any potluck is a good vibe. Music, games, and great company can elevate your potluck experience.
Tasty Dips to Bring to a Potluck
Melitzanosalata (Greek Eggplant Dip)
Our Melitzanosalata recipe is going to be the new star of your dip spread. Creamy, smoky roasted eggplant along with a good dousing of good old EVOO and a few other flavor enhancers.
This Greek Eggplant Dip is so super simple, yet the end result is too good. All you need is a big pile of pitas to scoop it up.
Make this for your next potluck, and watch the crowd gather round…
Get the Recipe: Melitzanosalata
Loaded Layered Hummus Dip
Dress up your hummus like never before… Get that scooping going with this beautiful, bright and colorful Layered Hummus Dip. This luscious loaded hummus is perfect for your party or potluck appetizer.
Take this platter to your next entertaining, beautifully assembled with your favorite hummus drizzled generously with extra virgin olive oil. Top it with perfectly seasoned ground beef, colorful garnishing with plenty of nutty toasted pine nuts.
Get the Recipe: Layered Hummus Dip
Cowboy Caviar
Cowboy Caviar is a combination of a dip meets side salad meets a bean salsa all in one… meaning PERFECT POTLUCK CONTENDER.
It’s just a matter of chopping the veggies and mixing it all together.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar
Moutabal (Easy Eggplant Dip)
Moutabal is creamy roasted eggplant enhanced with lemon juice, yogurt, tahini and a good dousing of olive oil.
This one is a great addition to your potluck spread!
Get the Recipe: Moutabal
Olive Tapenade
Here’s an appetizer straight from the South of France. If you love olives, this tapenade is for you!
Satisfy your “salty tooth” with this simple mix of chopped olives with a few other refreshing ingredients. Great with crostini or crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Olive Tapenade
Pineapple Salsa
This pineapple salsa recipe has a delicious combination of sweet and spicy. And who wouldn’t gravitate towards it if you present it in a pineapple bowl?
Keep plenty of tortilla chips nearby.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Salsa
Zaalouk (Moroccan Eggplant Dip)
Zaalouk is an amazingly delicious eggplant dish out of Morocco. It’s typically used as a dip or salad, but once you taste it you’ll want to eat it with everything!
The eggplant is accompanied by tomatoes, garlic, warm spices, fresh herbs and a generous amount of olive oil. This is one of those dishes with just a few humble ingredients that somehow come together to create magic.
Get the Recipe: Zaalouk
Mango Salsa
A giant bowl of Mango Salsa is at the heart of any potluck get together.
Sweet bites of mangoes along with crunchy bits of peppers and tomatoes all get mixed in with lime, along with just a tad bit of heat from jalapeños.
You have one winner party appetizer on hand.
Get the Recipe: Mango Salsa
Potluck Main Dishes
Kalua Pork (Hawaiian Style Pulled Pork)
This Kalua Pork recipe uses minimal ingredients, but ends up super tasty and succulent.
It’s perfect for a Hawaiian themed Luau party, and can be cooked in the slow cooker, instant pot, or oven.
Get the Recipe: Kalua Pork
Keftedes (Greek Meatballs)
Keftedes are beautifully flavored Greek meatballs that are slightly crispy, and totally delicious!
They’re often served as part of a mezze platter with pita bread, cucumbers, tomatoes, kalamata olives and tzatziki sauce. A MUST for your next Greek themed potluck party.
Get the Recipe: Keftedes
Shish Kabob
Summer’s coming on fast, so fire up that grill. This easy Shish Kabob recipe is going to be the star of your cookout season!
Well marinated beef cubes get skewered up with veggies and then grilled to juicy perfection. Ideal potluck contender? You bet!
Get the Recipe: Shish Kabob
Jamaican Jerk Chicken
Looking for Caribbean Island flavors for your next potluck? We have perfect potluck idea brimming with flavors.
This Jamaican Jerk Chicken recipe is marinated in an amazing concoction of ingredients. It’s a total flavor bomb with a customizable level of kick.
Get the Recipe: Jerk Chicken
Birria Tacos
If you’re hosting a potluck and have a Blackstone Griddle handy, have we got the recipe for you!
Birria Tacos, AKA Quesabirria, are the ultimate taco experience. If there is a King or Queen of tacos, this is it.
All those amazing flavors coming from shredded tender meat mixed in with melty cheese and fried to crunchy perfection, taken to next level when dunked into Birria consommé…
Get the Recipe: Birria Tacos
Chicken Shawarma
This easy Chicken Shawarma brings the flavors, big time!
Marinated with vibrant and aromatic spices, it can be your easy weeknight dinner, or a big crowd pleaser for potluck nights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Shawarma
Salmon Burgers
This easy Salmon Burgers recipe is a winner! These burgers are not only healthy, but they’re also unbelievably delicious.
They’re great for a weeknight dinner, or to impress guests. And you can easily prep them ahead of time, so all they need is a quick sear or grill and dinner is on the table in no time.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Burgers
Albondigas (Spanish Meatballs)
My most sought after, favorite tapas out of Spain is hands down these delicious, plump Albondigas!!
Serve theses Albondigas tapas style in their popular cazuelas, and have the trendiest tapas party with your loved ones…
Get the Recipe: Spanish Meatballs
Shrimp Remoulade
Shrimp Remoulade is a New Orleans classic. It’s an extremely easy and quick appetizer which goes a little beyond your regular shrimp cocktail.
Serve the shrimp in a bowl or in lettuce cups for a novel idea.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Remoulade
Crack Chicken (Crockpot / Instant Pot)
This addictingly delicious Crack Chicken is loaded with creamy cheesy goodness. And it’s topped with bacon. This easy recipe is equally great in the crockpot or instant pot.
Serve it as a dip or in between buns or sliders. They are going to love this unique crack chicken.
Get the Recipe: Crack Chicken
Chicken Tikkas
Chicken Tikkas… the most classic of Indian appetizers. Yet these tikkas will be among the most versatile recipes in your arsenal.
Serve them with pita or naan pockets, over salads with mint chutney, or just by themselves. The possibilities are endless.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikkas
Taco Casserole
Go the casserole way for your next potluck night. It’s that GOOD… Get ready for a really Out Of This World Delicious taco casserole.
This 9×13 dinner is a real crowd pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are fun and family friendly meals, get together meals and BBQ party meals.
These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are the ultimate Umami BOMB, thanks to the easy homemade marinade, of course.
If you’re looking for a super easy, super quick and super economical meal to feed a large crowd and make them happy, these Asian chicken skewers are your answer.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Garlic Parmesan Wings
Move over Buffalo wings… These Garlic Parmesan Wings are the new show stopper at the get togethers and potlucks, not to mention all future game days.
Some garlic, some parm and loads of butter is all you need is to make these finger licking wings, which everyone can’t have enough of.
They’re oven roasted, or cook in an air fryer, to golden crispy perfection outside and juicy and tender when you get to bite into them.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Wings
Kofta Kebab
Often times, the yummiest things are the easiest to cook! Look at these Kofta Kebabs.
All the same juicy and flavor packed kebabs from the Middle East and Mediterranean region. They are the easiest crowd pleasers for your next Mediterranean feast night.
Make a heap full of these fun hand held meals, throw in some easy salad along with Tzatziki and pita bread or saffron rice, and you are in for a lot of praises for minimum work on your part…
Get the Recipe: Kofta Kebabs
Greek Chicken Souvlaki
This Greek Chicken Souvlaki is beautifully marinated chicken bites, skewered and cooked to perfection.
Grill these chicken on stick meal for your next Greek theme potluck get together.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Souvlaki
Surf and Turf Nachos
One of the easiest and crowd favorite potluck recipe ideas…These Surf and Turf Nachos will be a huge hit at your next get together.
Perfectly marinated steak, succulent shrimp and all your favorite fixings atop a bed of crispy tortilla chips.
With the Super Bowl coming up, we wanted to give you something really special for your game day party. This pile of nachos are going to draw a crowd!
Get the Recipe: Surf and Turf Nachos
Pinchos (Puerto Rican Chicken Skewers)
Pinchos are just your simple meat-on-a-stick meal, but these tender bites are super delicious. Get ready to grill one of the most popular street foods out of Puerto Rico… Pinchos De Pollo!!
The snuggly threaded chicken cubes are marinated in amazing island flavors and grilled to perfection, then slathered with BBQ sauce. Yes, very unique chicken kebabs!
Get grilling for your next potluck get together.
Get the Recipe: Pinchos de Pollo
Great Salads
Classic Coleslaw
This Classic Coleslaw is essential for all your upcoming cookouts and potlucks. It’s creamy and crunchy, and goes with all of your summertime favorites.
All it takes is a few tips and tricks to make it perfect every time…
Get the Recipe: Colelslaw
Rainbow Pasta Salad
Quick, easy, and very colorful. Take this pasta salad to your next pot-luck, I promise yours would be the best looking pasta salad on that spread.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Pasta Salad
Cucumber Avocado Tomato Salad with Pesto
Looking for eye catching yet simple salad for your potluck spread?
Here it is our Cucumber Avocado Tomato Salad, but with major flavor bender… delicious basil pesto dressing.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Avocado Salad
Antipasto Pasta Salad
Now here is the star of your next potluck spread! Our Antipasto Pasta Salad is so good and so satisfying that the guests may forego the main dish for a second helping.
This Italian themed antipasto pasta salad might be the best yet. The combination of salty meats, sweet tomatoes and red drop peppers, briny olives, and pillowy fresh mozzarella balls is just about perfect!
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Pasta Salad
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Looking for Macaroni Salad recipe for your potluck? Look no further.
This Hawaiian Macaroni Salad, AKA Mac Salad, is a uniquely tangy and creamy twist on your classic cookout side dish.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Greek Horiatiki
This traditional Greek Salad recipe, known to the locals as Horiatiki, is one of our summertime favorites!
Crisp cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, red onions, briny olives and capers, creamy feta, and a simple herb dressing. That’s all it takes. And the results are top notch.
The next time those fresh salad cravings hit, go the Greek way… the Horiatiki way!
Get the Recipe: Greek Horiatiki
Jennifer Aniston Salad
Tabbouleh getting a starry make over… That’s Jennifer Aniston Salad for you! A taste of Hollywood’s healthy living. Who wouldn’t want to dine like a Hollywood star?
Inspired by the famous Jennifer Aniston salad myth, this bulgur-based salad is a delightful combination of taste and wellness.
Get the Recipe: Jennifer Aniston Salad
Mexican Street Corn Salad
This Mexican Street Corn Salad is going to be the new star at all of your cookouts and potlucks.
When everyone else shows up with yet another pasta or potato salad, the crowd will gather around these amazing flavors that come from just a few simple ingredients.
Give this easy salad a try and see why Mexican street corn is taking the world by storm…
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad
Balela Salad
Let me present you Balela deliciousness!! So colorful, so easy, so refreshing…
This hearty colorful salad comes from many Middle Eastern countries and is bursting with flavors and textures. Chickpeas, black beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, parsley, mint… what’s not to like!!
This one is perfect for your next potluck, party or get together. Utterly easy to whip up and a sure eye catcher.
Get the Recipe: Balela Salad
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is the light and tasty side dish you need this summer. A simple mix of quinoa, a few veggies, some Mediterranean staples, and a zesty lemon dressing is all it takes.
It’s a great alternative to the usual old pasta or potato salads at potlucks. Give this one a try tonight, and see how easy these flavors come together.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Watermelon Salad
Have some pool side party or potluck party coming up? Make this super easy and quick fruit salad, which is refreshing and inviting to every single person.
This vibrant Watermelon Salad is just what you need on any hot summer day. Our watermelon salad recipe is a perfect balance of sweet, juicy watermelon chunks, fresh mint leaves, tangy feta cheese, and a hint of lemon and honey for an added zesty kick.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Salad
Tortellini Pasta Salad with Prosciutto
This gorgeous Tortellini Pasta Salad is one dish that looks as great as it tastes. It’s so quick and easy, yet such a crowd pleaser.
Whether you’re hosting a pot luck or entertaining some guests, everyone will love this one!
And if You Want to Go All Out…
If you want an all-in-one option that can feed a big crowd, we have two great options that will make it a potluck to remember!
Mediterranean Charcuterie Board (Mezze Platter)
Mediterranean Charcuterie Board or Mezze Platter – a lavish spread that is not just a treat for your taste buds, but a feast for your eyes as well!
From tasty colorful dips like Moroccan Zaalouk, Greek Tzatziki and everyone’s favorite hummus, to hearty keftedes meatballs to wrap with pitas, to fresh fruits, veggies, cheese and olives… every nibble elevates your senses and you won’t be able to resist coming back for seconds, or thirds!
Get the Recipe: Mezze Platter
Low Country Boil
This Low Country Boil recipe is the best way to feed a crowd! Shrimp, sausage, potatoes and corn all boil together in a well seasoned broth.
Also known as Frogmore Stew, it’s a southern classic that’s meant for a crowd, and is a common sight at outdoor celebrations.
So grab your biggest pot (and plenty of paper napkins), and get ready to feast!
Get the Recipe: Low Country Boil
Frequently Asked Questions
First of all, find out how many people are attending. While you can figure many will try your dish, there are also a lot of other dishes, so it’s likely no one will need an entire serving. That being said, there’s nothing wrong with leftovers!
Yes, but… Make sure to properly store your dish and reheat it, if necessary, before serving.
Store-Bought is okay. Cheese platters, pre-made salads, or bakery items are all acceptable.
Encourage guests to take leftovers home to ensure nothing goes to waste.
Conclusion
Well, what do you think? Isn’t this a great list of some of the great potluck recipe ideas? Pin or bookmark this and you are all set for that next party or get together.
Cook your way through the various dips and salads and some fun little munchies. Enjoy…
The 40 BEST Potluck Ideas
This collection of 40 Potluck Recipe Ideas will give you plenty of options for your next get together. Whether your hosting or a guest, your dish will to be the star.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggplants
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- Optional Garnishes:
- scallions
- kalamata olives
- cherry tomatoes
- feta cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Cut the eggplants in half. Brush it all over with olive oil and place it flat side down on a foil or parchment pepper lined sheet. Pierce in several places with a fork. Bake for 30-40 minutes. (see note 1 for open flame instructions)
- Once cooled, scoop out the flesh of the eggplant and place in a colander. Allow water to drain out for 10-15 minutes.
- Transfer the eggplant to a mixing bowl and mash to a smooth consistency with a fork. Add in olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley, red chili flakes, salt and pepper. Combine until well mixed.
- Top with preferred garnishes and drizzle it with more extra virgin olive oil.
Notes
- Let me know which recipes you try, I love hearing from you!
Nutrition Information
Yield 8 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 134Total Fat 8gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 3mgSodium 111mgCarbohydrates 16gFiber 5gSugar 6gProtein 2g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Welcome to GypsyPlate! I'm Alpana, former wordwide tour manager and professional caterer, now full time blogger. I love exploring cuisines from around the world, and my recipes have been featured on sites such as MSN, Parade, Brit + Co, CNET and AOL. You can explore my entire collection of sortable recipes in my Recipe Index or learn more about me here.
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