29 Potluck Recipes To Bring The Flavor And Maybe A Little Friendly Rivalry

If potlucks had a leaderboard, these 29 recipes would be fighting for first. They show up, hold their own, and might just cause Aunt Linda to reconsider her spot at the top. Easy to prep, crowd-approved, and built for big bites and bigger egos. Bring one and let the silent competition begin.

Close-up of cheesy garlic bread rolls topped with chopped green onions on a white plate, reminiscent of Loaded Buffalo Chicken Rolls.
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Close-up of fluffy cheddar biscuits topped with herbs on a metal tray, with leafy greens in the background.
Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Rolling up with Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits will put all eyes on your basket. They’ve got a rep for stealing the show; talk about serious competition. Anyone who thinks they’ve got the best side dish hasn’t met these yet. You’ll have people coming back for seconds before the main dish even hits the table.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Beef Bourguignon

Close-up of a savory beef stew with chunks of beef, bacon, onion, and vegetables in a rich, glossy sauce, served over creamy mashed potatoes.
Beef Bourguignon. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Your dish will be the topic of conversation when you waltz in with Beef Bourguignon. Tender and rich, it’s like a hug in a dish. Everyone will be asking for your secret, so guard it close. It’s the kind of recipe that makes folks go, “You made this?!”
Get the Recipe: Beef Bourguignon

Focaccia Bread

Slices of focaccia bread topped with rosemary and flaky salt, arranged on brown parchment paper.
Focaccia Bread. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bring a piece of Italy to the table with Focaccia Bread. It’s the loaf that proves bread can be a showstopper too. Slice it up, see the nods of approval – you’ve nailed it. Expect your friends to ask when you opened a bakery.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread

Crack Chicken Casserole

Close-up of a baked apple crumble dessert in a ceramic dish, featuring a golden-brown crumbly topping.
Crack Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Hitting the potluck with Crack Chicken Casserole instantly ups your game. Don’t be surprised when it’s the first dish wiped clean. This one’s got a name that says it all; folks just can’t resist coming back for more. And if anyone asks for the recipe, that means you’ve won.
Get the Recipe: Crack Chicken Casserole

7 Layer Dip

A clear glass bowl with 7 Layer Dip featuring beans, white cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, lettuce, and black olives.
7 Layer Dip. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Scoop into 7 Layer Dip and watch it become the centerpiece of the snack table. With every layer, folks are going to raise the stakes on their own contributions. Be ready to dish out the recipe; they’ll hound you till you do. By the end of the night, your dish will definitely be remembered.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Dip

Charcuterie Board

A charcuterie board featuring prosciutto, pickles, green olives, blue cheese, breadsticks, baguette slices, grapes, a jar of honey, and a round cheese topped with a dollop of jam.
Charcuterie Board. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Show up with this Charcuterie Board and you’ve got instant respect. It’s the canvas where craft meats and cheeses shine. Keep an eye out for people snapping pics for their feeds. It’s the finger food everyone can’t help but graze on.
Get the Recipe: Charcuterie Board

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.

Whoever thinks salad is boring hasn’t tried this Antipasto Salad. It’s the bowl that brings more than lettuce to the party. Your potluck pals might just vote this the MVP. Line up for seconds; this dish is about to get busy.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

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

A platter of Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers, and you’re not just bringing the heat; you’re bringing the party. Watch people’s reactions, it’s like fireworks in a bite. There’s always a bit of rivalry for the last one. Your poppers just might become the potluck’s legend.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Pizza Salad

Homemade pizza salad in a serving bowl with wooden salad servers resting on top.
Pizza Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Think pizza, but make it potluck-friendly and way cooler with Pizza Salad. This salad has all the cheers of a pizza without the delivery wait. It’s a fan favorite morphed into something fresh. Serve it up and watch it vanish like magic.
Get the Recipe: Pizza 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.

Bringing Beef Stew to the potluck is pulling out the comfort card. Hearty and homey, it’ll have people lining up with bowls ready. Get ready for the nods of ‘this is what I needed.’ It’s a dish that sticks in memories long after the plates are clean.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew

Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Close-up of a delightful broccoli salad with crispy bacon, sunflower seeds, and a creamy dressing. Mixed ingredients are visible in detail, showcasing the vibrant textures and colors of this fresh broccoli salad.
Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

No one expects Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing to be the breakout hit, but watch it happen. Crunchy, creamy, and straight-up irresistible. It’s the side dish that has everyone saying, “Maybe just a bit more.” Leave them guessing how you made healthy taste this good.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Cheeseburger Sliders

Close-up of a partially eaten burger with cheese in a bun, showing the meat patty's texture.
Cheeseburger Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cheeseburger Sliders have ‘crowd-pleaser’ written all over them. Mini-sized but with maximum appeal, they’re the little guys causing big waves. Pass around a tray and watch them disappear like a magic act. There’ll definitely be calls for an encore.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Sliders

Bacon Wrapped Smokies

A close-up of Bacon Wrapped Sugar Smokies, held together with toothpicks and cooked to a crispy finish.
Bacon Wrapped Smokies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Smokey goodness wrapped in bacon — that’s the stuff of potluck legend right there in Bacon Wrapped Smokies. It’s the snack that’ll have everyone crowded around your dish. They bring that ‘just one more’ appeal no one can resist. And when the smokies are gone, they’ll be talking about them till the next cookout.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Creamy Beef Stroganoff

A close-up of fettuccine pasta with creamy sauce, reminiscent of Beef Stroganoff, paired with sliced beef, mushrooms, and sprigs of rosemary.
Creamy Beef Stroganoff. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

This potluck, your Creamy Beef Stroganoff will set the bar high. Creamy and comforting, it’s a dish with fans in every corner. Watch as it quickly becomes the favorite for those who crave something heartwarming. You might just leave the potluck as the reigning comfort food champ.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Beef Stroganoff

Easy Chicken Casserole

A fork lifting a cheesy bite from a bowl of chicken casserole topped with bacon and breadcrumbs.
Easy Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Slide Easy Chicken Casserole into the lineup and watch it climb to the top. It’s comfort food without the fuss, perfect for a relaxed gathering. People will gather around, forks in hand, eager for a taste. And when it’s all gone, they’ll remember who brought the goods.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken 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.

With Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders, you’ll bring a little bit of island charm to the party. These tasty morsels are a hit, as everyone reaches for that perfect mini-sandwich. They’re filled with a flavor that stands out in a sea of potluck dishes. Get ready for the nods of approval as they quickly become a crowd favorite.
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.

Watch this Buttermilk Fried Chicken become the star of the show as people can’t resist that crispy exterior. An undeniable potluck favorite, it’s sure to spark conversations. This dish sets the bar high for comfort food aficionados. Grab a piece before it’s all gone, because this chicken doesn’t stick around for long.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Beef Chili

Two bowls of chili with kidney beans, meat, tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and cilantro. A black spoon in one bowl. Additional chili flakes in a small dish nearby.
Beef Chili. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

You can’t go wrong bringing a pot of hearty Beef Chili to the table. This beloved dish invites guests to ladle up a bowl and chow down. It’s the ultimate comfort food that might just spark an impromptu chili contest. Join the fun and watch people cozy up with a spoonful of your homemade goodness.
Get the Recipe: Beef Chili

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.

Cattle Drive Casserole is ready to lasso in some fans with its robust taste. It’s the perfect dish to prepare in advance, leaving more time to mingle. With a heaping spoonful on their plates, guests will be satisfied and smiling. This casserole is a tried and true favorite that stands tall among the rest.
Get the Recipe: Cattle Drive Casserole

Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

A bowl of mixed salad with grilled shrimp, avocado, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, feta cheese, and a creamy dressing.
Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

If your Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing hits the table, expect a buzz. The combination of spice and creamy dressing is a real game-changer. It’s fresh, it’s bold, and it’s definitely going to score some health points. Friends will be hooked after the first bite, so watch your dish get devoured.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

Firecracker Meatballs

A plate of meatballs topped with sauce, sesame seeds, and chopped green onions on a bed of white rice.
Firecracker Meatballs. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

When you set down your plate of Firecracker Meatballs, watch eyes light up. Spicy, saucy, and packed with bold flavor, these little bites are conversation starters. There’s a good chance they’ll spark a friendly rivalry amongst meatball masters. Gear up for the rave reviews and the inevitable ‘who made these?’
Get the Recipe: Firecracker Meatballs

Hamburger Casserole

A close-up of a spoon lifting a portion of hamburger casserole, showcasing baked macaroni and cheese layered with ground meat and topped with lettuce and creamy sauce.
Hamburger Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A Hamburger Casserole brings that classic burger joy in every spoonful. This dish is a true belly-filler that will have guests coming back for more. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and a pure crowd-pleaser. Your casserole will be the talk of the table, so get ready for some happy eaters.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Casserole

Buffalo Chicken Salad

A croissant sandwich filled with buffalo chicken and blue cheese, served on a white plate with celery sticks in the background.
Buffalo Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

This salad is about to turn the heat up at your potluck. Buffalo Chicken Salad mixes spicy with cool and never fails to punch up the energy. As more scoop it onto their plates, you’ll see nods of appreciation. It’s the kind of dish that gets people fired up—in the best way.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad

Banana Bread

Close-up of a sliced banana bread loaf, showcasing its moist, textured interior with visible banana chunks.
Banana Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A loaf of homemade Banana Bread on the dessert table is a sight for sore eyes. It excels in simplicity yet commands attention amid fancier desserts. Best served in slices and perfect for sharing, it’s the comforting endnote everyone craves. Don’t blink, or you might miss the chance to grab a piece.
Get the Recipe: Banana Bread

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.

Introducing Caprese Pesto Tarts can give the event a touch of gourmet without being over the top. These flaky bites are ideal for folks looking for something easy to eat while they mingle. Watch as they disappear one by one from the platter. They’re a hands-down winner that’s sure to get people talking.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pesto Tarts

Pineapple Casserole

Pineapple casserole in a casserole dish with a serving spoon in it.
Pineapple Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Your Pineapple Casserole will stand out with its unexpected combo of sweet and savory. It’s that surprise element that can really get people excited at a potluck. This dish often becomes the center of intrigue, with many guests trying to guess its secrets. Brace yourself for the curious crowd and the compliments that follow.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Casserole

Ham and Cheese Sliders

Close-up of four ham and cheese sliders on sesame seed buns, arranged in two stacks. The cheese is melting and oozing out of the sides, making these Ham and Cheese Sliders irresistible.
Ham and Cheese Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Serve up some Ham and Cheese Sliders and you’ll see them vanish before your eyes. They are the epitome of party food—easy, delicious, and oh so snackable. These little delights are often the go-to for people making the rounds. It’s a foolproof choice for any potluck.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Sliders

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Close-up of a baked spinach and artichoke dip in a dark dish, showing a golden brown, bubbly cheese topping with a portion scooped out, revealing the creamy interior.
Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A bowl of Spinach Artichoke Dip is the universal sign of a great gathering. This creamy concoction is a must-have for dunking enthusiasts. Its crowd-pleasing powers are unmatched, especially when paired with a variety of dippers. It’s the ultimate companion for chatter and chew.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Dip

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls

Close-up of cheesy garlic bread rolls topped with chopped green onions on a white plate, reminiscent of Loaded Buffalo Chicken Rolls.
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bring on these Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls and get ready for some serious eats. Each roll is a bite of heat nestled with cheese that keeps people coming back. They’re sure to be one of the main attractions, and you’ll be doling out the recipe by the end of the night. It’s all the buffalo chicken goodness in a portable package.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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