29 Summer Potluck Recipes I Trust To Feed A Crowd
There’s a fine line between potluck success and everyone pretending they’re full. These 29 options have earned their place on crowded tables where competition is fierce and seconds are a sport. They’re bold enough to be remembered, simple enough not to scare anyone, and reliable enough to survive a cross-town drive in questionable summer traffic.

Blueberry Cheesecake

A creamy dessert with a fruity twist that’s perfect for sharing. Blueberry Cheesecake blends sweetness with a smooth texture in every slice. It’s always a showstopper on dessert tables and tends to be the first to go. A great choice when you want something rich but not overwhelming.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cheesecake
Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel

Spicy snacks rolled up into bite-sized portions that are easy to grab. Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel balances heat and creaminess in a way that keeps everyone coming back for more. Perfect for potlucks when you want something a little bold. These small, flavorful bites always make an impression.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel
French Onion Casserole

Rich, baked goodness full of familiar flavors that feel comforting and filling. French Onion Casserole is easy to scoop and works beautifully as a side or main dish. Guests love the warm layers that feel both hearty and flavorful. A reliable option when you need to feed a group without much effort.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole
Chickpea Nuggets

A plant-based option that feels light but still packs lots of flavor. Chickpea Nuggets are great for dipping and perfect for guests looking for something different. They’re filling without being too heavy, and they go well with a variety of sauces. A creative dish that suits plant-based or mixed gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Nuggets
Lemon Brownies

Bright flavors with a soft texture make this dessert refreshing but indulgent. Lemon Brownies offer a fun twist on the usual chocolate version and feel perfect for sharing. They tend to stand out because they’re a little unexpected. Keep these in mind when you want a dessert that’s easy to grab and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Brownies
Veggie Sliders

Hearty enough to satisfy but loaded with fresh flavors to keep things light. Veggie Sliders are small, portable, and great for guests looking for a lighter option. They’re easy to put on the table and disappear quickly. A great way to add variety to the potluck menu.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Sliders
Pigs in a Blanket

Bite-sized snacks that combine flaky pastry with savory flavors. Pigs in a Blanket are quick to serve and loved by everyone, young or old. These are a crowd-pleaser at any gathering and are often one of the first trays to empty. A simple favorite that works every time.
Get the Recipe: Pigs in a Blanket
Macaroni Salad

Cool and creamy side that pairs perfectly with heavier dishes. Macaroni Salad is failproof for large gatherings because it’s easy to make and loved by all. It adds a lighter touch to the table without being boring. Great for prepping in advance and serving chilled.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad
Red Velvet Brownies

Bold and vibrant dessert that combines rich flavors with a soft bite. Red Velvet Brownies catch attention with their colors but win over crowds with taste. They’re perfect for dessert trays when you want something visually appealing and easy to share. A good option for impressing guests without too much work.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Brownies
Mini Tacos

A smaller take on a classic favorite, packed with flavor in every bite. Mini Tacos are great for potlucks because they’re easy to handle and fun to eat. They’re versatile and go well on their own or with dips. Always a hit when variety is key.
Get the Recipe: Mini Tacos
Italian Pasta Salad

Cold salad loaded with bold flavors that make it feel like a complete dish. Italian Pasta Salad is versatile and works well alongside most mains. It’s easy to portion out for big groups and tastes even better when prepped ahead. Perfect for balancing out the table with something refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta Salad
Pizza Pinwheels

Rolled-up bites of pizza goodness that are perfect for kids and adults alike. Pizza Pinwheels pack the classic flavors everyone loves into a smaller, snackable form. They’re fun to make, easy to eat, and always disappear fast. A reliable option for feeding a crowd with minimal stress.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pinwheels
Rhubarb Muffins

Sweet with a hint of tart, these muffins are great for casual get-togethers. Rhubarb Muffins are soft, flavorful, and feel a little different than typical potluck treats. They’re a good choice for adding something unexpected to the table. These are perfect for breakfast or dessert spreads.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb Muffins
Tzatziki

A light and refreshing dip that pairs well with bread, veggies, or chips. Tzatziki is a dependable choice when you need something creamy and cool. It’s simple to serve and adds a fresh touch to heavy potluck dishes. Always a hit for snacking between bites of mains.
Get the Recipe: Tzatziki
Shrimp Toast

Crispy appetizer topped with shrimp flavors that feels just fancy enough. Shrimp Toast is easy to pass around and works well as a starter at any potluck. It’s great for seafood lovers and adds a nice touch of variety to the table. These little bites are always in demand.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Toast
Blueberry Pie

A fruity, baked dessert that brings a classic to any potluck table. Blueberry Pie offers a burst of berries in every slice and pairs well with a scoop of something creamy. It’s loved for being both refreshing and satisfying. A staple dessert for balancing sweet and fruity flavors.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Pie
Fruit Pizza

Colorful dessert that mixes fresh flavors on a sweet, crispy base. Fruit Pizza catches everyone’s eye and adds a lighter touch to the potluck lineup. It’s quick to serve and perfect for warm-weather gatherings. A fun dessert that’s versatile and shareable.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Pizza
Dense Bean Salad

Hearty salad packed with texture and flavor to keep everyone happy. Dense Bean Salad is great for feeding a group because it can stand alone or pair with mains. It’s easy to make ahead and travel with, making it potluck-friendly. A dependable choice no matter the crowd.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad
No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

Dessert that skips the oven but still feels indulgent and rich. No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake is creamy and topped with fruity flavors that make every bite special. Perfect for gatherings when you need a quick but impressive dessert. It’s always one of the first trays to be emptied.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake
Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap

A portable version of a classic salad, rolled up for easy eating. Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap combines crispy elements with creamy dressing in every bite. It’s filling enough to be a main but light enough to pair with other options. Perfect for handling with no fuss at potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap
Kool Aid Pie

No-bake dessert that’s colorful, fun, and surprisingly refreshing. Kool Aid Pie adds a touch of fun to traditional dessert spreads. It’s quick to make and always grabs attention with its bright appearance. Great for keeping things simple but exciting.
Get the Recipe: Kool Aid Pie
Yellow Squash Casserole

Baked dish that combines creamy textures with a hint of crunch. Yellow Squash Casserole keeps things warm and comforting while offering a lighter option. It’s great for balancing out heavier mains on the table. Always a dependable crowd-feeder.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Squash Casserole
Strawberry Crunch Cake

Layers of texture and sweetness make this dessert a crowd favorite. Strawberry Crunch Cake blends a creamy middle with a crunchy topping for something unique. It’s perfect for larger gatherings where you want something both fun and flavorful. A great pick for easy slicing and sharing.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Crunch Cake
Grilled Hot Dogs

A casual favorite that works for everyone, no matter the group. Grilled Hot Dogs are simple, easy to serve, and customizable with a variety of toppings. They’re perfect for kids and adults alike, making them a solid go-to for potlucks. Always reliable when feeding a crowd quickly.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hot Dogs
Tanghulu

Sweet snack coated in a shiny layer for crunch with every bite. Tanghulu is a fun dessert option that brings a little excitement to the table. It’s great for adding variety and works well as a grab-and-eat snack. A different kind of treat that stands out at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Tanghulu
Lemon Cookies

Light, citrusy cookies that brighten up any dessert table. Lemon Cookies offer a simple sweetness with a refreshing twist in every bite. They’re easy to pass around and feel lighter compared to richer desserts. Always a nice addition to any lineup of potluck sweets.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cookies
Guacamole

A creamy, shareable dip that always makes an appearance at group events. Guacamole pairs perfectly with chips or as a topping for other dishes. It’s easy to scoop and keeps things simple yet flavorful. A must-have for tables with lots of snackers.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole
Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup

Layered dessert that blends chocolate richness with fruity freshness. Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup is quick to portion and has an elegant touch. This dessert always feels just a little special while being easy to enjoy. Perfect for adding sophistication to a potluck spread.
Get the Recipe: Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup
Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders

Warm, tender sliders with a balance of sweet and savory in every bite. Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders are easy to handle and packed with flavor. They’re a great option for potlucks where you need something filling but shareable. These sliders tend to vanish as soon as they arrive.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders
About the Author

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.
