The Potluck May Not Be A Competition, But 29 Recipes Bring The Win

Everyone knows someone shows up to a potluck with something that disappears before the plastic wrap even comes off. That’s the energy behind all 29 in this lineup. It’s not technically a contest, but no one forgets who brought the good stuff. If attention at the buffet table is the goal, this covers it.

Close-up of chicken bacon ranch sliders with grilled chicken, bacon, and melted cheese inside a golden bun, garnished with herbs.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Mexican Street Corn Salad

A bowl of Mexican street corn salad garnished with lime wedges and cilantro.
Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Ever been to a party where a dish disappears before you even get a second helping? That’s this one. Mexican Street Corn Salad takes the beloved flavors of street-side corn and makes it fork-friendly. No need to worry about messy hands or faces here, just enjoy the creamy, tangy mix at your next potluck.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

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.

If you’re looking to bring a cozy, warm hug to the table, look no further. Rich, hearty, and filled with depth, Beef Bourguignon is that dish that feels like a warm embrace. It’s like bringing the comfort of home to any gathering. This one doesn’t just feed the body; it soothes the soul.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bourguignon

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.

Want something that stands out in a sea of green salads? Antipasto Salad is your ticket. Packed with bold flavors and textures, it’s a salad that even non-salad lovers will queue for. Plus, it’s a visual feast, ensuring your dish is the potluck’s star before the first fork dives in.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

German Chocolate Cake

A slice of double-layer chocolate cake with a creamy filling and glossy chocolate frosting on top.
German Chocolate Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Ah, the sweet finale that everyone looks forward to at any potluck! German Chocolate Cake brings all that is good and chocolatey, topped with that irresistible coconut-pecan frosting. It’s the slice of heaven people save room for or regret not having tried. This cake doesn’t just end the meal; it steals the show.
Get the Recipe: German Chocolate Cake

Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip

A bread bowl filled with a creamy dip, garnished with shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and bacon bits. Celery sticks are placed on the side.
Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Searching for that addictive centerpiece for the snack table? Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip merges favorite flavors in one irresistible bowl. It’s the kind of dip that keeps you coming back for “just one more” dip. Perfect for veggies or chips, it’s the social butterfly of the buffet table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip

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.

Recreate a restaurant favorite without the dining out experience. Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits bring that garlic and cheese bliss to your table. They’re a comforting addition to any meal and an instant conversation starter. Pass these around, and watch them disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken

A colorful salad with shredded carrots, zucchini, chicken, orange slices, and sesame seeds on a brown plate, garnished with fresh herbs.
Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Add an Asian flair to the potluck selection with this tangy dish. Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken offers a refreshing change from the typical fare. It’s a dish that brightens the spread and provides a savory yet lightly citrus flavor. You’ll find guests intrigued and delighted by the unexpected option.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken

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.

Ready for a little kick nick act hot sap pizzaz to the favorite flavors game? Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers combine spice and smoky goodness. They’re a perfect hand-held snack that’ll stand out among the dips and chips. This spicy treat often becomes the talking point of the table.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Cinnamon Roll Cake

Close-up of a cinnamon roll cake slice topped with icing and sprinkled with cinnamon on a plate.
Cinnamon Roll Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bring the breakfast favorite to the dessert table. Cinnamon Roll Cake turns the morning treat into a sliceable delight. It’s a hit with both young and the young at heart, and its sweet swirls make it irresistible. This cake promises to leave not a single crumb behind.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Cake

Funeral Potatoes

Close-up of a creamy, golden-brown macaroni and cheese dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping reminiscent of comforting funeral potatoes. A spoon is partially submerged in the cheese sauce.
Funeral Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Don’t let the name fool you; Funeral Potatoes are the life of any potluck party. Creamy, cheesy, and crowned with a crispy topping, they offer comfort food at its best. This dish is a conversation starter and a consistent hit, proving that some traditions are worth keeping.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

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.

When regular burgers are too cumbersome for a potluck, Cheeseburger Sliders come to the rescue. They pack all the juicy, cheesy goodness into a bite-size delight. Always a hit with both adults and kids, they make sure everyone gets a taste of the grill with less mess and more fun.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger 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.

Sometimes, going back to basics is the way to win big. Buttermilk Fried Chicken brings crispy, golden goodness to the table. This classic comfort food, with its juicy inside and perfect crunch, keeps hands reaching back for more. It’s the dish that fills plates and hearts alike.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Corn Chowder

A close-up of a hearty potato and corn chowder with diced vegetables and a dollop of sour cream, garnished with fresh parsley.
Corn Chowder. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For those cooler gatherings or when you just want a hug in a bowl, Corn Chowder is your go-to. Creamy, sweet, and comforting, it offers a spoonful of home. A ladle of this chowder brings warmth to any meal, welcoming smiles and content sighs all around the table.
Get the Recipe: Corn Chowder

Crunchy Onion Rings

A close-up of crispy, golden-brown onion rings sprinkled with chopped parsley and black pepper on a white parchment-lined surface captures perfection in every bite.
Crunchy Onion Rings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Crunchy Onion Rings are a foolproof way to add that perfect texture to your potluck spread. Golden and crispy, they’re a side or snack that complements any main dish. Not just for burger accompaniments, they stand out on their own as a potluck must-have.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings

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.

Need a no-fuss, guaranteed crowd-pleaser? 7 Layer Dip layers flavors and textures in a way that invites everyone to dip in. With layers of beans, sour cream, cheese, and more, it’s a dip that serves up variety in every bite. It’s the communal dish that brings people together, scoop after scoop.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Dip

Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Close-up of cinnamon swirl bread slices, showcasing a spiral pattern in the texture.
Cinnamon Swirl Bread. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Imagine your favorite breakfast flavors baked into every slice. Cinnamon Swirl Bread is just that. Perfect for a sweet start, a midday snack, or an end-of-meal treat, it’s versatile. This bread turns a regular meal into something to remember, with swirls of cinnamon in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Swirl 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.

Bringing a touch of elegance to the potluck table, Caprese Pesto Tarts marry classic flavors in a bite-sized form. Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with color, they’re like little jewels of flavor. These tarts are a testimony that sometimes, the simplest ingredients create the most memorable dishes.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pesto Tarts

Dinner Rolls

Close-up of freshly baked golden-brown dinner rolls, with one roll partially torn to show its soft, fluffy interior.
Dinner Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

No potluck spread is complete without Dinner Rolls. Soft, fluffy, and buttery, they’re the comforting companion to any meal. Perfect for sopping up sauces or enjoying on their own, these rolls are the stars. They’re the quietly essential addition that everyone expects and appreciates.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls

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.

Looking for hearty comfort food to feed a crowd? Hamburger Casserole is a one-dish wonder. It combines those beloved burger flavors in a baked, sliceable form. This dish proves that casseroles hold a special place at the potluck table, offering familiarity and warmth in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Casserole

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.

When you want to bring a bit of elegance to the table without too much fuss, Creamy Beef Stroganoff is your go-to. It balances richness and tanginess in a way that feels indulgent yet comforting. Serving this at a potluck means you’re offering a dish that’s both familiar and a tad fancy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Beef Stroganoff

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.

Bring a little island flavor to your next gathering with Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders. Sweet, savory, and a little bit tangy, they offer a mini vacation in every bite. These sliders are the easy way to serve up a taste of the tropics, making your potluck dish a standout conversation starter.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders

Cobb Salad

A close-up of a Cobb salad featuring sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, avocado, boiled eggs, red onion, bacon bits, and blue cheese crumbles on a bed of lettuce.
Cobb Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Seeking a dish that’s as colorful as it is tasty? Cobb Salad packs a range of textures and flavors in one bowl. It’s a refreshing change from the usual salad options, offering a filling crunch with every forkful. This salad balances healthfulness and taste, proving salads can be the star of the show.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad

Garlic Knots

Close-up view of freshly baked garlic knots with parsley and seasoning, resting on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Garlic Knots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Garlic Knots are the answer when you need something garlicky, buttery, and oh-so-satisfying. Perfect for sharing, these knots bring the irresistible aroma and flavor that call out to everyone at the table. They’re the kind of side that competes with the main dish for the spotlight, often winning.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

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.

Need a dish with the comfort factor dialed up? Easy Chicken Casserole layers simple ingredients to create something wonderfully cozy. It’s the kind of meal that reminds you of home, making it a potluck staple. Everyone will appreciate the familiar flavors, making it a comforting addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Casserole

Sausage Balls

Plate of crispy fried dumplings with chopped herbs, served with a bowl of brown dipping sauce.
Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When you need a protein-packed snack that doubles as a conversation piece, Sausage Balls are the way to go. They bring together savory flavors in a bite-sized package, perfect for popping in your mouth. Ideal for early gatherings or as a hearty side, they add a fun twist to the usual fare.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls

Homemade Corn Dogs

Close-up of a bitten corn dog showing its interior with a layer of crispy fried batter and a hot dog inside.
Homemade Corn Dogs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Ever thought about bringing the fair to your potluck? Homemade Corn Dogs offer a nostalgic treat everyone can’t help but love. They’re a fun, kid-friendly option that adults secretly adore, bringing a crisp, golden batter to encase juicy hot dogs. It’s a playful dish that’s bound to bring smiles.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Corn Dogs

Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

A bowl of vibrant pasta salad with penne, cherry tomatoes, black olives, diced cucumbers, red onions, and a drizzle of dressing.
Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

In a sea of salads, Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies stands out. It combines the heartiness of pasta with the fresh flavors of grilled vegetables. This dish is a vibrant addition to any meal, offering a wholesome and colorful option. It’s the perfect side for those looking for something both nutritious and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

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.

For a sweet treat that doubles as comfort food, Banana Bread is your winner. It’s moist, flavorful, and brings back memories of home-cooked meals. This bread is a potluck go-to for its ease of sharing and universal appeal. It’s the slice of home that everyone can agree on.
Get the Recipe: Banana Bread

Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders

Close-up of chicken bacon ranch sliders with grilled chicken, bacon, and melted cheese inside a golden bun, garnished with herbs.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Mini sandwiches anyone? Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders pack a lot of flavor into a small package. They combine favorite ingredients in a way that’s both surprising and delicious. Perfect for hands of all sizes, they’re the mini but mighty heroes of any potluck party.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders

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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