Want to wow everyone at your next get-together? Make any of these five-star potluck dishes and be the star of the show!
35 Bring-a-Dish Recipes That Make You Queen of the Potluck
Updated on Feb. 25, 2022
Overnight Layered Lettuce Salad
This classic is a family favorite from a church cookbook I’ve had for 40 years. The bacon adds a fabulous crunch. —Mary Brehm, Cape Coral, Florida
1/35
2/35
Fried Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Always a picnic favorite, this deep-fried chicken recipe is delicious either hot or cold. Kids call it my Kentucky Fried Chicken! —Jeanne Schnitzler, Lima, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken: 543 calories, 33g fat (7g saturated fat), 137mg cholesterol, 798mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 41g protein.
3/35
Best Ever Beans and Sausage
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my wife asks what she should make for a gathering, she's always told to bring this—and a couple of copies of the recipe! — Robert Saulnier, Clarksburg, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 316 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 857mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 9g fiber), 13g protein.
4/35
Barbecue Meatballs
Total Time
50 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
Nutrition Facts:
8 each: 474 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 973mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.
5/35
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Need to bring a dish to pass this weekend? This make-ahead strawberry pretzel salad will disappear quickly at any potluck. —Aldene Belch, Flint, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 295 calories, 15g fat (10g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 305mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
6/35
Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this dish to fill two pans because these sliders disappear fast. Cut the recipe in half if you want one batch. —Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 slider: 380 calories, 24g fat (13g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 628mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
7/35
Khmer Pickled Vegetable Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings (3/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I grew up as a missionary kid in Cambodia, and most of my favorite foods have a Southeast Asian background. Locals love eating this pickled salad for breakfast, but I like it as a side for lunch or dinner, especially with chicken satay. —Hannah Heavener, Belton, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 99 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 794mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
8/35
Arnold Palmer Cupcakes
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These fun cupcakes take a favorite Arnold Palmer recipe and turn it into dessert. Add a slice of lemon on top for a puckery finish. —Jessee Arriaga, Reno, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 cupcake: 355 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 182mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (45g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
9/35
Jalapeno Popper Spread
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been told by fellow partygoers that this recipe tastes exactly like a jalapeno popper. I like that it can be made without much fuss. —Ariane McAlpine, Penticton, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 239 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 304mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
10/35
Rainbow Fruit Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my children were young, I would often dress up fresh fruit in this easy salad. Decades later, my grandchildren and great-grandchildren still love digging in to the fruity layers. The salad goes well with barbecued meats or cold sandwiches. —Jonnie Adams Sisler, Stevensville, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 123 calories, 7g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 31mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
11/35
White Chocolate Cranberry Blondies
Total Time
55 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Friends sometimes ask me to make these for wedding receptions. For a fancier presentation, I cut the bars into triangle shapes and drizzle white chocolate over each one individually. —Erika Busz, Kent, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 blondie: 198 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
12/35
Twice-Baked Potato Casserole
Total Time
2 hours
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Creamy, cheesy and loaded with bacon, this comforting casserole immediately makes guests feel at home. —Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 367 calories, 27g fat (16g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
13/35
Ramen Noodle Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For potlucks and picnics, this ramen noodle salad is a knockout. I tote the veggies in a bowl, dressing in a jar and noodles in a bag. Then I just shake them all together when it's time to eat. —LJ Porter, Bauxite, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 189 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 250mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
14/35
Cornbread Taco Bake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cornbread and beef bake together in one casserole dish, making this entree convenient. This Mexican cornbread casserole is packed with tempting seasonings, and the cheese and onions make an attractive topping. —Vicki Good, Oscoda, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 541 calories, 26g fat (9g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 1491mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein.
15/35
German Chocolate Tres Leches Cake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I first tried tres leches cake while I was in Ecuador several years ago. Since then, I’ve changed it up by adding some of my favorite ingredients, namely chocolate and coconut. This version also has a splash of rum for an adults-only treat. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 416 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 299mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
16/35
Bacon, Cheddar and Swiss Cheese Ball
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 cheese balls (4 cups each)
From the Recipe Creator:
When it’s time for a party, everyone always requests this ultimate cheese ball—it’s such an impressive appetizer. And if you’re a party guest, it makes a fabulous gift for your hosts.—Sue Franklin, Lake St. Louis, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 116 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 194mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
17/35
Banana Bars
Total Time
35 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These bars are always a hit at potlucks in the small rural farming community where my husband and I live. I also like to provide them for coffee hour after church. They're so moist and delicious that wherever I take them, they don't last long. —Karen Dryak, Niobrara, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 202 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
18/35
Summertime Slaw
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As a change from mayonnaise-laden slaw, I created this refreshing alternative. It uses many of the garden vegetables I grow, so it's also economical. I serve it at our family reunion each Fourth of July, and it's always a big hit at get-togethers. —Sharon Payne, Mayfield, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 138 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 291mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
19/35
Baked Spaghetti with Cream of Mushroom Soup
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cheesy crowd-pleasing dish puts a different spin on spaghetti. The leftovers, if there are any, freeze well for a quick future meal. —Ruth Koberna, Brecksville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 239 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 500mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein.
20/35
Lemon Rice Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This salad makes a refreshing side dish for a special occasion meal. I take it to holiday potluck suppers and other family gatherings. People enjoy the combination of flavors, and I like that it can be made ahead. —Margery Richmond, Lacombe, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 247 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 84mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
21/35
Cucumber Fruit Salsa
Total Time
25 min
Servings
24 servings (1/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Our garden always gives us way more cucumbers and tomatoes than we know what to do with. But we’ve learned how to handle the unexpected with a surprise of our own. This is our pretty, fresh way to use up the bounty. —Anna Davis, Springfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 15 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 26mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
22/35
Potluck Pan Rolls
Total Time
40 min
Servings
27 rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
The appealing homemade yeast-bread flavor of these golden rolls is unbeatable. Soft and light, they're great alongside any entree. Folks are disappointed if I don't bring them to potluck dinners. —Carol Mead, Los Alamos, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 141 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 158mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
23/35
Brownie Trifle
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
20 servings (1 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This rich, tempting, peanut butter brownie trifle feeds a crowd and features the ever-popular combination of chocolate and peanut butter. Try this dessert for your next get-together. —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 680 calories, 38g fat (15g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 547mg sodium, 73g carbohydrate (54g sugars, 3g fiber), 13g protein.
24/35
Slow-Cooker Spareribs
Total Time
5 hours 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Even my three little ones love these easy-to-make and delicious-to-eat slow-cooker spareribs. The succulent meat falls right off the bone! —Julie Czmer, West Bloomfield, Michigan
25/35
Creamy Macaroni Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When we grill, my mother asks me to make this creamy macaroni salad. To make it extra creamy, I like to keep a small amount of dressing separate and stir it in just before serving. —Carly Curtin, Ellicott City, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 160 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 320mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
26/35
Ham and Swiss Casserole
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I prepare this noodle casserole for church gatherings, it's always a hit. It can easily be doubled or tripled for a crowd. —Doris Barb, El Dorado, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 360 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 815mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.
27/35
Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
Total Time
35 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I received this recipe from a minister's wife, and my family loves it. —Brenda Jackson, Garden City, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 266 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 222mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
28/35
Salami Roll-Ups
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These bite-size appetizers are a cinch to make with just four ingredients—even your kids can help you with them! —Jean Baffuto, Apache Junction, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll-up: 49 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 120mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
29/35
Tzatziki Potato Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My son has an egg allergy, so this potato salad is perfect for him. For extra color, add radish, apple and garlic dill pickles. —Cindy Romberg, Mississauga, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 128 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 190mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
30/35
Grape Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone raves when I bring this refreshing, creamy grape salad to potlucks. For a special finishing touch, sprinkle it with brown sugar and pecans. —Marge Elling, Jenison, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 131 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 35mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
31/35
Mini Cheesecake
Total Time
35 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Presto! We turned cheesecake into irresistible bite-sized snacks with these cute little treats. Feel free to use your favorite flavor of jam. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 mini cheesecake: 198 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 141mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
32/35
Deviled Eggs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Herbs lend amazing flavor to these deviled eggs, which truly are the best you can make! The recipe includes tasty variations that feature bacon, chipotle peppers and crab.—Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed egg half: 73 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
33/35
Ramen Coleslaw
Total Time
15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter gave me the recipe for this delightful salad. The sweet dressing nicely coats a crisp blend of broccoli slaw mix, onions, almonds and sunflower kernels. Crushed ramen noodles provide even more crunch. It's a smash hit wherever I take it. —Dora Mae Clapsaddle, Kensington, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 205 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 263mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
34/35
Potluck Macaroni and Cheese
Total Time
2 hours 25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll always have a winner at the potluck when you bring macaroni and cheese. Here's an extra-rich, creamy version for the slow cooker. —Jennifer Blondek, Chicopee, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 388 calories, 28g fat (17g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 652mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 17g protein.
35/35
Pistachio Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This fluffy salad is a real treat since it's creamy but not overly sweet. It's easy to mix up, and the flavor gets better the longer it stands. It's perfect for St. Patrick's Day, served in a green bowl. —Pattie Ann Forssberg, Logan, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 236 calories, 9g fat (7g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 140mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
