Whether it be for a seasonal family get-together or a workplace celebration, there is always a need for tried-and-true potluck recipes. These recipes from yesteryear are sure to be crowd-pleasers at your next potluck!
42 Retro Potluck Recipes to Bring Back
Updated on Sep. 18, 2024
1/42
Fudgy Brownie Recipe
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Coffee granules enhance the chocolate flavor in these amazingly fudgy brownies. Add chocolate chips to the batter and you’ve got some seriously irresistible treats. —Sarah Farmer, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 brownie: 344 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 197mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
2/42
Easy German Potato Salad
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This tangy potato salad stirs memories of my grandma, who made it for us. Now my mom makes it with brats and sauerkraut—truly the best meal! —Devin Mulertt, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 147 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 260mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
3/42
Carrot Cake
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This wonderful recipe dates back to my great-grandmother. You will love the texture the cake gets from pineapple, coconut and, of course, carrots! For lighter appetites or to serve more people, cut it into smaller pieces and place them in pretty cupcake liners. —Debbie Terenzini-Wilkerson, Lusby, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 819 calories, 49g fat (12g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 91g carbohydrate (72g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
4/42
Au Gratin Potatoes
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These cheesy potatoes are always welcome at our dinner table, and they're so simple to make. A perfect complement to ham, the versatile, homey side dish also goes well with pork, chicken and other entrees. —Cris O'Brien, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 225 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 602mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
5/42
Southern Coleslaw
Total Time
15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother used to make this salad on holidays. With all the cabbage that is grown here, this coleslaw recipe is a real natural for us! —Deb Darr, Falls City, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 137 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 240mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
6/42
7UP Pound Cake
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother gave me my first cake recipe—a pound cake using 7UP—which her grandmother had given to her. On top of being delicious, this cake represents family tradition, connection and love. —Marsha Davis, Desert Hot Springs, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 457 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 177mg sodium, 69g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
7/42
Turkey Sloppy Joes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When we were first married and poor college students, I found this sloppy joe recipe and tweaked it. The fresh bell peppers give it a wonderful flavor. —Kallee Twiner, Maryville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 251 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 629mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
8/42
Fluffy Cranberry Mousse
Total Time
15 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a delicious and pretty salad for the holidays, but it's so good that I serve it at other times, too. I got the recipe from a neighbor who had served it with a traditional turkey dinner. —Helen Clement, Hemet, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 150 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 37mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
9/42
Thyme-Roasted Carrots
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cutting the carrots lengthwise makes this dish look extra pretty. For a little more elegance and color, garnish with sprigs of fresh thyme or parsley. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
2 carrot halves: 73 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 275mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
10/42
Rosey Raspberry Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Whenever I make this pretty raspberry salad, people talk! It's a festive side dish that works well for celebrations throughout the year. —Jane Vanderground, Macedonia, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 145 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 66mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
11/42
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.
12/42
Overnight Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This layered salad 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 206 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 250mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
13/42
Ambrosia Fruit Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom's ambrosia salad, with its tasty combination of fresh fruits and creamy yogurt, is a family favorite, and a great addition to a backyard barbecue. —Colleen Belbey, Warwick, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 229 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 53mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
14/42
German Red Cabbage
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sunday afternoons were a time for family gatherings when I was a kid. While the uncles played cards, the aunts made treats such as this traditional German red cabbage recipe. —Jeannette Heim, Dunlap, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 64 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 23mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
15/42
Sauerkraut Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mom brewed her own sauerkraut and, of course, the cabbage was from our big farm garden! Blending the kraut with spicy sausage and apples was Mom's favorite way to fix it, and I still love this country dish.
—Rosemary Pryor, Pasadena, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 188 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 905mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
16/42
Potato Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This homemade potato salad recipe doesn't have many ingredients, so it isn't as colorful as many that you find nowadays. But Mama made it the way her mother did, and that's the way I still make it today. Try it and see if it isn't one of the best-tasting potato salads you have ever eaten! —Sandra Anderson, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 231 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 323mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
17/42
Creamy Blueberry Gelatin Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Plump blueberries and a fluffy topping star in this pretty, refreshing salad that was my mother's recipe. It was served at every holiday and celebration, and now my grandchildren look forward to sampling it at holidays. —Sharon Hoefert, Greendale, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 221 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 76mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
18/42
Baked Spaghetti
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my grandchildren's most-loved dish. It feels like a special dinner and is so cozy for cooler months. —Louise Miller, Westminster, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 526 calories, 24g fat (13g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 881mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein.
19/42
Swedish Meatballs
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mom fixed this Swedish meatball recipe for all sorts of family dinners, potluck suppers and PTA meetings. The scent of browning meat is intoxicating. Add to that the sweet smell of onions caramelizing, and everyone’s mouth starts watering. —Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
6 meatballs with 1-3/4 cups noodles and about 1/3 cup gravy: 834 calories, 33g fat (14g saturated fat), 248mg cholesterol, 1711mg sodium, 81g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 50g protein.
20/42
Honey-Butter Peas and Carrots
Total Time
5 hours 35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic combination of peas and carrots is enriched with a handful of flavor enhancers. Slow cooking allows the ingredients to meld for maximum richness. —Theresa Kreyche, Tustin, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 106 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
21/42
Raspberry Custard Kuchen
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Back where I grew up in Wisconsin, people have been baking this German treat for generations. We love it for breakfast or as a special dessert. It’s no fuss to fix and impressive to serve. —Virginia Arndt, Sequim, Washington. Looking for more? Here are a few retro breakfast recipes that deserve a comeback.
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 328 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 195mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
22/42
Authentic German Potato Salad
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This authentic German potato salad recipe came from Speck’s Restaurant, which was a famous eating establishment in St. Louis from the 1920s through the ‘50s. I ate lunch there almost every day and always ordered the potato salad. When the owner learned I was getting married, he gave me the recipe as a wedding gift! —Violette Klevorn, Washington, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 344 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 719mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
23/42
De-Lightful Tuna Casserole
Total Time
40 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This mild, homemade tuna casserole will truly satisfy your family's craving for comfort food without all the fat! —Colleen Willey, Hamburg, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 329 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 684mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat.
24/42
Buttermilk Cornbread
Total Time
30 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The tattered recipe card for this buttermilk cornbread proves it's been a family favorite for years. It's my daughter's top request. —Judy Sellgren, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 390 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 314mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
25/42
Chocolate Caramel Fondue
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
It's easy to keep the ingredients for this rich fondue on hand in case company drops by. I serve it in punch cups, so guests can carry it on a dessert plate alongside whatever fruit, pretzels and other dippers they like. —Cheryl Arnold, Lake Zurich, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons (calculated without dippers): 114 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 85mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
26/42
Macaroni Coleslaw
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My friend Peggy brought this coleslaw to one of our picnics, and everyone liked it so much, we all had to have the recipe. —Sandra Matteson, Westhope, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 150 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 286mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
27/42
Ham and Cheese Sliders
Total Time
55 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My next-door neighbor shared this recipe with me and I simply cannot improve it! You can make it ahead and cook it quickly when company arrives. The combo of flavors makes these sandwiches so delicious. —Iris Weihemuller, Baxter, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 315 calories, 17g fat (9g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 555mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein.
28/42
Sparkling Punch
Total Time
10 min
Servings
24 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
As a table brightener, fix a bowl of festive fruity punch—it's a refreshing beverage you can mix together in moments. To dress it up even more, I add an ice ring filled with oranges, lemons and cranberries. —Karen Ann Bland, Gove, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 64 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
29/42
Fruit Salad with Apricot Dressing
Total Time
30 min
Servings
26 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I serve this lovely refreshing salad for picnics and holidays, the bowl empties fast. —Carol Lambert, El Dorado, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 125 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein.
30/42
Glorified Hash Browns
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll be surprised at how quick and easy it is to put together this dressed-up potato casserole! When a friend made it for a church supper, I had to have the recipe. It's great for parties, potlucks and family reunions. —Betty Sitzman, Wray, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 215 calories, 12g fat (8g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 400mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
31/42
Pecan Shortbread Tea Cakes
Total Time
55 min
Servings
about 6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My Grandma Ellis made her shortbread cookies only at Christmas because the ingredients were so indulgent. The results are too! —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 112 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 61mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
32/42
Italian Hot Dish
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband had a poor perception of healthy food until he tried this beefy casserole. The combination of pasta, oregano, mushrooms and green peppers makes it a favorite healthy pasta recipe in our house. —Theresa Smith, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 394 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 704mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
33/42
Cucumber Canapes
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I always get requests for the recipe for these canapes whenever I serve them. They're delicate finger sandwiches with a creamy herb spread and festive red and green garnishes. —Nadine Whittaker, South Plymouth, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 canape: 120 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 134mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
34/42
Lemon Bars
Total Time
55 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delightful lemon bar recipe is from my mother's file. I've been serving it for many years. They has a wonderful tangy flavor, and they're always a hit. The color and shape make them a nice addition to a platter of cookies. —Etta Soucy, Mesa, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 263 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 140mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
35/42
Triple Mash with Horseradish Bread Crumbs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Why settle for traditional mashed potatoes when you can enjoy three times the flavor? Combine spuds with rutabaga and parsnips, along with the zip of horseradish, for a taste treat. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 199 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 240mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
36/42
Spaghetti Pie Casserole
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family adores this spaghetti casserole. It's old-timey comfort food. This is how to make baked spaghetti with cream cheese. —Patricia Lavell, Islamorada, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 396 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
37/42
Skillet Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a change of pace, you can substitute fresh or frozen peach slices for the pineapple in this old-fashioned recipe. —Bernardine Melton, Paola, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 380 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 224mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (48g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
38/42
Baked Two-Cheese & Bacon Grits
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In the South, everyone loves three things: bacon, cheese and grits! After playing around with this recipe, I took it to my first family party as a newlywed, and it was a huge hit. This recipe has become a family tradition that I'm sure will be passed down for generations. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 466 calories, 34g fat (18g saturated fat), 143mg cholesterol, 840mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein.
39/42
Meatballs
Total Time
35 min
Servings
48 meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
Keep a batch of these meatballs in your freezer for an easy weeknight meal. This simple meatball recipe can be used for pizzas, sub sandwiches, in soups and more. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 meatballs: 276 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 533mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein.
40/42
Winter Squash Casserole
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Years ago, our vegetable garden kept us well-supplied all year long. Dad stored huge piles of potatoes and squash in the coldest part of the basement. In winter the squash was so hard. Mother sometimes used an ax to cut it into small pieces for cooking! Her hard work was worth it, because we really enjoyed this wonderful casserole! —Glendora Hauger, Siren, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 387 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 147mg cholesterol, 294mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein.
41/42
Lime Gelatin Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a festive dish to light up the buffet? This pretty green gelatin salad is eye-catching and has a delightful, tangy flavor. —Cyndi Fynaardt, Oskaloosa, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 210 calories, 5g fat (4g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 66mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
42/42
Baked Nectarine Chicken Salad
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Folks love the crunchy chow mein noodles on top. I love that I can make it a day in advance and refrigerate until it's time to serve. Serve with hot bread or rolls. —Faye Robinson, Pensacola, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 539 calories, 37g fat (7g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 911mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein.
