46 Recipes That Will Make You Potluck Famous (2024)

Home Recipes Meal Types Appetizers

Updated: Jul. 09, 2024

Need potluck recipes that stand out from the rest? This collection is just what the home-cook ordered. Whip up one of these tried and true potluck superstars for your next get-together.

1/40

Picadillo Sliders

When I’m pressed for time, these beefy sliders are my go-to. Any leftover picadillo makes for great nachos or queso dip. It freezes well, too! —Patterson Watkins, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

2/40

Spectacular Overnight Slaw

To come up with this dish, I used a number of different recipes, plus some ideas of my own. It's great for a potluck because it's made the night before and the flavor keeps getting better. Whenever I serve it, I'm inundated with recipe requests. —Ruth Lovett, Bay City, Texas

3/40

Favorite Baked Spaghetti

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

4/40

I couldn’t say who loves this recipe best, because it gets raves every time I serve it! Occasionally I even get a phone call or email from a friend requesting the recipe, and it's certainly a favorite for my grown children and 15 grandchildren. —Maryalice Wood, Langley, British Columbia

5/40

Berry Nectarine Salad

I've been making this recipe for years. Whenever my family has a summer get-together, everyone requests it. The nectarines and berries look beautiful together, and the topping is the perfect accent. —Mindee Myers, Lincoln, Nebraska

6/40

Chiles Rellenos Squares

My family requests this chiles rellenos dish regularly—it's easy to prepare and makes a nice hors d'oeuvre or complement to a Mexican or Spanish meal. A friend I worked with shared the recipe with me several years ago. —Fran Carll, Long Beach, California

7/40

Sausage Lasagna

The idea for this sausage lasagna recipe comes from my mother-in-law, who always makes it for my three boys on special holidays. I've put an easy twist on Carole's classic dish, and it's become one of my go-to dinners as well! —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, VA

8/40

Chunky Blond Brownies

Every bite of these chewy blondies is packed with chunks of white and semisweet chocolate and macadamia nuts. It's a potluck offering that stands out. —Rosemary Dreiske, Lemmon, South Dakota

9/40

Judy's Macaroni Salad

After finding this vintage macaroni salad recipe years ago, I tweaked the flavor and bumped up the pickles. Tuck this dill pickle pasta salad inside your picnic basket. —Elizabeth Kirchgatter, Maysville, Kentucky

10/40

Spicy Shredded Beef Sandwiches

If you like your shredded beef with a little kick, then this recipe is for you. For an even zestier version of this recipe, add another jar of jalapenos or use hot peppers instead of the pepperocinis. —Kristen Langmeier, Faribault, Minnesota

11/40

Skillet Rolls

My family constantly requests this cake is constantly. I don’t mind making it because it’s surprisingly low-cal. —Eileen Travis, Ukiah, California

12/40

Everyone has a favorite potato salad, and this is mine. As a young bride, I was eager to learn how to cook and make things that my husband would love. I combined my mom's and his mom's recipes, and this potato and egg salad the delicious result. —Angela Leinenbach, Mechanicsville, Virginia

13/40

Greek Pita Spread

I first tried this at a family gathering and was blown away! I have since made it for my co-workers, and they just love it. I've gotten many requests for the recipe. —Joyce Benninger, Owen Sound, Ontario

14/40

Lemon Pudding Dessert

After a big meal, folks really go for this light lemon treat. The shortbread crust is the perfect base for the fluffy top layers. I've prepared this sunny dessert for church suppers for years and I always get recipe requests.—Muriel DeWitt, Maynard, Massachusetts

15/40

Grilled Loaded Potato Rounds

My go-to recipe for outdoor potlucks is an awesome potato side. I prep everything beforehand, then assemble and grill at the party. Serve with sour cream, cheese, bacon and chives. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas

16/40

Cheesy Sausage Stromboli

I've had a hundred requests for this recipe over the years. Perfect for brunch or as an evening snack, this sausage-filled bread is not tricky to make—and I never have to worry about storing leftovers! —Vada McRoberts, Silver Lake, Kansas

17/40

Vibrant Black-Eyed Pea Salad

My black-eyed pea salad reminds me of a Southern cooking class my husband and I took while visiting Savannah, Georgia. People go nuts for it at picnics and potlucks. —Danielle Lee, Charleston, South Carolina

18/40

Can't-Eat-Just-One Cinnamon Rolls

My cinnamon rolls have been known to vanish quickly. Once I dropped off a dozen rolls for my brothers, and they emptied the pan in 10 minutes. —Regina Farmwald, West Farmington, Ohio

19/40

20/40

Giant Molasses Cookies

My family always requests these soft molasses cookies. These chewy cookies are also perfect for shipping as holiday gifts or to troops overseas. —Kristine Chayes, Smithtown, New York

21/40

22/40

Marbled Cappuccino Fudge Cheesecake

I came up with this recipe because I love the frozen cappuccino drinks at coffee shops and wanted a cheesecake with the same goods. If you try it, don't hold the whip. The creamy mocha-infused topping is the best part! —Becky McClaflin, Blanchard, Oklahoma

23/40

I always like to bring this healthy option to parties and potlucks, and people seem to really appreciate that. No oil is necessary for this salad; the lemon juice combines with the feta to lightly coat the bright, fresh ingredients. —Camille Parker, Chicago, Illinois

24/40

Slow-Cooked Pork Burritos

I have been making these slow-cooker burritos for as long as I can remember, changing the recipe now and then to add variety. This is the version we serve for casual get-togethers with friends. —Sharon Belmont, Lincoln, Nebraska

25/40

Apricot Ham Balls

My family requests these ham balls for our annual Christmas Eve open house.

26/40

Deluxe Strawberry Shortcake

This tasty shortcake is perfect for the Fourth of July. I love the moist texture and from-scratch flavor. It's foolproof and always brings lots of compliments. —Janet Fant, Denair, California

27/40

Peanut Butter-Filled Brownie Cupcakes

I have made this outstandingly delicious recipe for years. These rich cupcakes are sure to delight everyone you make them for. —Carol Gillespie, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

28/40

Peach Gelatin Salad

My mother always asked our family what we wanted to eat for holiday dinners. Without exception, our requests included this refreshing gelatin. Toasted walnuts give it a little crunch. —Dennis King, Navarre, Florida

29/40

Caraway Coleslaw with Citrus Mayonnaise

The combination of caraway and orange keeps this slaw from being anything but run-of-the-mill. I always get requests to bring a big batch to potlucks; proof positive that it's a keeper! I also like to make it a day ahead so the flavors can truly blend. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

30/40

No-Bake Chocolate-Pecan Tartlets

At the last minute, I frantically came up with this treat for a holiday tea. The tartlets were quickly gobbled up. Now, I make them for our annual Teacher Taster's Choice and special family gatherings. —Joy Johnson, Culbertson, Montana

31/40

Slow Cooker Calico Beans

With so many folks moving to meatless or healthier food choices, I decided to remove the meat from the original recipe but turn up the flavor. The savory veggie blend balances the sweetness of the baked beans. —David Dixon, Shaker Heights, OH

32/40

Beer Cheese in a Bread Bowl

My entire family loves this cheese dip. I often get requests to bring it to gatherings with friends. Chopped scallions make a pretty optional garnish. —Julie Koch, Delaware, Ohio

33/40

Chicken Salad Party Sandwiches

My famous chicken salad arrives at the party chilled in a plastic container. When it’s time to set out the food, I stir in the pecans and assemble the sandwiches. They’re a hit at buffet-style potlucks. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

34/40

The combination of green beans and red potatoes, sometimes known as green beans Pierre, is one of my go-to side dishes. It's terrific with chicken.— Preci D'Silva, Dubai

35/40

Layered Curried Cheese Spread

Pretty and tasty, this layered dips has become my signature appetizer. We make this for almost every party and family occasion we attend.—Melody Kieffer, Kirkland, Washington

36/40

Noodle Pudding

Whenever I bring this creamy dish to gatherings, it always prompts recipe requests. The surprising sweetness comes from apricot nectar, and everyone enjoys the golden buttery topping. —Eileen Meyers, Scott Township, Pennsylvania

37/40

New Orleans Gumbo

I’ve been making this New Orleans gumbo for at least 30 years. I’m originally from New Orleans, and I think it’s a nice taste of the Vieux Carre (French Quarter). Everyone who tastes this gumbo wants the recipe. It’s an old standby for my family, who requests it frequently. —Dolores M. Bridges, Danville, Kentucky

38/40

Coconut Poppy Seed Cake

This moist coconut cake is definitely one of my most-requested desserts. Use different cake mixes and pudding flavors for variety. —Gail Cayce, Wautoma, Wisconsin

39/40

Bacon-Pimiento Cheese Corn Muffins

Cornbread is essential at family dinners, and with the addition of bacon and pimiento cheese, you'll have requests for more long after the get-together! —Holly Jones, Kennesaw, Georgia

40/40

Potluck Spareribs

When I want to bring home an empty pan from a potluck, I turn to this recipe. The ribs disappear in minutes! —Sheri Kirkman, Lancaster, New York

Originally Published: April 19, 2018