Don’t you love potlucks? Potluck dinners are events, gatherings or parties, where the people invited are asked to bring a dish to share. This is a great way to cut costs, while still providing a variety of tasty food to the guests. Plus, they are a ton of fun! They can also be stressful for the busy mom, that’s why I keep a list of last minute potluck recipes handy.
In my experience, potlucks are a popular way to celebrate milestones and wins in the workplace.
Any time my large extended family gets together, it’s understood that each household is expected to bring a dish. I like it because it spreads out the food cost and also ensures that the amount of food at the gathering is appropriate for the size of the gathering.
Potlucks are also held by community groups and are often used to raise money for various causes, whether it be by charging for a ticket or holding a raffle at the same time.
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What makes a good potluck recipe?
The best potluck recipes are usually quite simple and something that can be made in bulk. When making last minute potluck recipes, it is better to stick with classics, that everyone tends to likes.For family potlucks I stick to “cultural classics.” Lumpia or pancit is always a huge hit.
You could also ask the hosts if anyone has special dietary needs, like being vegetarian or gluten-free and incorporate that into your recipe. Since my daughter has food allergies, I tend to bring dishes that I know she likes in case my potluck contribution is all she can eat.
A Variety of Last Minute Potluck Recipes to Keep on Hand!
Who doesn’t love ranch and bacon? This Creamy Bacon, Ranch and Pea Salad will definitely be a crowd favorite. It’s certainly my sister’s favorite! This recipe only takes 15 minutes to toss together!
Add a little Asian flavor to the salad table with this Amazing Asian Ramen and Chicken Salad. Confession: I absolutely love Chicken Ramen. It’s the ultimate comfort food for me because my mom would make it for lunch when I was a kid.
Need at vegetarian option? This Italian Chickpea Salad is totally vegetarian and totally delicious!
Potlucks often need side dishes. Something easy and homemade like this Cream Corned Potluck Recipe can always be counted on.
This Cheesy Broccoli Casserole will be easy make in bulk and is a super comfort food!
Cracker Barrel is the ultimate in down home cooking, right? These two copycat recipes are on my list for our next gathering…or for brunch this weekend. Cracker Barrel Copycat Hashbrown Casserole and Cracker Barrel Copycat Chicken and Rice Casserole.
Chicken Noodle Casserole is another easy potluck recipe that is definitely a comfort food and it would be easy to double or even triple this recipe.
Everybody loves lasagna and this Lazy Lasagna is probably the easiest lasagna recipe you will ever make. It can also easily be made into a vegetarian option by omitting the meat.
You could always add a little flair to the pasta table by trying this Mediterranean Pasta Bake!
Looking for a last minute, delicious and easy potluck recipe? This Easy Chili Mac hits all the marks!
If you are on desert duty, you can’t go wrong with a Boston Cream Poke Cake or a No Bake Strawberry and Cream Cake!
Want to be the potluck MVP? Pull out your Instant Pot and make these delicious and gorgeous Instant Pot Lava Cakes. (If you don’t have one, buy one. You won’t regret it. Here, I’ll even link to it for you —> My favorite appliance ever, the one and only Instant Pot. )
Of course, if you really want to stick with the super classic — but upgraded– and way easy potluck recipes, I would go with a Tater Tot Dish, Macaroni and Cheese or a nice Instant Pot Loaded Baked Potato Salad!
Looking for more? My friend Melissa offers a Favorite Potluck Dinners Menu Plan on her site.
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