10+ Easy Potluck Recipes for Stress-Free Gatherings

Potlucks are a great way to share food and connect with friends and family.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, you want recipes that are easy to prepare and delicious to eat.

You’ll find that simple potluck recipes can impress a crowd without keeping you in the kitchen for hours.

From appetizers to main dishes and desserts, there are countless dishes you can bring that will satisfy various tastes.

With easy recipes on hand, you can focus more on enjoying the company rather than stressing in the kitchen.

1) Easy Chicken Pot Pie

Making an easy chicken pot pie is a great choice for any potluck. You can whip it up quickly using rotisserie chicken and some frozen veggies. Plus, using store-bought puff pastry saves time.

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C).

In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, vegetables, and your favorite seasonings.

Pour the mixture into a pie dish lined with puff pastry. Cover it with another layer of pastry and make a few slits on top for steam to escape.

Bake the pot pie for about 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden brown. Let it cool a bit before serving, and enjoy the creamy filling with your friends.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 package puff pastry
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
2. In a bowl, combine chicken, vegetables, onion, and broth.
3. Line a pie dish with puff pastry.
4. Pour the filling into the dish.
5. Cover with another pastry layer and cut slits.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes.
7. Let it cool before serving.

2) No-Boil Baked Ziti

No-boil baked ziti is a simple and delicious dish, perfect for potlucks. You can make it with just a few ingredients, and there’s no need to cook the pasta ahead of time.

All you have to do is mix dried pasta with marinara sauce and cheese in a baking dish. The dish will bake in the oven, allowing the pasta to absorb all that tasty flavor.

This recipe is not only quick but also requires minimal cleanup. You can serve it straight from the dish, making it perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) ziti pasta
• 24 oz (680 g) marinara sauce
• 15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups (8 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) water
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a baking dish, combine ziti, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and water.
3. Mix well; ensure the pasta is covered.
4. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
6. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Enjoy!

3) Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Butternut squash mac and cheese is a creamy and comforting dish that everyone will love. It adds a healthy twist to the classic recipe, making it perfect for potlucks.

You can make this dish with just a few ingredients. The sweetness of the butternut squash pairs beautifully with the cheese for a delightful flavor. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be made in one pot.

This dish is great for kids and adults alike. You can serve it as a side or a main dish. It’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering!

Ingredients

• 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 2 cups pasta
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated gouda cheese
• 1 cup milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.
3. Steam butternut squash until tender.
4. Blend the squash with milk until smooth.
5. Combine pasta, squash mixture, and cheese in a pot.
6. Stir until cheese melts and is creamy.
7. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

4) Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes

Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes are a comforting and enjoyable dish for potlucks. You can easily make them by using baked potatoes as the base. They are hearty and packed with flavor.

First, bake your potatoes until they’re tender. While they cool, cook ground beef or lamb with your favorite seasonings. You can add tomato soup for moisture and flavor.

Once the meat is ready, scoop out a portion of your baked potatoes, mix in the filling, and return it to the skins. Bake again until everything is heated through.

These baked potatoes will impress your guests and are simple to prepare!

Ingredients

• 4 medium russet potatoes
• 1 pound lean ground beef or ground lamb
• 1 can (10.75 ounces) tomato soup
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: shredded cheese, peas, carrots

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake the potatoes for 45-60 minutes until tender.
3. In a pan, cook ground beef or lamb over medium heat.
4. Add tomato soup, salt, and pepper; mix well.
5. Scoop out the insides of baked potatoes and combine with the meat mixture.
6. Return the filling to the potato skins and top with cheese if desired.
7. Bake for an additional 15 minutes. Enjoy!

5) Velveeta Spicy Sausage Dip

Velveeta Spicy Sausage Dip is a quick and tasty option for your next potluck. With just three ingredients, you can create a dip that everyone will love. It’s creamy, cheesy, and has a little kick to it.

To prepare, you’ll combine melted Velveeta cheese, spicy sausage, and canned tomatoes with chiles. This dip is perfect with tortilla chips or veggies.

You can also use a slow cooker for easy serving and to keep the dip warm throughout the event. Just mix everything together and let the cooker do the work!

Ingredients

• 16 oz Velveeta cheese
• 1 lb spicy breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 10 oz canned tomatoes with chiles, drained

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the Velveeta cheese into cubes.
2. In a slow cooker, combine the Velveeta, crumbled sausage, and canned tomatoes.
3. Heat on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally until melted.
4. Serve warm with chips or veggies. Enjoy!

6) Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo Chicken Dip is a crowd-pleaser at any potluck. It combines spicy Buffalo sauce, creamy ranch, and cheesy goodness. This dish is hearty and easy to make.

You can prepare it in a slow cooker for convenience. Simply mix everything, let it cook, and enjoy! Serve it with tortilla chips, celery, or crackers.

You’ll love how simple it is to make this dip. Just five ingredients create a tasty treat everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Frank’s Buffalo Hot Sauce
• 1 cup Hidden Valley Ranch dressing
• 2 cups Colby Jack shredded cheese
• 16 ounces cream cheese (2 packages)
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken

Cooking Instructions

1. In a slow cooker, combine all ingredients.
2. Mix well until combined.
3. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or until heated through.
4. Stir occasionally and serve warm with your favorite dipper.

7) Portobello Bison Burgers

Portobello bison burgers are a tasty and easy option for your next potluck. They combine the rich flavor of bison with moist portobello mushrooms for a delicious twist on a classic burger.

To make these burgers, you’ll need ground bison and large portobello caps to help form the patties. The mushrooms add great moisture and flavor.

You can spice them up with seasonings like chipotle, thyme, and cumin for a nice kick. Grill them and serve with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

• 16 oz ground bison
• 2 large portobello mushroom caps
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Spices (chipotle, thyme, cumin)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the ground bison, egg, and spices.
3. Shape the mixture into patties.
4. Grill the patties for about 5-6 minutes on each side.
5. Grill the portobello caps for 3-4 minutes.
6. Serve burgers with grilled portobello on top.

8) Peanut-Ginger Chickpea Curry

Peanut-Ginger Chickpea Curry is a tasty and simple dish perfect for potlucks. It combines creamy peanut butter and spices to create a flavorful meal. This curry is also vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for many guests.

You start by sautéing onion and fresh ginger in a pan. Then, add peanut butter, almond milk, curry powder, and a touch of maple syrup. Blend the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy.

Serve the curry over warm brown rice for a hearty dish. It’s rich in protein and packed with flavor that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
• 5 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 cup almond milk
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• Cooked brown rice

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté the chopped onion and grated ginger in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the peanut butter, almond milk, curry powder, and maple syrup.
3. Blend the mixture until smooth.
4. Stir in the chickpeas and heat through.
5. Serve over cooked brown rice.

9) Spinach Artichoke Dip

Spinach artichoke dip is a classic party favorite. It’s creamy, cheesy, and easy to make. Your guests will love it!

Start with fresh or frozen spinach and canned artichokes. Mix these with cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese for a delicious flavor. You can serve it warm with tortilla chips or toasted bread.

This recipe can be made ahead of time, perfect for potlucks. Just bake it just before serving for the best taste.

Ingredients

• 1 cup chopped spinach (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup canned artichokes, drained and chopped
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or Parmesan)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, and sour cream.
3. Add the cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Then, transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
6. Serve warm with chips or bread. Enjoy!

10) Chicken Spaghetti

Chicken spaghetti is a simple and comforting dish that everyone loves. It combines tender chicken, spaghetti, and a creamy sauce. This recipe is perfect for potlucks because it’s easy to make and can feed a crowd.

To start, you’ll need cooked chicken, spaghetti, cream of mushroom soup, and some cheese for extra flavor. You can even add veggies like bell peppers or onions for more texture.

Bake the dish until it’s hot and bubbly. This meal is satisfying and sure to be a hit among your friends and family.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken
• 3 cups uncooked spaghetti, broken into two-inch pieces
• 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
• 3 cups grated cheese
• 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
• 1 cup onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook spaghetti according to the package instructions.
3. In a bowl, mix together the chicken, soup, cheese, and veggies.
4. Combine the mixture with the cooked spaghetti.
5. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.