23 Potluck Recipes That Always Leave an Empty Dish
When it comes to potlucks, the best dishes are the ones that don’t make it back home. These recipes are easy to share, made with simple ingredients, and always go fast. They work for big crowds and are built to hold up on a buffet table. If you need a reliable go-to, this list covers it.
Cranberry Clementine Quick Bread
Cranberry Clementine Quick Bread takes just under an hour and balances tart cranberries with sweet citrus. For a bold, fruity bite, it’s made with fresh clementine juice, zest, and whole cranberries. The texture is moist, and the flavor leans bright and slightly tangy. It’s the kind of quick bread that disappears fast.
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Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken Kabobs
Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken Kabobs come together in about 45 minutes and feature marinated chicken, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano. They’re tender with a fresh, zesty flavor that works hot or at room temperature. The skewers make it easy to serve and share. They go quickly once they hit the table.
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20-Minute Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Charred Tomatoes and Avocado
20-Minute Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Charred Tomatoes and Avocado uses boneless chicken, basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and fresh avocado. The chicken is juicy, the tomatoes are slightly smoky, and the avocado adds creaminess. It’s quick to make and full of flavor. It works for both casual and more dressed-up gatherings.
Get the Recipe: 20-Minute Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Charred Tomatoes and Avocado
Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions
Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions are ready in 30 minutes and made with fresh green beans, garlic, and crispy onions. The beans stay crisp while the garlic adds a punch of flavor. The fried onions give it crunch and a bit of richness. It’s a reliable side dish that gets second helpings.
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Overnight Maple Clementine French Toast Casserole
Overnight Maple Clementine French Toast Casserole takes about an hour to bake after chilling overnight. It uses crusty bread, maple syrup, clementine zest, and eggs to create a soft, sweet, citrus-forward dish. The texture is rich, almost like bread pudding. It’s perfect for morning or brunch potlucks that call for something special.
Get the Recipe: Overnight Maple Clementine French Toast Casserole
Grandma’s Cornbread
Grandma’s Cornbread takes 30 minutes and uses cornmeal, buttermilk, eggs, and butter. It has a golden crust with a soft, tender center that’s lightly sweet and a little savory. The texture holds up well to being passed around. It’s a classic that people return to every time.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta
Roasted Brussels sprouts with almonds and feta, cooked in 30 minutes, feature roasted sprouts, sliced almonds, and crumbled feta. The sprouts are caramelized, the almonds add crunch, and the feta brings in saltiness. It’s a balanced side with great texture. It pairs easily with just about anything on the table.
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Honey Garlic Carrots
Honey Garlic Carrots are a simple side dish that’s usually gone before seconds. They’re made with fresh carrots, garlic, and a honey glaze and come together in under 40 minutes. The carrots are roasted until tender and slightly sticky, and the garlic adds just the right amount of sweetness and depth.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots
Zucchini Noodle Salad
Zucchini Noodle Salad is ready in 25 minutes and uses spiralized zucchini, tomatoes, feta, and a vinaigrette. It’s crisp, refreshing, and has a clean, tangy flavor. There’s no cooking involved, so it’s great for warm-weather potlucks. It disappears quickly and doesn’t weigh anyone down.
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Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots
Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots take about 35 minutes and use whole carrots, honey, and olive oil. The roasting brings out their natural sweetness while the glaze adds a little extra shine and flavor. They’re soft, slightly sticky, and hard to stop eating. It’s an easy choice that doesn’t need dressing up.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots
Screaming Skillet Green Beans
Screaming Skillet Green Beans are ready in under 20 minutes with green beans, garlic, and red pepper flakes. They’re sautéed hot and fast, keeping them snappy and flavorful. The heat from the pepper gives them a kick. It’s a side dish that stands out with little effort.
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Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts take 30 minutes and use roasted sprouts with a sticky balsamic reduction. They’re slightly sweet, tangy, and caramelized at the edges. The glaze makes them feel a bit special without much work. They’re usually one of the first vegetable dishes to go.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
25-Minute Clementine Drop Biscuits
25-Minute Clementine Drop Biscuits are made with flour, butter, and fresh clementine juice. They’re soft and slightly sweet with a fresh citrus flavor throughout. No rolling or cutting needed, so they’re quick to bake and share. They pair well with savory dishes or fruit spreads.
Get the Recipe: 25-Minute Clementine Drop Biscuits
Strawberry Shortcake with Brown Sugar Biscuits
Strawberry Shortcake with Brown Sugar Biscuits takes about 45 minutes and features sweet biscuits, macerated strawberries, and whipped cream. The biscuits have a light crunch and a hint of molasses from the brown sugar. The strawberries bring freshness, and the whipped cream ties it together. It’s a solid finish to any spread.
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Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes are ready in 45 minutes and use russet potatoes, browned butter, and roasted garlic. They’re creamy and rich with a deep, nutty flavor. The garlic is mellow and smooth rather than sharp. It’s a crowd-pleaser that holds its own at any table.
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Easy 3-Ingredient Onion Dip
Easy 3-Ingredient Onion Dip takes only 5 minutes and mixes sour cream, dried onion soup mix, and mayo or yogurt. It’s creamy, salty, and packed with that nostalgic onion flavor. Serve it with chips or veggies and watch it disappear fast. It’s the low-effort favorite that everyone secretly hopes shows up.
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Easy Scalloped Potatoes
Easy Scalloped Potatoes take about an hour, and thinly sliced potatoes are layered with cream, garlic, and cheese. The top gets golden while the inside stays soft and comforting. The flavor is creamy, savory, and always hits the spot. It’s the kind of dish that gets scraped clean every time.
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Taco Potato Casserole
Taco Potato Casserole bakes in under an hour with ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and taco seasoning. It’s bold, filling, and packed with flavor in every bite. The texture is cheesy and soft with a little crunch on top. It works for picky eaters and seasoned potluck pros alike.
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Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole
Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole takes just under an hour and mixes chicken, potatoes, broccoli, and cheese. It’s creamy, hearty, and brings in some green without feeling too heavy. The flavors are familiar and comforting. It holds heat well and usually vanishes by the time seconds roll around.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole
Mexican Street Corn
Mexican Street Corn is ready in 30 minutes using corn on the cob, mayo, cotija, lime juice, and chili powder. It’s sweet, salty, tangy, and just a little spicy. The toppings cling to the warm corn for a bold bite every time. It’s messy in the best way and is usually eaten first.
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Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Parmesan-crusted potatoes bake in about 40 minutes with sliced potatoes, butter, and shredded parmesan. They come out crisp on the bottom with cheesy edges and soft centers. The flavor is rich and salty with a hint of nuttiness. They’re easy to scoop and always go fast.
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Creamy Baked Feta Dip with Dates, Hazelnuts, and Honey
Creamy Baked Feta Dip with Dates, Hazelnuts, and Honey takes 30 minutes and blends salty feta with sweet dates and crunchy nuts. It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and deeply savory. The honey ties everything together without overpowering it. It’s ideal for scooping with crackers or pita chips.
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One-Pot Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes Casserole
One-Pot Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes Casserole takes about an hour and is packed with chicken thighs, baby potatoes, and buttermilk. The buttermilk adds a creamy, tangy base that soaks into every bite. It’s hearty enough to stand alone and keeps its flavor even after sitting out. This is a solid choice when you want to bring something filling that gets noticed.
Get the Recipe: One-Pot Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes Casserole