25 Potluck Recipes Everyone Asks Grandma to Bring

Grandma has a way of making food that people never forget. These potluck recipes everyone asks her to bring have been passed around tables for years, winning over both friends and strangers. They’re the kind of dishes that disappear fast, with guests hoping there will be leftovers to take home. In this list of 25 recipes, you’ll find the flavors, comfort, and charm that keep her name on every invitation.

Spinach Lasagna Rolls

Two lasagna roll-ups filled with spinach and ricotta cheese, topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese, garnished with a fresh basil leaf—dishes every foodie should try before you die. — Spinach Lasagna Rolls. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Spinach Lasagna Rolls feature pasta sheets rolled with spinach and cheese, then baked in tomato sauce for a hearty, shareable dish. These rolls cook in under an hour and serve easily in individual portions, making them a smart choice for busy potluck tables. The balance of vegetables, cheese, and sauce appeals to a wide range of guests. They disappear quickly, so bringing extra is never a bad idea.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Lasagna Rolls

Butterscotch Apple Crisp

A butterscotch apple crumble in a cast iron skillet on a wooden cutting board. — Butterscotch Apple Crisp. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Butterscotch Apple Crisp comes together in about an hour with tart Granny Smith apples tossed in a bourbon butterscotch sauce and topped with buttery streusel. Baking transforms the apples into a tender, flavorful filling. The warm, sweet aroma makes it hard to wait until it cools. It’s the kind of dessert that pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Apple Crisp

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes start with Yukon Gold potatoes boiled until tender, then mashed with a sauce of browned butter, garlic, and sage. They’re ready in about 35 minutes from start to finish. The browned butter gives them a rich, nutty flavor. This is a side that pairs well with almost any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

A stack of three lemon bars on a plate with more lemon bars in the background. — Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust bake in under an hour with a crisp buttery base and a smooth, tangy lemon layer on top. The sweet and tart flavors balance each other perfectly. They’re easy to transport and serve, making them practical for gatherings. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds the final touch.
Get the Recipe: Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

Veggie Couscous Salad

Veggie Couscous Salad is a light, colorful mix of couscous, fresh vegetables, and herbs tossed in a simple dressing. It comes together in under 30 minutes and is best served chilled or at room temperature. The fresh ingredients add a crisp bite alongside the soft couscous. It’s a refreshing choice for warm-weather gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Couscous Salad

Zucchini Noodle Salad

Zucchini Noodle Salad combines spiralized zucchini with bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and avocado in a light dressing. It can be made in about 20 minutes with no cooking required. The fresh flavors and vibrant colors make it visually appealing. It’s a cool, crisp side dish that works well in summer spreads.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Noodle Salad

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts roast in the oven until tender, then are tossed in a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze. They take about 25 minutes to make. The roasting process brings out their natural sweetness. This is a quick way to make Brussels sprouts more appealing to a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

One Pan Garlic Pepper Pork Dinner

Cooked seasoned pork surrounded by diced vegetables in a black skillet on a wooden table. — One Pan Garlic Pepper Pork Dinner. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

One Pan Garlic Pepper Pork Dinner brings together tender pork, garlic, and colorful bell peppers in a 30-minute recipe. The minimal cleanup and short cook time make it a convenient choice when preparing for a crowd. Its bold but familiar flavors work well in any setting, including potlucks where variety is key. Even the person who claims they’re “just looking” will end up with a serving.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Garlic Pepper Pork Dinner

Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce

A white plate with a serving of shredded meat topped with sauce and garnished with herbs, perfect for movie night snacks. A fork rests on top, and a blurred dish is in the background. — Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce is cooked low and slow until it’s tender enough to pull apart effortlessly. The tangy mustard-based sauce pairs perfectly with the rich pork, and the slow cooker method keeps prep time minimal. It’s easy to transport and stays warm, a bonus for any potluck spread. This one will have people asking who brought it before the first bite.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce

Lamb Shepherd’s Pie

Lamb Shepherd’s Pie layers savory lamb, carrots, peas, and a rich gravy beneath a blanket of creamy mashed potatoes. It’s baked until golden on top, bringing together textures and flavors in under two hours. This classic comfort food holds its heat well, making it perfect for sharing at gatherings. Few dishes say “stick-to-your-ribs” quite like this one.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Shepherd’s Pie

Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

A dish of beets, sweet potatoes, and parsnips roasted in the oven with sprigs of sage. — Oven Roasted Root Vegetables. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Oven Roasted Root Vegetables bake for about 35 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized. Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes are tossed with herbs and olive oil before roasting. The result is a warm, earthy flavor with a touch of sweetness. They add color and variety to the plate.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta

Stuffed shells in a cast iron skillet. — Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta are pasta shells filled with a creamy cheese and spinach mixture, baked under marinara until bubbling. The recipe comes together in about an hour, and the dish holds up well on a buffet table. It’s a hearty vegetarian option that still feels indulgent enough for special occasions. The empty pan at the end of the night speaks for itself.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta

Brioche Rolls

Brioche Rolls require a few hours for the dough to rise, resulting in a soft crumb and golden crust. Made with eggs and butter, they have a rich flavor and slightly sweet taste. They bake in about 15 minutes once shaped and proofed. These rolls are great with both sweet and savory spreads.
Get the Recipe: Brioche Rolls

Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

Roasted Chicken and Vegetables is cooked in the oven until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are caramelized. In about an hour and a half, you have a balanced main dish that’s both wholesome and satisfying. The simple seasoning lets the natural flavors shine, which works well for a wide range of tastes at a gathering. It’s the kind of platter that always ends up at the center of the table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

Peach Crumble Bars

Peach Crumble Bars bake in under an hour with layers of buttery shortbread crust, juicy peach filling, and a crumbly topping. They use simple pantry staples, making them an easy dessert to prepare ahead of time. The sweet fruit contrasts perfectly with the buttery base for a balanced bite. These bars slice neatly, making them perfect for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Peach Crumble Bars

Caramel Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Caramel Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies feature chocolate shortbread filled with smooth caramel and finished with a sprinkle of salt. They bake in under 15 minutes after a quick dough preparation. The rich chocolate and gooey caramel create a satisfying contrast in texture and flavor. These cookies tend to vanish quickly from dessert trays.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp combines sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb under a golden crumb topping. Baking takes about 45 minutes, allowing the fruit to bubble and the topping to crisp. It’s simple to prepare and can be served warm or at room temperature. The flavor mix is a seasonal favorite that always feels fresh.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Apple Cinnamon Rolls bake up with layers of tender dough, fresh apple pieces, and cinnamon sugar, all topped with cream cheese frosting. They take a couple of hours from start to finish but can be made ahead for easy transport. Sweet and fragrant, they stand out among potluck desserts without overpowering the rest of the table. These rolls have a way of disappearing before the main course even starts.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Blackberry Crumble Pie

Blackberry Crumble Pie combines a buttery crust, juicy blackberries, and a spiced crumb topping for a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is flavorful. It takes about an hour to bake, and the filling holds together well for neat slices at a potluck. The contrasting textures make each bite memorable. You’ll know it’s a hit when people start asking if they can take a slice home.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Crumble Pie

Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings

Two bowls of butternut squash soup on a wooden table. — Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings combines smooth, slightly sweet squash with soft dumplings for a hearty bowl that warms from the inside out. It takes just over an hour to prepare, with each spoonful offering a balance of vegetables and tender dough. The dumplings make it stand out among typical potluck soups. Guests will be coming back for seconds before the ladle has a chance to rest.
Get the Recipe: Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Horizontal overhead shot of a platter of chocolate chocolate chip cookies. — Double Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies mix cocoa powder and chocolate chips into a rich, fudgy dough that bakes in under 15 minutes. The no-chill method makes them quick to prepare. Their soft texture and deep chocolate flavor appeal to all ages. These cookies rarely last beyond the first round of servings.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

A delightful side dish of green beans topped with crispy fried onions, perfect for pleasing both adults and kids alike. — Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions are sautéed until crisp-tender, then tossed with garlic and topped with crispy fried onions. They take less than 20 minutes to prepare. The combination of textures makes them satisfying without being heavy. They work as an easy side for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Butter Pecan Cookies

Butter Pecan Cookies are soft and chewy with toasted pecans and a subtle hint of ginger in each bite. They take less than 30 minutes to make, from mixing to baking. A drizzle of white chocolate adds extra sweetness and a polished look. These are a dependable favorite for any dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Cookies

Summer Orzo Salad

Summer orzo pasta salad in a while serving bowl on a whitewashed background next to a bowl of green beans. — Summer Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Summer Orzo Salad mixes tender orzo pasta with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and can be served cold or at room temperature. The simple ingredients make it easy to prepare in advance. This salad adds a bright, fresh option to any table.
Get the Recipe: Summer Orzo Salad

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

A chicken pot pie in a skillet, with a portion scooped out, showing chicken, peas, and sauce. A silver spoon rests inside. — Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy is baked with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a creamy tarragon sauce tucked inside a flaky golden crust. Ready in about an hour, it’s the kind of dish that’s both filling and full of familiar flavors. The hint of tarragon adds depth without overpowering the comforting nature of the pie. This is the kind of main dish that disappears fast at a potluck table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy