These 17 potluck dishes aren’t just food—they’re your ticket to being the star of every gathering. If you want to be known as the person everyone invites just for their cooking skills, this is the way to do it. No need for a fancy chef’s hat or endless hours in the kitchen—just good food that gets people talking. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking to impress, these dishes are the real showstoppers. Get ready for your social calendar to fill up with invites!

A slate platter with six crab stuffed mushrooms garnished with herbs.
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Cheese

A rectangular pan of Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Cheese, partially sliced, showing layers.
Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Cheese. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

If comfort food were a contest, Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Cheese would be a strong contender for the top prize. It’s that go-to dish people look for at the table, hoping for that perfect balance of tender potatoes and tasty ham, all swaddled in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. When you walk in with this classic, expect nods of approval and be prepared for zero leftovers. It pairs seamlessly with various main courses but can proudly stand alone as the star.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Cheese

Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

Plate of Deviled Egg Pasta Salad on a wooden table, accompanied by three forks and a blue plaid napkin.
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Twist on a classic, Deviled Egg Pasta Salad, steals the spotlight at picnics and potlucks. Instead of the usual suspects, this dish combines beloved flavors of deviled eggs with the hearty presence of pasta for an all-in-one side. Bringing this dish practically guarantees that you’re dishing out smiles along with servings. It’s the kind of recipe that has everyone asking, “Who made this?” and trust me, they won’t forget the answer.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

Retro Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes & Apples

Sliced slow cooker pork roast with sweet potatoes & apples on a white plate.
Retro Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes & Apples. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Remember those family gatherings where a certain dish made time feel like it stopped? Retro Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes & Apples is a hearty throwback that brings comfort to every forkful. It’s one of those ‘set it and forget it’ meals where the magic happens in the slow cooker, leaving you free to mingle. The blend of succulent pork with the natural sweetness of apples creates a homey vibe that’s welcome at any potluck.
Get the Recipe: Retro Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes & Apples

Broccoli Rice Casserole from Grandma’s Recipe Box

Close-up of a cheesy broccoli and rice casserole in a baking dish, with a serving removed, showing melted cheese, rice, broccoli, and garnished parsley.
Broccoli Rice Casserole from Grandma’s Recipe Box. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

There’s something about the word ‘grandma’ that already hints at a dish worth getting seconds of. With Broccoli Rice Casserole from Grandma’s Recipe Box, you’re not just bringing a dish; you’re bringing a piece of family history that’s sure to charm. This casserole, with its tender broccoli and creamy rice, is like a warm hug on a plate. Be proud when you lay this down at the potluck; it’s nostalgia served with a spoon.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole from Grandma’s Recipe Box

Frito Pie

A white plate with a serving of Frito pie, topped with corn chips, is shown on a light surface.
Frito Pie. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Spice up the potluck scene with a dish that’s quirky, fun, and irresistibly crunchy—Frito Pie. It’s a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing concoction that beckons the brave at heart – those who aren’t afraid to explore layers upon layers smothered in flavors that pack a punch. Everyone will be intrigued by the playful use of chips, creating a buzz around the whole event. You’ll definitely be remembered as the one who kicked up the fun factor a notch.
Get the Recipe: Frito Pie

Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon

A black bowl filled with Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon with a spoon on the side.
Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Ever thought cabbage could be the life of the party? Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon just might change your mind. It’s a robust combination where earthy meets smoky, and when you bring this to the potluck, watch it disappear before the party really starts. You’ll see folks scoop heaping portions onto their plates, drawn by the comforting aroma. It’s a humble dish with a charisma that’s hard to ignore.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon

Wild Rice Salad

Wild rice salad served on a white rectangular plate.
Wild Rice Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Wild Rice Salad is for those who appreciate a dish that stands out with its chewy texture and nutty notes. This salad breaks the monotony of predictable potluck fare, inviting a wholesome variety to the spread. As you set it down, you’ll catch curious glances and soon they’ll be reaching for a taste of this fresh, flavorful alternative. It’s the kind of side that complements without overpowering and keeps everyone guessing about its diverse mix of ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad

Hot Reuben Dip

Cheesy, golden-brown Hot Reuben dip in a cast-iron skillet, topped with chopped pickles and fresh parsley, served with slices of marbled rye bread.
Hot Reuben Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who says sandwiches have all the fun? Usher in Hot Reuben Dip and watch as guests swarm around this hot, melty twist on a sandwich classic. It is the dish folks will hover over, scooping heaps onto their plates or crackers, reluctant to walk away. This dip captures all the beloved elements of a Reuben, transforming them into a party-perfect sensation. Believe it or not, your dish might just become the topic of the day.
Get the Recipe: Hot Reuben Dip

Easy Mexican Rice

Mexican Rice with a slice of lime on a black bowl.
Easy Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If looking for a dish that seamlessly complements any fiesta-themed potluck, Easy Mexican Rice is your trusty sidekick. It’s not just a filler; it’s a flavorful bedrock that supports a variety of main courses with grace. Once this dish hits the table, watch people circle back for ‘just a bit more,’ thanks to its inviting appearance and aroma. It’s simple, honest food done right, and that’s a universal language everyone understands.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mexican Rice

Copycat Applebee’s Spinach-Artichoke Dip

A hand dipping a tortilla chip into a tray of Copycat Applebee’s spinach artichoke dip.
Copycat Applebee’s Spinach-Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

It’s a real coup when you can recreate a restaurant favorite like Copycat Applebee’s Spinach-Artichoke Dip. It’s a sure hit, drawing in the crowds for its creamy, cheesy goodness and leaving everyone guessing if you secretly worked at Applebee’s. Don’t be surprised to see individuals stealthily returning to sneak more onto their plates; this dip has that effect. It’s a conversation starter, too, as guests swap stories of dining out while enjoying your homemade twist.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Applebee’s Spinach-Artichoke Dip

Smoked Salmon Spread

Bowl of smoked salmon spread garnished with chopped chives next to crackers on a slate platter.
Smoked Salmon Spread. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Elegance can be edible, and Smoked Salmon Spread is proof of that. You’ll be serving up class with a side of sophistication when this spread graces the potluck table. Its luxurious texture and flavor have a way of making everyone feel a bit more upscale with each bite. Don’t be surprised if you overhear others pondering where you bought it, only to reveal it’s your own creation.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Spread

Grilled Corn Guacamole

Corn guacamole with tortilla chips on a plate.
Grilled Corn Guacamole. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Get the party started with the bright and vibrant Grilled Corn Guacamole. This isn’t your average guac; it’s a fiesta in a bowl, with those charred kernels adding a smoky twist that’s downright addictive. Lay out a batch of this dip with a welcoming bowl of tortilla chips and watch how fast it becomes the center of attention. People won’t just stop by; they’ll linger, drawn in by the playful combination dreamt up from a classic favorite.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Guacamole

Tuna Noodle Casserole

A plate of tuna noodle casserole with more in a baking dish nearby.
Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Bring a bit of comfort to the crowd with the always welcome Tuna Noodle Casserole. It’s the sort of dish that people gravitate towards, drawn by familiar flavors and the promise of home-cooked goodness. As you uncover it, watch faces light up with a mix of nostalgia and anticipation. This casserole holds its own among more extravagant entries, proving that classic tastes never truly go out of style.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Noodle Casserole

Speculoos White Chocolate Blondies

A white plate with four square pieces of Speculoos White Chocolate Blondies bars.
Speculoos White Chocolate Blondies. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Aim to surprise at your next potluck with the sweet sensation of Speculoos White Chocolate Blondies. This dish brings a playful spin to the dessert table, merging comforting spices with the creamy sweetness of white chocolate. You’ll have everyone’s sweet tooth on stand-by as they eye these treats, already planning their dessert course before the main entree.Who knew blondies could be such a conversation starter?
Get the Recipe: Speculoos White Chocolate Blondies

Queso Blanco Rotel Dip

A skillet filled with creamy Queso Blanco Rotel Dip containing ground meat and diced tomatoes.
Queso Blanco Rotel Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Say hello to the belle of the ball, Queso Blanco Rotel Dip, the dip that brings a zing to the table. With a dish like this, every chip becomes a vessel for cheesy, slightly spicy glory, and no one can resist coming back for more. Set this out early because once guests have a taste, they’ll hover like bees to honey, eager for each cheesy swoop. It’s the dip that keeps the mood upbeat, ensuring everybody’s spirits are as lifted as their chips.
Get the Recipe: Queso Blanco Rotel Dip

Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Mediterranean Chopped Salad with crumbled feta cheese, on a yellow plate with flower designs.
Mediterranean Chopped Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Introduce a refreshing change of pace with the vibrant Mediterranean Chopped Salad. It’s a burst of colors and textures that promises to brighten up any potluck spread. People looking for a lighter option will flock to your dish, grateful for the fresh, crisp addition amongst heavier fare. As conversations buzz around you, watch this salad get its fair share of the limelight. It’s a thoughtful selection of fresh flavors that offers a delicious break.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

A slate platter with six crab stuffed mushrooms garnished with herbs.
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Be the one who brings a touch of gourmet to the table with Crab Stuffed Mushrooms. These bite-sized treasures are the perfect combination of succulent crab and earthy mushrooms, offering a sophisticated twist that raises eyebrows — in the best way. As you place your tray down, notice the immediate interest they spark, tempting even those who thought they had no room left. It’s the dish that evokes murmurs of luxury without any pretense.
Get the Recipe: Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *