68 Easy Potluck Ideas For The Procrastinator In All Of Us

Justina Huddleston

Justina Huddleston is a food writer living in Los Angeles. When she's not busy writing, she spends her time in the kitchen creating both virtuous and decidedly junky vegan food. Buffalo chickpea pizza, anyone? She's also been known to eat a plain block of tofu or beans straight out of the can for lunch, but somehow those culinary adventures don't make it to her Instagram. You can follow Justina on Twitter or see what's cooking in her kitchen on her blog, A Life of Little Pleasures.

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Aug 30, 2024

If you have to be at a potluck in a matter of a few hours, there are plenty of easy potluck ideas that require a minimal amount of time and will still impress the guests — several don't even involve a trip to the store! Whether you're throwing a potluck or attending one, check out our fave easy-peasy potluck recipes that will get you ready to go ASAP.

What are the best foods to bring to a potluck?

Rachel Claire / PEXELS

The best foods to bring to a potluck are easy-to-make dishes and finger foods like cheese dip, corn on the cob, casseroles, guacamole, slow cooker mac and cheese, potato salad, caprese, charcuterie boards, jalapeño poppers, sliders, pinwheels, and pasta salad. Your potluck dish should be ready to eat when you arrive to the function. Attendees should be able to eat the treat you brought straight off a plate, so soups and stews aren't recommended. We have all the fuss-free recipes you need to prepare for a potluck!

What can I bring to a potluck without cooking?

Askar Abayev / PEXELS

Store-bought chips and dip, sweet tea, bread rolls, ice cream, fruit salad, charcuterie cheeses and meats, and veggie trays are all fantastic options to bring to a potluck. No cooking necessary! If you're not going the food route for your upcoming potluck, volunteer to bring napkins, cups, utensils, and paper towels. The potluck host will thank you!

What to bring to a potluck last minute?

Rachel Claire / PEXELS

Easy, quick snacks that you can make without needing to heat up anything are your best bet for last-minute potluck prep. Dips, guacamole, lettuce wraps, salsa, salad, and no-bake finger foods are all great options.

What snacks do you bring to a potluck?

Kampus Production / PEXELS

Potato chips, pigs in a blanket, fruit kebabs, hummus and pita bread, roll-ups, bruschetta, cookies, brownie bites, deviled eggs, and potato skins are stellar snacks to bring to a potluck. You want to pick up snacks that are easy to eat and easy to clean up, too.

Brit + Co

Pastitsio

This baked pasta dish hails from Greece, and it has a tomato-meat-bechamel filling for a cozy, hearty dish. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Butter Board

If this TikTok trend isn't for serving a crowd, we don't know what is. Smear butter on a small cutting board, then have fun decorating your snack with everything from seasonings to hot honey. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Spinach Dip

Trust us, everyone's gonna be shoveling this creamy, leafy dip once you set it out. Spinach dip is always a good potluck idea! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Easy Potluck Idea for Green Goddess Salad

This salad is so easy that you'll be able to fix enough for your guests without a hitch. The cheesy, garlicky, citrus dressing tastes just as good as it sounds, and the *crunch* this salad delivers is out of this world. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Rainbow Bread

Okay – we already love bread, but rainbow bread? We will never pass up the opportunity to make this colorful recipe. We're pretty sure that your friends will agree, especially if there are children involved. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Instant Pot Chicken Pasta

Our tummies are always grumbling for pasta, and this hearty potluck recipe has got to be the best use of the carb. The thing that truly makes this a genius potluck idea is that you can transport it from place to place without taking it out of the Instant Pot. (via Brit + Co)

$Citrus Ros\u00e9 Sangria Recipe$

Brit + Co

Citrus Rosé Sangria Recipe

Sangria is a great cocktail for cookouts and potlucks alike, because it's super easy to make in large batches. This recipe boasts all your favorite summer citrus fruits, forming a refreshing sip. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Tomato Basil Orzo

This orzo recipe from Half Baked Harvest is served cold, which means you can make it ahead of time and just keep it in the fridge until you're ready to leave. This is the ultimate easy potluck dish! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Hummus

Once you make this gorgeous and easy hummus recipe for your potluck, you can serve it with an array of colorful veggies, chips, and other dippers that bring the snack table to life. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Dirty Soda

Okay, this one might not seem like your average potluck recipe, but considering all you need is soda and coffee creamer to make it, it's hard to ignore. We love this potluck-friendly drink. If you like cream soda, we're sure you'll love it too! (via Brit + Co)

$Gluten-Free Baked Avocado \u201cFries\u201d Easy Potluck Ideas$

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Gluten-Free Baked Avocado “Fries”

We love French fries. We love avocados. This potluck idea is a match made in heaven. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Easy Potluck Idea for Crock Pot Corn On The Cob

Need to cook 20 cobs of corn for the potluck, but don't have a ton of time? Throw them in your crock pot and let them marinate in a homemade garlic butter sauce for an easy side dish that comes together without too much effort. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Cauliflower Rice Keto Casserole

If your potluck ends up being on a rainy, chilly day (i.e. you'd rather be curled up with a book than outdoors), consider a veggie-packed casserole that will warm everyone up. This healthy recipe features chicken, veggies, and plenty of cheese. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Al Pastor Tacos

Tacos in all forms are a glorious ode to the potluck, but this pineapple al pastor version truly lives rent-free in our heads. This recipe yields a deliciously juicy taco filling that you can totally prep in-advance for your next function. (via Brit + Co)

Gentl and Hyers

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

You will always have something to eat (and share for a potluck) when you bust out this pasta recipe. It's made of all pantry staples: spaghetti, olive oil, garlic, anchovies, red peppers, and whatever herbs you have. (via Where Cooking Begins / Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Spicy Sriracha Dip

Dip is the *easiest* potluck snack ever. Whip up this spicy one and load up the plate with veggies, chips, crackers, or whatever you like to dunk! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Charcuterie Board

This is the perfect large group appetizer, especially if that group is comprised of all your gal pals. There's nothing better than a board slathered with gourmet meats, cheeses, and the best finger foods around. Let's get to snacking! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Elote Pasta Salad

If you can't get enough of this Mexican dish, try it in pasta form! It still has all the delicious ingredients found in authentic elote, just deconstructed with some pasta added in. Considering we'll eat nearly anything if there are noodles involved, this sounds good to us! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

DIY Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Among many upsides, slow cookers are also great for making our favorite dish: mac and cheese. It's easy, tasty, reliable, and you'll have a *ton* of macaroni and cheese when you're done. Who wouldn't want that? (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Buffalo Chicken Sliders

These little buffalo sliders are a cinch to make. The secret (and time-saving) ingredient? Rotisserie chicken! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Mini Baked Potatoes

While these little spuds might take a bit longer than most recipes on this list, they are totally worth it. Both you and your guests will be happy you took the extra time when you taste the robust flavors. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Spring Salad Recipe

This salad might have "spring" in the title, but don't be fooled: the ingredients will still taste amazing in the summer, fall, and winter. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Southern Biscuits

There's truly no better potluck idea than slathering succulent biscuits with hearty, flavorful chicken and dipping them in some dang good dipping sauces. With this potluck-ready recipe, you can have all of that, and more. (via Brit + Co)

$Layered Fruit \u201cCake\u201d$

Brit + Co

Layered Fruit “Cake”

Stack rings of watermelon and cantelope, then fill with a sweet yogurt, whipped cream filling for a healthy and refreshing potluck dessert. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Carrot Hot Dogs

Whip up a bunch of these plant-based babies before your BBQ potluck, and just bring all your favorite hot dog toppings in various Tupperware. Assemble, dig in, repeat. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

DIY Cheese Crisps

Swap your potato chips for these crunchy crisps made out of shredded cheese. The jalapeños in the center add an extra kick, but you can remove the seeds to take some of the spice out! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Keto Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

You can just grab one head of lettuce at the grocery store, and you'll have enough wraps to feed your whole potluck! Leave out the cheese and walnuts if you prefer plain chicken salad, but we'd recommend at least trying the toppings out. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

A combo of lime juice, garlic, salt, and spices transforms plain shrimp into a tasty dish that you will not want to miss. Pair the shrimp with your favorite peppers, and you have a dinner you'll want to make over and over (and over) again. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Slow Cooker Beef Brisket

Whether you're having sandwiches, tacos, or you're just digging into this beef brisket with a fork, every meat lover at your get-together will love this slow cooker recipe. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

Chocolate + peanut butter = pure heaven. Whip up this no-bake cake in no time for your next potluck dessert. (via Brit + Co)

Forks and Foliage

Easy Toum Lebanese Garlic Dip

This dip goes with just about everything you could think of. Veggies and chicken are the best dipping foods to pair with it, but Gladys recommends dipping French fries in the garlicky dip! Our favorite part of this recipe might just be the fact you don't need a food processor to make it. (via Forks and Foliage)

The Recipe Critic

Bacon Guacamole Potluck Idea

Arriving with chips and guac in hand always ensures your popularity among the potluck party. The fact that this guacamole is chock-full of bacon means you'll be a whole celebrity. (via The Recipe Critic)

Joe's Healthy Meals

Cucumber Bites

This snack is cost effective, since two cucumbers will yield almost 30 of these tasty bite-sized treats. Prep these cucumber bites for your next potluck, or an easy and healthy recipe. (via Joe's Healthy Meals)

Cookie and Kate

Fresh Mango Salsa

Homemade salsa always tastes so much better than the stuff you can get off the shelves. This simple, colorful mango salsa is sure to be a hit come Taco Tuesday. (via Cookie and Kate)

The Real Food Dietitians

Gluten-Free Flatbread Pizzas

Gluten-free guests will be elated when they see there's something at the potluck they can actually eat. The toppings on this flatbread are so delicious that even if you're not gluten-free, you'll love how the rich flavors come together. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

The Recipe Critic

Creamy Pea Salad With Bacon

It's a lot easier to load up on green veggies when they're paired with crispy bacon and an ultra-creamy sauce. Don't skimp on the red onions — they really liven up the whole dish. (via The Recipe Critic)

Averie Cooks

Grilled Mexican Corn (Elote)

Plain corn on the cob is such a classic potluck staple, but it's even better than usual when smothered in mayo, crema, cotija cheese, chili powder, and a spritz of lime juice – elote style. (via Averie Cooks)

Two Peas & Their Pod

Summer Farro Salad

The granola guests will appreciate that you brought this healthy offering to the potluck. This colorful salad recipe features plenty of veggies, fruit, and whole grains. (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

The Recipe Critic

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Pack your pasta salad with savory ingredients like olives, feta cheese, salami, and sun-dried tomatoes to craft a Mediterranean-inspired dish. Toss it all with kale and chopped cucumber for a nice hit of freshness. (via The Recipe Critic)

Letty's Kitchen

Curried Brown Rice Veggie Salad Potluck Dish

Cater to the vegetarians at the potluck by serving a hearty rice salad, made with plenty of veggies for fiber and nuts and edamame for protein. (via Letty's Kitchen)

Wondermom Wannabe

Easy Potluck Idea for Instant Pot Loaded Baked Potato Salad

The instant pot makes cooking big-batch recipes lickety-split. Steam potatoes in record time, then add in all your favorite toppings to make an easy dish. (via Wondermom Wannabe)

Foodiecrush

Caprese Pasta Salad with Garlic Marinated Tomatoes

Shake up your usual pasta salad routine by swapping macaroni for spaghetti. Fresh tomatoes, capers, and bocconcini (tiny balls of mozzarella) round out this easy potluck dish. (via Foodiecrush)

Half Baked Harvest

Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus

Make this hummus as a side dish or appetizer, and then bring everything you could possibly want to dip: crackers, carrots, peppers, and celery. The sky's the limit! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Feel Good Foodie

Raspberry Iced Tea

Iced tea is a summer staple as far as we're concerned, and this raspberry iced tea is going to make even the most dedicated soda fan want a glass. Your potluck friends won't be able to get enough! (via Feel Good Foodie)

Healthy 5-Minute Strawberry Pineapple Sherbet

A Spicy Perspective

Healthy Strawberry Pineapple Sherbet

This no-churn sorbet recipe only takes five minutes to make, which means it's the perfect last-minute potluck recipe for when you're crunched for time. Frozen strawberries and pineapple will give it that ice cream consistency! (via A Spicy Perspective)

Culinary Hill

Mexican Tortilla Roll Ups

Pinwheels are some of the best finger foods around because they're great for people who love every kind of food, and they generally contain ingredients that appeal to picky eaters. Plus, they're very affordable to make. (via Culinary Hill)

Barley & Sage

Soft Pretzel Bites with Mustard Cheese Dip

Soft pretzels and cheese dip are a classic combo for movie nights and potlucks alike. The real star of this recipe is the mustard cheese dip, which is comprised of cheddar, dijon mustard, and cayenne pepper. (via Barley & Sage)

$Jalape\u00f1o Poppers$

Salt & Lavender

Easy Potluck Idea for Jalapeño Poppers

We're huge fans of spicy food, and jalapeño poppers are one of our favorite potluck apps. The cheese evens out the spice from the pepper. Plus, this version has bacon. (via Salt & Lavender)

The Recipe Critic

Asian Grilled Flank Steak

What we love about serving rare, grilled flank steak at a party is that it's finger-lickin'-good, hot or cold. Serve with lettuce leaves and marinated cucumbers so guests can make their own steak wraps. (via The Recipe Critic)

Crazy For Crust

Ham and Cheese Croissant Sliders

Balance out all those frilly salads at the potluck by serving a tray of ooey, gooey croissant sliders. Stuff them with ham and cheese, then brush with butter, top with poppy seeds, and bake until warm. We're salivating already. (via Crazy For Crust)

Foodiecrush

Montreal Steak and Pepper Kebabs Potluck Idea

Even inexpensive steak gets tenderized and flavorful, thanks to a zippy Montreal steak seasoning blend made with red wine vinegar. Stack your delicious steak cuts on a skewer among grilled veggies for a hearty potluck snack. (via Foodiecrush)

Leite's Culinaria

Blueberry Hand Pies

Blueberry hand pies are sturdy enough to remain intact even after a ride in the car. Use canned blueberry pie filling and store-bought pie crust for this potluck dessert if you're really pressed for time. (via Leite's Culinaria)

Averie Cooks

Easy Potluck Idea for Crustless Fresh Strawberry Pie

Embrace the flavors of summer with a crustless strawberry pie that puts the best fruit front and center. (via Averie Cooks)

Averie Cooks

Loaded M&M Oreo Cookie Bars

Even if you don't keep M&M's and Oreos in your pantry, you can easily sub them out with your favorite candy bars for an equally scrumptious dessert. While you're picking up the candy for this recipe, buy a box of cookie mix to prep everything if you're really crunched on time. We won't tell. (via Averie Cooks)

Spicy Southern Kitchen

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Additional reporting by Meghan Alfanoand Chloe Williams.

This post has been updated.

Header image via Brit + Co

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68 Easy Potluck Ideas For The Procrastinator In All Of Us

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