Potlucks can be tricky, but these 17 favorites always shine. They’re the dishes that everyone gravitates toward, often disappearing before you’ve even had a chance to grab some yourself. Don’t be surprised if your dish becomes the topic of conversation, with everyone asking for the recipe. These are the go-to choices that always manage to outshine the rest.
![low angle shot of shredded beef in a bowl with a fork.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/beef-birria-msn-new.jpg)
Chicken Biryani
![Chicken biryani on a plate with raita.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/chicken-biryani-3.jpg)
Biryani is a celebratory dish often brought to potlucks for its rich and aromatic profile. In Chicken Biryani, rice and chicken are cooked with a selection of spices that promise a comforting heat. It requires attention to detail, allowing each layer its own time to simmer and meld beautifully. Ideal for large gatherings, it serves well hot and feeds a crowd efficiently.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Biryani
Dan Dan Noodles
![A close-up of twirled dan dan noodles on a fork with herbs and bits of meat.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/dan-dan-noodles-msn2.jpg)
Dan Dan Noodles offer a spicy kick with a peanutty edge that’s a favorite at any gathering. The sauce is a perfect blend of Szechuan peppercorns, chili oil, and soy sauce, creating an umami-rich experience. These noodles are quick to cook, making them an easy choice for a last-minute dish contribution. Topped with crunchy peanuts, they’re typically gone from the potluck table in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Dan Dan Noodles
Chicken Enchiladas
![Low angle shot of chicken enchiladas on a plate with salad.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/enchiladas-plated-1.jpg)
If you’re aiming to please a crowd, Chicken Enchiladas are a fantastic pick. They’re rolled up with shredded chicken and a blend of cheeses, smothered in a homemade red sauce. Once baked, their cheesy surface invites everyone for a bite. These enchiladas represent comfort food at its finest, especially when warmed up for a potluck.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchiladas
Smoked Salmon Dip
![Smoked salmon dip in a bowl with crackers and veggies for dipping.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/smoked-salmon-dip-horiz-3-1.jpg)
When looking for something light yet flavorful, Smoked Salmon Dip is a go-to. It blends smoked salmon with cream cheese, dill, and lemon juice for a fresh taste. Serve it with crackers or cucumber slices for a perfect appetizer. Its simplicity makes it both easy to prepare and a hit at any festive celebration.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Dip
Gochujang Noodles
![Low angle shot of gochujang noodles with greens, mushrooms, and cheese on a grey and white plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/gochujang-noodles-fdl.jpg)
Gochujang Noodles bring a balance of sweet and fiery impressions, ideal for potluck enthusiasts who love a bit of heat. This dish uses Korean chili paste mixed with honey for a unique flavor combination. It’s incredibly easy to whip up a batch large enough to feed a crowd in minutes. Plus, the dish’s vibrant red color makes it a standout on the food table.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Noodles
Air Fryer Pork Belly
![Stack of air fryer pork belly strips in hoisin glaze.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/af-pork-belly-1024x683-2.jpg)
For those who appreciate a good crunch, Air Fryer Pork Belly offers just that. Its preparation in the air fryer ensures that each piece has a crispy exterior while being wonderfully tender inside. This dish is a real source of conversation at potlucks due to its impressive texture and flavor. It’s not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly
Apple Galette
![Overhead shot of an apple galette on parchment with fresh apples on the side.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/apple-galette-fdl.jpg)
For a dessert that’s as visually appealing as it is flavorful, Apple Galette is a perfect choice. This rustic pie-like dish surrounds spiced apple slices with a crisp, buttery crust. It’s much simpler to prepare than a traditional pie and equally fulfilling. With a sprinkle of sugar on top, it’s often the first sweet treat to disappear from the table.
Get the Recipe: Apple Galette
Air Fryer BBQ Wings
![A pile of air fryer BBQ wings on a white platter.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/AF-BBQ-Wings-1600.jpg)
Air Fryer BBQ Wings are a hit for their mess-free, easy-to-eat nature and smoky barbecue flavor. By using an air fryer, the wings get crisp without the need for excess oil. They are ideal for serving a crowd as they can be made in batches quickly and efficiently. The finger-licking goodness makes them a popular choice at potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Wings
Green Bean Stuffing Casserole
![Green Bean Stuffing Casserole. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/stuffing-green-bean-casserole-17.jpg)
This casserole combines green beans and stuffing, turning two classic dishes into one. It’s topped with crispy fried onions for an additional textural contrast. Green Bean Stuffing Casserole provides comfort with every spoonful and is often a sought-after dish at gatherings. It’s perfect for those who love combining their favorite Thanksgiving flavors.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Stuffing Casserole
Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma
![Low angle shot of chicken shawarma on a white platter with harissa paste and tomatoes and cucumbers in the background.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ip-chicken-shawarma-msn-1.jpg)
Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma capitalizes on the convenience of modern cooking. This recipe locks in all the traditional spices, served wrapped in warm pita bread or over rice. The Instant Pot ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked in a fraction of the time. This makes it a practical yet exotic offering at any event.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma
Brussels Sprouts Salad
![](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/brussels-sprouts-salad-fdl-2.jpg)
This Brussels Sprouts Salad is a vibrant addition to any potluck table. It harmonizes roasted brussels sprouts with fresh ingredients like apples and pecans. Each bite offers a crunch and a tang, ideally dressed in a mustard vinaigrette. This salad is both nourishing and delicious, making it a popular health-conscious choice.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Salad
Instant Pot Kalua Pork
![Low angle shot of kalua pork on a white plate with pineapple and pepper chunks.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Instant-Pot-Kalua-Pork-1600-2.jpg)
Instant Pot Kalua Pork brings Hawaiian flavors to the potluck with minimal effort. The pork is slow-cooked until it falls apart, savory and infused with a hint of smoke. This dish serves as a hearty main and pairs well with a side of rice or rolls. Its tantalizing aroma draws a crowd, ensuring no leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Kalua Pork
Watermelon and Feta Salad
![Low angle shot of a bowl of watermelon salad with kalamata olives and feta cheese.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/watermelon-salad-la-hero-2-scaled-1.jpg)
Simple and refreshing, Watermelon and Feta Salad is a crowd-pleaser in warm weather. The combination of juicy watermelon and crumbly feta cheese, along with mint, provides a refreshing taste. It’s a breeze to assemble and offers a colorful addition to the potluck spread. This salad promises a cool respite from the savory dishes it accompanies.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon and Feta Salad
Mexican Shredded Beef
![Mexican beef tacos on white plates.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/mexican-shredded-beef-fdl.jpg)
With a slow-cooked tenderness, Mexican Shredded Beef is versatile and rich in flavor. It’s seasoned with traditional spices and can be served in tacos, burritos, or on top of a salad. This dish is always a favorite, especially when guests can customize their plates. It’s an excellent protein choice that manages to disappear quickly!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Shredded Beef
Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole
![Masshed potato casserole in a baking dish with a cracker crumb topping.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/cheesy-potato-casserole-fdl2.jpg)
Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole is a staple comfort food that never fails to please a hungry crowd. It mixes creamy mashed potatoes with a blend of cheeses—baked until bubbly and browned on top. This dish is often the base of seconds and even thirds at potlucks. As a universal favorite, it offers both warmth and heartiness.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole
Beef Birria
![low angle shot of shredded beef in a bowl with a fork.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/beef-birria-msn-new.jpg)
Known for its rich and complex broth, Beef Birria is a traditional Mexican stew that’s perfect for sharing. The meat is slow-cooked to perfection, easily shredded, and can be dipped in consommé or turned into tacos. It’s especially popular for its spicy and savory notes that are deepened by a mix of dried chilies. This dish is not only filling but also a conversation starter due to its unique taste and history.
Get the Recipe: Beef Birria
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
![Bang bang shrimp on a black plate with a bowl of sriracha ranch and lemon wedges.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/bang-bang-shrimp-oh-horiz-hero-1.jpg)
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is a playful dish known for its spicy and creamy sauce. Prepared in the air fryer, it comes out crispy without being greasy, covered in a sauce that beautifully binds the dish. This appetizer is particularly famous for being both addictive and quick to disappear. Despite its simplicity, it always manages to gather interest and praise from guests.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp