21 potluck recipes that will have everyone wishing they thought of it!

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Ready to be the star of your next potluck? Bring a little competition to the buffet table with dishes that will have everyone asking, “Why didn’t I think of that?” From casual get-togethers to more formal affairs, these 21 recipes are versatile enough for any occasion. Watch as guests go back for seconds, and don’t be surprised when they want the recipe for themselves—it’s the ultimate compliment, after all.

Close-up of a cowboy casserole in a white dish, showing layers of ground meat and vegetables topped with a golden-brown mashed potato crust, garnished with chopped parsley.
Cowboy Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Caprese Pesto Tarts

Fresh cherry tomatoes and herbs served in crispy puff pastry cups on a wooden surface.
Caprese Pesto Tarts. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Who knew something so simple could steal the show at a potluck? Caprese Pesto Tarts are your answer to a quick, flavorful hit that looks like you’ve put in way more effort than you actually did. With a twist on classic flavors, everyone will be asking you for the recipe. It’s that dish that might just become your signature.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pesto Tarts

Vegetable Casserole

A baked casserole with a golden breadcrumb topping, garnished with fresh herbs.
Vegetable Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

If you’re looking for something hearty but healthy, Vegetable Casserole has got you covered. It’s packed with goodness but doesn’t skimp on flavor. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and it’s easy to see why. Even those who aren’t big on vegetables will find themselves going back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Casserole

Easy Chicken Tenders

Breaded chicken tenders served on a plate with dipping sauce.
Easy Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Easy Chicken Tenders can be your secret weapon. They’re incredibly simple to make but so delicious that they’ll disappear from the potluck table in no time. This recipe is perfect for when you want something foolproof but fabulous. Everyone from kids to adults will be lining up for more.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Tenders

Baked Vanilla Donuts

A pile of vegan baked vanilla donuts.
Baked Vanilla Donuts. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Who says donuts are just for breakfast? Baked Vanilla Donuts will have everyone rethinking their dessert game. Soft, sweet, and perfect for grabbing, they’ll add a little something special to any potluck spread. Plus, their homemade touch is sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Baked Vanilla Donuts

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Slow cooker pot roast with mushrooms and carrots garnished with fresh rosemary.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Let Slow Cooker Pot Roast bring the comfort of home to your next potluck. This dish makes for a stress-free contribution that’s all about slow-cooked goodness. It’s the kind of comfort food that has everyone feeling cozy and satisfied. Nothing beats the smell and taste of a well-made pot roast.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Chick-fil-A Sauce

A bowl of smooth, creamy peanut butter with a hint of Chick-fil-A sauce and a spoon inside.
Chick-fil-A Sauce. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Imagine bringing the addictive taste of Chick-fil-A Sauce into a potluck setting. It’s a game-changer. This copycat recipe offers the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and creamy. Paired with anything from fries to chicken, it’ll be the surprise hit of the party.
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-A Sauce

Homemade Corn Dogs

Close-up of a bitten corn dog showing its interior with a layer of crispy fried batter and a hot dog inside.
Homemade Corn Dogs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Homemade Corn Dogs are a nostalgic treat that’s bound to get people talking. They bring back all the fun of a fair to your potluck table. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they’re ideal for a laid-back, fun atmosphere. You might have to share the recipe after, as everyone will want to know your secret.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Corn Dogs

Black Bean Sliders

A black bean burger with a slice of cheese, cilantro, and red onion, served on a toasted bun.
Black Bean Sliders. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For a plant-based option that still packs a punch, look no further than Black Bean Sliders. They’re flavorful, filling, and a bit of a twist on the traditional meat-based sliders. These little bites of joy are sure to be a hit with both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Sliders

Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Golden fried chicken pieces with a side of dipping sauce.
Chick-fil-A Nuggets. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bringing Chick-fil-A Nuggets to a potluck will definitely earn you some popularity points. This at-home version captures that beloved taste perfectly. They’re great for snacking and sharing, making them a perfect potluck pick. Plus, who can resist dipping these into a variety of sauces?
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

A bowl containing pulled pork.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

With Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, you let the slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. This dish promises tender, flavorful pork that can be piled onto buns, added to tacos, or enjoyed on its own. It’s versatile and delicious, making your potluck prep a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Chicken Tamale Pie

A serving of chicken tamale pie topped with a dollop of sour cream and garnished with chopped herbs on a white plate.
Chicken Tamale Pie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chicken Tamale Pie is where comfort food meets potluck perfection. This mouthwatering dish combines familiar flavors in a unique way, making it a definite crowd-pleaser. It’s the sort of recipe that warms you from the inside out, bringing a cozy, homey vibe to any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tamale Pie

Taco Casserole

A bowl of taco casserole topped with melted cheese, black olives, tomatoes, and green onions, with a creamy dip in the background.
Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When you have a large group of people over for taco night, Taco Casserole is the perfect dish to serve. It offers all the fun and flavors of tacos but in a form that’s easy to share and enjoy. It’s an ideal choice for potlucks, as it provides a delightful twist to a much-loved classic. Moreover, it’s a total crowd-pleaser, with everyone diving in for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Extra Crispy!)

Air fryer chicken wings served with fresh tomatoes and herbs on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Extra Crispy!). Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

This recipe is a real winner for those looking for a cleaner, healthier option that doesn’t compromise on crunch or taste. Air Fryer Chicken Wings come out perfectly crispy without all the hassle of deep frying. They’re the sort of snack that will have people crowding around the table, eager for more.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Extra Crispy!)

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

A bowl of fresh red cabbage coleslaw garnished with herbs.
Red Cabbage Coleslaw. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you’re looking for a dish that can add some vibrancy and tang to your potluck table, you can never go wrong with coleslaw made with red cabbage. With its fresh, tangy flavor, Red Cabbage Coleslaw is a great complement to heavier dishes, making it an ideal addition to any gathering. This simple and refreshing dish is a versatile option that can effortlessly pair with a variety of potluck fare, making it a must-have at any event.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders

Close-up of a pulled pork sandwich with pickles and red cabbage on a bun, held in hand, with chips in the background.
Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders offer a sweet and savory combo that’s hard to resist. They’re the perfect mini-bite, packed with flavor and guaranteed to fly off the plate. This dish brings a touch of island flair to your potluck, making it something memorable and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Baked rice casserole with melted cheese on top, garnished with chopped herbs.
Chicken and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Looking for the ultimate comfort food? This hearty and satisfying Chicken and Rice Casserole will definitely hit the spot. It’s a warm and filling dish that’s perfect for any potluck or family dinner. And the best part? It’s super easy to make! Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole

Cowboy Casserole

Close-up of a cowboy casserole in a white dish, showing layers of ground meat and vegetables topped with a golden-brown mashed potato crust, garnished with chopped parsley.
Cowboy Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, robust dish that packs a flavorful punch. It’s the kind of comfort food that fills you up and leaves you satisfied, making it a perfect pick for a potluck. This one-dish wonder is not only delicious but also incredibly convenient to serve and enjoy amidst a gathering.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole

Spaghetti Bolognese

A plate of spaghetti topped with meat sauce and a fresh basil leaf, accompanied by a fork on the side.
Spaghetti Bolognese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Perfect for both kids and adults, it’s a reliable hit that makes sharing a meal feel special. Spaghetti Bolognese brings a classic, beloved dish to the potluck table. It’s rich, meaty, and utterly comforting. Plus, who can say no to a good pasta dish? It’s sure to be one of the first to be cleared out.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese

Chicken Pot Pie

A slice of chicken pot pie being lifted, showing its creamy filling with chunks of chicken and vegetables, garnished with thyme.
Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

This comforting, hearty dish is all about that creamy filling and flaky crust. Chicken Pot Pie is like bringing a slice of home with you. It’s a full meal in one that brings smiles and satisfied bellies. Perfect for colder months or any time you want to bring a bit of warmth to the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Spinach Artichoke Dip

A bowl of creamy spinach dip garnished with herbs, surrounded by slices of crusty bread on a blue patterned cloth.
Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Creamy, tangy, and totally dip-worthy, this dish is the perfect companion for any cracker or bread. Spinach Artichoke Dip is the ultimate party starter. It’s one of those appetizers that vanish before you know it, making it a no-brainer for your next potluck. Everyone will be gathering around, coming back for just one more dip.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Dip

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

A bowl of white rice topped with glazed chicken and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For a touch of Asian flair, try the Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. It’s a sweet and savory delight that brings a bit of fast-food fan-favorite to the potluck. This dish is a sure way to offer something different and enjoyable, pleasing both fans of the franchise and newcomers alike. It’s tasty, it’s tangy, and it’s downright addictive.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

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