Potluck MVP: 21 Recipes Guaranteed To Make You The Star

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Potluck MVP: 21 Recipes Guaranteed To Make You The Star

Step up to the potluck plate with these 21 recipes that are sure to make you the star of any gathering. Each dish has been selected for its crowd-pleasing flavors and simple preparation, ensuring that you can confidently bring a standout contribution to the table. From savory sides to decadent desserts, these recipes are not only delicious but also easy to make, making you the MVP of any social event without spending all day in the kitchen.

A freshly baked taco casserole garnished with lettuce, tomatoes, and green onions.
Easy Walking Taco 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.

If you’re looking to bring a bit of Italian flair to your next gathering, these tarts are a showstopper. Caprese Pesto Tarts combine ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and vibrant pesto in a flaky pastry that disappears as soon as it hits the table. They’re a delightful bite that’s both fresh and indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pesto Tarts

Mixed Bean Chili

Mixed Bean Chili. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

For those chilly evenings or a hearty potluck contribution, this chili hits the spot. Mixed Bean Chili is packed with different beans and spices that simmer together to create a comforting bowl of goodness. It’s a vegetarian option that will warm everyone up and leave them wanting more.
Get the Recipe: Mixed Bean Chili

The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

Fork lifting a serving of cheesy cheeseburger casserole garnished with parsley.
The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Transform the classic cheeseburger into a dish that’s perfect for sharing. The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole is a crowd-pleaser with all the beloved flavors of a juicy burger in a scoopable form. It’s guaranteed to be a hit at any casual gathering or potluck.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

Vegan Chicken Nuggets

Vegan chicken nuggets in a bowl with dip.
Vegan Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Everyone loves a good nugget, and these vegan versions are no exception. Vegan Chicken Nuggets are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfect for dipping. They’re a great way to include a plant-based option that everyone, vegan or not, will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chicken Nuggets

Vegetable Casserole

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

A dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious, this casserole is a feast for the eyes and the palate. Vegetable Casserole packs a variety of vegetables in a savory sauce, topped with a crunchy crust. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies in a dish that’s loved by kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Casserole

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

A bowl of Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings garnished with chopped parsley.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bring the comfort of Cracker Barrel into your home with this beloved dish. Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings are creamy, hearty, and exactly what you need for a soul-satisfying meal. This dish will remind you of home and impress anyone longing for a taste of nostalgia.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe

Grilled ribs garnished with herbs and served with a side of sauce and onions.
Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When you want to impress with minimal effort, these ribs are your best friend. Best Oven Baked Ribs fall off the bone and are covered in a delectable sauce that’s both sweet and tangy. They’re perfect for when you want the taste of grilled ribs but the convenience of oven baking.
Get the Recipe: Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe

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.

Recreate a favorite takeout dish with ease and surprise everyone with your culinary skills. Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken brings sweet and savory together in a dish that’s always a favorite. It’s ideal for a potluck where you want a touch of Asian flair without too much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

A dish of ravioli with bacon and parsley that can be found at Olive Garden.
Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

This dish brings the creamy richness of a restaurant favorite right into your home kitchen. Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara is creamy, comforting, and completely irresistible. It’s the kind of pasta dish that makes you look like a gourmet chef at any potluck or dinner party.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Homemade KFC Zinger Burger

A chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and sauce on a bun, with fries in the background.
Homemade KFC Zinger Burger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Why go out when you can make your favorite fast-food burger at home? Homemade KFC Zinger Burger is spicy, crispy, and loaded with flavor. It’s a fun and casual main dish that’s sure to spark conversation and satisfy those fast-food cravings.
Get the Recipe: Homemade KFC Zinger Burger

Coconut Cream Pie

A slice of coconut cream pie on a plate.
Coconut Cream Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

End your meal on a high note with a dessert that’s as delicious as it is easy to make. Coconut Cream Pie is light, fluffy, and bursting with tropical flavor. It’s the perfect sweet treat to win over a crowd and make your dessert offering a memorable one.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Cream Pie

Easy Walking Taco Casserole

A freshly baked taco casserole garnished with lettuce, tomatoes, and green onions.
Easy Walking Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Combine the fun of tacos with the comfort of a casserole in this easy-to-make dish. Easy Walking Taco Casserole is perfect for gatherings where guests can serve themselves a dish that’s both tasty and convenient. It’s a playful, mess-free way to enjoy tacos.
Get the Recipe: Easy Walking Taco Casserole

Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!)

Mexican taco salad cups on a plate.
Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!). Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

These little cups are as cute as they are tasty, making salad fun to eat. Best Taco Salad Cups are a unique way to serve a classic favorite, and they’re perfect for parties where single servings are a plus. They’re super easy to make and even easier to devour.
Get the Recipe: Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!)

Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

A bowl of creamy chicken pasta garnished with herbs, served with a side of rice and a small bowl of fresh parsley.
Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Spice things up with a pasta dish that’s as bold in flavor as it is easy to prepare. Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta is perfect for those who like a little heat. It’s quick to make and sure to be a standout among milder offerings.
Get the Recipe: Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

Refried Beans

A bowl of homemade refried beans and lime wedges.
Refried Beans. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

No Mexican-themed potluck would be complete without a hearty serving of these. Refried Beans are creamy, rich, and a staple side that complements any fiesta. They’re incredibly easy to whip up and even easier to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Glazed barbecued chicken drumsticks on a white plate.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Get the grilled flavor without the grill with these juicy drumsticks. Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are a hands-off way to prepare a classic favorite. They come out perfectly crispy and slathered in BBQ sauce, making them a mess-free option for any potluck.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Scalloped Potatoes

A slice of coconut cream pie on a plate.
Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This classic dish is a guaranteed way to shine at any dinner gathering. Scalloped Potatoes are creamy, cheesy, and layered to perfection. They’re a comforting side that pairs well with just about any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes

Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe (Super Easy!)

Roasted air fryer whole chicken served on a white plate with lemon wedges.
Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe (Super Easy!). Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Show off your kitchen gadget skills with a whole chicken that’s unbelievably juicy. Air Fryer Whole Chicken is a fuss-free way to cook up a main dish that looks like you spent hours on it. It’s perfect for a potluck where you want to impress with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe (Super Easy!)

Sweetcorn Fritters

Sweetcorn fritters in a stack.
Sweetcorn Fritters. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Serve up these fritters for a sweet and savory treat that’s easy to eat on the go. Sweetcorn Fritters are a great finger food that’s both nutritious and delicious. They’re perfect for adding a bit of variety to the usual potluck lineup.
Get the Recipe: Sweetcorn Fritters

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.

Crispy chicken wings are always a hit, and these are no exception. Air Fryer Chicken Wings come out extra crispy without the hassle of deep frying. They’re a great addition to any party table, especially when you need something quick and crowd-pleasing.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Extra Crispy!)

Baked Vanilla Donuts

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

Who can resist a donut, especially when they’re this easy to make? Baked Vanilla Donuts are soft, sweet, and the perfect end to any meal. Bring these to a potluck, and watch them disappear before your eyes.
Get the Recipe: Baked Vanilla Donuts

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