17 Potluck Recipes That Will Impress Any Crowd

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17 Potluck Recipes That Will Impress Any Crowd

Need a potluck hit? These 17 recipes are here to save the day and make you look like a genius. Whether you’re dealing with picky eaters or folks who claim they’ve “tried everything,” there’s something in this mix that will win them over. No need to stress about your dish getting ignored — with these choices, you’ll be taking home an empty platter. Let someone else worry about the store-bought stuff this time.

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.

The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

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

Hosting a potluck and want something that’s a hit with all ages? The Best Cheeseburger Casserole merges the classic appeal of cheeseburgers with the home-cooked warmth of a baked casserole. It’s rich with cheese and has that familiar ground beef taste everyone loves. Serve it straight from the oven and watch it disappear from the dish in no time.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

Seven Layer Salad

A clear glass bowl layered with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, green peas, corn, diced celery, and topped with chunks of grilled chicken, garnished with a dollop of mayonnaise.
Seven Layer Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you’re aiming for a dish that’s both visually appealing and packs a variety of textures, try Seven Layer Salad. This colorful stack features an assortment of fresh vegetables, cheeses, and a layer of hard-boiled eggs for good measure. Its presentation in a clear bowl makes it as attractive as it is appetizing. Plus, it’s easy to scoop and serve, making your potluck that much smoother.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad

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.

Bring a bit of tropical flair to the table with Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders. These little sandwiches are stuffed with tender, slow-cooked pork bathed in a sweet and savory sauce. Topped with slices of pineapple for an extra punch of flavor, they’re perfect for both adults and kids. The sliders are also easy to handle, ensuring a mess-free potluck experience.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders

Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Close-up of a delightful broccoli salad with crispy bacon, sunflower seeds, and a creamy dressing. Mixed ingredients are visible in detail, showcasing the vibrant textures and colors of this fresh broccoli salad.
Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing is a refreshing choice for those looking for a lighter option. Crispy broccoli florets, sweet raisins, and sharp red onion come together under a blanket of smooth dressing. It’s a fantastic way to get your greens in while still indulging in a bit of creamy goodness. Plus, it’s simple to whip up and can sit for a while without losing its crunch.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Slow Cooker Nacho Meatballs

Close-up of meatballs covered in a rich, creamy yellow sauce, garnished with chopped green onions.
Slow Cooker Nacho Meatballs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Meatball lovers won’t be able to resist Slow Cooker Nacho Meatballs. These bite-sized treats are coated in a cheesy, slightly spicy sauce and are perfect for nibbling. They stay warm throughout the event, thanks to the slow cooker. This dish is bound to be a conversation starter and a favorite among guests.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Nacho Meatballs

Italian Pasta with Salami

A vibrant pasta salad with fusilli, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, black olives, and diced salami in a clear bowl.
Italian Pasta with Salami. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For a hearty and fulfilling potluck option, Italian Pasta with Salami is a no-brainer. The salami adds a robust dimension to the tangy tomato sauce, embracing the pasta in a warm hug. It’s a comforting dish that’s also casual enough for any get-together. Dish it out and watch as friends and family go back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

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.

Craving comfort food like grandma used to make? Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings have that nostalgic, homemade touch. Every spoonful is a warm blanket of chicken broth, tender chicken pieces, and soft dumplings. This recipe brings the restaurant favorite right into your kitchen, ready to warm up any potluck gathering.
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.

Ribs are a showstopper, and this Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe promises to stand out. They come out of the oven with meat falling off the bone, coated in a smoky, sweet sauce. No need for a grill; these ribs get their tender texture from slow cooking indoors. Prepare to see them disappear as soon as they hit the potluck spread.
Get the Recipe: Best Oven Baked Ribs 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.

Expand your pasta horizons with Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara. It combines the creamy indulgence of carbonara sauce with rich, cheese-stuffed ravioli. This dish strikes a balance between fancy and familiar, making it a sophisticated addition without being overly complex. It’s bound to catch some eyes and please the crowd who’s after comforting pasta.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

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.

A Slow Cooker Pot Roast is always a crowd pleaser with its tender, juicy meat and flavorful veggie companions. Allowing it to simmer in the slow cooker means the flavors develop over hours, resulting in a deep, robust taste. It’s the kind of main dish that invites everyone to relax and enjoy their meal. Plus, the slow cooker does most of the work, freeing you up to mingle with your guests.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

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.

For an unexpected twist on a fast food favorite, offer up your own Homemade KFC Zinger Burger. The crunch of the perfectly seasoned chicken coating combined with the zest from the special sauce creates a memorable sandwich. It’s a homemade take on a fast-food staple that is sure to grab attention. And it’s a great way to serve up something familiar yet entirely unique.
Get the Recipe: Homemade KFC Zinger Burger

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

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

Pulled pork is always a hit, and this Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is as effortless as it is delicious. The slow cooking process infuses the pork with intense flavor and tenderness. Pile it high on buns for sandwiches, or offer it up with a side of slaw for a classic pairing. This dish is especially great for larger gatherings, where a lot of mouths are waiting to be fed.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Easy Chicken Tenders

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

Chicken is a potluck go-to, and for a good reason. Easy Chicken Tenders are not just for kids; with a homemade touch, they rise above the rest. They’re juicy on the inside with a golden, crunchy exterior. Have some dipping sauces on hand, and they’re guaranteed to go quickly.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Tenders

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.

For a dish that’s as comforting as it is classic, you can’t go wrong with Spaghetti Bolognese. It’s a staple that combines a rich, meaty sauce with the loved-by-everyone pasta. Not only is it familiar and filling, but it also makes for easy serving at a bustling potluck. You won’t find an empty plate where this dish is served.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese

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.

Sometimes, you just want something filling and flavorful, and that’s where Cowboy Casserole comes into play. Layered with ground beef, beans, cheese, and a crispy tater tot topping, it serves up well for those with a hearty appetite. It’s a simple dish with straightforward appeal, and it holds up well throughout the event. People will be lining up for this comforting concoction.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole

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.

Bringing Homemade Corn Dogs to the table adds a fun and unique offering to the spread. They’re a carnival favorite that’s sure to bring a sense of nostalgia to the gathering. Golden, crispy batter encasing a hot dog is both fulfilling and easy to eat on the go. They’re not just a kid’s treat; adults will be happily munching on them too.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Corn Dogs

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.

For a dish with a bit of a kick, Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta is the way to go. It’s a creamy pasta with just the right amount of heat to keep things interesting. Generous pieces of chicken make it a substantial option, and the chipotle peppers give it a smokier edge. This pasta dish will likely get people talking and comes perfect for spice lovers at the potluck.
Get the Recipe: Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

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