17 Potluck Winners That Go First

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17 Potluck Winners That Go First

When it comes to potlucks, no one remembers the dishes that just sit there, looking pretty. But these 17 winners are the talk of the event, disappearing before you even get to the “How’s everyone doing?” conversation. From saucy mains to snackable sides, they’re the kind of contributions that make you look like a potluck legend, no matter how casual the affair. Just be prepared for the barrage of recipe requests—they’re practically a guarantee.

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.

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.

When you want something that packs a flavorful punch and is easy to eat with your hands, look no further. These sliders are a crowd-pleaser with their sweet and savory elements that make every bite interesting. Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders are perfect for gatherings where you want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen. Each mini sandwich is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to make something unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders

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.

Imagine bringing a bit of Italy to your next potluck with a dish that’s as hearty as it is comforting. This pasta is not just any pasta; it’s curated with the richness of salami that adds depth to every forkful. Italian Pasta with Salami is that dish you go to when you want to strike a balance between indulgent and familiar. It’s guaranteed to be one of those dishes that empties fast, leaving you feeling like a culinary genius without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

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.

For those chillier gatherings or any occasion really, when comfort food is on the top of everyone’s list, this dish hits the spot. It’s a warm, flaky embrace of homey vibes and hearty fillings that whispers comfort in every bite. Chicken Pot Pie stands out for its simplicity and the way it reminds everyone of home. It’s the dish that brings a bit of nostalgia to the table, warming hearts as quickly as it warms bellies.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

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

Now here’s a twist on a classic that gets everyone talking. Who would have thought that turning a cheeseburger into a casserole could result in something so irresistibly good? The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole takes all the beloved elements of a juicy cheeseburger and turns it into a dish that’s meant for sharing. It’s the perfect solution for when you can’t decide between grilling burgers or making something a bit more potluck-friendly.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Close-up of a wonderful 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.

In a sea of hearty dishes, sometimes what stands out is something fresh and full of texture. This salad mixes crunch with a dressing that’s absolutely to die for, creating a balance of flavors that’s hard to resist. Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing is the dish that proves salads have a rightful, celebrated place at any potluck. It’s the refreshing break your palate needs amidst the more indulgent options.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

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.

Who doesn’t love a good restaurant clone, especially when it means bringing a bit of that dining out experience home? This dish takes a classic favorite from Olive Garden and lets you recreate it for your next gathering. Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara is rich, creamy, and utterly fulfilling, making it a standout dish that’s sure to gather a line. It’s a little way to add restaurant flair to your potluck spread without the restaurant price.
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.

Sometimes, the craving for fast food hits, but why settle for a drive-thru when you can make an iconic burger at home? This recipe captures all the spicy, crunchy goodness of a beloved fast-food staple. Homemade KFC Zinger Burger brings the fast-food vibe to your potluck but with a homemade touch that makes it all the more special. It’s a fun, surprising addition that’ll have people talking and coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Homemade KFC Zinger Burger

Easy Meatloaf Recipe

A close-up of a savory meatloaf slice topped with a glossy sauce. The hearty meatloaf reveals visible chunks of vegetables like carrots and celery.
Easy Meatloaf Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Nothing says home-cooked meal quite like a classic meatloaf. This version takes the beloved comfort food and simplifies it without losing any of the homestyle appeal. Easy Meatloaf Recipe is the answer to “What should I bring?” when you want something fuss-free yet fulfilling. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly, leaving a trail of satisfied smiles and nostalgic feelings.
Get the Recipe: Easy Meatloaf Recipe

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.

For anyone who has ever wished they could bottle up the coziness of Cracker Barrel and bring it to a potluck, this dish is for you. It recreates one of the restaurant’s most comforting dishes, capturing the essence of what makes chicken and dumplings a favorite. Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings invites a sense of warmth to any table it graces. It’s a soothing, hearty choice that feels like a hug in food form.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

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.

Imagine all the robust flavors of the Wild West packed into one irresistible casserole dish. It’s hearty, filling, and has a little kick that keeps things interesting. Cowboy Casserole is the kind of dish that doesn’t just feed a crowd; it entertains them. It’s a conversation starter and a fulfilling meal all rolled into one, perfect for when you want something a bit out of the ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole

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.

There’s something about ribs that makes everyone perk up and pay attention. This recipe brings all the smoky goodness of the grill indoors, for ribs that fall off the bone. Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe becomes the star of any potluck. It’s bound to be the dish everyone’s dying to get their hands on—literally.
Get the Recipe: Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe

Crunchy Onion Rings

A close-up of crispy, golden-brown onion rings sprinkled with chopped parsley and black pepper on a white parchment-lined surface captures perfection in every bite.
Crunchy Onion Rings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Forget about those soggy, freezer-section onion rings. Making them from scratch at home brings a whole new level of crunch and flavor to the beloved side dish. Crunchy Onion Rings offer a fulfilling crunch that pairs well with just about any main dish. It’s a welcomed addition to any potluck table, providing a homemade touch that’s both familiar and deliciously different.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings

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 the fair home has never been easier or more delicious. This fun, nostalgic treat is a surefire hit with both kids and adults alike, wrapping a classic favorite in a sweet, crunchy coat. Homemade Corn Dogs turn a potluck into an experience, reminding everyone of the simple joys of childhood treats. They’re the perfect handheld snack that brings smiles and a bit of whimsy to the table.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Corn Dogs

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Close-up of a flavorful chicken salad with diced chicken, green onions, chopped pecans, and raisins, all served on a bed of fresh spinach leaves.
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When you think of chicken salad, you might not think “showstopper,” but this recipe changes the game. With the perfect blend of sweetness, crunch, and chicken, it’s a refreshing take on a classic. Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad upgrades the idea of a simple chicken salad to something that’s both sophisticated and deliciously inviting. It’s a dish that confidently holds its own among more traditional potluck fare.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

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.

This dish takes the beloved Italian classic and makes it potluck ready, allowing everyone to enjoy a taste of Italy in a single, hearty scoop. It’s rich, comforting, and endlessly fulfilling, embodying everything people love about pasta. Spaghetti Bolognese is the go-to for when you need a dish that feels like a warm embrace. It’s a universal favorite that guarantees there won’t be leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese

Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes

A close-up image of honey chipotle seasoned roasted potatoes garnished with parsley, served alongside grilled steak and lettuce.
Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

It’s not every day you get to bring steak to a potluck, but this dish makes it possible and desirable. The sweet and spicy balance upgrades this hearty favorite into something truly special. Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes combines the best of both worlds: the richness of steak and the comfort of potatoes. It’s the kind of dish that makes a statement and leaves a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to try it.
Get the Recipe: Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes

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.

Who knew that combining two party favorites—nachos and meatballs—could result in something so delicious? This dish is a fun, unexpected take on classic flavors, making it a hit at any gathering. Slow Cooker Nacho Meatballs are ideal for serving a crowd, offering up a tasty, bite-sized treat that’s both fulfilling and easy to snack on. It’s the creative twist that’ll have people talking long after the potluck has ended.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Nacho Meatballs

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