Sometimes, cooking for a crowd can be overwhelming, especially when you have to provide a potluck dish. The pressure to impress is high, and you want to ensure your dish is up to scratch.
But, worry not! We have got you covered with 38 easy and delicious potluck dishes for a crowd.
These dishes are ideal for any occasion, and with them, you’ll never have to stress again about what to bring.
38 Easy PotLuck Dishes for a Crowd
1. Chili Con Carne
Chili is an easy pot luck dish for a crowd. It’s savory, filling, and perfect for a cold day.
Start with ground beef, sauté it with onions, garlic, and spices, then add canned tomatoes, tomato paste, beans, and beef broth. Let it simmer for a few hours, and your dish will be ready.
2. Lasagna
Lasagna is a cheesy and flavorful crowd pleaser that everyone will love. Cook lasagna noodles, brown some ground beef with onions and garlic, layer noodles, beef, tomato sauce, and shredded cheese in a baking dish. Bake, and it’s ready.
3. Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers are a healthy pot luck choice that you can make to your liking. Clean out bell peppers, stuff them with cooked quinoa, turkey, onion, and cheese. Bake, and it’s ready.
4. Baked Mac and Cheese
Who doesn’t love mac and cheese, right? Boil elbow macaroni noodles, make a cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and cheese. Mix everything together, and bake for a creamy, satisfying dish.
5. Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s pie is savory comfort food made with minced lamb or beef, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. Brown meat with onions, garlic, and veggies, top with mashed potatoes and bake for a comforting dish.
6. Fish Tacos
Tacos are easy to make, fill with fish, veggies and shredded cheese, salsa, and guacamole. Bring them in separate bowls, and let everyone create their tacos.
7. Classic Italian Bruschetta
Bruschetta is an excellent side dish or appetizer that is simple to make. Dice tomatoes, mix with garlic, onion, basil, and olive oil, then place onto toasted bread.
8. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a delightful addition to potluck dinners. Spread butter, garlic, and herbs on sliced bread, toast, and serve.
9. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are easy to make and a crowd favorite. Boil potatoes, mash them with butter, salt, and milk, and voila.
10. Fried Rice
Fried rice is an easy to make Chinese dish that is great for potluck dinners. Cook rice and sauté it with mixed veggies, scrambled egg, and soy sauce.
11. Mini Meatballs
Meatballs are always a popular choice, and they’re easy to make in advance. Mix ground beef with onion, garlic, egg, and breadcrumbs. Form mini balls and cook in the oven or stovetop.
12. Sausage and Peppers
Sausage and peppers is an Italian staple dish made with sliced sausage, bell peppers, onions, and tomato sauce. Sauté all ingredients and serve.
13. Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a refreshing and easy to snack that everyone loves. Boil and peel eggs, cut them in half, remove the yolks, and mix with mayonnaise, mustard, and paprika.
14. Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken enchiladas are a flavorful and cheesy Tex-Mex dish that is always a hit. Shred cooked chicken, fill tortillas with chicken, cheese, and top with enchilada sauce and more cheese.
15. Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad is a healthy and refreshing side dish that is hassle-free to make. Blanch broccoli, mix with onions, raisins, mayonnaise, and sugar.
16. Potato Salad
Potato salad is a classic side dish that is ideal for potluck dinners. Boil potatoes, mix them with boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, pickles, and celery.
17. Simple Ground Beef Casserole
Casseroles are an easy-to-make potluck dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. A simple ground beef casserole is a classic comfort food that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a busy weeknight.
18. Baked Beans
Baked beans are a delicious and easy potluck dish that everyone loves. Soak beans overnight, simmer with ham hocks, onions, and tomato sauce.
19. Meat Loaf
Meatloaf is an easy and comforting dish that is perfect for potluck dinners. Mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, onion, and spices. Form into a loaf and bake.
20. Chicken Curry
Chicken curry is a flavorful and spicy dish made with tender chicken, onions, ginger, garlic, and curry powder. Simmer all ingredients and enjoy.
21. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are simple and tasty. Toss sliced veggies like carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and potatoes in olive oil, garlic, and herbs, and roast in the oven.
22. Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken is a perfect protein for any potluck dinner. Grill chicken breasts, season with herbs and spices, and serve.
23. Vegetable Stir-Fry
Sauté a mix of colorful vegetables in a savory stir-fry sauce for a healthy and flavorful option.
24. Spaghetti and Meatballs
Serve spaghetti with homemade or store-bought meatballs and marinara sauce for a classic Italian dish.
25. Baked Ziti
Layer cooked ziti pasta with ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a cheesy and comforting casserole.
26. Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Slow-cooked pulled pork with barbecue sauce served on buns is a mouthwatering choice for a crowd.
27. Tuna Salad
Prepare a creamy tuna salad with canned tuna, mayonnaise, celery, and relish for a quick and easy dish.
28. Quiche
Bake a quiche with a variety of ingredients like eggs, cheese, vegetables, and bacon for a savory and satisfying option.
29. Shrimp Scampi
Sauté shrimp in garlic, butter, and white wine, and serve over cooked pasta for a delicious seafood dish.
30. Fruit Platter
Create a colorful fruit platter with a variety of fresh seasonal fruits for a healthy and refreshing contribution.
31. Gazpacho
Serve a cold and refreshing Spanish gazpacho soup made with tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and spices.
32. Hawaiian Sliders
Make mini Hawaiian sliders with ham, pineapple, and Swiss cheese for a sweet and savory treat.
33. Eggplant Parmesan
Bread and bake slices of eggplant, layer with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese for a delightful vegetarian dish.
34. Ceviche
Prepare a zesty and fresh seafood ceviche with diced fish or shrimp, lime juice, cilantro, and onions.
35. Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip
Serve a creamy spinach and artichoke dip baked in a bread bowl or with tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
36. Cucumber Sandwiches
Make refreshing cucumber sandwiches with cream cheese and fresh dill on slices of bread.
37. Cabbage Rolls
Stuffed cabbage rolls with a mixture of ground meat and rice, cooked in a tomato sauce, make a hearty dish.
38. Cheese Platter
Create a cheese platter with a variety of cheeses, crackers, and some fresh or dried fruits for a simple but elegant potluck contribution.
Final Thoughts,
Cooking for a crowd can be daunting, but with these easy potluck dish ideas, you’re bound to impress your friends and family.
These dishes are simple, flavorful, and filling, which are all you need to make sure everyone leaves satisfied. So next time you’re invited to a potluck, bring one of these dishes, and leave an impression that lasts.
