Every good potluck has the same thing in common: a lineup of dishes people can’t stop loading onto their plates. Some foods demand the spotlight, get passed around faster than the oddball bowl of kale, and end up as the reason why everyone goes for seconds. Here are 25 recipes that guarantee you’ll be the guest whose dish leaves a lasting impression.

A Southern Classic: Tomato Pie

If you’ve never experienced A Southern Classic: Tomato Pie, you’re in for a flavorful dish that showcases layers of juicy tomatoes, a rich cheesy filling, and a perfectly flaky crust. The combination of fresh ingredients and a hint of herbs makes for a balanced and appetizing centerpiece. Each bite blends the lightly sweet and acidic notes of tomatoes with the creamy richness of the filling, all encased in a golden-brown shell.
Get the Recipe: A Southern Classic: Tomato Pie

Taco Stuffed Tomatoes

Bringing a fresh twist to familiar flavors, Taco Stuffed Tomatoes are hollowed-out tomatoes filled with a ground beef mixture seasoned with classic taco spices. Topped with cheese and optionally finished with sour cream or fresh herbs, they offer the punch of a taco without the traditional shell. These stuffed tomatoes are easy to prepare and neatly portioned for large gatherings. Perfectly versatile, they can be customized further with toppings like jalapeños or guacamole.
Get the Recipe: Taco Stuffed Tomatoes

Creamy Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

Featuring the rich, tangy filling of classic deviled eggs all mixed into a hearty dish, Creamy Deviled Egg Pasta Salad combines pasta and crumbled hard-boiled eggs for a comforting combination. The dressing, a blend of mayo, mustard, vinegar, and seasoning, coats the pasta for a silky finish. The addition of paprika or fresh herbs adds both flavor and a pop of color. It suits any potluck lineup, pleasing egg salad fans and pasta lovers alike.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

Skillet Chicken Parm Meatballs

Packed with the essence of a comforting Italian meal, Skillet Chicken Parm Meatballs brings ground chicken to life by blending breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and spices into tender meatballs. Simmered in marinara sauce and topped with gooey melted mozzarella, this dish works well as both a main and a side. Cooking everything in one skillet not only makes cleanup a breeze but ensures consistent flavors. Pair it with warm bread or serve alongside pasta for a well-rounded option.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Chicken Parm Meatballs

Scalloped Potatoes with Ham & Cheese

Perfect for feeding a crowd, Scalloped Potatoes with Ham & Cheese takes thinly sliced potatoes and layers them with salty ham and plenty of gooey cheese. The creamy sauce ties everything together, baking into a golden, bubbly casserole that’s easy to scoop and serve. It’s hearty enough to work as a centerpiece or as a substantial side. Whether next to roasted meats or lighter salads, this dish holds its own.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes with Ham & Cheese

Easy Peanut Butter & Jelly Thumbprint Cookies

Combining nostalgia and simplicity, Easy Peanut Butter & Jelly Thumbprint Cookies are small bites that pack enormous flavor. A soft peanut butter dough forms the base, while the center is filled with fruit jelly or jam of your choice. Baking them gives just enough crispness to complement the soft, chewy interior. These cookies appeal to both kids and adults, disappearing quickly at communal tables.
Get the Recipe: Easy Peanut Butter & Jelly Thumbprint Cookies

Italian Broccoli Salad

Balancing fresh and delicious flavors, Italian Broccoli Salad features crunchy broccoli tossed with cherry tomatoes, black olives, and cubes of mozzarella. Dressed in a tangy Italian vinaigrette, it’s refreshing and robust. The addition of almonds or sunflower seeds provides a nice textural contrast. This salad works well as a lighter alternative and pairs beautifully with the heavier dishes at potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Italian Broccoli Salad

Classic Baked Ziti

Comfort in casserole form, Classic Baked Ziti layers pasta with marinara, ricotta cheese, and heaps of melted mozzarella. Baking the dish results in a bubbly, golden top, while the inside remains gooey and rich. This hearty dish is flavorful enough to stand alone, but it also pairs perfectly with a green salad or crusty bread. It’s an easy crowd-feeder, guaranteed to disappear quickly.
Get the Recipe: Classic Baked Ziti

Fried Deviled Eggs

Adding a twist to a classic appetizer, Fried Deviled Eggs feature hard-boiled egg whites that are breaded and fried until perfectly crisp. The filling, made from the yolks, mayonnaise, mustard, and spices, is piped back in for a creamy finish. Combining crunch with richness makes these irresistible at shared tables. They’re a fun, bite-sized treat that’ll leave people reaching for more.
Get the Recipe: Fried Deviled Eggs

Irish Nachos

Mixing comforting ingredients with a potato base, Irish Nachos replace tortilla chips with crispy potato slices. They’re loaded with cheese, diced bacon, green onions, and a drizzle of sour cream for bursts of flavor in every bite. The warmth of the potatoes complements the cool, creamy toppings without being too heavy. Whether served as an appetizer or paired with a main dish, they are always a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Irish Nachos

Steak Fried Rice

Infused with tasty seasoning, Steak Fried Rice transforms tender steak and leftover rice into a flavorful and filling dish. Diced vegetables, scrambled eggs, and soy sauce add layers of complexity to every bite. Cooking it quickly in a hot skillet ensures the perfect texture while locking in flavors. It’s ideal for serving in large portions, making it a great choice for any potluck gathering.
Get the Recipe: Steak Fried Rice

Watergate Salad

Sweet, fluffy, and just a little retro, Watergate Salad features a base of pistachio pudding mix, crushed pineapple, and whipped topping for an irresistibly smooth consistency. Mini marshmallows and chopped nuts add both flavor and texture, taking it beyond a simple dessert or side dish. This recipe is a hit for those craving a balance between sweet and tangy. As easy to prepare as it is loved, it’ll likely be the first to go.
Get the Recipe: Watergate Salad

Herb-Marinated Mozzarella Balls

Packed with aromatic herbs, Herb-Marinated Mozzarella Balls combine soft, creamy bites of fresh mozzarella with olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Letting the mixture marinate allows every bite of cheese to absorb the rich flavors. Served alongside crackers or fresh bread, this pairs well with a wide range of other options at shared meals. Easy to assemble, it can be customized by adding red pepper flakes or sun-dried tomatoes.
Get the Recipe: Herb-Marinated Mozzarella Balls

Mini Cranberry-Brie Pull-Apart Bread

Breezy and interactive for shared settings, Mini Cranberry-Brie Pull-Apart Bread combines buttery bread rolls stuffed with creamy brie and a bright cranberry sauce. Baked until molten and golden, each bite is a melty mix of tangy and rich. The small, pull-apart portions make it convenient to grab and enjoy. It’s a simple, enjoyable dish that works well for both appetizers and side items.
Get the Recipe: Mini Cranberry-Brie Pull-Apart Bread

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Bringing tropical flavors to a timeless favorite, Hawaiian Macaroni Salad blends perfectly cooked pasta with a creamy mayo-based dressing, sweet carrots, and a touch of vinegar for balance. Its slightly sweet profile sets it apart from typical macaroni salads, making it unique yet familiar. The chilled salad complements hearty dishes while standing out on its own. Its subtle sweetness ensures a perfect addition to diverse spreads.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Classic Slow Cooker Herb-Crusted Pork Roast

Bursting with slow-cooked richness, Classic Slow Cooker Herb-Crusted Pork Roast is flavored with a blend of fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil rubbed directly onto the meat. The slow cooker method leaves the pork tender and juicy while allowing the seasonings to soak into every bite. It’s a main dish that requires minimal effort after prep, making it perfect for busy potluck preparations. Paired with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, it provides a classic centerpiece option.
Get the Recipe: Classic Slow Cooker Herb-Crusted Pork Roast

Thai Noodle Salad with Mango and Spicy Peanut Dressing

Blending bold elements, Thai Noodle Salad with Mango and Spicy Peanut Dressing mixes noodles with juicy mango chunks, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy, mildly fiery peanut sauce. Balanced between sweet and tangy, the dish delivers vibrant and refreshing bites. Light yet fulfilling, it serves well as a side or main with optional protein additions like shrimp or chicken. Its dynamic flavors make it a talking point at shared tables.
Get the Recipe: Thai Noodle Salad with Mango and Spicy Peanut Dressing

Dirt Cake

Simple and nostalgic, Dirt Cake features layers of crumbled chocolate cookies and a smooth pudding-cream mixture that mimics a rich soil texture. Often garnished with gummy worms or other playful touches, it’s a dessert that appeals to both children and the young-at-heart. The easy-to-serve portions make it practical for large gatherings. Despite its whimsical presentation, the flavors are seriously crowd-pleasing.
Get the Recipe: Dirt Cake

Viral Onion Boil

Unique and loaded with delicious depth, Viral Onion Boil layers whole onions with butter, seasonings, and broth before being slowly cooked until tender. The resulting juices infuse the onions with a deep, sweet flavor, while the cooking liquid becomes perfect for dipping bread. As a side dish or appetizer, this delivers something distinctive and memorable. It’s an option that invites curiosity and second helpings.
Get the Recipe: Viral Onion Boil

Slow Cooker Italian Pot Roast Pasta

Bringing comfort food to life, Slow Cooker Italian Pot Roast Pasta combines tender chunks of pot roast with slow-cooked, herbed tomato sauce and pasta. The extended cooking time allows the beef to become incredibly soft, soaking up all the rich flavors. This hearty dish pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a fresh salad for balance. Perfect for communal gatherings, it delivers both quantity and quality.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Italian Pot Roast Pasta

Carrot Muffins with Streusel Topping

Moist and warmly spiced, Carrot Muffins with Streusel Topping pair finely grated carrots with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg in a tasty handheld form. Crisp, crumbly streusel adds depth and texture, making every muffin irresistible. Perfect as a sweet-end dish or alongside delicious choices, they adapt to multiple roles at the table. Prepared in advance, they’re reliable as a shared option for any lineup.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Muffins with Streusel Topping

Big Mac Tacos

Combining familiar flavors in a portable form, Big Mac Tacos feature ground beef cooked with tangy seasonings, layered into a taco shell with lettuce, cheese, pickles, and a secret sauce. Offering the best of a burger in every bite without the hassle of a bun, these are easy to assemble. The recipe’s flavor profile matches well with fries or loaded potato sides. A flexible option, it allows topping variations to suit any crowd.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Tacos

Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies

Minimal effort and maximum flavor define Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies, made from a simple mix of oats, cocoa, and peanut butter in a no-bake, easy-to-set format. The recipe creates chewy, sweet treats with a slight chocolate richness, bringing everything together. It’s a practical and portable dessert, perfect for sharing. As a bonus, the prep process is quick, letting you focus on other dishes.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies

Ham & Cheese Puffs

Compact, delicious, and flaky, Ham & Cheese Puffs feature deli ham and melted cheese encased in puff pastry dough. Baking creates golden, buttery layers that yield to the warm, gooey filling inside. These handheld bites work excellently as appetizers or sides. Designed to be served warm or cold, they travel well and offer plenty of flexibility.
Get the Recipe: Ham & Cheese Puffs

Bourbon Croissant Bread Pudding

Enriched with creamy custard and sweetened with the subtle notes of bourbon, Bourbon Croissant Bread Pudding transforms buttery croissants into a comforting dessert centerpiece. Baking with ingredients like brown sugar and vanilla ensures balanced sweetness while maintaining the croissants’ flaky texture. This warm, indulgent dish completes any potluck spread beautifully. Served with a drizzle of caramel sauce, it’s an irresistible finisher.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Croissant Bread Pudding