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19 Foolproof Potluck Recipes That Make Sure Your Dish is the First to Go

Bringing a forgettable dish to a potluck is worse than not bringing anything at all. These 19 crowd-favorite recipes make sure your dish gets wiped clean before you even grab a second helping. Some are warm and rich, others bring a fresh crunch, but all of them are guaranteed to go fast. If there’s a serving spoon left sitting in an empty pan, you did it right.

Smoked sliced ham on a cutting board.
Smoked Carver Ham. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

No-Bake Molly Bars

A rectangular baking pan filled with molly bars and melted chocolate drizzle.
No-Bake Molly Bars. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Potlucks need a dessert that disappears before the night is over. No-Bake Molly Bars bring layers of chewy, crunchy goodness in every bite without requiring any time in the oven. The mix of textures makes them hard to resist, and they hold up well even after sitting out. When a grab-and-go treat is needed, these bars always go fast.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Molly Bars

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

A slate platter with six crab stuffed mushrooms garnished with herbs.
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Bite-sized appetizers always make a potluck better, especially when they pack bold flavors. Crab Stuffed Mushrooms pack rich, well-seasoned filling into tender, slightly crisp shells that hold everything together. The balance of smoky and fresh flavors makes them stand out on any table. This is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep handy for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Shrimp and Grits Casserole

Shrimp and Grits Casserole in a black dish.
Shrimp and Grits Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Comfort food meets potluck convenience in a dish that’s impossible to ignore. Shrimp and Grits Casserole brings deep, smoky flavors together with a rich, creamy base that holds up well for serving. The bold flavors make it a crowd favorite, and the texture stays just right from the first scoop to the last. It’s sure to be the star of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits Casserole

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Lemon Cake Pops

Lemon cake pops on a white plate.
Lemon Cake Pops. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Bite-sized treats always go first, especially when they bring a little sweetness with a hint of brightness. Lemon Cake Pops pack a soft, rich texture inside with a smooth, creamy coating that makes them impossible to resist. They’re easy to grab and even easier to eat, making them a potluck favorite. When a dessert needs to stand out without being too messy, these are the perfect pick.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cake Pops

Bacon Fried Corn

Bacon Fried Corn in a serving bowl.
Bacon Fried Corn. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sweet, smoky, and packed with crunch, this dish brings bold flavor in every bite. Bacon Fried Corn balances crisp edges with a soft, rich center that keeps things interesting. The slight caramelization makes it even better as it sits, making it perfect for a potluck. Once it hits the table, it’ll disappear in no time.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

A black bowl filled with rotisserie chicken pasta salad.
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cold dishes are a must for any potluck, especially when they bring bold flavors in every bite. Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad mixes smoky notes with a creamy, slightly tangy finish that keeps things balanced. It holds up well, making it easy to serve and enjoy throughout the event. Once served, it’ll become a new favorite in no time.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Corned Beef Hash Casserole

Corned Beef Hash Casserole in a square baking dish.
Corned Beef Hash Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Turning simple ingredients into something bold and filling is the key to a great potluck dish. Corned Beef Hash Casserole bakes up with crispy edges and a rich, layered interior that keeps every bite balanced. The combination of flavors makes it stand out, proving that comfort food always gets the most attention. A dish that sticks around just long enough to remind people they need another serving.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Hash Casserole

Speculoos White Chocolate Blondies

A white plate with four square pieces of Speculoos White Chocolate Blondies bars.
Speculoos White Chocolate Blondies. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Soft, chewy, and packed with deep caramelized flavors, these bars never last long. Speculoos White Chocolate Blondies bring a smooth, buttery bite with just enough crunch to keep things interesting. The rich flavors make them stand out against other desserts, and they pair well with just about anything. When a dessert needs to disappear fast, these always get picked first.
Get the Recipe: Speculoos White Chocolate Blondies

Horiatiki Salad

Horiatiki Salad with feta cheese on top served on a plate.
Horiatiki Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Fresh, crisp, and full of bold flavors, this dish brings balance to any potluck table. Horiatiki Salad combines soft, juicy bites with just enough seasoning to make it stand out. The textures stay crisp, making it a reliable choice for any spread. When a lighter option is needed that still packs in flavor, this one does the trick.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad

Big Mac Tacos

Two Big Mac tacos filled with ground beef, shredded lettuce, and pickles, and drizzled with a creamy sauce, placed on a white plate.
Big Mac Tacos. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Handheld dishes always win at potlucks, especially when they bring familiar flavors in a new way. Big Mac Tacos take everything great about a burger and wrap it up in a crispy, easy-to-eat shell. The smoky, rich flavors make them a standout option, and the size makes them easy to grab. It’s a creative dinner that everyone will talk about long after the meal.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Tacos

Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli

A serving of Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli on a black plate.
Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Creamy, rich, and packed with bold flavors, this casserole is anything but boring. Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli blends soft, tender textures with a deep, cheesy bite that makes it an instant favorite. It holds up well on the potluck table, keeping its texture and flavor long after it’s served. Once served, it’s sure to brighten up the entire meal.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli

Strawberry Upside Down Cake

Strawberry Upside Down Cake with a slice missing.
Strawberry Upside Down Cake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sweet and slightly tangy with a glossy, caramelized finish, this cake always grabs attention. Strawberry Upside Down Cake brings soft, fluffy texture with a rich fruit topping that makes every bite better than the last. The balance of flavors keeps it from being too heavy, making it perfect for a crowd. When a dessert needs to stand out without being overly complicated, this one gets it right.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Upside Down Cake

Beefy Cabbage Roll Casserole

A slice of Beefy cabbage roll casserole on a black plate.
Beefy Cabbage Roll Casserole. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Bold, slow-cooked flavors come together in a dish that’s easy to serve and even easier to enjoy. Beefy Cabbage Roll Casserole layers smoky, rich bites with just the right balance of tenderness and texture. The flavors develop as it sits, making each scoop better than the last. Everyone around the table will be coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Beefy Cabbage Roll Casserole

Smoked Lil Smokies

A bowl of smoked lil smokies with sauce and dipping sauce.
Smoked Lil Smokies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bite-sized and packed with smoky flavor, these little bites are always a hit. Smoked Lil Smokies bring a deep, fire-kissed taste that makes them impossible to ignore. They’re easy to grab and even easier to eat, making them perfect for any gathering. When a simple dish needs to bring big flavor, these always deliver.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Lil Smokies

Texas Corn Succotash

Texas Corn Succotash in a black bowl with spoon.
Texas Corn Succotash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Classic flavors with a twist that’s hard to beat. This dish combines smoky, sweet, and slightly crisp bites that work with just about anything else on the table. The variety of textures makes it stand out, turning a simple side into something worth talking about. When a side dish needs to offer more than just filler, Texas Corn Succotash steals the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash

Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies

A close-up of a large chocolate cookie sprinkled with coarse salt, placed on a decorative plate with pink rose patterns.
Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Rich, slightly salty, and packed with deep chocolate flavor, these cookies are always the first to go. Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies balance soft, chewy texture with just enough crisp edges to keep things interesting. The bold flavors make them stand out from ordinary desserts, making them a crowd favorite. Once they hit the dessert table, they’ll be gone before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies

Watergate Salad

A bowl of Watergate salad topped with a cherry.
Watergate Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Bringing a retro classic to a potluck always gets people talking. Watergate Salad brings a smooth, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth while keeping each spoonful full of flavor. It’s the kind of dish that people take “just a little” of and end up coming back for more. By the time it’s gone, everyone will be asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Watergate Salad

Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto

Turkey and Pesto Stuffed Pasta Shells in a black cast iron dish.
Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bringing something baked and loaded with flavor is always a smart move. Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto layers bold, well-seasoned bites with creamy textures that melt together perfectly. The baked top adds just the right contrast, making every bite balanced and full of flavor. A no-fuss way to bring something filling and easy to serve.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto

Smoked Carver Ham

Smoked sliced ham on a cutting board.
Smoked Carver Ham. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re aiming for a centerpiece that’s packed with flavor and just the right touch of sweetness, this dish delivers. Smoked Carver Ham balances deep, rich flavors with just enough smokiness to keep things balanced. The crispy edges and juicy center create a texture that keeps everyone coming back for more. A simple, flavorful option that works for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Carver Ham

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