Everyone’s favorite part of a potluck is claiming a little spoonful of everything before circling back for seconds. These 23 dishes offer just that, a spread so enticing, folks stay until the last crumb disappears. The focus here is on easy-to-share plates that feel right at home during casual gatherings.

A rectangular pan of Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Cheese, partially sliced, showing layers. — Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Cheese. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Bang Bang Chicken Bites

Packed with a flavorful kick, Bang Bang Chicken Bites are small pieces of tender chicken coated in a crispy exterior. They are then tossed in a lightly sweet, spicy, and creamy sauce that adds depth to every bite. These bites are perfect for sharing and are easy to prepare, making them a great option for group gatherings. Serve them as an appetizer or a main dish with your choice of dipping sauce to cater to all palates.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Chicken Bites

Frito Pie

Combining crunch and a hearty base, Frito Pie layers seasoned ground beef, chili, and melted cheese over a pile of crispy corn chips. The addition of classic toppings like diced onions, jalapeños, and sour cream brings a customizable flair. This dish comes together quickly and packs a bold flavor sure to please a crowd. It’s a fulfilling choice for feeding a group and works well as a self-serve option due to its simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Frito Pie

31 of Chef Jenn's FAVE Casseroles!

Recipes for Comfort-Filled Family Meals

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Honey Roasted Baby Carrots

Assorted roasted baby carrots in orange, yellow, and purple colors on a baking sheet, garnished with chopped herbs. — Honey Roasted Baby Carrots. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Sweet and lightly caramelized, Honey Roasted Baby Carrots combine earthy, natural flavors with a beautifully glazed finish. The subtle sweetness from the honey pairs wonderfully with a hint of butter and seasoning. These carrots are a hassle-free option that pairs seamlessly with almost any main dish. Their ease of preparation means they can be quickly made for both casual gatherings and larger events.
Get the Recipe: Honey Roasted Baby Carrots

Classic Meatballs

A plate of spaghetti topped with two meatballs, marinara sauce, grated cheese, and basil garnish. — Classic Meatballs. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Always a favorite, Classic Meatballs are made with a mix of ground meat, breadcrumbs, and a blend of spices for depth. They are perfectly tender and can be paired with marinara for a timeless appetizer or entrée. Whether served over pasta or on their own, they’re a versatile option that’s easy to customize. Their crowd-pleasing flavor makes them a must-have at potlucks or casual get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Classic Meatballs

Texas Trash Pie

Whimsical and rich, Texas Trash Pie combines a mix of pecans, sweetened coconut, pretzels, and chocolate chips in a buttery shell. The balance of textures, from soft and gooey to crisp and crunchy, makes each slice unique. It’s an easy dish to bake that delivers an unexpected twist on traditional dessert pies. Sweet and just slightly salty, it’s hard to resist a second serving.
Get the Recipe: Texas Trash Pie

Orange Fluff Salad

Light and creamy with a citrus twist, Orange Fluff Salad blends whipped topping, mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, and crushed pineapple. The smooth texture contrasts with the juicy fruit pieces, making it a refreshing choice. It’s quick to mix together and travels well, making it a reliable potluck option. Often enjoyed as either a side dish or a dessert, it’s a wonderful crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Orange Fluff Salad

Zucchini Lasagna

A low-carb twist on a classic favorite, Zucchini Lasagna uses thinly sliced zucchini in place of pasta. It retains all the cheesy, tomato-rich layers of traditional lasagna while offering a lighter alternative. Packed with layers of flavor and wholesome ingredients, it’s a perfect choice for anyone looking for a pleasurable dish. Whether warm or at room temperature, it’s a great addition to any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Lasagna

Southern Style Pickled Shrimp

Tangy and vibrant, Southern Style Pickled Shrimp combines tender shrimp, onions, and peppers in a vinaigrette-style dressing. The marinade infuses the shrimp with bold flavors, making it an excellent choice for seafood lovers. This dish can be made in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. It works wonderfully as a cold appetizer or a protein-packed addition to salads and spreads.
Get the Recipe: Southern Style Pickled Shrimp

Blueberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars

A black plate holds a square Blueberry-Rhubarb Crumble Bar topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and fresh mint, with a fork on the side. — Blueberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Sweet and tart flavors come together in Blueberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars, with a buttery crust supporting a fruity filling. A crumbly topping adds both texture and a golden finish to the bars. They are easy to make, slice, and serve, which makes them perfect for sharing. Whether as a dessert or a sweet snack, these bars are sure to draw compliments.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Perfectly bite-sized, Crab Stuffed Mushrooms are an elegant yet simple appetizer option. Each mushroom is filled with a delicious mixture of lump crab meat, breadcrumbs, and seasonings that balance the earthiness of the mushroom. Baked until golden, they offer a warm and tasty flavor. As a crowd-favorite finger food, they’re ideal for quick assembly and big-batch preparation.
Get the Recipe: Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Thai Noodle Salad with Mango and Spicy Peanut Dressing

Bursting with bold flavors and textures, Thai Noodle Salad with Mango and Spicy Peanut Dressing blends tender noodles with fresh vegetables and juicy mango. The spicy peanut dressing ties everything together, creating a harmonious balance of heat and sweetness. This dish is both vibrant and colorful, adding visual appeal to any gathering. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing option everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Thai Noodle Salad with Mango and Spicy Peanut Dressing

Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham

With its perfect balance of sweet and tangy, Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham features a glazed ham accented by the flavors of pineapple and brown sugar. The caramelized glaze forms a crispy exterior that pairs well with the tender, juicy meat inside. This ham is baked to perfection and is suitable as the centerpiece dish at any potluck. Guests will appreciate the combination of simplicity and classic flavors.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham

Classic Hoppin’ John

Packed with tradition, Classic Hoppin’ John brings together black-eyed peas, rice, and smoky seasonings into a hearty one-pot meal. This comforting dish is both flavorful and filling, making it a wonderful contribution to a table of various side items. Its inclusion of ingredients like ham or bacon adds a deep richness without overwhelming the overall simplicity. Serve it alone or as an accompaniment to other dishes for a complete plate.
Get the Recipe: Classic Hoppin’ John

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Topped with caramelized pineapple slices, Pineapple Upside Down Cake creates a show-stopping visual and flavor presentation. The moist yellow cake base complements the sweet, slightly tangy pineapple topping. It’s a dessert that feels unique while remaining simple and approachable. This classic option is easily portable and sure to make an impression at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Herb-Marinated Mozzarella Balls

Packed with aroma, Herb-Marinated Mozzarella Balls offer mouthfuls of soft, creamy mozzarella infused with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. This simple recipe delivers a punch of flavor with minimal effort and is a standout addition to any potluck spread. Serve these with toothpicks or alongside crusty bread for easy sharing. They are perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to the menu.
Get the Recipe: Herb-Marinated Mozzarella Balls

John Wayne Casserole

Bringing hearty and cheesy goodness, John Wayne Casserole layers ground beef, biscuits, and peppers in a rich creamy sauce. Topped with melted cheese, it combines soft and crisp textures into every serving. This dish is comforting, easy to make, and perfect for feeding a crowd without much fuss. Serve it warm and watch how quickly it becomes a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: John Wayne Casserole

Quick Marinated Cucumbers

Refreshing and crisp, Quick Marinated Cucumbers are thin slices soaked in a mild vinegar-based marinade with simple seasonings. A touch of sweetness and herbs enhances their flavor while maintaining a light and tangy profile. This easy side dish can be prepared in minutes and pairs well with a variety of entrees. Serve them chilled for a cooling contrast to richer dishes on the table.
Get the Recipe: Quick Marinated Cucumbers

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.

Sweet and portable, No-Bake Molly Bars combine chocolate, oats, and peanut butter into an energy-packed treat. With no need for baking, they come together quickly and are easy to slice into perfect portions. The balance of chewy texture with rich, sweet flavors makes them a favorite among both kids and adults. Whether for snacking or dessert, they are a reliable potluck addition.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Molly Bars

Authentic Panzanella Salad

A white bowl filled with panzanella salad, featuring bread cubes, cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and sliced red onions on a white surface. — Authentic Panzanella Salad. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Rustic and flavorful, Authentic Panzanella Salad highlights crusty bread cubes, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light olive oil dressing. The juicy vegetables soak into the bread, creating a blend of textures in every forkful. This salad works best when served fresh and is a colorful dish that complements many other recipes. Its simple ingredients let the flavors of each component shine naturally.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Panzanella Salad

Corn Nuggets

Bite-sized and crispy, Corn Nuggets feature a rich, creamy corn filling encased in a golden, crunchy shell. Each bite offers a lovely mix of textures that is easy to enjoy and share. Whether served as an appetizer or side, they’re quick to prepare and always a favorite with a crowd. Pair these nuggets with a simple dip or sauce for added flavor.
Get the Recipe: Corn Nuggets

Broccoli Rice Casserole from Grandma’s Recipe Box

Close-up of a cheesy broccoli and rice casserole in a baking dish, with a serving removed, showing melted cheese, rice, broccoli, and garnished parsley. — Broccoli Rice Casserole from Grandma’s Recipe Box. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Combining classic flavors, Broccoli Rice Casserole from Grandma’s Recipe Box mixes tender broccoli, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked rice. Baked until bubbly, this casserole offers a comforting and filling addition to any meal. It’s easy to assemble in large batches, making it very potluck-friendly. This recipe carries a hint of nostalgia, ensuring guests of all ages will gravitate to the serving dish.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole from Grandma’s Recipe Box

Carrot Muffins with Streusel Topping

A close-up of a Carrot Muffin with Streusel Topping with a bite taken out, revealing a moist, spiced interior with visible pieces of carrot, on a white plate. — Carrot Muffins with Streusel Topping. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Sweet and spiced, Carrot Muffins with Streusel Topping combine grated carrots with a moist batter and a crumbly streusel layer. The crunch of the topping pairs well with the softness of the muffin, creating a lovely balance in every bite. These muffins can double as a breakfast option or a dessert, depending on your table setup. The recipe is straightforward and portable, perfect for sharing in group settings.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Muffins with Streusel Topping

Retro Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes & Apples

Sliced slow cooker pork roast with sweet potatoes & apples on a white plate. — Retro Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes & Apples. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Tender and flavorful, Retro Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes & Apples combines flavorful pork with the natural sweetness of apples and sweet potatoes. Using a slow cooker ensures the dish is perfectly cooked with minimal attention, leaving the pork juicy and the vegetables tender. The combination of ingredients creates a harmony of flavors that appeals to a range of tastes. Serve it directly from the slow cooker for an easy potluck centerpiece.
Get the Recipe: Retro Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes & Apples