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These 17 Tex-Mex Dishes Always Disappear First at Potlucks!

Tex-Mex is a potluck’s unspoken MVP, drawing crowds to its bubbling casseroles, loaded nachos, and dips with enough layers to qualify as architectural wonders. They’re as close to a guaranteed win as you can get, disappearing faster than the awkward small talk. Pro tip: Make extra because one dish won’t be enough.

Smoked Jalapenos in 2 cast iron pans.
Smoked Jalapenos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Grilled corn on the cob pieces topped with cheese, chili powder, and cilantro, served on a black slate plate with lime wedges on the side.
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

You’ve never had corn like this before. Grilled Elote Corn Ribs bring that smoky, charred flavor everyone loves. Cut into bite-sized pieces, they’re easy to share, making them perfect for potlucks. It’s a fun twist on traditional corn, and they get snatched up almost immediately. With the right balance of heat and flavor, they never last long.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa in a black pan with tortilla chips in a second pan.
Roasted Tomatillo Salsa. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s nothing like the depth of flavor in Roasted Tomatillo Salsa. It’s smoky, tangy, and just the right amount of kick, making it the perfect addition to any meal. Whether you’re pairing it with chips or pouring it over tacos, it’ll be gone before you even realize it. It’s the kind of salsa that everyone talks about once it’s gone.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

Grilled Corn Guacamole

Corn guacamole with tortilla chips on a plate.
Grilled Corn Guacamole. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

It’s the kind of dip that makes the party. Grilled Corn Guacamole takes a classic dip to the next level with a smoky and savory flavor. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser at a potluck since it pairs with almost anything and disappears before you know it. The addition of grilled corn adds a surprising twist, and people will keep going back for more.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Guacamole

Dutch oven Carnitas

Carnitas in a round black dish.
Dutch oven Carnitas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A crowd-pleaser that requires little effort and guarantees success. Dutch oven Carnitas take slow-cooked pork to a whole new level, resulting in tender, flavorful bites that are perfect for any potluck. It’s one of those dishes that disappears fast, and no one can resist going back for more. People love the crispy edges and juicy interior that make every bite a little different.
Get the Recipe: Dutch oven Carnitas

Taco Casserole

A Taco Casserole dish with black beans, cheese and jalapenos.
Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

If you want to guarantee it’s gone by the end, this casserole is the way to go. Taco Casserole is a dish that takes the best parts of tacos and combines them into one easy-to-serve meal. It’s hearty and filling, making it a favorite at potlucks. People gravitate toward the layers of flavor, and it’s the kind of dish that holds up well throughout the event.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

Slow Cooker Carnitas Board

A platter of pork carnitas board on a wooden table.
Slow Cooker Carnitas Board. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Set up a Slow Cooker Carnitas Board, and watch guests flock to it. This hands-off dish makes it easy for everyone to build their perfect bite. The slow cooker ensures the pork is tender, juicy, and ready to go. People can add their favorite toppings, making it the most customizable option at the table. Once they start, they won’t stop.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Carnitas Board

Tomatillo Pico de Gallo

Tomatillo pico de gallo in a black dish surrounded by tortilla chips.
Tomatillo Pico de Gallo. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A refreshing twist on the classic, Tomatillo Pico de Gallo adds a burst of tanginess that enhances any dish. It’s the perfect topping or dip that everyone reaches for first. The vibrant flavors are both sharp and fresh, offering a nice contrast to heavier dishes at a potluck. With this pico, people keep coming back for more without a second thought.
Get the Recipe: Tomatillo Pico de Gallo

Birria de Res

Two white bowls filled with slow cooker birria garnished with fresh lime wedges.
Birria de Res. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Serve it with a few sides, and watch it disappear quickly as people go back for more. Birria de Res is a dish that takes comfort food to the next level. Slowly cooked beef in a flavorful broth becomes tender and packed with taste. It’s great for potlucks because everyone loves a meal they can share, especially when it’s as satisfying as this.
Get the Recipe: Birria de Res

Food Processor Salsa

Homemade salsa on a black plate with tortilla chips.
Food Processor Salsa. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

It’s the kind of salsa you can’t stop eating once you start. Food Processor Salsa is the secret to a quick and fresh dip that never disappoints. The vibrant flavors come together in minutes, making it an easy choice for potlucks. You can adjust the consistency and spice to fit any crowd, which makes it an all-around winner.
Get the Recipe: Food Processor Salsa

Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito

A close-up of a hand holding a copycat Taco Bell Cantina chicken burrito.
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Who doesn’t love a good burrito? Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito brings all the flavors together in one perfect, portable bite. It’s a great way to make a crowd-pleaser with a familiar twist. These burritos don’t sit on the table long, so you’ll have to make extra if you want any leftovers. When it comes to satisfying a group, they’re a hit every time.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito

Guacamole Snack Board

A top-down shot of a guacamole snack board.
Guacamole Snack Board. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A Guacamole Snack Board is the kind of dish that invites everyone to the table. Loaded with chips, veggies, and, of course, guacamole, it’s easy to customize and share. People will keep grabbing chips and double-dipping (don’t judge them) because this board is a hit. At a potluck, you can count on it being one of the first to disappear.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole Snack Board

Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken

Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken served on a white plate.
Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Perfect for those who like their chicken tender and full of flavor, this dish never lasts long at a potluck. Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken is the kind of dish that has everyone asking for seconds. The slow cooking process creates flavors that are rich and deep, making each bite better than the last. The best part? It’s easy to prep and always goes over well.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken

Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

A plate of empanadas on a slate.
Air Fryer Beef Empanadas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

The air fryer makes them crispy without the mess of deep frying, leaving everyone satisfied. Air Fryer Beef Empanadas are a crispy, golden treat that is both handheld and filled with flavor. Perfect for potlucks, they’re easy to serve and even easier to eat. Whether someone’s grabbing them as a snack or pairing them with other dishes, they’ll be gone in no time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

Leftover Steak Soft Tacos

Top-down shot of two Leftover Steak Soft Tacos on a slate board.
Leftover Steak Soft Tacos. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

A great way to turn leftover steak into something people will fight over. Leftover Steak Soft Tacos transform simple ingredients into an irresistible dish. The soft tortillas hold all the flavors together while the steak becomes the perfect base. Whether you add some extra toppings or leave it simple, these tacos disappear every time. Ideal for potlucks where you need a dish that will get eaten fast.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Soft Tacos

Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo

Grilled Steak skewers on a white plate with chilis nearby.
Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

They’re just the right size for a bite-sized feast. Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo combine perfectly charred beef with a tangy sauce that adds a punch of flavor. They’re easy to eat with one hand, making them perfect for grabbing between conversations. People will return to these skewers over and over, thanks to the balance of smoky and tangy flavors.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo

Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

An image of Tex-Mex Caesar Salad on a square plate.
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Everyone loves how easy it is to pick at and enjoy throughout the potluck. Tex-Mex Caesar Salad takes the classic Caesar and gives it a fun twist. It’s got everything you love about the original with a little added kick. This salad makes for a great side or a main event when you need something lighter but still packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

Smoked Jalapenos

Smoked Jalapenos in 2 cast iron pans.
Smoked Jalapenos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a bit of smoky heat, Smoked Jalapenos are the go-to choice. They pack a punch without overwhelming the flavor. People will keep reaching for more, not realizing how quickly they’ve emptied the tray. It’s the kind of dish that adds excitement to a table, leaving everyone wondering what’s next. They’re the perfect balance of heat and smokiness.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Jalapenos

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