Planning a potluck can be fun and budget-friendly with the right ideas! Here’s a collection of over 37 cheap potluck dishes that are not only easy to prepare but also sure to please a crowd. From hearty casseroles to delicious dips, these options will make your next gathering a hit without breaking the bank.
Savory Pasta Salad with Seasonal Veggies
This pasta salad is a colorful and tasty option for any potluck. It features rotini pasta tossed with fresh seasonal veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. The vibrant colors make it visually appealing and inviting.
To make this dish, start by cooking the pasta until al dente. While it cools, chop your favorite seasonal veggies. Combine everything in a large bowl, adding a drizzle of olive oil and a splash of vinegar for flavor. Toss in some fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra touch.
This salad is not only easy to prepare but also budget-friendly. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole
This Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole is a fantastic potluck dish that everyone will love. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with nutritious broccoli. The bright green florets stand out against the golden cheese, making it as appealing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.
To make this dish, you’ll need simple ingredients: rice, broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and some spices. Start by cooking the rice and steaming the broccoli until tender. Then, mix everything together in a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly. It’s easy and quick!
This casserole is perfect for gatherings. It can be made ahead of time and warmed up before serving. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies. Everyone will be asking for the recipe!
Mini Meatballs in Tangy Sauce
Mini meatballs in tangy sauce are a hit at any potluck. They are easy to make and even easier to eat, making them a perfect choice for gatherings. These little bites pack a punch of flavor and are sure to please a crowd.
To whip up this dish, you’ll need ground meat, breadcrumbs, and a few spices for the meatballs. For the sauce, a mix of ketchup, vinegar, and brown sugar creates a sweet and tangy blend. Combine everything and let it simmer for a while to allow the flavors to meld.
When serving, consider using toothpicks for easy snacking. This way, guests can grab a meatball and keep mingling. Plus, they look great on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs for a pop of color.
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa
Stuffed bell peppers are a colorful and tasty option for any potluck. These vibrant peppers are filled with a hearty mixture of quinoa, black beans, and fresh veggies. They not only look appealing but also offer a nutritious punch.
To make them, start by cooking quinoa according to package instructions. While it cooks, chop up some bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Mix the cooked quinoa with black beans, diced veggies, and your favorite seasonings.
Once the filling is ready, stuff the mixture into halved bell peppers. Bake them until the peppers are tender. They can be served warm or at room temperature, making them perfect for sharing.
These stuffed peppers are not just filling; they are also a great way to sneak in some veggies. Plus, they can be customized with different ingredients based on what you have on hand. Enjoy!
Vegetable Tray with Homemade Dip
A vegetable tray is a colorful and healthy option for any potluck. This image shows a vibrant assortment of fresh veggies, including carrots, celery, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and radishes, all beautifully arranged around a bowl of creamy dip.
The dip in the center adds a tasty touch, making it easy for guests to enjoy the crunchy vegetables. You can make the dip at home using simple ingredients like yogurt, herbs, and spices. This not only saves money but also allows you to customize the flavors to your liking.
To create your own vegetable tray, start by selecting a variety of colorful vegetables. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for easy snacking. Arrange them in a circle or a fun pattern on a large platter. Place your homemade dip in the center for a delightful presentation. This dish is not only appealing to the eye but also a great way to encourage healthy eating at gatherings.
Hearty Bean Chili with Cornbread
Hearty bean chili is a perfect dish for potlucks. It’s warm, filling, and easy to make in large batches. The image shows a bowl of rich, colorful chili filled with various beans, simmered to perfection. The vibrant colors of the beans and spices create an inviting look that makes everyone want to dig in.
Pairing this chili with cornbread adds a delightful touch. The cornbread’s slightly sweet flavor complements the spiciness of the chili. You can see a piece of cornbread resting next to the bowl, ready to be enjoyed. This combo is not just tasty but also budget-friendly, making it a great choice for gatherings.
To make this dish, gather ingredients like kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and spices. Cook everything together in a pot until the flavors meld. Serve it hot with cornbread on the side for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Classic Deviled Eggs with Paprika
Deviled eggs are a classic potluck favorite. They are simple to make and always a hit at gatherings. The image shows a beautiful platter of deviled eggs, each topped with a sprinkle of paprika. The bright yellow filling contrasts nicely with the white egg whites, making them visually appealing.
To make these tasty bites, you’ll need hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and paprika. Start by boiling the eggs until they are hard. Once cooled, peel them and cut them in half. Remove the yolks and mix them with the mayonnaise, mustard, and a pinch of salt. Spoon or pipe the mixture back into the egg whites and finish with a sprinkle of paprika for that extra flavor.
These deviled eggs are not just easy to prepare; they are also budget-friendly. You can make a large batch without breaking the bank. They are perfect for any potluck, picnic, or family gathering. Plus, you can customize them by adding ingredients like pickles or herbs to suit your taste.
Homemade Garlic Breadsticks
Homemade garlic breadsticks are a fantastic addition to any potluck. They’re simple to make and loved by everyone. The image shows a basket filled with warm, golden-brown breadsticks, drizzled with melted butter and sprinkled with herbs. They look inviting and are sure to catch anyone’s eye.
To whip up these tasty treats, you’ll need some basic ingredients: breadsticks, garlic, butter, and herbs like parsley or oregano. Start by melting the butter and mixing in minced garlic. Brush this mixture over the breadsticks before baking them until golden. The aroma will fill your kitchen!
Once they’re out of the oven, you can add a little extra butter or herbs on top for that finishing touch. Serve them warm, and watch them disappear quickly. These breadsticks are not just a side; they can be a star at your potluck!
Savory Spinach and Cheese Quiche
This savory spinach and cheese quiche is a delightful addition to any potluck. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser. The golden crust holds a creamy filling of spinach, cheese, and eggs, creating a perfect balance of textures.
To whip up this dish, you’ll need a few simple ingredients: fresh spinach, eggs, cheese (like cheddar or feta), and a pre-made pie crust. Start by sautéing the spinach until wilted, then mix it with the eggs and cheese. Pour the mixture into the crust and bake until set. It’s that simple!
This quiche can be served warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for any gathering. Slice it into wedges and watch it disappear from the table!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Chocolate chip cookie bars are a fantastic option for any potluck. They combine the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies into a convenient bar form. This makes them easy to cut and serve, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
To make these delicious treats, you’ll need simple ingredients: flour, butter, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, baking soda, and of course, chocolate chips. Mixing these ingredients together creates a rich, buttery dough that bakes into a soft and chewy bar.
Start by preheating your oven and lining a baking pan with parchment paper. Cream the butter and sugars, then add the eggs and vanilla. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients and fold in the chocolate chips. Spread the batter evenly in the pan and bake until golden brown.
Once they cool, cut them into squares and watch them disappear at your potluck! These bars are sure to be a hit, bringing smiles and satisfaction to everyone who tries them.
Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
This fruit salad is a refreshing and colorful addition to any potluck. It features a mix of juicy strawberries, blueberries, and sweet melon, all drizzled with a delightful honey lime dressing.
The bright colors of the fruits make it visually appealing, while the honey lime dressing adds a zesty kick. It’s simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a perfect choice for gatherings.
To make this salad, gather fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and melon. Chop them into bite-sized pieces and toss them in a bowl. For the dressing, mix honey, lime juice, and a bit of zest for extra flavor. Drizzle it over the fruit just before serving to keep everything fresh.
This dish not only tastes great but also looks beautiful on the table. It’s a healthy option that everyone will enjoy!
Creamy Potato Salad with Eggs
This creamy potato salad with eggs is a classic dish that never fails to impress at potlucks. The combination of tender potatoes and hard-boiled eggs creates a delightful texture that everyone loves.
To make this dish, you’ll need simple ingredients: potatoes, eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley for added flavor. Start by boiling the potatoes until they are soft, then chop them into bite-sized pieces. Hard-boil the eggs and slice them up.
Mix everything together in a large bowl, adding the mayonnaise and mustard to bind it all. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This salad can be served immediately or chilled in the fridge for a few hours to let the flavors meld.
It’s a perfect side dish for any gathering and pairs well with grilled meats or sandwiches. Plus, it’s easy to make in large batches, making it a go-to choice for potlucks!
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Baked macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that everyone loves. It’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. This dish is perfect for potlucks because it’s easy to make in large batches and can be served warm or at room temperature.
To whip up this delicious dish, you’ll need some basic ingredients. Start with elbow macaroni, your favorite cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella), milk, butter, and a bit of flour for thickening. You can also add breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy finish.
Cooking is simple. Boil the macaroni until al dente, then make a cheese sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour, and adding milk and cheese until it’s creamy. Combine the macaroni with the sauce, pour it into a baking dish, and top with breadcrumbs. Bake until bubbly and golden.
This baked mac and cheese is sure to be a hit at any gathering. It’s comforting, filling, and brings a smile to everyone’s face. Plus, it’s a great way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank!
Sweet and Sour Coleslaw
Sweet and sour coleslaw is a colorful and crunchy dish that adds a refreshing touch to any potluck. The vibrant mix of shredded cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers makes it visually appealing and delicious.
This coleslaw is not just about looks. The sweet and tangy dressing brings all the flavors together, making it a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
For a basic recipe, you’ll need ingredients like green and red cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and a dressing made from vinegar, sugar, and a bit of oil. Just chop, mix, and let it chill in the fridge before serving. It’s that simple!
Sweet and sour coleslaw pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or even as a standalone dish. It’s a great way to add some crunch and color to your potluck spread.
Zucchini Fritters with Yogurt Sauce
These zucchini fritters are a fantastic potluck dish that everyone will love. They are golden brown and crispy on the outside, with a soft and flavorful center. The vibrant green bits of zucchini add a fresh touch, making them not just tasty but also visually appealing.
Served with a creamy yogurt sauce, these fritters are perfect for dipping. The sauce adds a cool contrast to the warm fritters, enhancing the overall flavor. You can easily whip up this dish with simple ingredients that you probably already have at home.
To make these fritters, you’ll need grated zucchini, flour, eggs, and some seasonings. Mix everything together, form patties, and pan-fry until golden. For the yogurt sauce, just combine yogurt with a squeeze of lemon and some herbs for extra flavor.
These fritters are not only easy to make but also budget-friendly, making them an ideal choice for any potluck gathering. They can be served warm or at room temperature, making them versatile for any occasion.
