What to bring to a potluck
The best potluck dish travels well, tastes good at room temperature and serves a crowd. And if you are not a cook, the host will be thrilled with ice, plates and cups or drinks: those run out first.
Start a free potluck sign up sheetEssentials to cover first
These start on the app's essentials radar: Main dish, Dessert, Drinks, Ice, Plates & cups, Napkins.
Easy mains
- Mac and cheese
- Baked ziti
- Slow cooker pulled pork
- Chicken enchiladas
- Meatballs
- Chili
Sides that travel well
- Salad
- Deviled eggs
- Rolls
- Pasta salad
- Corn casserole
- Baked beans
- Caprese skewers
- Cornbread
No-cook snacks
- Chips & salsa
- Veggie tray
- Fruit tray
- Cheese and crackers
- Hummus and pita
Desserts
- Brownies
- Cookies
- Sheet cake
- Banana pudding
- Lemon bars
Not a cook? Bring these
- Ice
- Plates & cups
- Napkins
- Lemonade
- Sparkling water
- Serving spoons
- Foil for leftovers
- Trash bags
How to run it
- Ask the host what is still missing, or open the group sign up sheet.
- Claim your dish so nobody doubles up.
- Bring it ready to serve, with a serving spoon.
- Label it if it has nuts, dairy or gluten.
Questions
What is the easiest thing to bring to a potluck?
Ice, drinks, a bag of rolls, a fruit tray, or plates and cups. They need no cooking, and they are what hosts run out of most often.
How much food should I bring to a potluck?
Enough for about half the guests to have a serving: dishes are shared, and most people take a little of everything. For 20 guests, a 9x13 pan is plenty.