Potluck Party Ideas

Hosting and organizing a Potluck Party brings all the guests together as everyone will feel they have contributed. There is always lots to talk about, because everyone will discuss what each person brought, share the recipe and go on about how good every thing tastes. The tradition of the potluck dinner usually has the hostess provide and serve the main course or dish, however modern day parties often include others helping in this aspect as well.

When inviting your guests clearly specify what they are to bring to assure a variety of food, and that everything on the menu is covered. Have extra dishes, baskets and serving ware and utensils available as some people may forget to bring them. Also express that the food being brought is to be prepare before coming and already cooked so to be just re-heated at the party. Crock pots, and hot plates and of course the stove and microwave are perfect for keeping main dishes warm.

Clean out your fridge ahead of time, or have a cooler handy for perishables. Make sure you also have some tupperware, plastic containers or zip lock bags that you don’t necessarily want back to send home any leftovers with your guests. Thank your guests for coming and for all their hard work as well. A potluck party truly is a team effort. Here are some dishes and potluck food for some of your guests to bring at your next potluck:



Potluck Main Dishes Ideas

  • Lasagne
  • Meatballs
  • Egg rolls
  • Casseroles
  • Chilli
  • Turkey
  • Roast beef
  • Ham with pineapple
  • Pizza
  • Fish
  • Barbequed hamburgers and hot dogs
  • Pasta dish
  • Chicken pot pie
  • Shepherds pie
  • Finger sandwiches:
  1. Egg salad
  2. Tuna
  3. Salmon
  4. Ham and cheese
  5. Turkey
  6. Roast beef
  • Chicken wings
  • Ribs


Salad Ideas For A Potluck Dinner

  • Caesar salad
  • Coleslaw
  • Potato salad
  • Garden salad
  • Pasta
  • Greek
  • Seafood
  • Macaroni


Potluck Party Desserts

  • Squares
  • Cookies
  • Ice cream
  • Cake
  • Pie: Apple, pumpkin, lemon, strawberry rhubarb, pudding
  • Candies
  • Donuts
  • Muffins
  • Jell-O
  • Pudding
  • Cherry Cheese cake
  • Missisipi Mud
  • Cup Cakes


Beverages

  • Punch
  • Soda
  • Ice
  • Juice
  • White or Chocolate milk
  • Set up a bar or have BYOB

*Be sure to have enough glasses



Other Potluck Food

Veggie tray with dip including:

  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Cucumber
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Green and red peppers
  • Cauliflower
  • Broccoli

Fruit tray

  • Strawberries
  • Grapes
  • Pineapple
  • Blue berries
  • Cantaloupe
  • Honey dew
  • Watermelon
  • *Make up in little kabobs with tooth picks for people to easily grab

 

Fruit tray

  • Strawberries
  • Grapes
  • Pineapple
  • Blue berries
  • Cantaloupe
  • Honey dew
  • Watermelon
  • *Make up in little kabobs with tooth picks for people to easily grab

Side dishes

  • Buns or rolls
  • Mixed veggies
  • Devilled eggs
  • Mashed potato
  • Corn on the cob
  • Cubed cheese
  • Cold cuts
  • Pickles
  • Shrimp ring
  • Pumpernickel bread with spinach dip
  • Cheese ball
  • Nacho dip with chips
  • Pretzels
  • Flavoured cream cheese and crackers
  • Pickled eggs
  • Cooked beans
  • Potato wedges