30 Last-Minute Potluck Recipes That Save Face
Uh oh. You forgot about the potluck, didn’t you? Don’t panic! We’ve all been there. That sudden realization that you RSVP’d yes to contributing a dish, and the event is *today*. Fear not, fellow procrastinator, we’ve compiled a lifesaver list of 30 unbelievably easy (and delicious!) potluck recipes that will not only save you from embarrassment but might even earn you some culinary kudos.
These recipes are designed for speed and simplicity, using readily available ingredients and requiring minimal cooking skills. So, take a deep breath, raid your pantry, and get ready to whip up a crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone thinking you planned this all along.
Quick Seven-Layer Dip Recipe
This classic dip is always a hit and comes together in minutes. Simply layer refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese, olives, and green onions in a dish. Serve with tortilla chips and watch it disappear!
Quick Caprese Skewers Recipe
Thread cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto skewers. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of salt and pepper for a simple yet elegant appetizer.
Quick Bruschetta Recipe
Toast slices of baguette bread. Top with a mixture of diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper. It’s fresh, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Quick Fruit Salad Recipe
Combine your favorite fruits like berries, melon, grapes, and pineapple in a bowl. A squeeze of lemon juice will prevent browning and add a zesty flavor.
Quick Pasta Salad Recipe
Cook pasta according to package directions. Toss with Italian dressing, chopped vegetables (like bell peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes), and pepperoni or cheese cubes.
Quick Guacamole Recipe
Mash avocados with lime juice, diced onion, cilantro, and salt. Add jalapeño for a spicy kick. Serve with tortilla chips or vegetable sticks.
Quick Hummus and Veggie Wraps Recipe
Spread hummus on tortillas. Add chopped vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers. Roll up and slice into bite-sized pieces.
Quick Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Wrap cocktail sausages in crescent roll dough and bake according to package directions. These are always a hit with kids (and adults!).
Quick Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
Combine canned artichoke hearts, frozen spinach, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and parmesan cheese in a baking dish. Bake until bubbly and golden brown. Serve with tortilla chips or baguette slices.
Quick Corn Salad Recipe
Mix canned corn with diced bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. It’s a refreshing and flavorful side dish.
Quick Bean Salad Recipe
Combine canned beans (kidney, black, and garbanzo) with diced red onion, bell pepper, and a vinaigrette dressing. It’s a healthy and satisfying salad.
Quick Deviled Eggs Recipe
Hard-boil eggs, peel, and slice in half. Mix the yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper. Fill the egg whites with the yolk mixture and sprinkle with paprika.
Quick Brownies Recipe
Use a boxed brownie mix and follow the instructions on the package. Add chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor.
Quick Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Melt butter and marshmallows in a saucepan. Stir in Rice Krispies cereal and press into a greased pan. Let cool and cut into squares.
Quick Cookie Dough Dip Recipe
Combine cream cheese, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and chocolate chips. Serve with graham crackers or apple slices.
Quick Salsa and Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
Mix a block of cream cheese with a jar of your favorite salsa. Serve with tortilla chips.
Quick Ants on a Log Recipe
Spread peanut butter on celery sticks and top with raisins.
Quick Pinwheel Sandwiches Recipe
Spread cream cheese or flavored spread on tortillas. Layer with deli meat and cheese. Roll up tightly and slice into pinwheels.
Quick BLT Bites Recipe
Cut baguette slices and spread with mayonnaise. Top with cooked bacon, lettuce, and tomato.
Quick Olive Tapenade Recipe
Combine olives, capers, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice in a food processor. Pulse until coarsely chopped. Serve with baguette slices.
Quick Caprese Salad Recipe
Arrange sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves on a platter. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
Quick Cucumber Sandwiches Recipe
Spread cream cheese on bread. Top with thinly sliced cucumbers and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Quick Pizza Dip Recipe
Combine cream cheese, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni in a baking dish. Bake until bubbly and golden brown. Serve with baguette slices or tortilla chips.
Quick S’mores Dip Recipe
Spread chocolate chips in a baking dish and top with marshmallows. Bake until marshmallows are golden brown and melty. Serve with graham crackers.
Quick Ranch Dip Recipe
Mix a packet of ranch dressing mix with sour cream or mayonnaise. Serve with vegetables or chips.
Quick Cheddar Bacon Ranch Crackers Recipe
Spread ranch dressing on crackers, top with cheddar cheese and bacon bits, then bake until the cheese melts.
Quick Taco Dip Recipe
Mix cream cheese and sour cream. Spread in a dish and top with taco seasoning, salsa, shredded cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. Serve with tortilla chips.
Quick Macaroni Salad Recipe
Cook macaroni according to package directions. Toss with mayonnaise, celery, onion, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Quick Fruit Pizza Recipe
Use a sugar cookie crust, spread with cream cheese frosting, and top with your favorite fruits arranged in a colorful pattern.
Quick White Bean Dip Recipe
Puree canned white beans with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and tahini in a food processor until smooth. Serve with pita bread or vegetables.