Easy Potluck Recipes: Delicious Sides, Salads & Desserts for Your Next Gathering
Summer is the perfect time for spending quality moments with friends and family. And what better way to celebrate those moments than with delicious food and fun games? Planning gatherings, however, often involves the daunting task of deciding what to cook or bring. Finding the right recipes that are both crowd-pleasing and easy to prepare can be challenging.
This article is your ultimate guide to the best potluck recipes. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, attending a summer potluck, or simply looking for easy recipes to share, these suggestions will ensure you have the perfect dishes to impress your guests. No need to overthink it – we’ve got you covered with a variety of options that are bursting with the tasty flavors of summer, grilling, and pure fun!
From refreshing salads to savory side dishes and irresistible desserts, these potluck recipes are designed to be simple, delicious, and memorable. Get ready to elevate your next gathering with these family-approved favorites!
You’ll love having all of these family favorite recipes!
What makes these recipe posts so valuable is the curated list that simplifies your decision-making process. I can confidently assure you that each recipe is outstanding. They are guaranteed to create an impressive culinary lineup for your upcoming family get-together! Save time and energy with recipes that are tested and adored by families just like yours.
Top 10 Potluck and Backyard BBQ Recipes
👉 Watch the step-by-step video tutorial here
Here’s a compilation of ten of the best potluck and backyard BBQ recipes that are guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering. These recipes are easy to follow, require minimal ingredients, and deliver maximum flavor. Each dish is designed to be shared and enjoyed by a crowd, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.
Classic Coleslaw
View Recipe
No potluck is complete without a refreshing coleslaw. This classic coleslaw recipe is easy to make and perfect for pairing with grilled meats and sandwiches. The creamy dressing and crisp vegetables make it a crowd-pleaser every time.
Avocado Corn Salad
View Recipe
Add a touch of freshness to your potluck with this vibrant avocado corn salad. The creamy avocado, sweet corn, and zesty lime dressing create a delicious combination that everyone will love. It’s perfect as a side dish or a light appetizer.
No Bake Avalanche Cookies
View Recipe
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these easy no-bake avalanche cookies. Loaded with peanut butter, marshmallows, and Rice Krispies, these cookies are a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. They’re quick to prepare and perfect for a last-minute dessert.
Doritos Taco Pasta Salad
View Recipe
For a unique and flavorful twist on a classic pasta salad, try this Doritos taco pasta salad. The combination of pasta, taco seasoning, and crushed Doritos creates a surprisingly delicious and addictive dish. It’s a fun and unexpected addition to any potluck spread.
Red White and Blue Cheesecake Fruit Salad
Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Fruit Salad is the easiest dessert you can make this summer for fresh flavor and creamy deliciousness.
View Recipe
Celebrate summer holidays with this festive red, white, and blue cheesecake fruit salad. The creamy cheesecake filling and fresh berries make a light and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s also a beautiful and colorful addition to your potluck table.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Twice baked potato casserole — creamy, cheesy potatoes are topped with bacon and even more cheese for a delicious and hearty side dish.
View Recipe
Bring comfort food to the potluck with this creamy and cheesy twice-baked potato casserole. Topped with bacon and even more cheese, this hearty side dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for satisfying those comfort food cravings.
Baked Loaded Queso
Baked Loaded Queso is one of the best, cheesiest, most flavorful queso recipes. Just make up the meat and bake the rest in the oven!
View Recipe
Spice things up with this baked loaded queso. This cheesy, flavorful dip is perfect for serving with tortilla chips, vegetables, or bread. It’s easy to prepare and sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Slow Cooker Baked Russet Potatoes
Slow Cooker Baked Russet Potatoes — the easies way to make the perfect baked potatoes and with great flavor.
View Recipe
Simplify your potluck preparation with these slow cooker baked russet potatoes. The slow cooker makes it incredibly easy to bake potatoes to perfection. They’re tender, flavorful, and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Buster Bar Ice Cream Cake
All the delicious flavors of a Dairy Queen Buster Bar all in one ice cream cake with simple ingredients to serve a sweet summer treat.
View Recipe
Indulge in this irresistible Buster Bar ice cream cake. This dessert features layers of ice cream, chocolate, and peanuts, recreating all the delicious flavors of a Dairy Queen Buster Bar. It’s a fun and festive treat that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
Classic Ice Cream Pie
Enjoy this perfect Classic Ice Cream Pie recipe that is super simple to put together and the whole family can enjoy any time!
View Recipe
End your potluck on a sweet note with this classic ice cream pie. This simple dessert is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. The creamy ice cream filling and crunchy crust make it a crowd-pleasing favorite that everyone will enjoy.
Pin this now to find it later
Pin It
Can I make these recipes ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the best features of these recipes is their make-ahead convenience. The majority, if not all, of these dishes are ideal for preparing the day before you need them. This allows you to simply grab and go when the time comes. Streamlining your preparation makes attending or hosting a potluck that much easier.
I personally find this incredibly useful, as I’m often occupied with getting my family ready for outings. These simple, make-ahead recipes are essential for stress-free gatherings!
Will this recipe feed a crowd?
Yes, these recipes are designed to feed a crowd! If I anticipate more than 10 attendees, I typically double the recipe quantities. Even if there are leftovers, they are exceptionally delicious and can be enjoyed in the days following the event. Planning for extra food ensures everyone gets their fill and nobody leaves hungry.
These recipes are crafted to be generous, ensuring everyone gets their fill and nobody leaves hungry. Sharing food is a core part of what makes potlucks so special, and having ample amounts of each dish helps foster that sense of community.
Delicious entrees to make for summer:
Chicken
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Chicken
Parmesan Chicken & Zucchini
Chicken
Ranch Chicken Legs
In addition to these amazing potluck recipes, consider adding some delicious entrees to your summer meal lineup. Sheet pan chicken fajitas, parmesan chicken & zucchini, and ranch chicken legs are all fantastic options that are both easy to make and incredibly flavorful. They’re perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Quick links for making dinner easy:
To further simplify your cooking journey, here are some quick links that can help you make dinner preparation easier and more enjoyable. From family meal plans to essential kitchen tools and a free budget meal plan, these resources are designed to support you in creating delicious and stress-free meals.
- Family meal plans
- Tools for the kitchen and more
- The best cookbook for family dinner recipes
- FREE budget meal plan
- Cooking videos to watch
If you try any of these recipes, be sure to tag us on Instagram @julia.pacheco.cooking and let us know how much you enjoyed them! We love seeing your culinary creations and hearing your feedback.
We’re always thrilled to see our recipes come to life in your kitchens. Your feedback helps us continue to create and share recipes that are both delicious and easy to make. Happy cooking!