10 delicious big batch food ideas for your next potluck

Potlucks are amazing. If you’re hosting then it takes the pressure off of preparing different foods, and if you’re invited to one then you get to share a recipe your family loves. At least then you’ll be certain that your picky eater will eat the safe food that you made, hopefully.

These potluck food ideas are both simple and delicious. They are easy to make, easy to store and easy to take with you anywhere you go. The best potluck recipes will gather everyone around the table for your next fiesta. From stir-fry to pinwheels, check out these big batch food ideas before your next get-together.

10 potluck food ideas

1. Taco casserole

Grab all of your favorite ingredients, toppings and sauces for this amazing taco casserole. First, brown your beef on a skillet and add taco seasoning. Spread it evenly on a baking dish. In a mixing bowl, beat eggs and milk then, stir in biscuit mix and a dash of pepper. Let that bake and finally, top it off with your toppings.

2. Chili

Yes, it’s the ultimate comfort food but chili is also a classic when it comes to potluck food ideas. Brown your beef then set aside. Sauté diced onions and garlic. Add diced bell peppers, broth, cumin, salt, pepper, and oregano. Stir in the browned beef along with a can of crushed tomatoes and a cup of water. Let is simmer for an hour before adding in a can of beans. Then, you simply add your favorite toppings.

3. Pasta salad

The best thing about pasta salads is that you can toss it together with your favorite ingredients. Cook pasta according to package directions and let it cool. Then, it’s all about dicing and chopping some add-ins. Think: tomatoes, red onions, bell peppers, a can of corn and a can of beans. For more protein add a can of tuna or shredded chicken from a store-bought chicken. Stir it all together in a big bowl with mayonnaise, black pepper, a dash of salt and maybe a hint of hot sauce.

4. Pastitsio

This baked pasta dish comes together in two parts. First, you’ll make a tomato meat sauce. Then, you’ll make the béchamel which will eventually be spread over the pasta in the end. There are a few different parts to it the but recipe is easy to whip together. Check out the full recipe card here.

5. Veggie pinwheels

Mix together softened cream cheese and thinly sliced veggies such as, bell peppers, tomatoes, olives and celery. You can add dressing or spices. Spread the mixture on top of a tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly then slice into bite-size slices.

6. Oven-baked sliders

In a bowl combine beef and spices. Press the meat mixture into an oven-safe dish and bake for about 20 minutes. While that’s going, carmelize some onions. Set out and slice your dinner rolls in half. Place the bottom half in a baking dish and top with meat, onions and a slice of cheese. You can also add any other veggies that won’t wilt on top. Place the tops on the sliders then bake for until the tops are golden or the cheese is melted.

7. Veggie stir-fry

A veggie stir-fry can be enjoyed on it’s own or with a side of noodles or rice. In a wok heat up olive oil then add bell peppers, peas, carrots, mushrooms, broccoli, corn, onions and peanuts. Whisk corn starch, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic and broth. Pour it over the veggies and stir until the sauce thickens.

8. Coconut shrimp

Rinse and dry shrimp. You’ll need three small mixing bowls. In the first bowl, mix cornstarch, salt and cayenne pepper. In the second bowl, add coconut flakes. In the third bowl, beat egg whites until they’re white and foamy. Take shrimp one at a time and dunk into the cornstarch mixture, egg whites and finally coconut flakes. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes.

9. Au gratin potatoes

In the mood for comfort food? Start with an oven-safe dish on the stove. Toss in diced garlic, butter, onions, salt and black pepper. Stir in broth and a dash of heavy cream. Add thinly sliced potato slices and let it all cook together until the potatoes are tender. Then, layer cheese on top and transfer to the oven.

10. Skewer meatballs

In a bowl, mix together ground beef, turmeric, salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin and ginger powder. In a large pot, bring water and a can of crushed tomatoes to a simmer. Form round balls with the meat mixture and gently lower them one by one into the pot. Cover and let it cook through. Once it’s cooled down, skewer in groups of three.