This Cheesy Monkey Bread Will Make You the Hero of Your Next Potluck

a ring of cheesy monkey bread
42 Easy Potluck Dishes That Will Still Wow a CrowdMike Garten

We're willing to bet that you have at least one potluck on your calendar this season. Whether you're planning to attend an office potluck, Friendsgiving get-together, family potluck or any other gathering, you'll want to have a few delicious sharable recipes ready to go. Luckily, we've rounded up the best potluck dishes that you can bring to any celebration, from easy dinner recipes to chocolaty desserts and more.

When thinking about a potluck dish, there are a few things to consider. First and foremost, you'll want to be sure there's enough of your dish to go around. You may have to double or triple a recipe if you're serving a large crowd. You will also want to be aware of any dietary restrictions or allergies. While you don't obviously have to cater your potluck dish to any one person, you can consider bringing vegetarian dishes, vegan plates or gluten-free desserts. Lastly, you'll also want to make something that's relatively easy to transport (unless you're hosting the potluck at your home).

If you need a little inspiration, we've gathered the best slow cooker recipes, instant pot dishes, healthy salads, pastas, finger foods and even a few make-ahead dishes ideal for any gathering. Bookmark your favorite potluck dishes to make now!

Applesauce Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Cook a big batch of savory pulled pork infused with applesauce and cider for a potluck dish everyone will love. Bring along some fluffy challah buns and a vinegary cabbage-apple slaw so everyone can make their own sandwiches.

Get the Applesauce Pulled Pork Sandwiches recipe.

pulled pork sandwich with cabbage slaw
Mike Garten

Baked Ricotta

This dish full of jammy roasted vegetables and warm ricotta is almost too pretty to eat. Serve it with crusty bread for a potluck appetizer the whole crew will enjoy.

Get the Baked Ricotta recipe.

baked ricotta with jammy tomatoes
Mike Garten

Pull-Apart S'mores Sliders

If you signed up to bring dessert to the potluck, this dish is what you should make. These delicious, gooey sliders made with Hawaiian buns, milk chocolate and mini marshmallows are sure to disappear quickly.

Get the Pull-Apart S'mores Sliders recipe.

pull apart smores sliders on a sheet tray
Mike Garten

Vegetarian Antipasto Salad

This extra-large crunchy salad loaded with mozzarella pearls adds some fresh flavor to the table. It's also suitable for any vegetarian guests at the potluck.

Get the Vegetarian Antipasto Salad recipe.

vegetarian antipasto salad on a plate
Mike Garten

Fig Cornmeal Skillet Cake

This gorgeous skillet cake made with fresh figs, cornmeal and a layer of crunchy sugar is guaranteed to be a hit at any potluck.

Get the Fig Cornmeal Skillet Cake recipe.

fig cornmeal cake in a cast iron skillet
Mike Garten

Saucy Sausage Meatballs

The secret to these savory, saucy meatballs is a little bit of cinnamon and orange zest. Put some toothpicks in to serve these as appetizers, or bring some rolls along for everyone to make their own meatball subs.

Get the Saucy Sausage Meatballs recipe.

RELATED: 51 Juicy Meatball Recipes That Are Simple Enough for Any Weeknight Dinner

red sauce sausage meatballs on a sheet tray
Mike Garten

Shepherd's Pie

This dish made with potatoes, ground lamb or beef, and plenty of veggies is basically the definition of cozy. This recipe as written is meant to serve four people, so you can double if you're making this for a larger crowd.

Get the Shepherd's Pie recipe.

shepherds pie recipe in a cast iron skillet
Mike Garten

Cheesy Garlic Bread

It doesn't really get better than this crispy, cheesy, garlicky bread. The butter is mixed with garlic, lemon zest, and Dijon mustard for an extra flavor boost.

Get the Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe.

cheesy garlic bread in a pile
Mike Garten

Tiramisu Dip

Dips make for great potluck contributions, and dessert dips are certainly no exception. This creamy one can be spooned into individual cups or served family-style.

Get the Tiramisu Dip recipe.

RELATED: 80 Best Party Dip Recipes That Are Easy to Serve a Crowd

tiramisu dip in a clear cup
Mike Garten

Apple Sausage Rolls

Flaky puff pastry is stuffed with flavorful homemade sausage in this recipe. Don't forget the apple butter mustard for dipping!

Get the Apple Sausage Rolls recipe.

apple sausage rolls with a dipping sauce on the side
Mike Garten

Gochujang Fried Rice

This sweet and spicy fried rice dish is sure to have everyone at your potluck coming back for seconds...and maybe even thirds. This recipe is also written to serve four, but you can double or even triple it for a larger crowd.

Get the Gochujang Fried Rice recipe.

gochujang fried rice with an egg on top
Mike Garten

Mixed Berry Cobbler

This rustic dessert brings together fresh berries under a crunchy, crumbly topping. Take it to the next level by topping it with vanilla ice cream.

Get the Mixed Berry Cobbler recipe.

mixed berry cobbler in a white baking dish
Mike Garten

Scallion and Sesame Focaccia

This savory focaccia uses scallions, sesame oil, sesame seeds and flaky salt. If this doesn't strike your fancy, you might wanna check out our Pear Focaccia or Tomato, Garlic, and Rosemary Focaccia recipes.

Get the Scallion and Sesame Focaccia recipe.

scallion and sesame focaccia in a deep sheet pan
Mike Garten

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

These spicy, cheesy bites come together in the air fryer. Who doesn't love an easy appetizer?

Get the Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers recipe.

RELATED: 72 Easy Air Fryer Recipes That You Absolutely Need to Try

cheese stuffed jalapeños on parchment paper
Mike Garten

Ropa Vieja

The national dish of Cuba, ropa vieja comes together entirely in the slow cooker. Everyone at the potluck will love this saucy beef main dish.

Get the Ropa Vieja recipe.

ropa vieja with shredded flank steak, black beans and white rice
Mike Garten

Spiced Chocolate Bark

This chocolate bark gets a unique twist from a little bit of homemade Sriracha mixed in with the melted chocolate. You can also prep this simple dessert ahead of time.

Get the Spiced Chocolate Bark recipe.

chocolate bark with pretzels and nuts
Mike Garten

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

These saucy snacks aren't just for game day! Everyone at your potluck will enjoy these flavorful bites, especially if you serve them with a blue cheese dip.

Get the Buffalo Cauliflower Bites recipe.

buffalo cauliflower bites with a dipping sauce on the side
Mike Garten

Mashed Potatoes With Buttery Sliced Scallions

A tray of mashed potatoes is a welcome addition to any potluck. These ones are extra special thanks to the garlic, peppercorn, and thyme-infused mixture and lemony scallion relish.

Get the Mashed Potatoes with Buttery Sliced Scallions recipe.

RELATED: 46 Easy Mashed Potatoes To Help You Find the Ultimate Holiday Side

buttery mashed potatoes with sliced scallions
Mike Garten

Pierogi With Sautéed Cabbage

The base of this dish is store-bought frozen pierogi, but it doesn't feel basic thanks to the addition of crispy bacon and tender roasted onions and cabbage.

Get the Pierogi with Sautéed Cabbage recipe.

pierogi with sautéed cabbage and mustard seeds
Mike Garten

Neapolitan Cookies

These picture-perfect cookies are surprisingly easy to make, not to mention delicious.

Get the Neapolitan Cookies recipe.

neopolitan cookies
Mike Garten

Onion and Gruyère Quiche

If it's a potluck brunch you're attending, you can't go wrong with this cheesy flavor-packed quiche. Even if it's not a potluck brunch, this is sure to be well-received at any time of day — especially with that gorgeous braided crust.

Get the Onion and Gruyère Quiche recipe.

RELATED: 60 Best Brunch Ideas and Recipes Perfect for the Tastiest Weekend

onion and gruyere quiche with a braided crust
Mike Garten

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

These roasted Brussels sprouts are a great side dish for any potluck. They're tossed with a maple-sriracha glaze and seasoned twice for extra intense flavor.

Get the Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts recipe.

RELATED: 38 Brussels Sprouts Recipes That Will Have You Asking for Seconds

air fried brussels sprouts
Mike Garten

Penne With Spicy Anchovy Marinara

Pasta can be a great potluck dish because it's relatively inexpensive and feeds a crowd. This recipe calls for homemade pasta, but you can swap in store-bought. Any pasta is sure to shine when it's coated with this spicy, savory sauce.

Get the Penne With Spicy Anchovy Marinara recipe.

RELATED: 50+ Easy Pasta Recipes for the Perfect Weeknight Dinner

penne pasta with spicy anchovy marinara
Mike Garten

Beef Empanadas

These handheld appetizers are sure to be a hit. Flaky pie dough is stuffed with seasoned ground beef and trust us — it's delicious.

Get the Beef Empanadas recipe.

beef empanadas on a blue plate
Mike Garten

Chickpea Salad With Smashed Cucumbers

If you've got vegetarian guests at your potluck, they'll be thrilled with this veggie-packed salad topped with crumbly, salty feta. It can be a side dish or you can double the recipe to make it a main.

Get the Chickpea Salad with Smashed Cucumbers recipe.

RELATED: 55 Healthy Vegetarian Recipes for an Easy Weeknight Dinner

chickpea salad with smashed cucumbers in a white bowl
Mike Garten

Spicy Taco Slaw

Not just for tacos, this easy slaw shines on burgers or with barbecue.

Get the Spicy Taco Slaw recipe.

purple taco slaw
Mike Garten

Pimiento-Cheese Deviled Eggs

Introducing a twist on the classic deviled egg that all your Southern friends will adore.

Get the Pimiento-Cheese Deviled Eggs recipe.

RELATED: 30+ Delicious Ways to Make Deviled Eggs

pimiento cheese deviled eggs on a pink plate
Mike Garten

Blondies

Be the hero and bring dessert to your potluck. A tray of chewy Blondies won't last long!

Get the Blondies recipe.

squares of blondies
A.Y. Photography / Getty Images

Cheesy Monkey Bread

Garlic, cheese, and a side of marinara — need we say more?

Get the Cheesy Monkey Bread recipe.

a ring of cheesy monkey bread
Mike Garten

Spaghetti and Meatball Nests

This is definitely the most fun way to eat everyone's favorite pasta dish.

Get the Spaghetti and Meatball Nests recipe.

spaghetti and meatball nests
Danielle Occhiogrosso

Best Ever Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Fun fact: This recipe swaps in cannellini beans for the usual cream cheese to give your favorite dip a healthy twist.

Get the Best Ever Spinach and Artichoke Dip recipe.

spinach and artichoke dip
Mike Garten

Grilled Onion Dip

Yep, you're gonna need a lot of chips (and maybe some breath mints).

Get the Grilled Onion Dip recipe.

christmas appetizers grilled onion dip
Mike Garten

Smoky Guacamole

It's not a potluck without some guac, of course, and we grilled the avocados first for that extra somethin' somethin'.

Get the Smoky Guacamole recipe.

smoky guacamole with charred avocado and chips on the side
mike garten

Chilled Tortellini Romesco

Cheese-filled pasta salad > regular pasta salad.

Get the Chilled Tortellini Romesco recipe.

potluck dishes - chilled tortellini romesco
Mike Garten

Honey-Lime Ramen Salad

Bring ramen to the party and every single person will love you, guaranteed.

Get the Honey-Lime Ramen Salad recipe.

tomato recipes honey lime ramen salad
Mike Garten

Parisian Potato Salad

We ditched the mayo for Greek yogurt in this classed-up potato salad, but we swear nobody will know the difference.

Get the Parisian Potato Salad recipe.

potluck recipes parisian potato salad
Mike Garten

White Pizza With Brussels Sprouts and Ham

Your friends will hardly believe this easy sheet pan pizza didn't come from a brick-oven restaurant.

Get the White Pizza With Brussels Sprouts and Ham recipe.

potluck dishes - white pizza with brussels sprouts and ham
Danielle Occhiogrosso

Mini Shrimp Rolls

The secret ingredient here is crushed-up potato chips, which add just the right amount of satisfyingly salty crunch.

Get the Mini Shrimp Rolls recipe.

potluck dishes - mini shrimp rolls
Danielle Occhiogrosso

Crab, Mango, and Cucumber Finger Sandwiches

For a more colorful platter like ours, add a few Pimiento Cheese and Minty Pea and Pecorino sandwiches, as well.

Get the Crab, Mango, and Cucumber Finger Sandwiches recipe.

potluck dishes - crab, mango, and cucumber finger sandwiches
Mike Garten

Grilled Chicken Sliders

These sweet-and-salty sliders taste like summer in a sandwich — and they're so fun to eat!

Get the Grilled Chicken Sliders recipe.

potluck dishes - grilled chicken sliders
Mike Garten

Campfire Baked Beans

Homemade ketchup (plus bacon) brings this classic cookout dish to the next level.

Get the Campfire Baked Beans recipe.

potluck recipes campfire baked beans
Mike Garten

Fiesta Nacho Casserole

Best eaten with tortilla chips, of course.

Get the Fiesta Nacho Casserole recipe.

potluck dishes - fiesta nacho casserole
Johnny Miller

You Might Also Like