Potluck MVP
Have you ever brought a dish to a potluck, only to leave with most of your food uneaten? It doesn’t mean you’re a bad cook. Maybe it was too big or messy to eat, or got too cold or warm. Maybe you brought veal medallions to a vegetarian potluck.
The next time you’re invited to bring food to share, keep in mind some basic guidelines. When it comes to social events where guests usually remain standing or create makeshift seats out of coolers, tree stumps and blankets, food that’s easy to eat goes over the best. Foods you can eat with your fingers and in one or two bites are the best way to go; however, antipasto salads, chicken wings and tacos are big crowd pleasers too. There are exceptions to every rule.
Here are some finger food and potluck dish ideas that will make you the MVP of your next potluck.
Grab n’ Go Veggie Kabobs
1 package grape tomatoes (do not halve)
1 block mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes
Wooden skewers
Thread grape tomatoes and cheese cubes onto the skewers.
Chili Cheese Dogs in a Blanket
Depending on how much you want to prepare will determine the above ingredients. Pizza dough typically comes in 14- or 16-oz. containers. Choose whichever cheese you like the best—Mexican cheese blends work really well for this dish.
Prepare your meat by following the instructions on the back of the Chili Seasoning Mix. Roll out the pizza dough and cut lengthwise. Cut each slice crosswise into four equal pieces. Add your chili mix in the center of each piece, sprinkle the cheese on top, and then finish with a hot dog or little smokie. If you use little smokies, adjust your dough slices to accommodate their smaller size. Place in an oven preheated to 400 degrees, and bake for about 15-20 minutes (depending on how fast your oven cooks).
Meatballs
Meatballs are easy to make and most meat eaters love them. There are lots of creative ways to prepare them, and serving is simple. Make sure you serve them from a slow cooker so you can maintain the right temperature. Try our Teriyaki Meatballs Skewers at your next potluck.
Build Your Own Tacos
These take little preparation on your part, but you get all the credit. Provide tasty ingredients like grilled chicken or ground beef, avocadoes, tomatoes, cilantro and salsa—then let everyone dish up their own meal.
Dips and Salads
Easy-to-eat dishes are the most popular at potlucks, but that shouldn’t stop you from bringing a killer salad or dip. Instead of serving a noodle salad on plates (messy!), spoon the noodles into pita pockets for a unique, tidy treat.
Visit our recipe section for more potluck recipes, including:
Grilled Potato Salad
Creamy Chipotle Dip
Fiesta Artichoke Dip
Chipotle Black Bean Chili
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