There's nothing better than coming home with an empty dish!

This loaded baked potato salad is the perfect make-ahead side dish, topped with cheese, bacon, and green onions for the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

These ten crowd-favorite potluck recipes are the kind that disappear fast, and have everyone asking- “Who made this?” They’re easy to prep, travel well, and always bring big flavor.

From creamy dips and fresh, vibrant salads to sweet treats kids (and grown-ups) go crazy for, there’s something here for every table. These are the first dishes to vanish at any BBQ, picnic, or neighborhood potluck. I love this handy insulated casserole carrier for transporting these potluck recipes.

1. Street Corn Pasta Salad

This easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is packed with bold flavors and makes a fun twist on a classic BBQ side dish. Perfect for potlucks or summer dinners.

This creamy, flavorful Street Corn Pasta Salad captures all the magic of Mexican street corn. Made with sautéed corn, chilies, and onion, then tossed in a tangy, creamy sauce. It's ready in just 15 minutes and a guaranteed hit at any gathering.

2. Pesto Tortellini Salad

This Pesto Tortellini Salad is a fresh, flavor-packed side dish that comes together in minutes—perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners.

This Pesto Tortellini Salad is packed with cheese tortellini, cherry tomatoes, olives, green onions, sunflower seeds, and fresh basil all in a creamy dressing. It's as vibrant as it is delicious, making it a standout recipe for any potluck.

3. Baked Mac and Cheese

This baked mac and cheese is rich, cheesy, and always a hit at potluck. It's easy to make ahead and perfect for feeding a crowd.

This creamy, cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese is loaded with three kinds of cheese and topped with crispy bacon for extra flavor. It’s rich, comforting, and the ultimate upgrade to a classic side dish. Perfect for potlucks when you want something warm, hearty, and unforgettable.

4. Baked Potato Salad

This loaded baked potato salad is the perfect make-ahead side dish, topped with cheese, bacon, and green onions for the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

All of the flavors we love from a loaded baked potato (bacon, onions, sour cream, and cheese) are transformed into a hearty salad. Baked Potato Salad is a fun twist on the classic and always a crowd-pleaser.

5. Cucumber and Onion Salad

This easy cucumber‑onion salad is cool, crisp, and tangy-perfect make‑ahead side for BBQs, potlucks, or summer parties.

Cool, crisp cucumbers and thin-sliced onions are tossed in a light vinegar dressing for a refreshing summer side. This simple Cucumber Onion Salad is quick to prep and pairs perfectly with grilled meats or heavier dishes. It's a clean, crunchy addition to any potluck spread.

6. Scotcheroos

These Scotcheroos are chewy, peanut‑buttery bars with a gooey butterscotch‑chocolate topping-an irresistible make‑ahead treat that everyone will request at potlucks.

Thick, chewy, and packed with peanut butter flavor, these no-bake Scotcheroos are always a hit. They’re topped with a smooth layer of melted chocolate and butterscotch chips for the perfect sweet finish. Easy to make and impossible to resist, they’re a nostalgic treat everyone loves.

7. Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This moist zucchini cake with tangy cream cheese frosting is the kind of crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for summer gatherings or using up garden zucchini.

This moist, spiced Zucchini Cake is topped with a thick layer of tangy cream cheese frosting, making it a standout potluck dessert. It’s a great way to use up garden zucchini and is surprisingly simple to make. Every bite is soft and flavorful!

These frosted sugar cookie bars are soft, festive, and easy to slice and share-an ideal make-ahead dessert that always disappears fast at potlucks

These soft and chewy Sugar Cookie Bars are topped with a thick layer of creamy frosting and colorful sprinkles. They’re easier to make than individual cookies and perfect for feeding a large group. Fun, festive, and always a favorite with kids and adults alike.

9. White Texas Sheet Cake

This soft and fluffy almond sheet cake is topped with a warm glaze and sliced almonds-perfect for potlucks when you need a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easy to make ahead.

This soft White Texas Sheet Cake is topped with a warm vanilla glaze and sliced almonds. It’s easy to make ahead and serves a crowd, making it ideal for potlucks. One bite and everyone will be asking for the recipe.

10. S'mores Bars

S'mores bars cut into squares.

All the gooey goodness of a campfire s’more, baked into a soft, chewy cookie bar. These S'mores Bars layer graham cracker dough, melted chocolate, and toasted marshmallows into one irresistible bite. No fire required!

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About The Author

Lauren Allen

Welcome! I’m Lauren, a mom of four and lover of good food. Here you’ll find easy recipes and weeknight meal ideas made with real ingredients, with step-by-step photos and videos.

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