15 Potluck Mains and Sides to Make You the Star of the Party (Without Even Trying)
Jun 26, 2024
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Potluck parties are always a blast, but the pressure to bring a show-stopping dish can be real. Fret not, because these 20 potluck mains will make you the star of the party without breaking a sweat. From crowd-pleasing casseroles to side dishes nobody tires of, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
Table of Contents
- Hearty Penna Dutch (Amish) Potato Salad
- Tender Frozen Meatballs in Crockpot
- Grilled Chicken Thighs and Legs
- Baked Macaroni and Cheese
- Pork Burgers
- Perfectly Perfect Barbecued Chicken Drumsticks
- Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- Gluten-Free Hash Brown Casserole (Dairy-Free)
- Freezer Lasagna Recipe
- Kid-friendly Pickle Macaroni Salad
- Creamy Burrito Casserole
- Best Southern Corn Pudding
- Tailgater Frito Pie with Cowgirl Chili
- Grilled Chicken Salad
- Jamie Oliver’s ‘Mothership’ Tomato Salad
Hearty Penna Dutch (Amish) Potato Salad
Savor the rich flavors of traditional Penna Dutch Potato Salad, a beloved Amish recipe that’s a staple at any gathering. This creamy, crunchy delight is elevated by a distinctive hot dressing, making it a refreshing summer side that’s both familiar and unique. It’s the perfect companion for barbecues, picnics, and all your warm-weather celebrations!
Get the Recipe: Amish Potato Salad
Tender Frozen Meatballs in Crockpot
These tender meatballs simmered in a crockpot are a potluck hero. With minimal prep, you get juicy meatballs swimming in a rich marinara sauce. It’s an easy main dish that guarantees everyone will come back for more.
Get the Recipe: Tender Frozen Meatballs in Crockpot
Grilled Chicken Thighs and Legs
Enjoy grilled chicken thighs and legs, marinated for optimal flavor and finished with a scrumptious sauce. This recipe is a must for any grilling enthusiast looking to wow their taste buds!
GET THE RECIPE: Grilled Chicken Thighs and Legs
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
This baked macaroni and cheese is a potluck favorite. Its creamy, cheesy goodness topped with crispy breadcrumbs makes it an irresistible main dish. Everyone will be asking for seconds of this comfort food classic.
Get the Recipe: Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Pork Burgers
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GET THE RECIPE: Pork Burgers
Perfectly Perfect Barbecued Chicken Drumsticks
Keep your gas grill in action all year with these perfectly barbecued chicken drumsticks. The key to their success? A thorough brining process before they hit the grill, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.
GET THE RECIPE: Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
This chicken Caesar pasta salad is a refreshing and flavorful potluck main. Combining the classic Caesar salad with pasta makes it a hearty dish. It’s quick to prepare and can be made ahead of time. The blend of flavors is sure to be a hit. This dish will make you the star of the party effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Gluten-Free Hash Brown Casserole (Dairy-Free)
This gluten-free hash brown casserole is a hearty and delicious potluck main. The crispy hash browns and savory filling make it a crowd favorite. Easy to prepare and accommodating dietary needs, it’s perfect for any gathering. The flavors blend beautifully, making it an irresistible option. This dish will make you the star of the party without even trying.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Hash Brown Casserole (Dairy-Free)
Freezer Lasagna Recipe
Make your potluck prep a breeze with this freezer lasagna. Packed with layers of meat sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella, it bakes up beautifully straight from the freezer. This main dish is both convenient and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Freezer Lasagna Recipe
Kid-friendly Pickle Macaroni Salad
A creamy and crowd-pleasing Pickle Macaroni Salad is sure to delight both kids and adults alike. I’m loving the sweet and tangy flavor that sweet pickle relish adds, but I also know that a dill-icious version, packed with fresh dill and dill relish, is an equally amazing option. Either way, this kid-friendly side dish is sure to become a new summer staple!
Get The Recipe: Pickle Macaroni Salad
Creamy Burrito Casserole
This creamy burrito casserole is a potluck main dish that combines all your favorite burrito flavors. With layers of seasoned beef, beans, and cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Just bake and watch it disappear from the serving table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Burrito Casserole
Best Southern Corn Pudding
Southern Corn Pudding is farm to table fare, accompanying everything from grilled steak to the Thanksgiving dinner turkey! Baked until gorgeously golden brown, spoonsful of ‘creamy corn pudding bliss’ grace the dinner table in this classic southern dish. If serving as part of a holiday meal, it compliments everything from holiday ham and turkey to a green bean casserole!
GET THE RECIPE: Corn Casserole
Tailgater Frito Pie with Cowgirl Chili
Looking for an easy and crowd-pleasing recipe for your next gathering? Look no further than Tailgater Frito Pie with Cowgirl Chili! This dish is a delicious way to use America’s favorite snacking chip, taking it from the school lunchbox to the party table! With hearty chili con carne, it’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. And the best part? It’s easily doubled or even tripled to feed even the largest of crowds. So next time you’re planning a party or tailgate, give this recipe a try and watch your guests dig in!
GET THE RECIPE: Frito Pie
Grilled Chicken Salad
This grilled chicken salad is a fresh and healthy potluck main dish. Juicy, seasoned chicken breast on a bed of crisp greens with a tangy vinaigrette is both light and satisfying. It’s perfect for those looking for a lighter option.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Salad
Jamie Oliver’s ‘Mothership’ Tomato Salad
Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s renowned ‘Mothership’ Tomato Salad is a game-changer! This exceptional recipe showcases the sweetness of summer tomatoes in a way that’s both elegant and effortless. Once I tried this masterpiece, I knew my search for the ultimate tomato salad was over!
Get The Recipe: Tomato Salad