10 Amazing Summer Potluck Recipes That Will Wow a Crowd (2024)

You need these summer potluck recipes in your life! Keep them on hand and everyone will be begging for the recipe at your next gathering.

Aren’t potlucks great?? It’s such a simple way to entertain guests without spending a fortune. I know I never mind bringing along a dish when my family is invited to a party.

And each time I throw a party, most of my guests will ask what they can bring. I’m not sure if that’s good old midwestern politeness or if it’s just that I have great friends and family.

Either way… it’s a good idea to keep a list of summer potluck recipes on hand. Then you’ll always be ready for that last minute gathering!

I’ve got some great potluck ideas for you here. Any of these delicious potluck recipes would be a sure hit with your crowd.

These recipes have the flavors that you expect to indulge in when warmer weather is around.

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Delicious Comfort Foods

I’ll admit, potato salad is probably my favorite summertime food. I make a huge batch under the guise of feeding our big family, but really it’s so I can eat it for lunch several times in a row. (Shh, don’t tell!)

You might enjoy mustard potato salad, German potato salad, or any other variety. But you can’t beat an All American Potato Salad. It’s great for a potluck, because it has a wider appeal than more specialized varieties of potato salad.

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All American Potato Salad

Jessica Gavin

Another delicious summer food is a pot of beans. If you haven’t had cowboy beans, you’ll definitely want to give these a try. With burger and bacon (That’s right, bacon. Now you have to make it.), it’s hearty enough to serve as a main course.

But this recipe doesn’t mind leaving the spotlight and being served as a side dish.

Which makes it perfect for a potluck!

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Best Ever Cowboy Beans

The Two Bite Club

Macaroni and Cheese is another greatpotluck idea. This casserole is hearty and delicious for the adults, but the kids will love having a kid friendly option, too. You won’t have a lot of leftovers if you show up with this dish.

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Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Casserole

Spend with Pennies

Light Potluck Choices

These recipes are great when it’s just too hot to eat. These nice, light options will be appreciated by guests who don’t want a heavy plate.

I love this Avocado Chicken Salad for a light choice. Take along this dish to give your potluck buddies another option among the hamburgers and hot dogs.

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Avocado Chicken Salad

Simply Recipes

This 7 Layer Taco Dip is a bit of a twist on the usual 7 layer salad recipe. It’s a pretty recipe, so you’ll want to use a clear dish to show off all of the layers. Don’t forget the chips!

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7 Layer Taco Dip

The Kittchen

Have you ever tried a Cucumber and Dill Summer Salad? It’s a great choice for the summer time when this produce is in season. Party goers will love this refreshing change in their menu.

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Cucumber and Dill Summer Salad

Life Made Simple

I have always been a big fan of corn and black bean salsa. But this recipe kicks it up a notch by adding avocado.

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Fiesta Corn & Avocado Salsa

Sally’s Baking Addiction

Delightful Desserts

This Fresh Strawberry Yogurt Cake looks amazing! Don’t be surprised if people try to cut it before any of the other food has been served. In fact, you might want to make a second one to keep at home for yourself.

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Fresh Strawberry Yogurt Cake

A Spicy Perspective

My Mom always called this recipe a dump cake, but I can admit that Easy Cherry Crumble sounds a bit more elegant. You should probably call it that in front of your pals.

This recipe is so simple that you’ll be at the party in plenty of time for conversation! Don’t worry, it tastes so great people will think you worked on it all day.

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Easy Cherry Crumble

Two Chicks and a Mom

How much fun are these cupcakes?? I wouldn’t have thought to add in that surprise. And don’t worry, it’s totally doable. Kiddos at the potluck are going to become your new best friends.

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Fun & Easy Rainbow Surprise Cupcakes

Fun Money Mom

These summer potluck recipes will be a sure hit with your crowd.

10 Amazing Summer Potluck Recipes That Will Wow a Crowd (12)

Try 23 of the perfect grill foods for a crowd.

Yummy summer time dessert ideas.

Or these 25 recipes that are perfect for hot days.

Do you have a great recipe that is perfect for a summer potluck? Be sure to let us know about it in the comments!

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Find out how our family of 8 keeps a good stockpile of food on a budget. Here are the steps we take that make it easy to always have plenty of food on hand.

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  1. Karenon June 13, 2016 at 9:30 am

    We like dump cake too, but rather than using cherry pie filling I use apple pie filling. I sprinkle the filling with a cinnamon/sugar mixture and sometimes a simple shake of lemon juice before adding the cake mix, butter and chopped walnuts.

    • Jamie Jefferson June 13, 2016 at 9:54 am

      I love it with apple pie filling! I also found a pumpkin dump cake recipe that’s a big hit with our family.

  2. Lisa/SyncopatedMamaon June 20, 2016 at 12:11 am

    I’m always on the lookout for easy potluck recipes – I love how many slow-cooker ones you found! So glad you joined us again for #FridayFrivolity this week!

    • Jamie Jefferson June 22, 2016 at 9:47 pm

      I figured it needs to be pretty simple and definitely portable if it’s going to be for a potluck, right? Glad you liked it! 🙂

  3. Leighon June 22, 2016 at 9:39 am

    Love all of these recipes! Perfect for our family gatherings, thank you! Pinned.

  4. Debbie Kittermanon June 22, 2016 at 1:00 pm

    Totally pinning and saving this – I have made a few of these already but can always add more quick meals to my arsenal for summer potlucks! Thank you – found you at #WayWow

    • Jamie Jefferson June 22, 2016 at 9:45 pm

      Woohoo, thanks for the pin. 🙂 I love to collect recipes on Pinterest, too.

  5. Nikki Frank-Hamiltonon June 26, 2016 at 1:43 pm

    Wow! Great roundup Jamie! There are so many great options here that I want to try. The cowboy beans would be a huge hit in our home, I mean bacon. LOL And the seven layer mexican dip, I really want to try the black bean, corn salsa with avocado. And how fun are those cupcakes! Kids at any event will think you are the best after bringing a plate of those! Pinned and Stumbled so I can find these again! Great job.

  6. April J Harrison July 16, 2016 at 2:30 pm

    I’m a big fan of Potlucks too! What lovely recipes – all delicious and perfect for entertaining. I’m really taken with those Rainbow Surprise Cupcakes too. Thank you for sharing with us at the Hearth and Soul Hop, Jamie. Pinned, tweeted and will share on our Hearth and Soul FB page.

    • Jamie Jefferson July 16, 2016 at 4:44 pm

      Thanks for hosting! I’m a big fan of potlucks, too. (As you can see!)

  7. jehavaon July 20, 2016 at 10:20 pm

    These are really helpful! We do a lot of potlucks in the summer as well!

  8. Roy Milleron August 5, 2016 at 12:27 pm

    I really like the looks of those cowboy beans. Great winter dish. Will definitely try these out! Thank you for posting the recipe.

10 Amazing Summer Potluck Recipes That Will Wow a Crowd (2024)

FAQs

What is the easiest thing to bring to a potluck? ›

​The best foods to bring to a potluck are easy-to-make dishes and finger foods like cheese dip, corn on the cob, casseroles, guacamole, slow cooker mac and cheese, potato salad, caprese, charcuterie boards, jalapeño poppers, sliders, pinwheels, and pasta salad.

What is the meal where everyone brings a dish? ›

A potluck dinner party is where you and your friends get together at one of your houses, and you all bring a home-cooked dish for everyone to share.

What food is good for potluck? ›

What to Bring to a Potluck
  • The Beauty of Sharing.
  • Potluck Etiquette and Tips.
  • Chicken Fajita Quesadillas.
  • Blackened Chicken Skewers.
  • Grilled Chicken Caprese Flatbread.
  • Mongolian-Style Beef Lettuce Cups.
  • Blue Cheese and Buffalo Chicken Salad.
  • Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad.

What is a good finger food to bring to a potluck? ›

No-Cook Finger Food Ideas for Parties
  • Deli Pinwheels. What are some good finger foods for a picnic? ...
  • Charcuterie Board. Excite your guests with fun charcuterie board ideas at your party. ...
  • Shrimp co*cktail. ...
  • Antipasto Skewers. ...
  • Veggie Tray. ...
  • Caprese Skewers. ...
  • Chips and Dips. ...
  • Melon Prosciutto Skewers.
May 29, 2024

What should I bring to a potluck last minute? ›

17 Quick & Tasty Potluck Recipes
  • Kimchi, Shrimp & Soba Salad. ...
  • Mango Cucumber Chile Salad. ...
  • Sriracha-Lime Corn Salad. ...
  • Tomato Salad with Corn, Summer Squash & Roasted Onions. ...
  • Freekeh Salad with Fennel and Mint. ...
  • Southwestern Quinoa Salad by Way of the Pantry. ...
  • Roberto Santibañez' Classic Guacamole.
Aug 18, 2019

What not to bring to a potluck? ›

These Are The 5 Worst Dishes To Bring To Holiday Potluck Dinners
  • Baked potatoes in aluminum foil. When the potatoes cool down, the moisture and steam in the foil can create a perfect environment for bacteria to grow. ...
  • Mayo-based salads. ...
  • Fish and seafood. ...
  • Nuts. ...
  • Leafy green salads.
Dec 8, 2023

What store-bought food can I bring to a potluck? ›

Appetizers
  • Sushi. If there's a boat I want to sail away on, it's a sushi boat. ...
  • Cheese and Charcuterie Fixings. Has anyone ever been sad to see a cheese and charcuterie board at a potluck? ...
  • Canned and Jarred Goods. ...
  • Shrimp and co*cktail Sauce. ...
  • Chips and Dip. ...
  • Frozen Apps. ...
  • Fried Chicken. ...
  • Soup.
Sep 16, 2023

How many dishes should you bring to a potluck? ›

Main dishes and side dishes are the heart and soul of a potluck feast. These dishes tend to be more substantial and filling, so it's essential to strike a balance and avoid excessive portions. As a general rule, plan for one main dish serving and one or two side dish servings per person.

What food to bring to a party as a guest? ›

What dishes should you bring to a party?
  • Party vol-au-vents. Despite the trend for mini burgers, individual bowls of stew and other such bijou party food, retro vol-au-vents are a timeless classic. ...
  • Pies. ...
  • Salads and sides. ...
  • Terrine and pâté ...
  • Infused vodka. ...
  • Pulled pork. ...
  • Pastry bites. ...
  • Big dishes.

What do you bring to a dinner party when told not to take anything? ›

"Some of my personal favorites are paper co*cktail napkins, a tin of Louis Sherry chocolates, or a unique candle," recommends Strait. "It is fun to bring something the host might not pick up for themselves! A gift for a host does not have to break the bank, it just shows you appreciate them for hosting."

What entree should I bring to a potluck? ›

What to Bring to a Potluck
  1. Greek Potato Salad. ...
  2. Pasta Salad with Black Beans & Avocado Dressing. ...
  3. Vegan Creamy Coleslaw. ...
  4. Apple, Bacon and Sweet Potato Mini Casseroles. ...
  5. Classic Lasagna. ...
  6. Roasted Brussels Sprout & Butternut Squash Salad. ...
  7. Baked Oatmeal With Banana, Raisins & Walnuts. ...
  8. Spinach & Mushroom Quiche.
Mar 28, 2023

What are the essentials for a potluck? ›

Remember the Essentials - In addition to plates, cutlery, napkins and cups, remember extra serving utensils and potholders for hot dishes. Don't forget plenty of extra dishcloths and paper towels for spills.

Can you go to a potluck without bringing anything? ›

Anything More Than Empty Hands Is Acceptable

These go hand-in-hand since the food is brought and eaten by the guests themselves. It's a fun communal activity that also takes some weight off the poor host. So can you show up to a potluck empty-handed? Heck no.

What is acceptable to bring to a potluck? ›

If you don't have time to cook, there's a world of store-bought food that is acceptable to bring to a potluck. Cheese and crackers, a veggie tray from the produce section or a box of cookies from the in-house bakery are all good options.

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