15 crowd-favorite potluck recipes that keep me cooking the old-fashioned way

Potlucks can be a little ruthless, so I stick to the old-fashioned recipes that always get eaten first. They travel well, hold up on the table, and still taste great even after they’ve been sitting out. These are the dishes I bring when I want fewer leftovers, fewer questions, and more people asking for the recipe.

Homemade Chicken Pot Pie

Flaky crust and creamy filling hit that old-fashioned comfort note that always wins at a potluck. The chicken and veggies sit in a savory sauce that tastes like it simmered all day, even when the prep stays simple. I make it when I want a true crowd-pleaser that feels like a family recipe, not a random weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Chicken Pot Pie

Broccoli Casserole

Creamy, cheesy broccoli with a buttery cracker topping is my go-to move when I need a side that gets kids and adults on the same page. The broccoli stays tender while the sauce keeps everything rich, and that crisp top layer seals the deal when it comes out of the oven. It scoops clean, travels well, and somehow tastes even better after it sits on the table for a bit.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Red Wine Poached Pears

Soft pears simmered in red wine with honey, citrus, and warm spices turn into an elegant dessert without any complicated technique. The kitchen ends up smelling amazing, and the sauce reduces into something glossy and spoon-worthy that looks gorgeous on a plate. I serve them warm or chilled, and I’ve got a make-ahead dessert that feels special for dinner guests or an easy night in.
Get the Recipe: Red Wine Poached Pears

Marry Me Chicken

Creamy tomato-garlic sauce turns plain chicken into the kind of dish people assume took all afternoon. I love that it cooks in one pan, so I’m not stuck with a sink full of dishes before I even leave the house. It’s rich, cozy, and perfect for potlucks because the sauce keeps everything tender and spoonable.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken

Almond Crescent Cookies

Powdered sugar, buttery crumbs, and that cozy almond flavor make these the first cookies I see vanish at any potluck. The dough is simple and forgiving, so I can bake a big batch without babysitting it, then toss them in sugar for that classic, snowy finish. They look like they came from a vintage cookie tin, and people always grab “just one more” on the way out.
Get the Recipe: Almond Crescent Cookies

Pineapple Cheese Ball

Sweet pineapple, creamy cheese, and crunchy pecans make a snack that disappears while people are still saying hello. I chill it ahead so it’s firm, sliceable, and easy to park next to a stack of crackers without any last-minute stress. It’s that retro, potluck-style bite that gets everyone circling back for “one more taste.”
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Cheese Ball

Drop Biscuits

Stir, scoop, bake. these are my kind of potluck bread when I don’t have the patience for rolling and cutting. They come out soft and buttery with crisp edges, and they’re perfect for soaking up gravy, soup, or casserole sauce. A basket of these disappears fast, and nobody believes they were that easy.
Get the Recipe: Drop Biscuits

Braised Cabbage

Slow-cooked cabbage turns sweet and tender in a way that surprises people who swear they “don’t like cabbage.” The long simmer builds savory flavor, so it tastes rich and comforting without needing a bunch of expensive add-ons. It’s a great potluck side because it reheats easily, and it gives the table something classic that isn’t the usual potato-and-cheese situation.
Get the Recipe: Braised Cabbage

Fudge

Rich, creamy chocolate squares are my no-fail potluck dessert because they’re easy to slice, easy to share, and impossible to ignore. The marshmallow and evaporated milk combo keeps the texture smooth, so it tastes like the kind you remember from holiday trays. I make a big batch, pack it up fast, and watch people quietly sneak extra pieces “for later.”
Get the Recipe: Fudge

Honey Glazed Carrots

Sweet, tender carrots in a honey-butter glaze are my easy win when the potluck table needs color and balance. The glaze clings to every slice, so each bite tastes glossy and special without feeling fussy. They cook fast, travel well, and play nice next to everything from ham to roast chicken.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Carrots

Cornbread

Soft, moist, and golden with crisp edges, this is the cornbread I bring when I want the potluck table to feel extra cozy. It slices clean, holds up in a foil pan, and tastes great with chili, soup, or a big scoop of butter on its own. The recipe is simple and reliable, which is exactly why I keep making it the old-fashioned way.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread

Tiramisu

Layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone come together into a dessert that looks like it came from a little café. The cocoa dusting on top makes it feel polished, but the steps stay simple and totally doable, even on a hectic day. I make it ahead and let it chill, then slice and serve it with no last-minute scrambling required.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu

Stuffed Mushrooms

Juicy mushroom caps filled with creamy cheese, peppers, herbs, and seasoning are the kind of bite that gets hovered over. They bake up golden and savory, and the filling stays rich without being heavy, so people keep grabbing them while they chat. I like them for potlucks because they’re easy to plate, easy to eat, and gone before the main dish is even served.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Mushrooms

Angel Pie

Crisp meringue, creamy lemon filling, and a soft cloud of whipped topping make it look fancy without turning dessert into a project. I love bringing it because it’s light after a heavy meal, and the lemon keeps it bright instead of sugary. It’s the kind of dessert that gets oohs when it hits the table, then silence once everyone starts eating.
Get the Recipe: Angel Pie

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Fluffy potatoes, real butter, and a punch of garlic make the kind of mash that gets scraped down to the last spoonful. The texture stays smooth and rich, so it tastes homemade even after a car ride and a warm-up in someone else’s kitchen. It’s the side I bring when I want zero leftovers and maximum “Who made these?” energy.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes