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Potlucks are the perfect opportunity to share a comforting, crowd-pleasing main dish that’s easy to transport and even easier to enjoy. Over the years, I’ve relied on these 16 go-to recipes for gatherings with friends, family reunions, and casual work events.
Each dish is simple to prepare ahead of time, holds up well on the table, and brings a hearty helping of flavor that keeps people coming back for seconds.
From baked casseroles to slow-cooked favorites, these ideas are made to please and made to last.
1. Greek Orzo Bake with Lemon and Olives
This Mediterranean-inspired dish features orzo pasta mixed with chickpeas, olives, cherry tomatoes, lemon juice, and a touch of feta. Baked with a drizzle of olive oil and finished with herbs, it’s a refreshing yet hearty dish that works well warm or at room temperature.
Get the Greek Orzo Bake with Lemon and Olives recipe here
2. Baked Ziti with Sausage and Mozzarella
Whenever I’m unsure what to bring to a potluck, baked ziti never fails. I combine pasta with crumbled Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Baked until bubbly and golden on top, it’s the kind of dish that disappears fast and reheats beautifully if needed.
Get the Baked Ziti with Sausage and Mozzarella recipe here
3. Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders
These sliders are one of the most requested items I bring to gatherings. I slow-cook chicken breasts in barbecue sauce until they shred easily, then serve them on soft slider buns with a side of coleslaw. It’s a no-fuss option that travels well and feeds a hungry crowd with minimal effort.
Get the Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders recipe here
4. Cheesy Taco Pasta Casserole
This recipe blends taco flavors with pasta in the best way. I brown ground beef with taco seasoning, mix it into pasta with a cheesy salsa-based sauce, and bake until everything is perfectly melted. It’s like comfort food with a kick, and it’s always a hit with both adults and kids.
Get the Cheesy Taco Pasta Casserole recipe here
5. Slow Cooker Meatballs in Marinara Sauce
These meatballs simmer in a rich marinara all day and are perfect for serving straight from a slow cooker. I make a double batch and bring them along with slider rolls or garlic bread so guests can build their own meatball subs or simply enjoy them with a fork.
Get the Slow Cooker Meatballs in Marinara Sauce recipe
6. Loaded Vegetarian Enchilada Bake
For a meatless option that still feels hearty, I layer corn tortillas with black beans, roasted vegetables, enchilada sauce, and cheese. Baked until hot and bubbling, this casserole has all the flavors of enchiladas without the need to roll each one individually.
Get the Loaded Vegetarian Enchilada Bake recipe here
7. Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
This dish combines two potluck favorites into one. I stir shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce into creamy mac and cheese, then bake it with a buttery breadcrumb topping. It’s bold, cheesy, and totally addictive—great for game day or casual gatherings.
Get the Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe here
8. Cajun Sausage and Rice Bake
I sauté sliced andouille sausage with bell peppers, onions, garlic, and Cajun spices, then mix it into cooked rice and bake until everything’s melded together. It’s smoky, spicy, and full of flavor—and it keeps warm well on the potluck table.
Get the Cajun Sausage and Rice Bake recipe here
9. Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta
These large pasta shells are filled with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture, covered in marinara sauce, and topped with mozzarella. I like to assemble this dish ahead of time and bake it just before heading out—it travels well and looks impressive in the serving dish.
Get the Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta recipe here
10. Sheet Pan BBQ Tofu and Veggies
For a plant-based main dish, I roast tofu cubes, bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions in barbecue sauce until caramelized. Served warm or at room temperature, this dish is colorful, flavorful, and a great vegan-friendly potluck option.
Get the Sheet Pan BBQ Tofu and Veggies recipe here
11. Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
This classic casserole uses shredded chicken, cooked rice, peas, and carrots in a creamy mushroom sauce. I top it with crushed crackers or buttery breadcrumbs for a golden, crunchy finish that adds texture to every bite.
Get the Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole recipe here
12. Mini Shepherd’s Pies
I portion individual servings of shepherd’s pie into ramekins or muffin tins—ground beef, veggies, and a rich gravy on the bottom, topped with fluffy mashed potatoes. These mini servings are easy to grab and great for serving at larger gatherings.
Get the Mini Shepherd’s Pies recipe here
13. Pasta Salad with Roasted Vegetables and Chickpeas
This hearty pasta salad doubles as a main dish with roasted veggies and protein-packed chickpeas tossed in a light vinaigrette. It’s perfect when you need something that holds up at room temperature and doesn’t need reheating.
Get the Pasta Salad with Roasted Vegetables and Chickpeas recipe here
14. BBQ Baked Bean and Beef Casserole
I layer baked beans, seasoned ground beef, onions, and a touch of brown sugar and BBQ sauce into a rich, sweet-savory casserole. Topped with cheddar cheese and baked until bubbling, this dish is always a comforting crowd-pleaser.
Get the BBQ Baked Bean and Beef Casserole recipe here
15. Teriyaki Noodle Stir-Fry with Tofu
This dish travels well and can be served warm or cold. I stir-fry rice noodles with tofu, carrots, broccoli, and snap peas in a savory-sweet teriyaki sauce. It’s a lighter main that still feels filling thanks to the noodles and tofu.
Get the Teriyaki Noodle Stir-Fry with Tofu recipe here
16. Baked Chili Cornbread Casserole
I spoon a hearty layer of chili—usually a mix of beans, tomatoes, and ground beef or turkey—into a dish, then top it with cornbread batter and bake until golden. The sweet cornbread balances the savory chili beautifully, and it’s a full meal in one pan.
