35 Potluck Recipes Ready in 30 Minutes (or Less!) (2024)

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35 Potluck Recipes Ready in 30 Minutes (or Less!) (1)Gina RichardUpdated: Feb. 23, 2023

    If there's a potluck that you totally forgot about until the last minute, don't worry—we've been there. Here are easy potluck recipes to save the day!

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    Macaroni Coleslaw

    My friend Peggy brought this coleslaw to one of our picnics, and everyone liked it so much, we all had to have the recipe. —Sandra Matteson, Westhope, North Dakota

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    2/40

    Tangy Glazed Meatballs

    The slightly sweet sauce on these meatballs has such a great zing to it. Use a little more or less hot sauce depending on what you're in the mood for. —John Slivon, Milton, Florida

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    3/40

    Taste of Home

    Cucumber Party Sandwiches

    Cucumber sandwiches are one of my favorite appetizers. We have lots of pig roasts here in Kentucky, and these small sandwiches are perfect to serve while the pig is roasting. —Rebecca Rose, Mount Washington, Kentucky

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    4/40

    Favorite Fruit Salad

    I spend a lot of time in the kitchen, especially when our four children and nine grandchildren come to visit. They always ask for this salad when they're here for dinner. —Doris Dion, Lake Ozark, Missouri

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    5/40

    Apricot-Glazed Bacon Spirals

    Here’s a real crowd-pleaser for an appetizer table or brunch buffet. A whole piece of crispy bacon is rolled into each spiral. It's so good with the apricot preserves, which make it a sweet-and-salty treat. —Kellie Mulleavy, Lambertville, Michigan

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    6/40

    Taste of Home

    German Beer Cheese Spread

    We love recipes inspired by our German heritage. This tangy spread is fantastic served alongside everything, including pretzels and pumpernickel or crackers and sausage. Choose your favorite beer—the flavor really comes through. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida

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    7/40

    Taste of Home

    Pistachio Mallow Salad

    This fluffy salad is a real treat since it's creamy but not overly sweet. It's easy to mix up, and the flavor gets better the longer it stands. It's perfect for St. Patrick's Day, served in a green bowl. —Pattie Ann Forssberg, Logan, Kansas

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    8/40

    Taste of Home

    Zippy Party Roll-Ups

    A guaranteed crowd pleaser, these zesty appetizers are an amazing way to pep up a party! The recipe won a blue ribbon at the county fair, and even though I always double it, I never seem to make enough. —Dana Gonzalez del Valle, Battle Ground, Washington

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    9/40

    Cilantro Tomato Bruschetta

    This is an easy tomato appetizer that all of my family and friends love. The garden-fresh ingredients capture summer and meld together for a delightful hors d’oeuvre recipe that goes well with many different main dishes. —Lisa Kane, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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    10/40

    Colorful Fruit Kabobs

    These luscious fruit kabobs are perfect as a summer appetizer, snack or side dish. The citrus glaze clings well and keeps the fruit looking fresh. —Ruth Ann Stelfox, Raymond, Alberta

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    11/40

    Buffalo Chicken Dip

    This is the best buffalo chicken dip recipe! Whenever I bring buffalo dip to a tailgate or potluck, everyone asks for the recipe. —Peggy Foster, Florence, Kentucky

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    12/40

    Fruit and Cheese Kabobs

    We came up with this fresh and fruity summer snack idea. It’s easy to make-ahead and carry to the ballpark, beach or playground, and the cinnamon-spiced yogurt dip adds a fun touch kids love. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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    13/40

    Taste of Home

    Garlic Parmesan Asparagus

    Pair any entree with this fresh side dish for a truly succulent meal. With subtle garlic, melted butter and a hint of Parmesan cheese, what’s not to love? —Tara Ernspiker, Falling Waters, West Virginia

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    14/40

    Marshmallow Fruit Dip

    You can whip up this sweet and creamy dip in just 10 minutes. I like to serve it in a bowl surrounded by fresh-picked strawberries at spring brunches or luncheons. —Cindy Steffen, Cedarburg, Wisconsin

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    15/40

    Taste of Home

    Chicken Salad Party Sandwiches

    My famous chicken salad arrives at the party chilled in a plastic container. When it’s time to set out the food, I stir in the pecans and assemble the sandwiches. They’re a hit at buffet-style potlucks. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

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    16/40

    Easy Cake Mix Bars

    I take this dessert to work for Friday pick-me-ups. It's one of my favorite yellow cake bar recipes. I love to share them because they're so easy to eat, easy to make and easy on the wallet. —Amy Rose, Ballwin, Missouri

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    17/40

    BLT Dip

    Fans of bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwiches will fall for this creamy BLT dip. It's easy to transport to different functions and always draws recipe requests. —Emalee Payne, Eau Claire, Wisconsin

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    18/40

    Taste of Home

    Garbanzo-Stuffed Mini Peppers

    Mini peppers are so colorful and are the perfect size for a two-bite appetizer. They have all the crunch of pita chips but without the extra calories. —Christine Hanover, Lewiston, California

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    19/40

    Taste of Home

    Loaded Baked Potato Dip

    I never thought of using waffle-cut fries as a scoop for dip until a friend of mine did at a baby shower. They’re ideal for my cheesy bacon and chive dip, which tastes just like a baked potato topper. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota

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    20/40

    Taste of Home

    Hot Spinach Apple Salad

    With a light sweet-tangy dressing, the spinach doesn’t wilt and the apples retain their crunch. We serve this salad with homemade bread. —Denise Albers, Freeburg, Illinois

    21/40

    Poppy Seed Slaw

    This colorful side can be put together in minutes for a tasty accompaniment to any backyard barbecue. —Mary McRae, Coldwater, Michigan

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    22/40

    Best Deviled Eggs

    Herbs lend amazing flavor to these deviled eggs, which truly are the best you can make! The recipe includes tasty variations that feature bacon, chipotle peppers and crab.—Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia

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    23/40

    Hearty Rye Melts

    When we moved from the Midwest to Kentucky, we were invited to a neighborhood gathering, where this appetizer was served. Hanky panky—as it’s often called around here—is traditionally served at Derby Day parties, but at our home it’s become a year-round favorite.

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    24/40

    Taste of Home

    Watermelon Tomato Salad

    Watermelon and tomatoes may seem an unlikely pair, but they team up to make a winning combination in this eye-catching salad. —Matthew Denton, Seattle, Washington

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    25/40

    Merry Berry Salad

    Dried cranberries, crunchy apple chunks and toasted almonds dress up this crisp green salad. It's drizzled with a sweet-tart dressing that's a snap to blend. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    26/40

    Pastrami Roll-Ups

    For a book club event, I created pastrami roll-ups with cream cheese and a pickle. Those tasty bites quickly pulled a disappearing act. —Merritt Heinrich, Oswego, Illinois

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    27/40

    Taste of Home

    Eat these roasted veggies with a crunchy baguette or a couple of cheeses. You can also double, or triple, the amounts and have leftovers to toss with spaghetti the next day. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California

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    28/40

    Taste of Home

    Cannellini Bean Hummus

    My version of hummus features a delightful nuttiness from tahini, a peanut butter-like paste made from ground sesame seeds. The beans pack a lot of protein so it's a healthy snack for kids. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California

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    29/40

    Caprese Salad Kabobs

    Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California

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    30/40

    Taste of Home

    Special Sesame Chicken Salad

    With its delicious mix of crunchy peanuts, tangy dried cranberries and mandarin oranges, this colorful Asian chicken salad is a definite crowd-pleaser. Water chestnuts and a teriyaki dressing give this main dish its Asian flare. —Carolee Ewell, Santaquin, Utah

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    31/40

    Blue Cheese-Stuffed Strawberries

    I was enjoying a salad with strawberries and blue cheese when the idea hit me to stuff the strawberries and serve them as an appetizer. It worked out great, and the flavors blend so nicely. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan

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    32/40

    Taste of Home

    Reuben Dip

    This rich, cheesy dip comes together so quickly, you can make it just before guests arrive. I often serve it with rye bread wedges. —Mary Jo Hagey, Gladwin, Michigan

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    33/40

    Taste of Home

    Kale Salad

    I love making meals that wow everyone. The flavor and nutrition in this kale salad set it apart from other 30-minute creations. —Gina Myers, Spokane, Washington

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    34/40

    Taste of Home

    Sparkling Fruit Salad

    Pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, strawberries and grapes are treated to a dressing of wine and sparkling club soda in this delightful salad. Serve in dessert dishes or set the whole bowl on the table for a fetching presentation. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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    35/40

    Grilled Potato Skins

    It's easy to love these delicious appetizers. They're nice to serve outside when you invite friends over for a grilled meal. They remind me of the potato skins I have had in restaurants—only better! —Mitzi Sentiff, Annapolis, Maryland

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    36/40

    Taste of Home

    Candy Bar Apple Salad

    This creamy, sweet salad with crisp apple crunch is a real people-pleaser. It makes a lot, which is good, because it will go fast! —Cyndi Fynaardt, Oskaloosa, Iowa

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    37/40

    Easy Asian Glazed Meatballs

    As a writer and busy mom of three boys, I need tasty meals on the quick. We serve these glazed meatballs over a steaming bed of rice. —Amy Dong, Woodbury, Minnesota

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    38/40

    Taste of Home

    Artichoke Caprese Platter

    I dressed up the classic Italian trio of mozzarella, tomatoes and basil with marinated artichokes. It looks so yummy on a pretty platter set out on a buffet. Using fresh mozzarella is the key to its great taste. —Margaret Wilson, San Bernardino, California

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    39/40

    Spicy Watermelon Salsa

    I threw this together after an overzealous trip to the farmers market! My family loved it from the first bite. You can serve it right away but the best flavor is achieved after letting the salsa rest in the refrigerator for a few hours. —Andrea Heyart, Aubrey, Texas

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    40/40

    No-Guilt Brownies

    Yes, you can watch your diet and enjoy treats, too! These healthy brownies are the perfect cure for a serious chocolate craving. —Rita Ross, Delta, Ohio

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    Originally Published: February 08, 2019

    35 Potluck Recipes Ready in 30 Minutes (or Less!) (2024)

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