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!
40 Last Minute Potluck Ideas Ready in 30 Minutes or Less
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
These breakfast potluck ideas will ensure that no one goes hungry.
1/40
2/40
Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A fabulous sauce, green pepper and pineapple chunks transform premade meatballs into something special. Serving them over rice makes for a satisfying main dish. —Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
5 meatballs: 389 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 682mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
3/40
Cucumber Party Sandwiches
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This is 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 cooking. —Rebecca Rose, Mount Washington, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 53 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 92mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
4/40
Favorite Fruit Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 96 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 93mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
5/40
Apricot-Glazed Bacon Spirals
Total Time
25 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 97 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 185mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
6/40
German Beer Cheese Spread
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons (calculated without crackers): 95 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 187mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
7/40
Pistachio Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 236 calories, 9g fat (7g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 140mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
8/40
Zippy Party Roll-Ups
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll-up: 32 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 85mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
9/40
Garlic Tomato Bruschetta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I drew inspiration from my grandma’s recipe for this garden-fresh bruschetta. The crisp bread and tomato goodness make a great party appetizer, but the dish also works alongside your favorite Italian entree. —Jean Franzoni, Rutland, Vermont
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 77 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 172mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
10/40
Colorful Fruit Kabobs
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1 cup glaze
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
2 teaspoons glaze: 18 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
11/40
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the best buffalo chicken dip recipe! Whenever I bring buffalo dip to a tailgate or potluck, everyone asks for the recipe. —Belinda J. Gibson, Dry Ridge, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 152 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 409mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
12/40
Fruit and Cheese Kabobs
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 kabobs (1-1/2 cups dip)
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob with 2 tablespoons dip: 147 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
13/40
Garlic Parmesan Asparagus
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 71 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 74mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
14/40
Marshmallow Fruit Dip
Total Time
10 min
Servings
5 cups (40 servings)
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 56 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 24mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
15/40
Cranberry Chicken Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I made these simple yet special cranberry walnut chicken salad sandwiches for a birthday party. Tangy cranberries and crunchy celery pep up the chicken. Leftover turkey works well too. —Shannon Tucker, Land O' Lakes, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 411 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 469mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 20g protein.
16/40
Cake Mix Bars
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 113 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 102mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
17/40
BLT Dip
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (2 tablespoons) equals 123 calories, 12 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 15 mg cholesterol, 155 mg sodium, 1 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 2 g protein.
18/40
Garbanzo-Stuffed Mini Peppers
Total Time
20 min
Servings
32 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 15 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 36mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
19/40
Loaded Baked Potato Dip
Total Time
10 min
Servings
10 servings (2-1/2 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup (calculated without fries): 149 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 260mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein.
20/40
Hot Spinach Apple Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 117 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 135mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
21/40
Poppy Seed Slaw
Total Time
10 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This colorful side can be put together in minutes for a tasty accompaniment to any backyard barbecue. —Mary McRae, Coldwater, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 348 calories, 23g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 681mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
22/40
Deviled Eggs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed egg half: 73 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
23/40
Hearty Rye Melts
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
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. —Melanie Schlaf, Edgewood, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 88 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 231mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
24/40
Watermelon Tomato Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
18 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 33 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 fruit.
25/40
Merry Berry Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 367 calories, 28g fat (3g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 398mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
26/40
Pastrami Roll-Ups
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll-up: 25 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 158mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
27/40
Herb-Roasted Olives & Tomatoes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 71 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
28/40
White Bean Hummus
Total Time
5 min
Servings
10 servings (1-1/4 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 78 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 114mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
29/40
Caprese Skewers
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 kabobs
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 44 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat.
30/40
Special Sesame Chicken Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
22 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 302 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 358mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein.
31/40
Blue Cheese-Stuffed Strawberries
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed strawberry: 36 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 80mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 fat.
32/40
Reuben Dip
Total Time
2 hours 5 min
Servings
32 servings (about 4 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
This slow-cooked spread tastes just like the popular Reuben sandwich. Even when I double the recipe, I end up with an empty dish. —Mary Jane Kimmes, Hastings, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoon: 58 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 126mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
33/40
Kale Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 113 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1/2 starch.
34/40
Sparkling Fruit Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 87 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
35/40
Grilled Potato Skins
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
2 each: 327 calories, 16g fat (10g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 611mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein.
36/40
Snickers Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 218 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 174mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
37/40
Easy Asian Glazed Meatballs
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 376 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 1296mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein.
38/40
Artichoke Caprese Platter
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 192 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 179mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
39/40
Contest-Winning Watermelon Salsa
Total Time
20 min
Servings
3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I entered this recipe in a local fair, and it took first place! This is one of my favorite dishes because all the ingredients (except for the lime juice) came directly from my garden and beehives. —Carolyn Butterfield, Lake Stevens, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 22 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
40/40
No-Guilt Brownies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 brownies
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 brownie: 117 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 107mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
