36 Spring Potluck Ideas

Celebrate the season with these fresh potluck ideas. We've rounded up bright, sunny ideas for dinners, sides and desserts.

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Lavender Lemon Bars

Hints of lavender and lemon zest in the crust make these treats a favorite. —Judith Hilinski, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

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Mini Hot Browns

Total Time 30 min
Servings 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Here's my take on the famous Hot Brown sandwich. Guests quickly saddle up for juicy turkey slices and crispy bacon piled on toasted rye bread and then topped with a rich cheese sauce. —Annette Grahl, Midway, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 98 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 246mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
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Best 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.
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Arnold Palmer Cupcakes

Total Time 45 min
Servings 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: These fun cupcakes take a favorite Arnold Palmer recipe and turn it into dessert. Add a slice of lemon on top for a puckery finish. —Jessee Arriaga, Reno, Nevada
Nutrition Facts: 1 cupcake: 355 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 182mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (45g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
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Avocado Salsa

Total Time 20 min
Servings about 7 cups
From the Recipe Creator: I was planning a party and thought it might be fun to try a different kind of avocado salsa. This recipe was an absolute success. Scoop it up with chips, spoon it over chicken or steak, or eat it on its own! —Susan Vandermeer, Ogden, Utah
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 82 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 85mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat.
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Sweet Pea Pesto

Total Time 25 min
Servings 20 pieces
From the Recipe Creator: I made a healthier spin on pea pesto by subbing in vegetable broth for some of the oil and going easy on the cheese. For use on pasta, add more broth for a saucelike consistency. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 crostini: 77 calories, 2g fat (trace saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 190mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
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Bacon Macaroni Salad

Total Time 20 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This pleasing pasta salad is like eating a BLT in a bowl. Filled with crispy bacon, chopped tomato, celery and green onion, the sensational salad is coated with a tangy mayonnaise and vinegar dressing. It’s a real crowd-pleaser! —Norene Wright, Manilla, Indiana
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 402 calories, 33g fat (6g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
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Pina Colada Icebox Cake

Total Time 25 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This icebox cake has all the flavors of a pina colada. It takes just one bite to escape to a tropical island! —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 377 calories, 20g fat (15g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 259mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Pineapple Mango Pulled Pork

Total Time 8 hours 20 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I love mangoes and pineapple. They go so well with pork. Serve these little sandwiches with a spring salad. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup meat mixture on 1 bun: 249 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 291mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 19g protein.
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Rhubarb Tart

Total Time 50 min
Servings 2 tarts (8 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator: The rhubarb flavor in this tart balances nicely with the honey and amaretto. The mascarpone cheese makes it rich and creamy. Sometimes I'll even double the rhubarb for really sumptuous tarts. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 259 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 115mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.

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Apricot Scones

Total Time 35 min
Servings 16 scones (1 cup cream)
From the Recipe Creator: Popular served with tea in Victorian days, scones are making a big comeback. Apricots and nuts are stirred into the batter in this apricot scones recipe I baked for a themed shower. Spread with Devonshire cream, they delighted the bride-to-be and guests. —Robin Fuhrman, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 scone with 1 tablespoon cream: 230 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 177mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.

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Carrot Spice Thumbprint Cookies

Total Time 40 min
Servings 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Carrot cake is a family favorite, and these delicious cookies with shredded carrots, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, cinnamon and cloves taste very similar. They’re even topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. With each cookie it feels as if you’re eating a piece of carrot cake, but no fork is needed! —Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 cookie: 167 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 146mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Sweet & Tart Lemon Jell-O

Total Time 20 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: With its sunny lemon color, this gelatin mold brightens up any table. I usually make two molds for parties because it disappears so quickly. —Patricia Ryzow, Thousand Oaks, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 slice: 252 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 46mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
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Crispy Sriracha Spring Rolls

Total Time 1 hour
Servings about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: While in the Bahamas, friends suggested a restaurant that served amazing chicken spring rolls. When I got home, I created my own version. Such a great appetizer to have waiting in the freezer! —Carla Mendres, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts: 1 spring roll: 186 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 215mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
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Asparagus, Bacon & Shallot Tart

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My tart is adapted from my mom's quiche recipe. She lives thousands of miles away from me in the U.K., so whenever I make it, happy memories of home come flooding back. —Paula Nolan, Granite Bay, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 367 calories, 30g fat (14g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 441mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.
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Lime & Gin Coconut Macaroons

Total Time 35 min
Servings about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: I took these lime and coconut macaroons to our annual cookie exchange, where we name a queen. I won the crown! —Milissa Kirkpatrick, Angel Fire, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts: 1 cookie: 133 calories, 7g fat (6g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 67mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.

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Fried Chicken

Total Time 30 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Always a picnic favorite, this deep-fried chicken recipe is delicious either hot or cold. Kids call it my Kentucky Fried Chicken! —Jeanne Schnitzler, Lima, Montana
Nutrition Facts: 5 ounces cooked chicken: 543 calories, 33g fat (7g saturated fat), 137mg cholesterol, 798mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 41g protein.

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Aunt Frances’ Lemonade

Total Time 15 min
Servings 16 servings (4 qt.)
From the Recipe Creator: My sister and I spent a week each summer with our Aunt Frances, who always had this thirst-quenching lemonade in a stoneware crock in her refrigerator. It makes a refreshing drink after a hot day of running around. —Debbie Reinhart, New Cumberland, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 92 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
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Potluck Macaroni and Cheese

Total Time 2 hours 25 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: You'll always have a winner at the potluck when you bring macaroni and cheese. Here's an extra-rich, creamy version for the slow cooker. —Jennifer Blondek, Chicopee, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 388 calories, 28g fat (17g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 652mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 17g protein.
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Potluck Pan Rolls

Total Time 40 min
Servings 27 rolls
From the Recipe Creator: The appealing homemade yeast-bread flavor of these golden rolls is unbeatable. Soft and light, they're great alongside any entree. Folks are disappointed if I don't bring them to potluck dinners. —Carol Mead, Los Alamos, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts: 1 roll: 141 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 158mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Beer Dip

Total Time 5 min
Servings 3-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: Ranch dressing mix flavors this easy dip packed with shredded cheese. It's perfect paired with pretzels. Be forewarned, though—it's hard to stop eating once you've started! The beer cheese dip can be made with any type of beer, including nonalcoholic. I've taken it to many parties and I am always asked for the recipe. —Michelle Long, New Castle, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 93 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 184mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.

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Taco Salad for a Large Crowd

Total Time 35 min
Servings 26 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I made this huge taco salad to bring to a party, and people were scrambling to figure out who made it. Needless to say, I brought home only an empty bowl and the guests went home with a full stomach! Everyone loves this taco salad recipe. —Lisa Homer, Avon, New York
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 262 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 696mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein.

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Ranch Snack Mix

Total Time 15 min
Servings 32 servings (6 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: This is a wonderful fast-to-fix munchie. The recipe makes tons and doesn't involve any cooking. It's a cinch to package in individual snack bags, it keeps its crunch and it's a savory alternative to the cakes and pies usually offered at bake sales. —Linda Murphy, Pulaski, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 185 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Potluck Cordon Bleu Casserole

Total Time 55 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: People usually ask me to bring this tempting casserole whenever I'm invited to attend a potluck. The turkey, ham and cheese are delectable combined with the crunchy topping. And when I bake a turkey, I prepare the leftovers for this dish, knowing I'll be making it again soon. —Joyce Paul, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 421 calories, 24g fat (13g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 848mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 32g protein.
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Grandma’s Spinach Salad

Total Time 20 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: With all its fresh ingredients, this pretty spinach salad was my grandma’s favorite. Even my little ones like it (but don’t tell them spinach is good for them)! —Shelley Riebel, Armada, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 280 calories, 21g fat (3g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 214mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
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Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Total Time 30 min
Servings 1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: There’s no faster way to get a party started than with these bacon jalapeno poppers. Make them ahead and bake just before serving. Even the those who are intolerant of hot peppers will love them. —Dawn Onuffer, Crestview, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 stuffed pepper half: 66 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 115mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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Spring Strawberry Sangria

Total Time 10 min
Servings 10 servings (about 2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: Wine-infused berries make a lovely addition to this special-occasion drink. I love serving this during the beginning of spring to celebrate the new season. —Gina Quartermaine, Alexandria, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 136 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 15mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
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Sausage Wonton Stars

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: These fancy-looking appetizers are ideal when entertaining large groups. The cute crunchy cups are stuffed with a cheesy pork sausage filling that kids of all ages enjoy. We keep a few in the freezer so we can easily reheat them for late-night snacking. —Mary Thomas, North Lewisburg, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 69 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
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That Good Salad

Total Time 20 min
Servings 14 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When a friend shared this salad recipe, it had a fancy French name. Our children can never remember it, so they say, "Mom, please make 'that good salad.'" Now our friends and neighbors request it for potluck dinners. It really is one of the best salad recipes. —Betty Lamb, Orem, Utah
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 193 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 257mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
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Almond-Bacon Cheese Crostini

Total Time 45 min
Servings 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: For a change from the usual toasted tomato appetizer, try this baked crostini recipe. If you like, slice the baguette at an angle instead of making a straight cut. —Leondre Hermann, Stuart, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 120 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 160mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Sweet Macaroni Salad

Total Time 20 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: A sweet out-of-the-ordinary dressing makes this macaroni salad special. My aunt gave me the recipe and it has become one of my favorites. I occasionally leave out the green pepper if I know that people don't like it, and it still tastes great. —Idalee Scholz, Cocoa Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 2/3 cup: 400 calories, 23g fat (5g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 332mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
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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.
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Spring Green Risotto

Total Time 45 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Once a week I create a new recipe for my blog, An Officer and a Vegan. I first made this risotto when I needed something cheerful and comforting. It would be fantastic with asparagus, zucchini or summer squash, but use whatever veggies are in season. —Deanna McDonald, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 198 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 477mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
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Loaded Red Potato Casserole

Total Time 45 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This potato casserole has the same flavor of the potato skins you can order as a restaurant appetizer. It's an ideal dish for tailgating and potlucks. —Charlane Gathy, Lexington, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 187 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 245mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
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Strawberry-Rhubarb Cream Dessert

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: A neighbor shared this recipe with me, and I created my own variation using garden-fresh rhubarb and strawberries. The shortbread crust and creamy sweet-tart layers went over big at a family party—not a crumb was left! —Sara Zignego, Hartford, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 577 calories, 38g fat (20g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 183mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
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Broccoli Casserole

Total Time 50 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Even people who don’t like broccoli beg me to make this comforting broccoli cheese casserole recipe. It's similar to a classic green bean casserole, but the melted cheese just puts it over the top. —Elaine Hubbard, Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 359 calories, 26g fat (11g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 641mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.