50 Potluck Recipes We Stole From Our Friends

Lime-Cilantro Shrimp Skewers

My friend gave me this grill-friendly recipe. The combination of lime, cilantro and soy sauce gives these shrimp skewers a memorable taste reminiscent of tropical cuisine. To make it a main dish, serve the skewers with rice or couscous. —Theresa Dibert, Cynthiana, Kentucky

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

Iva's Peach Cobbler

My mother received this peach cobbler recipe from a friend of hers many years ago, and fortunately she shared it with me. Boise is situated right between two large fruit-producing areas in our state, so peaches are plentiful in the summer. —Ruby Ewart, Boise, Idaho

Dill Vegetable Dip

A friend gave me this zesty dip recipe many years ago, and now I serve it at our annual holiday open house. To make it mobile, spoon a serving of the dip in the bottom of a small cup, then garnish with fresh veggies. —Karen Gardiner, Eutaw, Alabama

Basil Tomato Tart

I received this tomato tart recipe from a good friend of mine. It's a fun way to use up fresh tomatoes from the garden, and it reminds me a lot of pizza.—Connie Stumpf, North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Strawberry Melon Fizz

Experimenting in the kitchen is fun for me. That's how I came up with this recipe—I adapted it from recipes I got from friends for a melon ball basket and for a sparkling beverage. —Teresa Messick, Montgomery, Alabama

Sweet-Tart Cucumber Salad

A dear friend showed me how to use up cucumbers in a tangy salad. The longer it chills, the deeper the flavor. Look for lemon or pickling cucumbers. —Dian Jorgensen, Santa Rosa, California

Layered Chocolate Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies

A friend gave me the recipe for these layered brownies, but I added my own touch—chunky peanut butter. Every time I take them to a group gathering, I get requests for the recipe. It’s a real crowd-pleaser! —Judy Sims, Weatherford, Texas

Spanish Hominy

I received this recipe from a good friend who is a fabulous cook. The colorful side dish gets its zesty flavor from spicy canned tomatoes with green chiles. —Donna Brockett, Kingfisher, Oklahoma

Herbed Seafood Casserole

When I wanted a seafood dish for my annual Christmas Eve buffet, my friend gave me a wonderful recipe. This is a rich, creamy casserole loaded with shrimp, scallops and crab. —Donna Schmuland, Westaskiwin, Alberta

Zucchini Panzanella Salad

I learned how to make panzanella from my friend's grandmother. Once I discovered how to make the perfect vinaigrette, it became a dish I crave during the summer. It's also a great way to use day-old bread and your garden's bounty of zucchini. —Felicity Wolf, Kansas City, Missouri

Hawaiian Cheese Bread

This bread is absolutely delicious. A friend of my mother’s took it to a party at work, and after one bite, Mom knew she had to have the recipe. With constant nagging, she eventually got it! Simple and fast, this mouthwatering loaf is a hit with everybody and at every kind of function. —Amy McIlvain, Wilmington, Delaware

That Good Salad

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

Party Time Beans

A friend brought this colorful bean dish to my house for a church circle potluck dinner. As soon as I tasted the slightly sweet slow-cooked beans, I had to have the recipe. I've served the beans and shared the recipe many times since. —Jean Cantner, Boston, Virginia

Banana Split Icebox Cake

A friend showed me how to make a traditional icebox cake with just cream and graham crackers. I make it special by adding fruit. —Shelly Flye, Albion, Maine

Swedish Meatballs

Mom fixed this Swedish meatball recipe for all sorts of family dinners, potluck suppers and PTA meetings. The scent of browning meat is intoxicating. Add to that the sweet smell of onions caramelizing, and everyone’s mouth starts watering. —Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas

Breakfast Burrito Casserole

A friend gave me this burrito casserole recipe and I modified it to fit our family. It's perfect for a brunch, because you can prep it the night before and bake it the next morning. —Krista Yoder, Due West, South Carolina

Jumbleberry Crumble

A friend brought this delicious, down-home dessert to church and was kind enough to give out the recipe. Everyone enjoyed it so much and just showered her with compliments! It’s especially wonderful served warm or with a dollop of creamy whipped topping. —Mary Ann Dell, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania

Chiles Rellenos Squares

My family requests this chiles rellenos dish regularly—it's easy to prepare and makes a nice hors d'oeuvre or complement to a Mexican or Spanish meal. A friend I worked with shared the recipe with me several years ago. —Fran Carll, Long Beach, California

Hot Crab Pinwheels

I got the recipe for these crabmeat bites from a friend. What amazed me most is that my husband, who hates seafood, couldn't stop eating them. —Kitti Boesel, Woodbridge, Virginia

Tomato-Goat Cheese Spread

A good friend shared this recipe with me. It is super easy and so delicious. Guests will love it! It's best served with crackers that aren't strongly seasoned. —Linda Alexander, Madison, Wisconsin

Mighty Hero Sandwich

My friend Valerie is a gracious hostess. Of all the dishes she's shared over the years, this hero sandwich stands out. It’s easy and colorful, and the marinated veggies give it all kinds of oomph. —Kelley Boyce, Tulsa, Oklahoma

Mini Crescent Burgers

A friend first brought these snacks to a Sunday school party. The original recipe called for pork sausage, but I substituted ground beef with taste-tempting results. —Pam Buhr, Mexico, Missouri

Shredded Pork with Beans

A friend gave me this recipe, which my sons say is a keeper. For a change of pace, spoon the tasty filling into soft tortillas. —Sarah Johnston, Lincoln, Nebraska

Shrimp Salad Appetizers

This refreshing hors d'oeuvre has gained a big following since a friend shared her family recipe with me. My son says it best: The celery and shrimp are so good together. —Solie Kimble, Kanata, Ontario

Tomato Fritters

I got the basic recipe for these fritters from a friend, then I tweaked it for my family's tastes. It's one of our very favorite things in the summer. We love them right after they've been fried, when they're still hot and crispy. —Pam Halter, Bridgeton, New Jersey

Collard Greens & Beans

I didn't eat southern-style collards until a friend gave me a recipe for greens with bacon and pinto beans. Now I’m delighted to make them. —April Burroughs, Vilonia, Arkansas

Jalapeno Mac and Cheese

Many years ago after I had had knee surgery, a friend brought me a big casserole of mac and cheese along with the recipe. I have fiddled with the recipe over the years, most recently adding jalapenos at the request of my son. What an awesome spicy twist! —Teresa Gustafson, Elkton, Maryland

Mini PB&J Cheesecakes

I got hooked on these mini peanut butter and jelly cheesecakes when a friend made them. She let me steal her recipe, and now I'm sharing this tasty treat with you!—Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota

Sweet and Tangy Ranch Beans

This sweet and tangy side dish uses lots of convenient canned goods, so it’s a snap to throw together. The recipe was sent to me by a friend and it’s nice to serve at a group picnic. —Barbara Gordon, Roswell, Georgia

Ground Beef Taco Dip

What’s a football party without taco dip? This version made with spicy ground beef and fresh toppings does not disappoint the die-hards. It is full of classic flavors and is a little extra filling for game day appetites. —Errika Perry, Green Bay, WI

Cheddar Ham Cups

When a college classmate and I threw a party for our professor, a friend contributed these savory appetizers. Everyone in the class requested the recipe before the party was done. Try the cups with chicken instead of ham if you’d like. —Brandi Ladner Gulfport, Mississippi

Teriyaki Shish Kabobs

When I was a teenager, my father worked for an airline, and my family lived on the island of Guam in the South Pacific. A friend of my mother gave her this tangy-sweet recipe, and we enjoyed it often. Now I make it for my family, and they're big fans as well. —Suzanne Pelegrin, Ocala, Florida

Topsy-Turvy Sangria

I got this recipe from a friend a few years ago. Perfect for relaxed get-togethers. it’s even better if you make it the night before and let the flavors steep. But watch out—it goes down easy. —Tracy Field, Bremerton, Washington

Mediterranean Tomato Bites

My friend Mary served these lovely appetizers at a summer gathering several years ago, and I adapted it a bit to my taste. It's a great August recipe when tomatoes and herbs are at their freshest! —Susan Wilson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Caramelized Bacon Twists

A friend gave me this recipe to use at a bridal shower brunch, and the sweet chewy bacon strips were a big hit. Lining the pan with foil before baking helps cut down on cleanup. —Jane Paschke, University Park, Florida

Marshmallow-Filled Banana Cupcakes

A friend gave me this recipe when I first moved into my neighborhood 40 years ago. It might seem more time consuming than it is, but it's easy and the results are incredible. —Monique Caron, Buxton, Maine

Sweet Onion Creamed Corn

A friend from church gave me this easy and delicious recipe more than 40 years ago, and I still make it regularly. She was from the South, and whenever I cook it, I remember her fondly. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

Strawberry-Rhubarb Flip Cake

My friend Dave always brought two strawberry rhubarb cakes to work to celebrate his birthday. He’d use up rhubarb growing in the yard and treat his co-workers. —Charlene Schwartz, Maple Plain, Minnesota

Shrimp Appetizer Spread

There's no secret to this creamy seafood appetizer—it's simply delicious! I originally tasted it at a friend's house, and I liked it so much that I requested the recipe. It's since become a family favorite. —Brenda Buhler, Abbotsford, British Columbia

Fluffy Waffles

A friend shared this fluffy waffle recipe with me a few years ago. The cinnamon cream syrup is a nice change from maple syrup, and it keeps quite well in the fridge. Our two children also like it on toast. —Amy Gilles, Ellsworth, Wisconsin

Apple-Feta Tossed Salad

A friend of mine shared this recipe with me after I raved about the delightful salad at dinner. I have served it for years now, and no matter where i take it, I have to bring along copies of the recipe to hand out. —Marlene Clark Apple Valley, California

Potato Chip Bites

A friend at church gave me the recipe for these buttery, light and crisp cookies. It has never failed to bring me compliments.—Brenda Stone, Sterrett, Alabama

Bacon Cheese Potatoes

I received this recipe from a friend who's a wonderful cook. This goes great with any main course, but it's especially good with ham. —Bertha Jensen, Mooresville, Indiana

Artichoke Dip

Crackers make great dippers for this artichoke dip recipe. Chips and breadsticks work well, too. It’s become the traditional introduction to our family’s Christmas Eve dinner. —Mrs. William Garner, Austin, Texas

Fruit Tart

It's well worth the effort to whip up this creamy fruit tart bursting with juicy berries. A friend gave me the recipe, and it always receives rave reviews at gatherings. —Susan Terzakis, Andover, Massachusetts

Kansas Cucumber Salad

Cucumbers are my very favorite garden vegetable, so I use this recipe often. I got it from a friend 8 years ago. I’ve heard this refreshing dish keeps very well in the refrigerator, but it goes so fast around our house, I’ve never found out for myself. —Karen Ann Bland, Gove, Kansas

Appetizer Tortilla Pinwheels

A friend gave me this recipe, and whenever I serve these tortilla pinwheel sandwiches, people ask me for the recipe, too! The cream cheese pinwheels can be made ahead of time and sliced just before serving, leaving you time for other last-minute party preparations. —Pat Waymire, Yellow Springs, Ohio

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

I got this grilled chicken recipe from a friend while living in Hawaii. It sizzles with the flavors of brown sugar, ginger and soy sauce. Huli means "turn" in Hawaiian. This sweet and savory glaze is fantastic on pork chops, too. —Sharon Boling, San Diego, California