It’s that time of year again—the office or work potluck is right around the corner, and you’re staring blankly at your kitchen wondering what to make. Maybe you’re new to holiday cooking for a crowd, or maybe you’ve just run out of ideas beyond your family’s go-to favorites. Either way, don’t stress, because we’re here to help!
We’ve all seen our share of well-intentioned but less-than-successful potluck dishes. The good news? With a little planning and a few of our tried-and-true recipes, you’ll be walking into that potluck with confidence. Who knows—you might just become the office legend for best dish of the night.
Potluck Food Safety Tips
Before diving into delicious ideas, let’s make sure your dish is safe to serve and enjoy:
- Plan for travel time. If your commute is long, bring sturdy, nonperishable options like cookies, pies, muffins, or bread.
- Keep cold foods cold. Transport chilled items in a cooler with ice packs to stay at 40°F or below.
- Keep hot foods hot. Use insulated bags or carriers, or wrap dishes in foil, newspaper, and towels. Aim for 140°F or above.
- Store promptly. As soon as you arrive, get cold items into a fridge and hot dishes into an oven or crockpot until serving.
- Mind the clock. Toss any food that sits out at room temperature for more than two hours.
- Label ingredients. A simple card listing allergens like nuts, dairy, or gluten can be a thoughtful touch.
With the basics covered, let’s get into the fun part: dishes that will disappear fast at the buffet table.
Potluck Recipes That Shine
5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge
Sometimes the best treats are the simplest ones. This fudge is silky smooth, intensely nutty, and ready in under 20 minutes. All you’ll need is sugar, evaporated milk, marshmallow fluff, vanilla, and peanut butter. Boil the sugar and milk, stir in marshmallow fluff and peanut butter until creamy, then spread it into a pan to cool. Cut into bite-sized squares, and you’ve got a dessert that vanishes quickly from any potluck dessert table. Pro tip: sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty twist.
Japanese-Inspired Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs never last long at a gathering, and this version offers a flavorful upgrade. Start by hard-boiling your eggs and peeling them. Marinate the eggs (whole, before cutting) in soy sauce, water, and a dash of mirin for two hours or overnight to add a savory depth. Once marinated, cut them in half, mash the yolks with Kewpie mayo and a touch of wasabi, then pipe the filling back into the whites. Garnish with furikake or toasted sesame seeds for crunch and presentation. These eggs are familiar yet adventurous, and perfect for conversation starters.
Crockpot Lasagna
Want to bring a hearty main dish that feels like comfort food? Crockpot lasagna is your answer. Brown Italian sausage or ground beef with onions and garlic, then stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, and oregano. In a separate bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan with fresh herbs. Layer sauce, no-boil noodles, and cheese mixture in your crockpot until full, finishing with a generous layer of mozzarella on top. Cook on low for 6 hours. The result: tender noodles, melty cheese, and rich flavors—all staying warm until it’s time to serve. No one will believe it came from a slow cooker.
Cuban Sliders
These mini sandwiches pack a punch and are incredibly easy to assemble. Slice Hawaiian sweet rolls in half, keeping them connected as a sheet. Layer on deli ham, Swiss cheese, and dill pickle slices. Replace the tops, then drizzle with a buttery glaze of melted butter, Dijon mustard, chopped onions, and poppy seeds. Cover and bake for 10 minutes, then uncover and bake until the tops are golden and the cheese is perfectly melted. Slice into individual sliders and watch them disappear within minutes of hitting the potluck table. They’re savory, tangy, and just the right size for grabbing with one hand while balancing a plate with the other.
Other Tried-and-True Favorites
- Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Spinach and Artichoke Dip
- Pigs in a Blanket
- Bacon-Wrapped Lil’ Smokies
- Cornbread or Fresh Rolls
- Southwestern Egg Rolls
Bring a Dish, Share the Joy, and Let Us Inspire Your Potluck
We believe food should bring people together, whether it’s your family dinner table or the office breakroom. With these holiday cooking ideas, you’ll not only bring something tasty—you’ll bring a little joy to share.