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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    35 Transportable Potluck Recipes That Are a Hit Every Time

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on October 27, 2025, updated September 24, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    These 35 transportable potluck recipes are sure to impress your friends and family at any gathering. From savory dishes to sweet treats, each recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for sharing. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, these crowd-pleasers will make your next potluck a success.

    Easy Boat Dip

    Easy Boat Dip.
    Photo Credit: Easy Party Dips.

    Heading out for a day at the beach or just relaxing on the porch? This simple Boat Dip is a great snack to take with you. It only takes 10 minutes to whip up, travels easily, and will likely be the first thing everyone goes for at the gathering. Grab some chips and enjoy this tasty summer treat!

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    Taco Pasta Salad

    Taco Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: The Almond Eater.

    This vegetarian Taco Pasta Salad is a fantastic side dish for potlucks and barbecues. With a zesty chili-lime yogurt dressing and packed with black beans, cheese, and fresh veggies, it's a dish that everyone will enjoy. It's easy to prepare and travels well, making it perfect for gatherings.

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    Three Bean Salad

    Three Bean Salad.
    Photo Credit: One Carefree Cook.

    Three bean salad is a classic summer dish that's perfect for potlucks, picnics, or BBQs. It combines cannellini beans, kidney beans, and green beans, all tossed in a sweet and tangy vinaigrette. Quick pickled onions add a nice touch, making this salad refreshing and easy to enjoy.

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    Indian Chickpea Fritters

    Indian Chickpea Fritters.
    Photo Credit: Earth to Veg.

    Crispy Indian Chickpea Fritters are a tasty snack that come from South Asian cooking. Known by various names like Ambode, Paruppu Vadai, and Masala Vada, these fritters are packed with flavorful spices. They're great for picnics, parties, potlucks, or just a quick bite anytime. Plus, they're naturally vegan, gluten-free, and high in protein.

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    Fried Pickle Ranch Dip

    Fried Pickle Ranch Dip.
    Photo Credit; The Cookin' Chicks.

    Fried Pickle Dip offers a fun and tasty twist on the usual pickle snacks. It's packed with flavor and super simple to whip up. This dip is perfect for gatherings and travels well, making it a great choice for potlucks.

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    Angel Hair Coleslaw with Pineapple

    Angel Hair Coleslaw with Pineapple.
    Photo Credit: One Carefree Cook.

    This angel hair coleslaw with pineapple offers a refreshing and slightly sweet take on a classic dish. It's perfect for sunny days and backyard BBQs, bringing a taste of the tropics to your table. With its light and crunchy texture, this coleslaw is a great addition to any potluck or gathering.

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    Buffalo Chicken Dip

    Buffalo Chicken Dip.
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    Buffalo Chicken Dip is a popular choice for gatherings and parties. It combines tender shredded chicken with creamy ranch dressing, cream cheese, hot sauce, and plenty of cheese. Baked until it's golden and bubbly, this dip is perfect for scooping up with chips or veggies.

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    Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

    Southern Baked Mac and Cheese.
    Photo Credit: Sweet Tea & Thyme.

    Southern baked mac and cheese is rich, cheesy, and always a hit. With five different cheeses and heavy cream, it comes out perfectly creamy and gooey. The pasta is cooked in chicken broth to add extra flavor, then baked to keep it tender without getting mushy. This easy dump-and-bake dish is great for Sunday dinners, Thanksgiving, and any holiday gathering.

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    Honey Lime Fruit Salad

    Honey Lime Fruit Salad.
    Photo Credit: That Skinny Chick Can Bake.

    Fresh, seasonal fruit is mixed with honey, lime juice, lime zest, and poppy seeds to create a delicious Honey Lime Fruit Salad. This dish is simple to prepare and works great for picnics and potlucks. You can count on it being a hit, leaving you with an empty bowl to take home.

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    Slow Cooker Velveeta Mac and Cheese

    Slow Cooker Velveeta Mac and Cheese.
    Photo Credit: My Rad Kitchen.

    Slow Cooker Velveeta Mac and Cheese is a creamy and cheesy dish that's perfect for gatherings. Made with Velveeta, sharp cheddar, and whole milk, it offers a comforting taste that everyone loves. This dish is easy to prepare and travels well, making it a great choice for potlucks.

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    Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats

    Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats.
    Photo Credit: The Kitchen Girl.

    Salted brown butter Rice Krispie treats are a tasty twist on the traditional marshmallow cereal bars. The addition of browned butter gives them a rich, nutty flavor that really enhances the sweetness of the melted marshmallows. With a hint of caramel and a delightful buttery scent, these treats are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

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    Easy Twix Blondies

    Easy Twix Blondies.
    Photo Credit: Eat Cook Bake.

    Twix blondies are a delightful treat filled with milk and white chocolate chips, chunks of Twix candy, and a drizzle of caramel sauce. This dessert is rich and satisfying, perfect for sharing at potlucks or gatherings. Whether served warm or chilled, these blondies are sure to please everyone.

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    Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole

    Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is a simple one-pot meal that's perfect for any gathering. Instead of tortillas, it uses rice to create a delicious Mexican-inspired dish that everyone in the family will enjoy. It's a great option for potlucks or when you need something easy to prepare ahead of time.

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    Hot Crab Dip

    Hot Crab Dip.
    Photo Credit: The Almond Eater.

    Hot Crab Dip combines creamy cheese with lump crab meat and a generous amount of cheddar cheese. It's simple to prepare, making it a great choice for your next potluck. This dish is sure to be a hit and is easy to transport, so you can enjoy it wherever you go.

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    Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

    Cowboy Cornbread Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    Gather the family for a hearty dinner with Cowboy Cornbread Casserole. This simple skillet dish is packed with ground beef, fresh vegetables, and flavorful spices, all topped with a layer of homemade buttermilk cornbread. It's a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    Pesto Pasta Salad with Chicken

    Pesto Pasta Salad with Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Our Love Language is Food.

    This chicken pesto pasta salad combines soft pasta, fresh veggies, and tasty basil pesto into a dish that everyone will enjoy. It's quick to prepare, taking only about 25 minutes, making it perfect for gatherings. This salad is easy to transport, so it's a great choice for potlucks or picnics.

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    Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

    Dill Pickle Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Maple + Mango.

    This pasta salad is perfect for anyone who loves pickles. It's packed with crunchy pickles, sharp white cheddar cheese, and fresh dill, all mixed together in a creamy dressing that really highlights the pickle flavor. This dish is great for potlucks and travels well, making it a convenient choice for gatherings.

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    Tomato Basil Pasta Salad with Mozzarella & Fontina

    Tomato Basil Pasta Salad with Mozzarella & Fontina.
    Photo Credit: That Skinny Chick Can Bake.

    This Caprese Pasta Salad has a fun twist with extra soft cheese added in. It's easy to whip up and pairs perfectly with a simple dressing that takes no time at all to make. This dish is great for potlucks and travels well, making it a perfect choice for gatherings.

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    Frittata Cavolo

    Frittata Cavolo.
    Photo Credit: Refresh My Health.

    Frittata Cavolo is packed with healthy ingredients and is great on its own. It pairs wonderfully with a slice of Danish rye bread, making it a satisfying meal. This dish is simple to prepare, perfect for busy days or potlucks.

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    Mac and Cheese Egg Rolls with Buffalo Ranch

    Mac and Cheese Egg Rolls with Buffalo Ranch
    Photo Credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    An absolutely delicious appetizer or snack!

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    Taco Casserole

    Southern Baked Mac and Cheese.
    Photo Credit: FoodnService.

    Easy Taco Casserole brings a fun spin to Taco Tuesday. With layers of taco-inspired ingredients, crunchy tortilla chips, and melted cheese, this dish is sure to be a hit. It's perfect for gatherings and travels well, making it a great choice for potlucks.

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    Ham and Cheese Sliders

    Ham and Cheese Sliders.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    Ham and cheese sliders are a great choice for game days and gatherings, no matter how big or small. They're easy to eat and perfect for sharing at parties. You can prepare these sliders in advance, making them a convenient option for any event.

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    Cheesy Mexican Chicken and Rice

    Cheesy Mexican Chicken and Rice.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    Cheesy Mexican Chicken and Rice is a flavorful dish that brings together spices, juicy chicken, and melted cheese. This casserole is packed with deliciousness and is sure to be a hit at any gathering. It's a great option for potlucks, as it travels well and everyone will enjoy it.

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    Smoked Salmon Pâté

    Smoked salmon pâté.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Smoked salmon is a great choice for a quick and easy spread that you can prepare in no time. This dish is perfect for gatherings, as it travels well and can be enjoyed by everyone. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious addition to any potluck.

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    Mexican 7 Layer Dip

    Mexican Layer Dip (7 Layer Dip).
    Photo Credit: The Kitchen Girl.

    Mexican layer dip is a delicious and creamy appetizer that features layers of beans, guacamole, salsa, and cheese. It's simple to prepare and is always a crowd-pleaser. This dip pairs perfectly with chips, making it a great choice for gatherings.

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    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features plenty of chicken and broccoli, making it a hearty meal that will definitely fill you up. It's perfect for potlucks, as it travels well and can be made ahead of time. Plus, you'll likely have some leftovers to enjoy later.

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    Zesty Italian Pasta Salad

    Zesty Italian Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: The Wooden Skillet.

    Bringing a side dish to a backyard cookout or potluck is easy with this Zesty Italian Pasta Salad. It's a crowd-pleaser that everyone in the family will enjoy. This dish is perfect for sharing and is sure to become a favorite that you'll want to make time and time again.

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    Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

    Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad.
    Photo Credit: A Wicked Whisk.

    Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad combines creamy goodness with a spicy kick, all while featuring bacon and cheese. It's a great dish for gatherings like tailgates, football parties, and summer BBQs. This salad is easy to prepare ahead of time, making it a convenient option for any potluck.

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    Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

    Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester.

    Cheeseburger tater tot casserole combines the classic flavors of burgers and fries into one delicious dish. It's a fun and easy meal that kids love, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. This hearty casserole is sure to satisfy everyone and is a great option for potlucks.

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    Red Velvet Cake Pops

    Red Velvet Cake Pops.
    Photo Credit: In The Kitch.

    Red velvet cake pops turn the beloved Southern dessert into a fun and easy treat that everyone can enjoy. Coated in white chocolate and sprinkled with red velvet crumbs, these cake pops are not only visually appealing but also delicious. They're perfect for parties, gatherings, or any celebration where you want to impress your guests.

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    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This casserole brings all the delicious flavors of tacos into one easy dish. It's packed with ground beef, salsa, and plenty of cheese, making it a satisfying meal. Perfect for potlucks or a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.

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    Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad

    Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad.
    Photo Credit: Big Delicious Life.

    Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad is a delicious dessert salad packed with fresh tropical fruit. It's a great choice for summer gatherings and potlucks, bringing a taste of the islands to your table. This dish is easy to prepare and travels well, making it a convenient option for sharing with friends and family.

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    Mashed Potato Casserole

    Mashed potato casserole.
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    This mashed potato casserole is creamy and cheesy, perfect for any gathering. It only takes a few minutes to prepare, making it a great option for busy days. You can easily make it ahead of time, so it's ready to go when you need it.

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    Carrot Raisin Salad

    Carrot Raisin Salad.
    Photo Credit: Little Sunny KItchen.

    This creamy and crunchy Carrot Raisin Salad is an easy side dish that you can prepare ahead of time. It has a hint of sweetness, which you can adjust by using a grated apple instead of sugar or honey if you like. This classic salad reminds many of the one that used to be served at Chick-Fil-A.

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    TikTok Cookie Croissant

    TikTok Cookie Croissant.
    Photo Credit: The Fresh Cooky.

    Cookie Croissants, also known as Le Crookie, have become a popular treat on social media, and it's easy to see why. These tasty pastries combine the flaky goodness of a buttery croissant with the sweet, gooey texture of chocolate chip cookie dough. It's a delightful mix of French and American flavors that makes for a fun and sa

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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