23 Budget-Friendly Potluck Ideas

You're covered when you need easy, crowd-pleasing dishes that travel well and disappear fast at any gathering. This gallery brings together everything from creamy casseroles and baked sliders to fresh pasta salads, fruity desserts, and classic potluck favorites like baked beans and crisp coleslaw. You'll find plenty of comforting sides, chilled salads, and shareable desserts that make hosting or attending a potluck much simpler. Keep scrolling and pick your next go-to dish to bring along with confidence.

Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

This comforting casserole blends tender rice and broccoli in a smooth, cheesy sauce baked until bubbly. It's a dependable side dish for potlucks and weeknight dinners alike. Every spoonful is warm, hearty, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad

This refreshing pasta dish combines tender grains with crisp green asparagus in a light, citrusy finish. Often served as a side or light main, it brings a fresh lift to BBQs and casual dinners. It's simple, vibrant, and perfect for warm-weather gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad

Fresh Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Feta

This crisp salad blends juicy fruit with cool cucumber and creamy cheese for a refreshing bite. Often enjoyed in summer spreads, it balances sweet, savory, and herbal notes effortlessly. It's light, vibrant, and ideal for outdoor gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Feta and Mint

Sweet-Tart Strawberry Lemon Bars

These bright dessert bars pair citrusy tang with fruity sweetness in every bite. Sometimes enjoyed as strawberry lemon squares, they offer a refreshing twist on classic bar desserts. They're cheerful, zesty, and perfect for warm-weather treats.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lemon Bars

Southern-Style Creamy Potato Salad

This timeless side dish is rich, creamy, and familiar in the best way. Often served at family reunions and potlucks, it's a staple that never goes out of style. Each bite delivers comforting, well-loved flavor.
Get the Recipe: Southern Potato Salad

Classic Chilled Strawberry Pretzel Salad

This retro-inspired layered dessert brings together a crunchy base, a smooth cream cheese middle, and a bright strawberry topping for a nostalgic crowd favorite. Often remembered as a 70s potluck classic, it delivers that sweet-and-salty contrast everyone reaches for first. It's a festive, make-ahead style treat that always stands out on a dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Barbecue Chicken Sliders

These warm sliders are baked until golden with a rich, cheesy finish and a sweet smoky barbecue flavor throughout. Known for staying soft without getting soggy, they're a reliable hit for gatherings and game days. Each bite feels hearty, comforting, and easy to grab and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Barbecue Chicken Sliders

Honey-Lime Mixed Fruit Salad

This colorful fruit medley is brightened with a sweet-tart citrus dressing that ties everything together beautifully. Often served at brunches and potlucks, it feels both refreshing and effortlessly elegant. It's a light, cheerful dish that balances out richer party foods.
Get the Recipe: Honey-Lime Mixed Fruit Salad

Taco Casserole with Crunchy Fritos

This Tex-Mex inspired bake layers bold, savory flavors into a bubbly, crowd-pleasing casserole. Sometimes known as a taco bake, it delivers all the comfort of tacos in an easy scoop-and-serve form. The crunchy topping adds a fun texture that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole with Crunchy Fritos

Blueberry Cheesecake Squares

These creamy dessert bars offer all the indulgence of cheesecake in a portable, easy-to-share form. With a buttery base and sweet berry flavor, they're perfect for parties where neat slices matter. Each square feels like a little bite of bakery-style luxury.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cheesecake Squares

Chocolate Sheet Cake with Pecan Frosting

This deep chocolate sheet cake is known for its soft crumb and rich, fudgy topping that spreads across every bite. A Southern potluck staple, it's designed to feed a crowd with ease. The pecans add a warm, nutty finish that makes it unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Sheet Cake with Pecan Frosting

Ham and Swiss Hawaiian Roll Sliders

These baked party sliders layer melty cheese and savory ham inside soft, slightly sweet rolls. Sometimes served as Hawaiian roll sliders with aioli, they're brushed with a rich topping that enhances every bite. They're perfect for sharing at parties or quick family meals.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Swiss Hawaiian Roll Sliders

Loaded Baked Potato Casserole with Cheddar

This comforting casserole transforms classic baked potato flavors into a creamy, shareable dish. Known as a loaded potato bake, it's ideal for prepping ahead for busy holidays or potlucks. Each scoop is rich, cheesy, and topped with familiar savory favorites.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

Mixed Berry Crumble Bars with Streusel Topping

These dessert bars combine juicy berries with a soft, buttery base and a crisp crumble topping. Also called berry crumb bars, they strike a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. They're easy to slice, share, and enjoy at any casual gathering.
Get the Recipe: Mixed Berry Crumble Bars with Golden Streusel Topping

Peach Summer Pasta Salad with Herbs

This unexpected pasta salad mixes juicy peaches with savory accents for a bright seasonal twist. It's often served chilled, making it ideal for summer picnics and cookouts. The combination feels fresh, playful, and pleasantly balanced.
Get the Recipe: Peach Summer Pasta Salad with Herbs

Slow Cooker Creamy Chili Cheese Dip

This easy crockpot dip melts into a rich, creamy blend that's perfect for scooping and sharing. Also known as chili cheese dip, it's a go-to appetizer for game days and casual parties. It stays warm and smooth, making it a reliable crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chili Cheese Dip

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

This baked dessert combines tart fruit filling with a golden, crunchy topping for a rustic finish. It's a naturally comforting treat that highlights seasonal produce beautifully. Served warm or chilled, it's always a welcome dessert at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

One Pot, Endless Cheese Pulls!

This smooth, cheesy pasta dish comes together quickly for an easy comfort food favorite. It's simple, cozy, and perfect for busy nights or potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Stovetop Creamy Mac and Cheese

Deviled Eggs Without Mustard

These deviled eggs offer a smooth, mellow filling with a rich, buttery finish instead of traditional tangy notes. Often called mustard-free deviled eggs, they're a crowd-pleasing appetizer for any gathering. Each bite is creamy, delicate, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs Without Mustard

Molasses Baked Beans with Crispy Bacon

These baked beans bring deep, smoky sweetness balanced with savory bacon in every spoonful. A classic potluck dish, they're slow-cooked in flavor even when using simple pantry staples. The result is hearty, bold, and irresistibly comforting.
Get the Recipe: Molasses Baked Beans with Crispy Bacon

Tangy Old-Fashioned Vinegar Coleslaw

This crisp slaw delivers a bright, tangy bite that cuts through heavier dishes beautifully. Unlike creamy versions, it keeps things light and refreshing while still full of flavor. It's a classic BBQ side that never feels heavy.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Old-Fashioned Vinegar Coleslaw

Corn Casserole

This comforting corn bake is soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for serving a crowd. It's a familiar potluck favorite that works beautifully as a side for holiday meals or casual dinners. Each bite is warm, creamy, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole Recipe

Grilled Potato Wedges

These potato wedges are grilled until crisp on the outside with a fluffy center and a smoky finish. They're a quick, flavorful alternative to fries that works perfectly for summer cookouts. Simple and satisfying, they pair well with just about anything.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Potato Wedges