Please feel free to add your own favorite potluck ideas below. You never know what dishes will show up.Īnd there we have it, 50 cheap potluck recipes. Because they’re fun and highly anticipated. In fact, we look for excuses to have potlucks. Potlucks were – and still are – common occurrences. I grew up in rural Minnesota and attended a Lutheran country church in South Dakota. I consider myself somewhat of a potluck expert. It’s also best to avoid new and exotic, spicy, or unfamiliar dishes. Also, avoid messy, sticky, and sloppy dishes.

Know what foods to avoid: Avoid bringing soup, stew or chili – unless you are providing bowls for your guests.

This will keep the cost of your dish down.

Use pantry staples: Choose dishes that have a base of beans, pasta, rice or other pantry staples.

Your crock pot was made for potluck dinners: Keep foods like baked beans, hotdish or scalloped potatoes warm in a crock pot.

Think finger Jell-O, a vegetable tray or deviled eggs.

Bring finger foods: Foods that are easy to grab are great for a potluck.

Bring ready-to-eat foods: Make sure your dish is ready to serve, as things can get crazy in a shared kitchen.

Whiskey brownies with chocolate whiskey ganacheĥ Potluck Dinner Tips For The Budget Cook.

These dessert recipes are affordable and easily transportable:

Baking powder biscuits (the easy method).

Open-faced ham, apple, and cheddar sandwiches.Consider including tongs to make it even easier for guests to grab: These affordable bread and sandwich recipes are easy to grab off of the serving table. Potato salad (Japanese-style – try it!).Here are several recipes that work exceptionally well for a potluck: Salads are an essential part of any potluck. Pickle, cream cheese, and pastrami rollups.Warm side dishes can be kept warm in a slow cooker.Įvery potluck needs a few unexpected, crowd-pleasing dishes such as the following: Extra creamy scalloped potatoes and ham.Consider placing in a slow cooker on the warm setting to keep your dish warm and fresh: These dishes are ideal for a potluck meal. I hope you find something you like – and I hope you enjoy your next potluck! Other get-togethers where everyone brings a dish.These ideas are hand picked for church potlucks, but many of the recipes will also work for: This is a compilation of 50 cheap recipes perfectly suited for a potluck. You know a potluck is a good potluck when it’s a perfectly balanced mix of main courses, side dishes, and of course, desserts. Potlucks are meal gatherings where every guest brings a dish to share.

Pot luck lunch ideas