What to Cook This Weekend

13 Holiday Potluck Ideas to Carry Over the River and Through the Woods

You’re supposed to come with a dish in hand. Bring a showstopper.
Jammy deviled eggs served as an easy holiday appetizer idea.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Beatrice Chastka, Food Styling by Anna Billingskog

Your neighbor invited you to their holiday shindig—and said that everyone is bringing a dish to share. Before you start scheming potluck recipe ideas, ask your host what they think they’ll be short on, so you can be the hero who brings dessert. Or a vegetable. Or a ham. (You might not want to be the third person walking in with mac and cheese—but that definitely depends on your crowd.)

A few more potluck tips: Make an allergy label for your dish, so guests don’t have to ask again and again. Bring a disposable serving utensil—or label the one you brought. And be sure whatever potluck dish you bring will be fine at room temperature; bothering the host to cram one more thing in the oven kind of defeats the purpose of a crowdsourced meal. Ready to get cooking? Read on for potluck recipe ideas from the Epicurious staff.

  • Image may contain Food Dish Meal Plant Bread Human Person and Platter
    Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell
    1/13

    Grand Aioli

    If you’re looking for Christmas potluck ideas that feel luxurious but are also easy to eat without forks, consider this classic French dish. Shrimp, potatoes, boiled eggs, and crisp-tender veggies all dive into a luscious aioli.

    Get This Recipe
  • Photo by Isa Zapata, Prop Styling by Stephanie De Luca, Food Styling by Yekaterina Boystova
    2/13

    Cheese Fondue

    As long as you have a portable fondue pot, keeping things gooey and cheesy is easy.

    Get This Recipe
  • Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Beatrice Chastka, Food Styling by Anna Billingskog
    3/13

    Brown Sugar–Mustard Glazed Ham

    Okay, this is a bold move, but if your host is game, go ahead and bring a whole ham to the holiday potluck. A few jars of different types of mustard are a nice addition; just add rolls or biscuits.

    Get This Recipe
  • Photo by Christopher Testani
    4/13

    Crispy Cauliflower with Capers, Raisins, and Breadcrumbs

    This cauliflower side dish is great hot, but just as good at room temperature, so it’s a great option for toting along to a party.

    Get This Recipe
  • Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Judy Kim
    13/13

    Sparkly Red Velvet Cookies

    These cookies shimmer like an ornament. The best Christmas potluck ideas are coordinated with your sequined holiday outfit, right? Head this way if you’re looking for more cookie recipes →

    Get This Recipe
The Epicurious editorial team develops original recipes, and publishes stories about cooking better, faster, and more creatively, sustainably, and affordably. See our full masthead, here. ... Read More
Read More
17 Quick Cookie Recipes for Holiday Cheer in Record Time
icon
Gallery
17 Quick Cookie Recipes for Holiday Cheer in Record Time
When a cookie craving comes on strong, you need these quick cookies.
39 Timeless <em>Gourmet</em> Recipes for Your Holiday Table
icon
Gallery
39 Timeless Gourmet Recipes for Your Holiday Table
This list is full of reader favorites and perennial hits.
11 Recipes for Weekend Hosting or Hibernating
icon
Gallery
11 Recipes for Weekend Hosting or Hibernating
Snazzy snacks for a holiday fête, and cozy soups for a mellow Sunday.
29 Hanukkah Dishes to Brighten the Festival of Lights
icon
Gallery
29 Hanukkah Dishes to Brighten the Festival of Lights
Eight nights of potato pancakes and jelly doughnuts? Sounds like a plan.
11 Holiday Breads to Bake Your Season Bright
icon
Gallery
11 Holiday Breads to Bake Your Season Bright
German stollen, Finnish pulla, Italian panettone, and Mexican rosca de reyes all rise to the occasion.
59 Finger Foods, Because Being Festive Doesn’t Require a Fork
icon
Gallery
59 Finger Foods, Because Being Festive Doesn’t Require a Fork
Finger foods for the big game, the holiday party, a chill fest, or just because.
The Most-Saved Recipes in the Epicurious App This Week
Like grilled chicken wings and a citrus bitters cocktail.
The Most-Saved Recipes in the Epicurious App in May
Like green falafel smash burgers and a crispy rice salad.
23 Fresh Basil Recipes for Pesto and Beyond
Grilled corn with basil butter, pineapple shrimp noodles, slow-cooker pork with zesty basil sauce, and more.
The Best Mac and Cheese You'll Ever Make (Restaurant-Quality)
In this edition of Epicurious 101, professional chef and culinary instructor Frank Proto demonstrates how to make the best mac and cheese at home. From the perfect melty sauce to a delicious toasted crust, follow Frank’s guide and never make a dry mac and cheese again.
41 Father’s Day Breakfasts to Say, “Thanks, Dad”
Extra-tender cinnamon rolls, everything-bagel quiche, a chorizo and egg crunchwrap, and more ways to show your gratitude.
31 Fourth of July Desserts for Star-Spangled Summer Fun
Like butter-pecan icebox cake, sour cherry pot pie, sheet pan shortcake, and more.