Easy Potluck Ideas That Are Way More Classy Than Casseroles

I love potlucks. There’s something so cheerful about sharing food with the people you love, and when everyone is contributing to the feast, it fosters a feeling of camaraderie. But what I don’t love about potlucks is, sometimes, the food. I know I get stuck in a rut, always relying on the tried-and-true creamy casseroles of my youth, but sometimes I want to bring a dish that’s a little fresher, a little more modern. And if everyone else still brings those comfort food classics, there will be one new dish to help brighten up the table and balance out the other flavors.

Making a classy new potluck dish doesn’t have to be hard. These recipes are surprisingly simple, so you don’t have to stress in the hours leading up to the event. Consider transferring warm dishes to a slow cooker that you can plug in at the potluck location to keep things toasty. And most important? Wear your stretchy pants so you can load up your plate with all the home cooking your heart desires.

Farro tabbouleh salad

Image Credit: Feasting at Home

Hearty farro is the base of this easy make-ahead salad, bursting with fresh herbs and vegetables.
Lemon-dill salmon in foil

Image Credit: Damn Delicious

Make a big slab of this lemon-dill salmon, then serve it with rye toast, sour cream and capers.
Goat cheese potato salad

Image Credit: The Suburban Soapbox

Tangy goat cheese elevates humble potato salad to the star dish at your next potluck.
Antipasto skewers

Image Credit: From Valerie's Kitchen

The key to making these hearty antipasto skewers is adding marinated tortellini to each one.
Creamy tomato chicken & spinach

Image Credit: My Life Cookbook

Served with pasta or French bread, this creamy tomato chicken and spinach is a crowd-pleaser.
Spinach-artichoke pasta salad

Image Credit: Two Peas and Their Pod

Until it becomes socially acceptable to eat spinach-artichoke dip with a spoon, we have this pasta salad.
Sweet potato-goat cheese bites

Image Credit: Lancfoodiegirl

A little sweet, a little savory, these elegant sweet potato bites are perfect for parties.
Vegetable paella

Image Credit: Lettuce Eat Veggies

This paella looks fancy, but it’s a one-pot meal that’s great for feeding a crowd.
Turkey Bolognese stuffed shells

Image Credit: What's Gaby Cooking

A big pan of cheesy stuffed shells is an upscale alternative to a pasta casserole.
Honey-bourbon-glazed ham

Image Credit: Goodie Godmother

Ham is a great meal for big groups. Serve it with biscuits or rolls, grainy mustard and aged cheddar.
Savory Italian galette

Image Credit: Sue Bee Homemaker

Bursting with the flavors of tomato and cheese, this galette is like pizza’s sophisticated cousin.