11 Quick Potluck Dishes for School Gatherings

36

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Editorial Policy | Disclosure Policy

Cheesy Pasta Salad

Cheesy pasta salad is a delightful and versatile dish that’s perfect for a back-to-school potluck. This easy-to-make salad combines pasta, cheese, and colorful vegetables, making it a crowd-pleaser that can be served chilled or at room temperature. It’s a fantastic side dish that pairs well with various main courses or can be enjoyed on its own!

Instructions Summary:

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or pasta water), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Add the cooled pasta, cheese, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, green onions, and Italian seasoning to the bowl. Stir until well combined.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Mini Caprese Skewers

Mini Caprese skewers are a fresh and vibrant appetizer that’s perfect for a back-to-school potluck. These bite-sized treats combine the classic flavors of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze for a deliciously invigorating option. They’re easy to assemble, visually appealing, and make for a great finger food that everyone will love!

Instructions Summary:

1. Thread one cherry tomato, one mozzarella ball, and one basil leaf onto each skewer. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
2. Arrange skewers on a serving platter.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze, then sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately or chill until ready to enjoy.

Chicken Enchilada Quesadillas

Chicken enchilada quesadillas are a delicious and satisfying dish that brings the flavors of traditional enchiladas into a quick and easy-to-eat format. These quesadillas are filled with shredded chicken, cheese, and enchilada sauce, all nestled between crispy tortillas. Perfect for a back-to-school potluck, they are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!

Instructions Summary:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cheese, enchilada sauce, and chopped green onions.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Place one tortilla in the skillet, then spread a portion of the chicken mixture on one half. Fold the tortilla over and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
5. Slice quesadillas into wedges and serve hot with sour cream and cilantro, if desired.

Veggie and Hummus Platter

Veggie and hummus platter is a colorful and healthy dish that’s perfect for a back-to-school potluck. This dish features an array of fresh vegetables, such as carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes, accompanied by a creamy hummus dip. It’s not only nutritious but also fun to eat, making it a great choice for kids and a crowd-pleaser for adults.

Instructions Summary:

1. Wash and prepare all vegetables by cutting them into sticks, slices, or bite-sized pieces as needed.
2. Arrange the vegetables on a large platter in an attractive, colorful layout.
3. Pour the hummus into a small bowl and place it in the center of the vegetable platter.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the hummus for extra flavor and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
5. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fries, making them a perfect addition to any back-to-school potluck. Their natural sweetness, combined with a crispy texture and savory seasoning, is sure to delight both kids and adults alike. Easy to prepare and bake, these fries can be served with a variety of dipping sauces.

Instructions Summary:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then cut them into fries or wedges.
3. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
4. Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
6. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits

Fruit and yogurt parfaits are a delightful and nutritious option for any back-to-school potluck. This dish layers creamy yogurt with fresh fruits and crunchy granola, resulting in a colorful and satisfying treat that appeals to all ages. It’s easy to assemble, making it an ideal choice for those busy prepping for the school year.

Instructions Summary:

1. In clear cups or bowls, start by adding a layer of Greek yogurt at the bottom.
2. Add a layer of mixed fresh fruits on top of the yogurt.
3. Sprinkle a layer of granola over the fruit.
4. Repeat the layers until the cups are filled, finishing with a layer of yogurt and a sprinkle of granola on top.
5. Drizzle honey on top if desired and garnish with mint leaves. Serve chilled.

Sloppy Joe Sliders

Sloppy Joe sliders are a fun and satisfying dish that brings a nostalgic twist to any back-to-school potluck. These mini sandwiches feature a savory blend of ground beef, onions, and tangy sauce, served on soft slider buns. They are an easy-to-eat option that allows guests to indulge in classic flavors without the mess, making them perfect for social gatherings.

Instructions Summary:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with onion and green pepper until the meat is browned and the vegetables are tender. Drain excess fat.
2. Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened.
3. While the mixture simmers, prepare the sliders by slicing the slider buns in half.
4. Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto the bottom half of each slider bun, adding cheese on top if desired.
5. Place the top half of the bun on each slider and serve warm. Enjoy your Sloppy Joe sliders!

Deviled Eggs With a Twist

Deviled eggs with a twist are a delightful and creative take on a classic appetizer, perfect for any back-to-school potluck. Adding unexpected ingredients such as avocado or bacon elevates the traditional deviled egg into a unique and flavorful dish that will impress your guests. These creamy and savory bites are easy to prepare, making them a great choice for social gatherings.

Instructions Summary:

1. Slice the hard-boiled eggs in half lengthwise, carefully removing the yolks and placing them in a mixing bowl.
2. Mash the yolks with avocado, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
3. If using, fold in crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
4. Spoon or pipe the mixture back into the egg white halves.
5. Garnish each deviled egg with a sprinkle of paprika and chopped chives, if desired, and serve chilled. Enjoy your deviled eggs with a twist!

Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Puff Pastry

Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Puff Pastry is a savory and flaky dish that’s perfect for potlucks, offering a delightful combination of creamy cheese and nutritious spinach wrapped in golden, crispy pastry. These bite-sized delights are not only easy to make but also serve as a hit among both kids and adults, making them an excellent addition to any back-to-school gathering.

Instructions Summary:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then add chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, feta cheese, sautéed spinach, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
4. Roll out the puff pastry sheets and cut them into squares or circles. Spoon a generous amount of the spinach and cheese mixture onto the center of each pastry piece.
5. Fold over the pastry to seal, pressing the edges with a fork to secure.
6. Brush the tops with the beaten egg and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Puff Pastry!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a decadent and crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for any back-to-school potluck. These bars combine the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies into an easy-to-serve treat that can easily be cut into squares, making them the ideal sweet addition to share with friends and family.

Instructions Summary:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually combine with the wet ingredients until just mixed. Fold in the chocolate chips.
4. Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared baking pan.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is set. Allow to cool before cutting into bars and serving. Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars!

No-Bake Energy Bites

No-Bake Energy Bites are a quick and nutritious snack that is perfect for busy back-to-school days. These energy-packed bites combine oats, nut butter, and a variety of mix-ins, making them a delicious and wholesome treat for kids and adults alike. They require no baking, and can be made in just a few minutes, making them a convenient option for potlucks or lunch boxes.

Instructions Summary:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, peanut butter, honey, mini chocolate chips, ground flaxseed, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and salt.
2. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is sticky.
3. Use your hands to form small, bite-sized balls (about 1-inch in diameter).
4. Place the energy bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
5. Once firm, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Enjoy these delicious No-Bake Energy Bites anytime for a boost of energy!