Gathering for a potluck meal is an enjoyable social and eating event. However, many invitees find themselves stressed over what food to bring. Let’s learn some quick tips about potluck meals.
A potluck is a communal gathering where people bring prepared dishes to share. There are no real rules, but most people attending potluck gatherings bring enough food to share with others. It’s generally advised to avoid transporting foods that are tricky to handle and serve. Meals (like lasagna) that can be cut into individual portions or foods that can be eaten by hand (like chicken wings or watermelon) are preferred.
Is it potluck worthy?
Ask yourself these quick questions. If your answer is yes to each, it’s likely that what you’re considering bringing is perfect.
- Is it easy to transport?
- Is it easy to keep fresh?
- Is it quick to assemble and serve?
- Is it a crowd-pleaser?
- Is it easy to eat?
- Will it feed a lot of people?
- Is it generally healthy?
Here are more potluck dinner tips:
- Potlucks are not the best time to experiment with new recipes. Stick with tried-and-true and well-liked recipes such as baked ziti or funeral potatoes.
- Avoid bringing exotic foods, extremely spicy foods, or those with unpopular ingredients like liver.
- Resist bringing stinky foods like smelly cheese or odorous fish.
- Never cook with expired foods nor serve food past the expiration date.
- Be mindful of handwashing and other sensible practices to ensure safety.
- Always cook meat adequately and practice safe handling and storing techniques.
- Keep cold foods refrigerated or on ice. If the potluck is outdoors, put cold food out when serving. Promptly refrigerate leftovers.
- In heat, avoid recipes with ingredients that spoil easily such as mayonnaise.
- Cut and slice things in advance or prepare easy to serve individual portions.
- Cover potluck dishes well for secure transport.
- To prevent soggy food, wait to add wet ingredients. For example, dress your salad just before serving. Or let guests dress their own salad to their liking.
- On average, it’s good to bring food with 8 or more servings.
- If you don’t cook, it’s okay to contribute something made by a restaurant or food service. Or offer to bring beverages or paper goods instead.
- If there is electricity, use your crockpot to keep food warm for serving.
- Don’t assume that your host will have all the supplies you’ll need. For example, if you’re using a crockpot, come prepared with an extension cord.
- Be prepared with what’s needed to serve your dish, such as serving spoons.
- Use disposable serving dishes or better yet – bring your potluck in a new serving dish. Then leave it as a gift to the host.
- If you are bringing home your serving dish, wipe it out but wait to wash it at home to avoid inconveniencing the host.
- Bring copies of your delicious potluck recipe along – as others are bound to ask for it!