If anyone shouts “summer potluck?!” into the group chat, I’m interpreting that as a call for a full-on feast. After all, it’s the season of grilled sliders, chopped watermelon, and naps beneath a canopy of trees. And, of course, eating everything in the company of others. That said, few things are more embarrassing than realizing your potluck dish is a twin, or triplet, or someone else’s. It happens more than I’d like to admit. At one particularly chaotic, last-minute potluck, our table sported three mac and cheese platters, four identical pitchers of orange juice, and…not much else. So much for the potluck of my dreams.
While a mac and cheese party might seem fun in theory, I’d much rather feast on a proper mix of bites. Dips, desserts, drinks, darn good salads, and sandwiches—I want them all. To help your group avoid the dreaded overlap, we’ve compiled a list of summer staples for an unfussy, well-balanced potluck.
Love any of these recipes? Tap “Save” to add them to MyRecipes, your new, free recipe box for Serious Eats.
