How to Plan a Potluck: Complete Guide
Potlucks are great because everyone shares the work, but they can go wrong without coordination. The #1 mistake is ending up with 10 desserts and no main dish. Here's how to avoid that:
Step 1: Create a Signup Sheet
Share a signup sheet with categories. Assign specific categories to each household so you get the right ratio of mains (30%), sides (40%), desserts (20%), and drinks (10%).
Step 2: Calculate How Much Each Person Should Bring
Each dish should serve 8-10 people, regardless of total guest count. Here are portion guidelines:
- Main dish: 6-8 oz per serving (a slow cooker of pulled pork = 10-12 servings)
- Side dish: 4-6 oz per serving (a 9x13 casserole = 10-12 servings)
- Salad: 1 cup per serving (a large bowl = 10-12 servings)
- Dessert: 1 piece per serving (a sheet pan of brownies = 12-16 servings)
Step 3: Host Responsibilities
As the host, you should always provide:
- Plates, utensils, cups, and napkins
- At least one main dish and drinks
- Ice, serving utensils, and trivets for hot dishes
- Labels or cards so guests know what each dish is (helps with allergies)
Best Potluck Dishes to Bring
The best potluck dishes are easy to transport, serve at room temperature, and feed a crowd:
- Slow cooker pulled pork — cooks itself, feeds 10+ people
- Pasta salad — make ahead, serve cold, crowd-pleaser
- Sheet pan brownies — easy to cut and serve, always popular
- Mac and cheese — transport in the baking dish, reheat on-site
- Taco dip with chips — no cooking required, always disappears first
- Green salad — bring dressing on the side to keep it fresh