4 Easy & Tasty Last-Minute Potluck Dishes

Does this sound familiar? You finally get around to opening your email at work and see an invitation to a potluck dinner tomorrow evening. Or, you pick up your church bulletin and realize that the potluck you talked about going to with a friend is this Sunday. It's short notice, so the idea of making your famous homemade seven layer German sweet chocolate cake is out of the question. But, you don't want to just show up with a bag of chips and tub of dip from the supermarket either. So, what's the answer?

Let's take a look at four quick and simple offerings that won't make you look, or feel, like a loser at the potluck table.

Green Stuff

This is a guilty pleasure for many folks, especially at holiday meals. So, why not give everybody what they want, but are too shy to ask for?

The recipe is so simple it's almost sinful, just like the creation itself. There are many options, but basically you will need to stop at the store and get pistachio pudding, a big tub of whipped topping, a can of crushed pineapple, and some nuts. Some people add cottage cheese or marshmallows to their Green Stuff. It's totally up to you how you make it. The wonderful thing is it goes together in minutes and is ready when you are. And, everyone loves this stuff! No reason at all to be embarrassed showing up with this offering.

Bean Salad

The beauty of this salad is it can be different every time you make it. It all depends what you want to throw in. You can easily begin in your own pantry and refrigerator and go from there, perhaps not even having to make a trip to the store at all.

Gather together canned beans, any variety; black, pinto, cannellini, navy, kidney, lima, green, yellow waxed, etc. Then, look in your freezer and grab whole kernel corn, green peas, mixed veggies, or anything you have on hand. Drain the cans, thaw the frozen, and throw them all into a big bowl. Dig through your crisper and grab some onion, celery, and radishes, too, and chop those up. Now dress the salad with that bottle of Italian dressing you have had in your refrigerator just waiting for emergencies. Voila! You have a very presentable tangy and tasty salad. No apologizes needed because this is one delicious dish!

Cole Slaw

It's true that cole slaw may be the laziest way out of a tight potluck predicament. And, if you are not careful, it will taste lazy, too. But, there are ways to turn even a humble bag of cole slaw into a welcome dish at any potluck.

The trick with cole slaw salad is to give it a twist. Make your salad sweet and savory by adding pineapple, raisins, and nuts (my favorite!), then mixing up a dressing that has a savory edge using apple cider vinegar and Greek yogurt or mayonnaise. Then throw in some sunflower seeds or nuts for more color and crunch. Or create a satisfying cole slaw salad by adding lots of crumbled bacon, broccoli, sweet red bell pepper, and toss with a smoky style dressing. You just want to make sure that you add some surprises when offering a cole slaw salad, then it will look like you thought about bringing this dish for days instead of hours.

Mixed Nut Nibbles

Of course you never want to just bring a can of mixed nuts and dump them out into a bowl and serve. That just shows absolute disinterest in the event and the other guests. It's better not to show up at all if this is the case. Instead, create a flavorful homemade treat that takes minutes but tastes like you really put some thought into the preparation.

Just spread mixed nuts out onto a baking sheet. If you want a sweet nibble, toss with a little light oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar and bake in a medium oven, stirring occasionally, just until hot and fragrant. If you want a savory nibble, toss the nuts with olive oil and spices like hot pepper flakes, oregano, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Bake until fragrant, stirring every few minutes. Remove and let cool, then put the nuts in a pretty bowl. When you set these nuts out, provide a spoon and a tiny candy cup or muffin cup, whatever you have, so guests can fill up the cup and walk around, nibbling and chatting. What will they be chatting about? I suspect they will be talking about how delicious these nutty treats are!

Even with very short notice you can create a dish to bring to a potluck meal. You don't have to resort to a bag of chips and tub of purchased dip. You can bring something to offer that is truly delicious and definitely worthy of a spot on the potluck table!

Be sure to check back here later this week for some more quick and simple potluck recipes.

Gluten-Free Recipe: Potluck Party Cheese Ball

This can be a good gluten-free option to take to your next pot luck. You will just need to bring some gluten-free crackers to go with it, and make sure to check the mayo to make sure it is a gluten-free version. (Those made with olive oil may be, and the all-natural versions that contain only oil, vinegar, eggs, and spices are your best bet.)

Cheese balls are always a hit, and they are naturally tasty and gluten-free.

Potluck Party Cheese Ball

Ingredients:

8 oz finely shredded medium or sharp Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup finely minced onion
8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
2 Tbsp real mayonnaise
2 Tbsp chopped chives
1 cup finely chopped nuts

Directions:

• Put all the ingredients (EXCEPT chopped nuts) in a large bowl and mix together well. Put the chopped nuts in a bowl.
• Form a ball with your hands, then roll the cheese ball around in the chopped nuts, pressing the nuts onto the cheese ball until it is well coated.
• Cover with plastic food wrap and chill until ready to serve.
• Serve with a small cheese knife alongside a bowl of sturdy gluten-free crackers.
• Will make enough for a small to medium potluck gathering - about 10 to 12 snack size servings.

Gluten-Free Recipe: Quinoa Mixed 4 Bean Salad

Here is a great dish to take to a pot-luck, whether or not you are on a gluten-free diet. It's packed with protein, fiber, and lots of zesty fresh flavors - so healthy, and so yummy!

Quinoa can be a life saver for those who have problems with gluten. It can be substituted for many grains, but it's also great in a simple, cold salad like this one. Try this one for your next pot luck, and wow your guests!

Quinoa Mixed 4 Bean Salad

Ingredients:

1 garlic clove, grated
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1 tsp kosher salt
black pepper to taste
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans
1 can (15 oz) black beans
1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans
1 can (15 oz) garbanzo beans
1 small sweet red bell pepper, diced
1 small sweet red onion, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
1/4 cup chopped flat leaf parsley
6 cups cooked quinoa

Directions:

• In a large serving bowl, whisk together the garlic, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until frothy.
• Drain and rinse all the beans well, then add to the bowl with the dressing; stir gently to combine.
• Add the remaining ingredients and stir gently until well blended.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature.
• Will serve 8 to 10 at a potluck setting.

Naturally Healthy & Gluten-Free Potluck Choices

If eating 'gluten free' has you turning down potluck invitations, it's time for a change. Whether you are hosting or participating in a potluck, there are ways you can enjoy the event without risking your gluten-free diet.

Let's look at some dishes that are gluten free, but still very potluck worthy. You don't need to buy special gluten-free flours or other ingredients to make these dishes. For simplicity sake, these foods are already naturally gluten free!

Quinoa Salad

Potluck tables normally have a plethora of pasta salads. And since most pasta is made with wheat flour, those salads are off limits. However, quinoa is a seed and is gluten free. This is one ingredient you want on hand at all times if you are on a gluten-free diet!

Quinoa salads are so easy to make that at least one dish needs to be in everyone's 'go to' potluck recipe file. Quinoa is light and fluffy and mixes well with oil and vinegar dressings as well as lots of vegetables. You can't weigh it down! This is also one salad that stands up to the test of time. It doesn't wilt and just takes a quick toss to freshen it up again. Add fresh tomatoes, olives, diced cucumbers, black beans, and dill, along with some olive oil, vinegar, and salt and pepper, to make a delicious, healthy, and easy dish to take to your next pot luck.

Chicken Cutlets

To remove any doubt as to whether a pizza crust or tortilla is gluten free, why not just skip the whole thing and use chicken cutlets instead? This is a great trick used by both low-carb and gluten-free dieters.

Just pound out chicken breasts as thinly as possible, then use as you would a pizza crust or tortilla. You will want to bake the cutlets in the oven, then cool before adding your toppings or filling. Make individual 'cutlet pizzas' by topping the cutlets with sauce and anything else you would want on a pizza. Make roll-ups the same way by first baking the cutlets, then cooling and filling, then baking just until the filling is hot and cooked to your liking. Then serve just like you would taquitos or other roll-ups or pinwheels on a potluck table.

Deviled Eggs

This dish may seem old fashioned and even cliche at a potluck, but trust me, you can make them very delicious and put that thought to rest for good. Being totally gluten free in their natural state, eggs are a great vehicle for all sorts of goodies, as long as you pay attention to what's gluten free, and what's not.

When making deviled eggs, the trick is to get tons of flavor in the yolk. You will of course want some sort of cream, but most mayonnaise on the market has gluten in it. Try instead using Greek yogurt, which is usually gluten free (check the label). Then spice up the yolks with lots of herbs and seasonings (again, check the label). Your best bet is to use fresh herbs and spices, not dried or mixed, to ensure you are not getting additives that may have gluten. You may want to chop a jalapeno pepper instead of using bottled hot sauce. Mince garlic and onion rather than using a powder form. Just watch the labels and stick closest to the original form to avoid added gluten. (See last week's recipe here - just be sure to check labels.)

These are three simple foods you can bring to a potluck gathering that are truly gluten free. If you are hosting a gluten free potluck, just remember to give participants ideas (or even recipes if needed) for gluten free foods to make and share. Then you've got your bases covered and all is well... and delicious!

Recipe: Chicken Fajita Casserole

This simple casserole makes a great potluck recipe. It's got plenty of summer veggies in it - feel free to make your own salsa if you have a ton of tomatoes right now! It's easy and delicious, and will be a hit at your next pot luck.

Chicken Fajita Casserole
(Makes 8-10 potluck servings.)

Ingredients:

2 tsp cooking oil
1 medium size onion, cut into thin strips
1 green bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1 pkg (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, squeezed dry (or 12 oz fresh spinach, washed, dried, and chopped)
1 lb cooked chicken, shredded
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp chili powder
1 1/2 cups good prepared salsa
4 small (6 inch size) corn tortillas, torn into 1 inch pieces
4 oz shredded Monterrey Jack cheese

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees; coat a baking dish with cooking spray.
• Pour oil into large skillet over medium-high heat, then add onion and bell pepper, and cook just until crisp/tender, then stir in the spinach and cook until hot; remove mixture from skillet to a bowl  with a slotted spoon and set aside.
• Add the chicken, garlic, and chili powder to the hot skillet and stir, cooking, just until the chicken is heated through and the garlic is fragrant.
• Spread 1/2 CUP of the salsa evenly into the baking dish.
• Begin the layers:
  Half the torn tortilla pieces
  Half the chicken mixture
  Half the veggie mixture
  Half the remaining salsa
  Half the cheese
• Repeat the layers EXCEPT do not add the remaining cheese
• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
• Uncover, sprinkle with remaining cheese, then continue baking UNCOVERED for 5 to 7 minutes or just until the cheese is melted.
• Remove and let stand for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Recipe: Sweet & Savory Berry Salad

This is our second potluck recipe for the week - we shared a classic appetizer recipe on Monday, today we've got a unique and tasty salad, and Friday we'll have a delicious entree.

This salad is delicious, super healthy, and downright beautiful! Use a combination of berries to bump up the color, flavor, and antioxidant power. Instead of a super-sweet fruit salad, this one includes some zesty and tangy flavors to make the sweetness of the berries come alive. If you're worried about how this salad will keep in the fridge, don't worry - there won't be any leftovers! :-)

Sweet & Savory Berry Salad

Ingredients:

1 tiny sweet onion (Vidalia, Walla Walla, or sweet red)
3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
sprinkle raw sugar or drizzle of honey
sprinkle dry mustard
1/4 tsp kosher salt
8 cups combination any fresh berries (blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries)
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
1 to 2 Tbsp raw sugar
2 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp lemon juice
3 Tbsp good olive oil
10 to 12 cups mixed greens for serving
2 to 4 cups crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese for serving

Directions:

• Very thinly slice the sweet onion and put in glass bowl. Add to the bowl the apple cider vinegar, sugar or honey, mustard, and salt; stir to combine, then cover bowl with plastic wrap and let sit out for 1 hour. Stir the contents once or twice during this time.
• When ready to make salad, drain the onions through a sieve and put onion mixture into a large serving bowl.
• Add to the bowl the berries, mint, sugar, lemon zest and juice, and olive oil and toss gently to combine.
• May be chilled or served at room temperature. 
• To serve place pile of mixed greens on small plate, then spoon on berries, then sprinkle on crumbled cheese (do not mix greens or cheese into salad).
• Will make 10 small servings at a potluck setting.

Recipe: Classic Devilish Eggs

Welcome back! Sorry for the lack of recipes last week; after returning from vacation very late Saturday night, we didn't have enough time to get the recipes posted for the week, so this week, we're sharing 3 great potluck recipes to make up for last week!

Nothing says "potluck" like that old favorite, deviled eggs. Here is a basic recipe that is sure to please, but feel free to get creative and spice it up a little! Add chopped pickles or relish, or garnish with capers for a zesty crunch. Try sprinkling with different spices or herbs such as chili powder, dill, and other garnishes. Make it your own!

This recipe makes 12 deviled egg halves. Boil 12 eggs and double the ingredients for larger gatherings. To keep the eggs from sliding around a platter or plate for serving, cover a platter (with sides) with a layer of dried lentils or other small beans. This makes a pretty presentation and the eggs stay put. You can also nestle them in a bed of lettuce leaves or salad greens.

Classic Devilish Eggs

Ingredients:

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

6 large eggs
2 Tbsp mayonnaise
1 Tbsp sour cream
1/2 tsp white or apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp spicy brown mustard
1/8 tsp kosher salt
1/8 tsp pepper

Directions:

• Prepare hard-boiled eggs: Place eggs in large saucepan filled with cold water. Be sure the water is well up over the eggs. Bring to a full boil, then remove pot from heat, cover pot, and set timer for 13 minutes.
• Meanwhile, fill a bowl with ice and water. When timer goes off, IMMEDIATELY spoon the eggs out into the ice bath and let sit for several minutes until they are cold. Peel eggs by hitting once on the fat end, then rolling around until the shell is entirely cracked. Begin peeling from the fat end down. Rinse and dry the eggs thoroughly.
• Prepare the deviled eggs: Cut the eggs in half lengthwise (from north pole to south pole). Carefully remove the yolks to a bowl, setting the egg whites aside on a platter.
• Into the bowl with the yolks, add the remaining ingredients, mashing together until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.
• Spoon the yolk mixture into the hollows in the whites.
• Garnish with fresh dill or parsley sprigs if desired, or sprinkle with paprika. 
• Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Creative Ideas for Themed Potlucks

Green bean casserole. Macaroni and cheese. Potatoes au gratin. Three bean salad. Jello. If this list of food instantly says "potluck" to you, you are not alone. An invitation to a potluck can summon visions of the same array of food, over and over and over again. This can cause boredom, if not a total lack of appetite.

But, a potluck meal doesn't have to follow a certain time-honored tradition of casseroles, salads, and Jello. Although these dishes can be creative and delicious, sometimes they need a little help, or direction.
That's where a theme comes in. One way to help alleviate the 'same old same old' is by designing a menu that steers away (or sometimes to!) a more interesting twist. Let's take a look at a few ideas for themed potlucks that can help the participants get more creative in their offerings.

Seafood

Image courtesy of rakratchada torsap at
FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Remember, anything goes when it's a themed potluck. That means be prepared to see dishes you might think you know but with a whole new flavor twist. Is macaroni and cheese your favorite dish? Go ahead and bring it, but try a seafood mac and cheese. You can still make your pasta salad, just replace the ham with shrimp. Green bean casserole can always join the theme party with layers of Cajun spiced crawfish.

Or try something totally different and make smoked salmon spread, then make a batch of taquitos using the salmon spread, chopped cucumbers, and green onions. Make fish cakes or clam dip. Let your imagination guide you and turn favorites into something different, or take a totally new turn.

Pizza

You want to really steer clear of the old ideas here and come up with a pizza that is way beyond ordinary. Think of the pizza crust in a totally new way and let it guide you when you choose the ingredients.

You can make hot, cheesy pizzas or cold, fresh fruit and vegetable pizzas. Try making pizzas on different types of crusts - biscuit, phyllo, crescent rolls, or even thinly rolled out chicken cutlets. Make individual pizzas or full size. Start with the 'crust' and build your pizza up from there. Sweet, savory, spicy, gooey, or crunchy - you decide how your pizza is going to WOW the potluck crowd, then do it!

Jello

Why not just give in to the Jello! This is a fun theme for a Friday afternoon event at work or for any group on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Any time when dinner is not needed, but a gathering IS needed, this is a fun theme.
Grab your most outrageous (or most delicious!) Jello recipes and bring them out for all to see, and share.

Kids will love this potluck, too. It makes a good theme for summer camp or even birthday parties. The sky's the limit with this theme. No jello dish is too crazy to enjoy!

There are so many themes to enjoy that a potluck never has to be boring. Try a finger-foods theme, or a blender drink theme, or a healthy diet theme, or a favorite cafeteria food theme.

No matter what you choose, the idea is to spark some creativity by providing a focus, a theme, to get the participants motivated. One thing you can be sure of, it will never be boring!

Recipe: Zucchini Mozzarella Quiche

Instead of a creamy, heavy casserole, why not bring this delicious and much healthier summer quiche to your next pot luck? Quiches are actually really easy, but they have the air of a fancy French restaurant, so your potluck guests are sure to be impressed!

Using crescent rolls makes a quick crust, but if you've got your own crust recipe that you like, of course feel free to make your own. This is also a great way to use up some of that extra zucchini from your summer garden!

Zucchini Mozzarella Quiche
(Serves 8-12 potluck guests.)

Ingredients:

Image courtesy of Apolonia at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

1/2 stick (1/4 cup) butter
4 cups diced zucchini (wash, do not peel)
1 cup diced onion
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 lb spicy sausage, chopped small
2 large eggs
2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
1 package (8 count) crescent rolls

Directions:

• In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the next 8 ingredients and cook until zucchini is just starting to get tender and sausage is fully cooked.
• In a separate bowl, add the eggs, beat with a fork, then add the Mozzarella cheese and the zucchini mixture from skillet; stir to combine; set aside.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees and lightly butter or spray cooking oil into a 9x13 glass baking pan.
• Roll out the crescent rolls, pinching the perforations closed, then lay into the baking pan, pressing to cover the bottom and slightly up the sides.
• Pour the zucchini mixture evenly over the crescent rolls in the baking pan.
• Bake, uncovered, in preheated oven at 375 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbling hot and rolls are browned.
• Remove and let sit for 10 minutes before cutting into squares to serve.

Recipe: Italian Vegetable Penne Salad

This healthy twist on the classic potluck pasta salad brings loads of veggies along with great flavor - without all the fat of creamy dressings and cheese. Crunchy bell pepper, zesty fresh basil and green onions, and tangy red wine vinegar and olives will make this a hit at your next summer potluck!

Italian Vegetable Penne Salad
(Serves 10-12 potluck guests.)

Ingredients:

Image courtesy of tiramisustudio at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

16 oz penne
1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
1 pint ripe cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup good olive oil
2 cloves garlic, grated
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup diced sweet red bell pepper
1/4 cup diced green onions
1/4 cup shredded fresh basil
1/4 cup diced ripe olives

Directions:

• Bring a large pot of salted, cold water to a boil, then add the pasta and cook according to directions on box, except 2 minutes before the pasta is cooked, add the thawed vegetables and cook for 2 more minutes.
• Drain pasta and veggies into a colander and let sit.
• Put the next 5 ingredients in a large bowl and whisk until frothy.
• To the frothy dressing, add the cooled penne and the remaining ingredients and toss well to make sure the penne is coated with dressing.
• Taste and season as needed. May be served room temperature or cold.

Making Healthier Potluck Choices

Summer is the time for potlucks - after all, who wants to cook a huge meal for a party when it's so nice outside? Whether it's an office potluck or a summer barbecue, potlucks are a great way to share food and fun with family and friends, without having to make it all yourself. It's fun, and takes the load off, so everyone can participate and contribute without being overwhelmed.

However, to someone watching their diet, the words "You're invited to a potluck!" can be a bit disheartening. Sure, you can bring a healthy dish to pass that meets your needs, but enjoying other offerings may be hit and miss - and of course you want to bring something that other people will enjoy as well!

Let's take a look at how we can put a healthier spin on some old potluck favorites. Perhaps you'll even inspire others to follow suit and create healthier alternatives, too.

Cream Of Soup Casseroles

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FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Opening up a can or two or three of 'cream of' soup is a handy way to get a casserole dish made in a hurry. There is no denying the convenience, but when it comes to creating a dish to pass that is healthier, you might want to rethink this ingredient.

A can of 'cream of anything soup' is basically a thick white sauce with flavorings. It's very simple to make a white sauce and almost as fast as gathering and opening cans of soup. Put equal parts flour and oil (or butter) in a saucepan and stir over low heat. When the flour has turned a light yellow in color, slowly start adding milk or broth, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. Now add garlic powder, onion powder, and any other seasonings you wish. If you want to mimic cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or cream of asparagus, etc, just saute the vegetables until soft in another skillet and add to the white sauce. Voila! You have homemade cream of soup without all the additives, extra salt, or even sugar.

Pasta Salads

These big bowls of pasta are definitely on the top of the list of comfort foods found on a potluck table. Pasta swimming in mayonnaise dressing is a guilty pleasure for many of us. Creating a healthier alternative isn't too tricky when you substitute just a few new ingredients for the old standards.

Heavy mayonnaise or bottled Ranch style dressings can be swapped out for lighter fare made with yogurt liberally flavored with lots of herbs and seasonings. You can also skip the creamy texture entirely and use an olive oil-based dressing for even more healthy benefits. Use whole wheat pasta and double up on the veggies in the salad. Toss in garbanzo beans, black beans, or cannellini beans for lots of protein and to make the pasta salad more filling, with fewer carbs.

Desserts

Gooey bars and creamy rich cakes are pretty standard offerings at most potlucks. It's hard to resist having a sweet treat when so many are lavishly displayed right there in front of you! But, it's possible to create a healthier dessert, too.

Many folks would agree that to have a truly satisfying dessert, one must indulge in chocolate. But, skip the double-double layers of chocolate frosted chocolate cake. Instead, try your hand at making chocolate coated nuts. It's as simple as melting chocolate morsels in a double boiler, then drizzling over nuts and stirring together. Nuts and chocolate both are satisfying, filling, and have health benefits. No one will miss a slab of fatty cake on their plate when they have a handful of deliciously sweet and crunchy chocolate covered nuts to nibble on.

The next time you are invited to a potluck, don't worry; your new healthy eating habits won't have to suffer. Join forces with fellow potluck attendees who also are enjoying a healthier lifestyle, then put together simple recipes that tweak some of your favorite dishes to pass. You may just start a whole new trend in your office, church, or family - the healthy potluck!