Potluck Party Guide

Macaroni-and-cheese casserole and bread bowl with dip

Welcome cool weather with a neighborhood party — or a gathering with your closest friends — and some shared dishes. Potlucks provide the perfect opportunity to show off your favorite hearty recipes, and pick up some new ideas, too! Whether you're celebrating homecoming, hosting a gathering to root for your favorite team — or just crave a dinner party — use our guide to bring friends together over the weekend.

Potluck preparations
Savory dishes to share
Desserts and drinks

Potluck preparations

The minimal preparation requirements make potlucks quick and simple to plan. Here are some tips to make your planning even easier:

Assign courses for each guest to bring. This way you'll avoid the possibility of serving all desserts or no appetizers.
As a host, make sure to have plenty of dinnerware and utensils available. Do you have a lot of guests coming? Buy sets of disposable tableware for easy clean up. Also consider putting out some extra serving utensils for ready use, in case someone forgets to bring theirs.
Do you have a small group coming? Prepare the main course yourself for a guaranteed warm and steamy meal, and structure the potluck around a particular theme. Prepare a roast chicken — or buy a fresh-roasted, tender rotisserie chicken from your local Giant Eagle^® and ask your guests to bring sides and desserts to match.
Potlucks create a perfect opportunity to learn some new recipes! Suggest that guests bring copies of their recipes to exchange, and you might find new inspiration for this year's holiday spread.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting a dish to prepare. Share these guidelines with your guests for a flawless event:
- Make dishes in advance. They should require no more preparation once on location than a quick reheat in the oven or microwave.
- The dish should be easy to transport. Recommend cooking in a disposable pan to avoid extra cleaning later.
- Avoid big batches. With lots of food to choose from, most people are really just looking for a taste of each dish, not seeking large portions.

Savory dishes to share

Whether you're hosting a potluck or have been invited to one, try these hearty meal suggestions, sure to delight everyone:

Stews make perfect comfort food for a cold day, and their batch prep makes them an ideal choice for a potluck. Try this Mediterranean Veal Stew or, for a meat-free alternative, this Healthy Sweet Potato Lentil Stew.
Add a southern flair to your event with this Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya.
Don't have time to prepare a dish? Stop by Giant Eagle^® Deli for some delicious, made-just-for-you main courses or the Giant Eagle^® Prepared Foods department department for tender, juicy hot fried chicken.

Potlucks are a great opportunity to try out some new side dishes. Try some of our favorites:

Warm and gooey, this Jarlsberg Dip draws a crowd. Pick up some fresh bread at the Giant Eagle^® Bakery for dipping.
Sesame and Garlic Green Beans make a refreshing addition to a hearty meal.
Hearty food does not have to sacrifice nutrition. Make a couscous dish, like this Whole-Wheat Couscous with Parmesan & Peas, as an alternative to rice and pasta.
The Giant Eagle^® Deli carries a wide variety of salads guaranteed to please any palate and match any occasion.
Put a spin on the ultimate comfort food classic with this Fiesta Mac recipe and impress friends with your creativity.

Desserts and drinks

With all the hearty dishes a potluck commands, desserts and drinks should be kept simple.

Pick up a cookie tray at the Giant Eagle^® Bakery for an indulgent selection of sweet treats.
Fresh fruit provides pleasant refreshment after so many comfort foods. Make a fruit salad or present cut-up fruit on a tray.
Have plenty of water around for the potluck, as many guests will want to cleanse their palates between dishes.
Invite each guest to bring his or her own drink to the event, and put out some disposable cups. Guests will enjoy having options.