You’ll Want to Bring These 30 Dishes to Every Gathering

If you're headed to a potluck, backyard hangout, or holiday get-together, you’ll want to bring these dishes every single time. They’re the kind of recipes people remember—and actually ask you for. No fluff, no complicated prep, just real crowd-pleasers that show up and get the job done. These are the ones that disappear first from the table, and honestly, you might want to make a little extra so you’re not left without.

An overhead image of cooked cabbage curry in a round plate.

Easy Cabbage Curry. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Shiro Wat (Ethiopian Chickpea Stew)

A large white pot filled with thick, orange shiro wat is pictured from above. — Shiro Wat (Ethiopian Chickpea Stew). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This fragrant chickpea stew comes together in 45 minutes with bold spices and hearty texture. It’s a strong pick for group meals where a meatless option needs to hold its own.
Get the Recipe: Shiro Wat (Ethiopian Chickpea Stew)

Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole

An image of cooked tater tot casserole. — Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Crispy tots, creamy sauce, and veggies make this quick casserole a comfort food go-to. It’s the kind of dish people scoop up fast at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole

No Mayo Coleslaw

This crunchy summer slaw has a creamy peanut dressing and comes together without mayo. It’s light, fresh, and always gets attention on a potluck table.
Get the Recipe: No Mayo Coleslaw

Green Rice Casserole

Green rice casserole is ready in under 35 minutes and packs strong flavor. It’s easy to prep and fits right into any group meal lineup.
Get the Recipe: Green Rice Casserole

Easy Cabbage Curry

This cabbage curry comes together fast in one pot and is packed with flavor. It’s a good weeknight option that also holds up well at a potluck.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cabbage Curry

Creamy Mushroom Pasta

This creamy mushroom pasta is garlicky, simple to make, and done in 30 minutes. It’s great for casual dinners or when you want to bring something solid to share.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Pasta

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

This cheesy green bean casserole has a crispy topping and bakes up in half an hour. It’s always one of the first dishes to go at group events.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

Mango Avocado Salad

An overhead image of avocado salad in a serving bowl. — Mango Avocado Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This mango avocado salad is fresh, quick to prep, and tossed in a tangy lemon vinaigrette. It’s a bright side that pairs well with heavier mains at any cookout or gathering.
Get the Recipe: Mango Avocado Salad

Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

Layers of ricotta, mozzarella, and herbs make this spaghetti squash lasagna rich and meatless. It’s great for feeding a crowd without too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

Pineapple Fried Rice

This pineapple fried rice is roasted on one pan for easy cleanup, packed with sweet and savory flavor. It’s a fun change of pace that works well for shared meals.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Fried Rice

Baked Cauliflower with Cheese

Cauliflower cheese with creamy Mornay sauce bakes up golden and crisp. It’s a solid alternative to mac and cheese when you want something classic but different.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cauliflower with Cheese

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

An overhead image of sun dried tomato pasta in a rectangular dish. — Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Creamy sun-dried tomato pasta is a one-pot dinner with garlic, ricotta, and parmesan. It’s ready in 30 minutes and a solid go-to for a quick group meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Creamed Spinach

An overhead image of creamy spinach in a pot. — Creamed Spinach. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This version of creamed spinach uses three cheeses and adds heat for something bold and easy. It’s great when you want a crowd-pleaser that still has personality.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach

Vegetarian Enchiladas

Vegetarian enchiladas baked with queso and red sauce taste like they took hours—but didn’t. They’re hearty and dependable when you need to show up with a strong dish.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Enchiladas

Stuffed Shells (with Ricotta)

Stuffed shells baked in marinara with melty mozzarella are rich, cozy, and easy to prep. This one’s a comfort classic that always fits into a potluck.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Shells (with Ricotta)

Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

This slow cooker vegetarian chili is bold, hearty, and perfect for make-ahead meals. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it option that always works for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

Easy, Creamy White Bean Chili

An overhead image of vegan white bean chili with toppings. — Easy, Creamy White Bean Chili. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

White bean chili is ready in 30 minutes and made with pantry staples. It’s a quick and wholesome choice that holds up for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Creamy White Bean Chili

Carrot Casserole

Carrot casserole has a creamy cheese sauce and crispy topping. It’s easy to prep and brings comfort to any group table.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Casserole

Spicy Soba Noodles

Spicy soba noodles come together fast with a bold, nutty sauce and fresh veggies. It’s a quick dinner that also travels well for potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Soba Noodles

3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

An image of broccoli cheese casserole served on a table with a spoon on the right side. — 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This broccoli cheese casserole has only three ingredients and comes together fast. It’s simple but solid when you need something that works for everyone.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Chana Masala

Chana masala is a one-pot chickpea curry ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a smart go-to for group meals where a hearty plant-based dish is needed.
Get the Recipe: Chana Masala

Eggplant Casserole

This eggplant casserole layers veggies, herbs, and cheese into one baked dish. It’s filling, flavorful, and fits easily into any potluck spread.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Cottage Cheese Alfredo

Cottage cheese alfredo is creamy, rich, and ready in just 15 minutes. It’s a lighter pasta option that doesn’t skip on comfort or flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Alfredo

Chicken and Queso Rice Bake

Chicken and queso rice bake is loaded with cheese and bakes up fast. It’s always a favorite at potlucks thanks to how simple and hearty it is.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Queso Rice Bake

Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan

Maple Dijon chicken sheet pan dinner combines bold glaze with roasted veggies and bacon. It’s easy to prep and makes a strong group meal.
Get the Recipe: Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan

Marinated Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are marinated in honey, shallot, and rosemary vinaigrette. They’re a fresh, flavorful side that works well for any type of gathering.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Brussels Sprouts

Taco Potato Casserole

Taco potato casserole with beef, cheese, and seasoning bakes up rich and hearty. It’s great when you need a filling, crowd-pleasing main.
Get the Recipe: Taco Potato Casserole

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Broccoli salad with bacon and blueberries is served cold and packed with crunch. It’s great for summer gatherings or anything that needs a solid side.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake

Fiesta chicken pasta casserole combines chicken, corn, beans, and tomatoes into one easy bake. It’s fast to prep with rotisserie chicken and great for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake

Wild Rice Casserole

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese. — Wild Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Wild rice casserole is packed with mushrooms, cheese, and earthy flavor. It’s a strong choice when you want something filling but still simple to put together.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole