36 Winter Potluck Ideas: Delicious Dishes to Bring and Share

Cold weather gatherings call for food that sticks to the ribs and travels well. The dishes below were chosen because they’re easy to make in large batches and stay tasty on a buffet table. From hearty mains to sweet nibbles, there’s something here for every appetite. Pick a few favorites, warm up the slow cooker, and enjoy the company.

1. Classic Beef & Bean Chili

This slow-simmered chili combines ground beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, and smoky spices for a crowd-pleasing bowl. It thickens as it cooks, making it ideal for keeping warm in a slow cooker during the party. Set out bowls of shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped onions so guests can dress it up. Leftovers freeze beautifully for an easy weeknight dinner.

2. Cheesy Potato Au Gratin

Layered russet potatoes soak up a creamy cheddar sauce, then bake until tender and deeply browned. The dish holds heat well, so it remains gooey even after the drive. Sprinkle fresh thyme on top just before serving for a pop of color. It pairs nicely with roasted meats and leafy salads alike.

3. Maple-Roasted Brussels Sprout Salad

Roasting Brussels sprouts with a drizzle of pure maple syrup brings out their natural sweetness. Toss in dried cranberries and crunchy pecans for contrasting texture and flavor. Serve the salad warm or at room temperature, which makes transporting it a breeze. A splash of apple cider vinegar keeps the dish bright and balanced.

4. Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork

Pork shoulder cooks low and slow until it practically falls apart. A simple rub of brown sugar, paprika, and garlic ensures flavor without extra effort. Pack the meat in its juices and reheat on site to keep it moist. Offer slider buns and coleslaw so guests can build sandwiches.

5. Baked Spinach & Artichoke Dip

This creamy classic combines shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped spinach, and artichoke hearts. Baking it in a shallow dish gives every bite a golden crust. Transport it wrapped in foil to lock in warmth, then pop it under the broiler for a quick re-crisp if needed. Serve with toasted bread, pita chips, or crunchy vegetables.

6. Butternut Squash Lasagna

Swap tomato sauce for silky roasted squash purée and you have a cozy twist on traditional lasagna. Sage and nutmeg echo classic winter flavors, while ricotta adds creaminess. Assemble the night before, then bake until bubbly before heading out. The sturdy layers travel well and reheat without drying out.

7. Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

Wild rice holds its texture even after long simmering, making it a smart choice for gatherings. Shredded chicken, carrots, and celery create a comforting base, while a splash of cream adds richness. Ladle the soup into an insulated container for transit. Provide crusty bread on the side for dunking.

8. Gruyère Mac & Cheese

Gruyère lends a nutty depth that elevates this childhood favorite. A pinch of mustard powder sharpens the creamy béchamel base. Bake until the top crisps and the edges sizzle, then cover loosely with foil for travel. It sets slightly as it cools, making tidy squares easy to scoop.

9. Sausage & Kale Sheet-Pan Gnocchi

Roasting shelf-stable gnocchi turns them golden and slightly crispy. Sausage drippings coat the gnocchi while kale crisps around the edges. Everything cooks on one pan, streamlining cleanup. Transfer straight from oven to a foil-covered tray, and it arrives ready to eat.

10. Herb-Roasted Root Vegetables

Cubed root vegetables caramelize nicely under high heat, concentrating their sugars. A mix of rosemary, thyme, and olive oil keeps flavors simple yet aromatic. These veggies taste great warm or room temperature, perfect for a long buffet line. Their jewel-tone colors also brighten the table.

11. Pesto Pull-Apart Bread

Store-bought pizza dough and jarred pesto make this bread surprisingly quick. Cut dough into squares, toss with pesto and Parmesan, then arrange in a bundt pan. After baking, the loaf pulls apart into bite-size pieces—no knife needed. Serve warm so the cheese stays stretchy.

12. Gingerbread Bundt Cake

Molasses and warm spices create a moist crumb that stays fresh for days. Baking it in a Bundt pan offers drama without extra frosting work. A quick dusting of powdered sugar adds snowy flair. Slice before travel or let guests cut their own wedges.

13. White Chicken Chili

This lighter chili swaps tomatoes for white beans and green chiles. Poached chicken keeps things hearty without heaviness, and a touch of cream cheese thickens the broth. Transport in a slow cooker set to warm, so flavors continue to meld. Offer lime wedges for a bright finish.

14. Peppermint Brownie Bites

Rich chocolate batter baked in mini muffin tins yields grab-and-go servings. A light sprinkle of peppermint bits melts slightly, fusing to the tops. The mint adds holiday cheer without overpowering the chocolate. They stay moist for several days, making advance prep simple.

15. Creamy Corn Pudding

Sweet corn kernels bake into a custardy base flavored with butter and a hint of nutmeg. The pudding sets enough to spoon neatly yet remains velvety. Bake it just before leaving so the interior stays warm. Leftovers reheat nicely for breakfast alongside bacon.

16. Spiced Apple Cider Punch

Simmer apple cider with cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise for a fragrant drink everyone can enjoy. Fresh orange juice brightens the flavor, while a splash of ginger ale tops it with fizz right before serving. Keep it in a slow cooker on low so each ladleful is toasty. For adults, set a small bottle of spiced rum alongside.

17. Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Sweet Medjool dates stuffed with almonds get a smoky upgrade when wrapped in bacon. Bake until the bacon is golden and the sugar from the dates starts to bubble. Secure each piece with a toothpick for easy grabbing. They’re delicious warm or room temperature.

18. Mushroom & Spinach Quiche

A custard of eggs, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and Gruyère bakes inside a buttery crust. Quiche is equally good warm, chilled, or at room temperature, which simplifies timing. Bake the night before and let it cool completely for clean slices. Serve wedges with a dab of Dijon on the side for zip.

19. Orange-Glazed Roasted Carrots

Roasting carrots intensifies their sweetness, while a quick reduction of orange juice and honey creates a shiny glaze. A hint of ginger keeps the flavor bright. These carrots hold color and sheen even after sitting out. Rewarm briefly in the oven if you prefer them hot.

20. Three-Bean Cowboy Caviar

This zesty salad mixes beans, corn, and diced veggies with a lime-spiked vinaigrette. Since there’s no mayo, it’s a safe choice for long buffet stretches. The flavors improve after a few hours in the fridge. Serve with sturdy tortilla chips for scooping.

21. Hot Crab Dip

Lump crab meat folds into a creamy base of cream cheese, Parmesan, and a dash of Old Bay seasoning. Baking until lightly browned ensures every scoop is packed with flavor. Keep it hot by wrapping the skillet in towels or transferring to a small warming tray. Offer baguette slices or crackers for dipping.

22. Lemon Garlic Roasted Shrimp

Roasting shrimp in a hot oven with garlic and lemon zest takes barely ten minutes. The quick cook keeps the texture snappy, while the butter sauce clings to each piece. Serve warm with toothpicks for fuss-free sharing. Leftover sauce is perfect for dipping bread.

23. Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Pureed broccoli and carrots thicken this soup naturally, so it feels indulgent without being heavy. Sharp cheddar provides richness and depth. Transport it in a thermal container to keep it piping hot. A basket of soft pretzel rolls rounds out the experience.

24. Lemon-Herb Couscous Salad

Couscous cooks in five minutes, making this salad a last-minute lifesaver. Fresh herbs and lemon zest keep flavors bright against wintery mains. Dried apricots and pistachios add sweet-savory crunch. It tastes best at room temperature and travels beautifully.

25. Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Wings

Bake the wings until crispy, then toss in a homemade honey, soy, and garlic sauce. The glaze thickens as it cools, clinging to every wing. Keep them in a foil-lined slow cooker on warm to hold texture. Provide plenty of napkins—these are delightfully messy.

26. Pumpkin Sage Risotto

Canned pumpkin purée melts into Arborio rice, creating a velvety, nutrient-rich risotto. Stirring in sautéed sage leaves boosts flavor and adds a seasonal aroma. Risotto firms up slightly as it cools, which helps it travel without spilling. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.

27. Cranberry Orange Scones

Tart cranberries and fragrant orange zest brighten these buttery scones. They’re sturdy enough to pack in a tin without crumbling. Serve them plain or with a dish of clotted cream for spreading. Leftovers make an excellent breakfast with coffee.

28. Cajun Dirty Rice

Ground pork and chicken livers give this rice dish its signature “dirty” look and savory depth. Bell peppers, celery, and onion—known as the Cajun trinity—add classic flavor. Make it a day ahead; the spices deepen overnight. Warm in a covered dish so the rice stays fluffy.

29. Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Mustard Glaze

A spiral-cut ham means minimal work and easy serving. A glaze of brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and a splash of apple cider vinegar caramelizes into a sweet, sticky crust. Wrap the ham in foil for transport, then uncover and warm briefly before mealtime. The leftovers make fantastic sandwiches.

30. Chocolate Peppermint Bark

Layers of dark and white chocolate are sprinkled with crushed peppermint candies for crunch and color. Once set, the slab breaks into rustic shards that look festive on a cookie tray. The bark keeps for weeks in an airtight container. Hand out small bags as edible party favors.

31. Garlic Parmesan Knots

Start with pizza dough, tie small strips into knots, and bake until puffed and golden. Toss the hot knots in melted butter, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan. They’re best served warm, so transport them wrapped in a clean towel inside a covered bowl. Guests will pull them apart faster than you can set them down.

32. Baked Brie with Fig Jam

A wheel of Brie baked until just soft becomes an instant centerpiece. Fig jam adds sweetness, while almonds lend crunch. Package it in a small ceramic baker with a lid to keep heat in transit. Supply sturdy crackers so everyone can scoop the melted cheese.

33. Teriyaki Meatballs

Pork or beef meatballs simmer in a soy, ginger, and brown sugar sauce until sticky and flavorful. The sauce thickens as it sits, making these perfect for a warming tray. Provide cocktail picks for easy snacking. Leftovers reheat well in a lunchbox.

34. Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Drizzle

High-heat roasting gives cauliflower a nutty flavor and crisp edges. A quick tahini-lemon sauce brings creaminess without dairy. Sprinkle pomegranate seeds for color and a burst of sweetness. The dish tastes great warm or room temperature, ideal for potluck timing.

35. Hot Spinach & Bacon Dip

Cream cheese, chopped spinach, and crispy bacon come together in a rich, salty dip. Baking it until the cheese browns slightly adds a welcome crust. Keep it wrapped in foil for the ride, then stir once to redistribute the melted fat. Provide sturdy chips or bread chunks for dipping.

36. Snickerdoodle Blondies

These chewy bars capture the cinnamon-sugar charm of snickerdoodle cookies without individual scooping. Brown sugar lends a butterscotch note, while cream of tartar delivers signature tang. Cool completely before cutting so edges stay neat. They’re sturdy, stackable, and stay soft for days.