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Throwing a last-minute potluck but have no clue what to bring? No worries, we’ve got you covered!

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From crowd-pleasing casseroles to easy appetizers, we’ve rounded up 25 yummy, fuss-free, last-minute potluck ideas that will surely be a hit at any impromptu gathering. 

A collage of last-minute potluck ideas showcasing a variety of mouthwatering food pictures.

These recipes come together in a flash, with mostly pantry staples you likely have on hand. So, pick from this list of tasty treats perfect for any potluck pinch. Let the good food and good times roll!

Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs by Food Plus Words
INSTANT POT SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

Tired of boring spaghetti and store-bought sauce? Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs is here to save dinnertime!

Impress your family with this restaurant-worthy meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for company. 

Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

Stuffed Mushrooms

step 6b gluten free stuffed mushrooms
STUFFED MUSHROOMS. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

Impress your guests with these mouthwatering gluten-free stuffed mushrooms – an easy appetizer that looks and tastes gourmet.

These stuffed mushrooms combine with just a few simple ingredients and require only 10 minutes of prep!

Get The Recipe: Gluten-Free Stuffed Mushrooms

Instant Pot Egg Bites

Instant Pot Egg Bites Recipe by Food Plus Words 1
INSTANT POT EGG BITES. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

These copycat egg bites are a more delicious, cheaper version of the Starbucks classic.

Each velvety, smooth, bite-sized ball bursts with savory flavors from the cheese, meat, and veggie fillings. They’re easy to grab and go, making them ideal for busy gatherings or parties!

Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Egg Bites Recipe

Stove Top Lasagna Soup

What Is Crockpot Tortellini Soup
STOVE TOP LASAGNA SOUP. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

Forget takeout; this stove-top lasagna soup is warm, filling, and delicious! Top it with ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated parmesan for the ultimate lasagna experience you can eat with a spoon.

It’s the perfect quick dinner to satisfy lasagna cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.

Get The Recipe: Stove Top Lasagna Soup

Instant Pot Chicken Bites

Instant Pot meals
INSTANT POT CHICKEN BITES. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

Make juicy, crispy chicken bites in 30 minutes with the Instant Pot and 7 simple ingredients! Say goodbye to deep-fried nuggets. Their crowd-pleasing flavor makes them a hit at parties and potlucks or as an after-school snack for hungry kids.

Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Bites

Dutch Oven Chicken Pot Pie

Delicious chicken pot pie on a plate with a fork.
DUTCH OVEN CHICKEN POT PIE. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

Give your family the comfort of a chicken pot pie without spending all day in the kitchen. This easy recipe comes together right in your Dutch oven for fuss-free chicken pot pie they’ll repeatedly ask for!

Get The Recipe: Dutch Oven Chicken Pot Pie

Ground Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers

stuffed bell peppers with ground turkey and rice
GROUND TURKEY STUFFED BELL PEPPER. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

Love pizza, pasta, and burritos? You’ll go crazy for these! They’re easy enough for busy weeknights but special enough for guests.

Make them your own with custom spices. Dinnertime just got way more delicious!

Get The Recipe: Ground Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers

Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip

instant pot chicken buffalo dip
INSTANT POT BUFFALO CHICKEN DIP. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

Buffalo wing lovers, this is your new favorite way to satisfy cravings! Entertain effortlessly with this crowd-pleasing Instant Pot appetizer.

The versatility of this chicken buffalo dip means endless pairing possibilities – serve it with chips, veggies, slider buns, potato skins, or your favorite snack!

Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip

Apple Crumble Cheesecake

APPLE CRUMBLE CHEESECAKE BY FOOD PLUS WORDS 2
APPLE CRUMBLE CHEESECAKE, PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS

This show-stopping apple crumble cheesecake is ideal for any gatherings and holiday parties.

It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any autumn potluck or Friendsgiving dinner. The make-ahead nature of this recipe makes it a stress-free dessert option for hosts.

You can prepare the cheesecake the day before your event, chill it overnight, and then wow your guests the next day!

Get The Recipe: Apple Crumble Cheesecake

Instant Pot Cheesecake Bites

Mini cheesecakes with strawberries on a plate.
INSTANT POT CHEESECAKE BITES. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

Did someone say dessert?? This instant pot cheesecake bite will surely be a hit at any party.

Cooking these cheesecake bites in the instant pot ensures a smooth, creamy texture while still being as easy as a no-bake cheesecake.

Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Cheesecake Bites

Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole by The Feathered Nester
CHEESEBURGER TATER TOT CASSEROLE. PHOTO CREDIT: THE FEATHERED NESTER.

Get the ultimate comfort food casserole with this cheeseburger tater tot casserole — all the delicious flavors of a juicy cheeseburger and crispy fries baked to perfection in one dish!

Kids of all ages will devour the fun flavors of cheeseburgers and fries straight from the oven.

Get The Recipe: Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast

Last-Minute Potluck Ideas: A bowl of stew, perfect for a quick and easy dish to bring to your next potluck gathering. Enjoy it with the convenience of a fork in it.
INSTANT POT MISSISSIPPI POT ROAST. PHOTO CREDIT: SAVORY SWEET SPOON.

A quick-cookin’ Potluck Pleaser – Mississippi pot roast! Bring the flavor and wow the crowd with this fuss-free recipe.

With just 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a flavorful, company-worthy meal with almost no effort. You’ll have people begging you to bring it again next time!

Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast

Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole

Last-Minute Potluck Ideas: A broccoli and cheese casserole dish.
CHICKEN BROCCOLI POTATO CASSEROLE. PHOTO CREDIT: THE HONOUR SYSTEM.

This gluten-free casserole is wholesome comfort food at its finest. Baked to golden brown perfection, this easy chicken broccoli potato casserole is a crowd-pleaser! 

The best part? The flavors meld together overnight, creating an even more delicious meal for the next day. 

Get The Recipe: Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Last-Minute Potluck Ideas: A slice of chocolate oat bars with a bowl of oats.
OATMEAL CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE BARS. PHOTO CREDIT: OUR LOVE LANGUAGE IS FOOD.

If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing treat, these oatmeal chocolate chip cookie bars will be a hit!

Crispy edgest buy soft and gooey on the inside — what more can you ask for? They’re great for potlucks, bake sales, after-school snacks, or a yummy family dessert.

Get The Recipe: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Creamy Mushroom Pappardelle

Last-Minute Potluck Ideas: A bowl of pasta with mushrooms and parmesan.
CREAMY MUSHROOM PAPPARDELLE. PHOTO CREDIT: CHOCOLATES AND CHAI.

With just a few basic ingredients, you can have a restaurant-quality dinner on the table in less time than it takes for takeout to arrive.

No lengthy prep or cooking is required, so you’ll have plenty of time left to enjoy the company!

Get The Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Pappardelle

Jalapeno Parmesan Crisps 

Last-Minute Potluck Ideas: A stack of fried jalapeno crisps on a plate.
JALAPENO PARMESAN CRISPS. PHOTO CREDIT: FLAVOR MOSAIC.

Make the perfect keto-friendly snack to satisfy cravings for something crunchy and delicious.

The crisps provide a savory, cheesy flavor punctuated by the spicy bite of jalapeno. Partygoers will enjoy snackin’ on these guilt-free crisps!

Get The Recipe: Jalapeno Parmesan Crisps 

Cheesy Bolognese Rice Bake

Last-Minute Potluck Ideas: A slice of lasagna with pesto sauce on a plate.
CHEESY BOLOGNESE RICE BAKE. PHOTO CREDIT: DISHED BY KATE.

Give your family the gift of cozy comfort in a dish with this easy and crowd-pleasing bolognese rice bake.

The crispy rice crust and savory, saucy layers are irresistible. Even the pickiest eaters will devour this in seconds!

Get The Recipe: Cheesy Bolognese Rice Bake

Baked Samosa

Last-Minute Potluck Ideas: Samosas on a white plate with flowers.
BAKED SAMOSA. PHOTO CREDIT: GREEDY GIRL GOURMET.

In less than an hour, you can have a tray of flaky, aromatic samosas emerge piping hot from your oven.

It’s not only delicious but also healthier than fried takeout versions. Make a batch for snacking, appetizers, or even a vegetarian entree!

Get The Recipe: Baked Samosa

Potluck S’mores

A person holding a graham cracker with a marshmallow on it, perfect for Last-Minute Potluck Ideas.
POTLUCK S’MORES. PHOTO CREDIT: CHEW OUT LOUD.

This is a mess-free way to enjoy this classic campfire treat at any party! Kids and adults alike will love these nostalgic treats. They’re the perfect dessert for indoor parties and family gatherings year-round.

With just a few minutes of prep and broiling, you can make a fun, sweet treat the whole family will enjoy!

Get The Recipe: Potluck S’mores

Carrot Pineapple Jello Salad

Last-Minute Potluck Ideas: A plate of orange rice with a sauce on it.
CARROT PINEAPPLE JELLO SALAD. PHOTO CREDIT JELLO JOY.

This carrot and pineapple jello salad is the perfect potluck recipe to add retro fun to your next gathering.

Surprisingly, orange jello pairs beautifully with the pineapple tidbits and shredded carrots. Each bite is a burst of sunshine you can’t miss!

Get The Recipe: Carrot Pineapple Jello Salad

White Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Last-Minute Potluck Ideas - A spoon is being used to take a spoonful of pasta out of a pot.
WHITE CHICKEN ENCHILADA CASSEROLE. PHOTO CREDIT: CHEW OUT LOUD.

This cheesy chicken enchilada casserole will have the whole family running to the dinner table.  This Mexican-inspired recipe is irresistibly creamy, comforting, and full of zesty Tex-Mex flavor.

Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, or bring it to a potluck and watch it disappear!

Get The Recipe: White Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Dump Cake

Last-Minute Potluck Idea: Strawberry cobbler topped with a scoop of ice cream, served in a white bowl.
DUMP CAKE. PHOTO CREDIT: VINTAGE KITCHEN NOTES.

This classic cherry dump cake recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll love how simple it is to make this vintage recipe. There’s no need to gather hard-to-find ingredients or fuss with fancy techniques.

Make it ahead or freeze and reheat for effortless entertaining anytime.

Get The Recipe: Dump Cake

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken

A last-minute pulled pork sandwich on a white plate, perfect for potluck ideas.
SLOW COOKER BBQ PULLED CHICKEN. PHOTO CREDIT: THE SHORT ORDER COOK.

Tender, juicy pulled chicken smothered in sweet and tangy homemade barbecue sauce. The slow cooker shreds the chicken and infuses it with a delicious smoky flavor. Enjoy stuffed in buns, in tacos or quesadillas, or on top of fresh, crisp salads. 

Believe me, this is the easiest way to make restaurant-quality pulled chicken at home!

Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken

Chinese Chicken on a Stick

Chicken skewers on a wooden cutting board, perfect for Last-Minute Potluck Ideas.
CHINESE CHICKEN ON A STICK. PHOTO CREDIT: GREEDY GIRL GOURMET.

These chicken skewers are perfect for anyone craving Chinese takeout without the hassle. They make an easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love.

They’re also a hit at parties and potlucks. Make a big batch ahead of time so guests can grab these tasty chicken skewers right off the platter.

Get The Recipe: Chinese Chicken on a Stick

Antipasto Pasta Salad

Last-Minute Potluck Ideas: A bowl of pasta salad with meat and vegetables.
ANTIPASTO PASTA SALAD. PHOTO CREDIT: GYPSY PLATE.

Turn heads at your next potluck with this colorful, crave-worthy Antipasto Pasta Salad!

Delicious pasta shells tossed with savory salami, pepperoni, juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy mozzarella will have everyone begging for seconds!

Get The Recipe: Antipasto Pasta Salad

And that’s a wrap, folks! We hope these mouthwatering last-minute potluck ideas help take the stress out of your next party or gathering.

From impressive appetizers and easy sides to crowd-pleasing desserts, you’ll love potluck recipes from this list.

Whether you’re looking for a dish to impress or something super simple, there’s something here.

Best part? Most of these can be made with ingredients you already have at home, so no need to panic shop!

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