25+ Easy Last-Minute Potluck Ideas
One of my favorite things about warm weather is gathering with friends and family for a potluck (AKA a “pitch-in” in my neck-of-the-woods). I love getting together with my community, sharing the work, and getting to enjoy all kinds of goodies from my favorite people!
So if you’re lucky enough to be headed to a potluck and you’re stuck on what to bring—have no fear! We have over two dozen crowd-pleasing ideas for you to add to the buffet table…all of them taking under an hour.
What should I not bring to a potluck?
The most important element to consider when picking a potluck dish in the summer is the heat. If your food is going to be sitting out in the summer sun, pick a potluck dish that will hold up to the heat—avoid chocolate that will melt, for instance—and that will still be safe to eat after some time on the table.
Also, consider how much you want to heat up the house. We love a good casserole like macaroni and cheese, but it’s not what we choose when the kitchen is already stifling. Instead, choose something that is light and refreshing.
In cooler weather, you can have a lot more flexibility—everything melts more slowly, and people are less likely to mind the oven being on.
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What are good last-minute potluck ideas?
We have rounded up all of our best last-minute potluck recipes below, ranging from drinks to appetizers to mains. So no matter what you are assigned to bring to the next potluck, you won’t be scrambling for ideas—we have you covered! And all in an hour or less.
Don’t feel like cooking? Fresh fruits like raspberries or blueberries are always welcome, as are non-alcoholic drinks or pitchers of cocktails!
Easy Last-Minute Summer Potluck Ideas
For a quick and stress-free pitch-in, try these easy, last-minute summer potluck ideas.
Strawberry, Lime, Cucumber, and Mint Infused Water
Jazz up your daily hydration with this infused water. Strawberries add a little sweetness, while cucumber, mint, and lime make the water taste so refreshing and bright!
Pitcher Strawberry Mojitos
Serve these Pitcher Strawberry Mojitos at your next summer party and get rave reviews!
Margarita Mix Recipe
Homemade Margarita Mix makes whipping up your favorite cocktail a breeze! You only need 6 ingredients, and it comes together in about 4 minutes.
8 Fruit-Infused Water Recipes
Make hydration fun with these recipes for fruit infused water, either still or sparkling! We offer 8 flavors, so you are sure to find one you love!
Homemade Strawberry Lemonade
Cool off with this simple summertime favorite. Strawberry Lemonade is an easy 4-ingredient recipe that uses fresh strawberries and lemons for a great, refreshing taste.
Cantaloupe Frosé (Frozen Rosé)
The peak of summer heat calls for cold refreshing cocktails. Enter Cantaloupe Frosé (Frozen Rosé)—so perfectly balanced, you may not even need to add sweetener.
Black Bean And Corn Salsa
This simple corn and black bean salsa recipe is the perfect addition to your summer potlucks or weeknight dinners.
Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip
Great Northern Beans give this vegan white bean dip next-level creaminess! This party favorite comes together in just a few minutes in your food processor.
Caramelized Onion Dip
Caramelized Onion Dip is your favorite chip dip taken to the next level with sweet, nutty caramelized onions. Serve it at your next cookout!
Vegan Antipasto Pasta Salad
This Vegan Antipasto Pasta Salad is so full of complex flavors and textures, you won’t even miss the meat or cheese! Prep it in advance for easy packed lunches.
Ranch BLT Pasta Salad
This Ranch BLT Pasta Salad is the queen of all pasta salads, thanks to its crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, tender noodles, and creamy homemade ranch dressing.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
Everyone in the family will enjoy this flavorful Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad! If you like Caesar salad, then you’ll love this version with pasta.
Vegetarian Summer Orzo Salad
If you’re looking for a way to enjoy the bounty of fresh summer vegetables and herbs, this Vegetarian Summer Orzo Salad recipe is the recipe for you!
Greek Barley Salad with Pan-Roasted Tomatoes
Bursting with flavor and color, this Greek Barley Salad with Pan-Roasted Tomatoes is a beautiful and refreshing dinner or side dish.
Watermelon Basil Salad
Topped with homemade balsamic vinaigrette, this Watermelon Basil Salad is bursting with flavor and color! It’s perfect for a potluck or as an everyday side dish.
Honey-Mint Melon Salad
This simple Honey-Mint Melon Salad is a colorful and fresh way to celebrate summer. Best made when melons are at their peak, this fruit salad is the perfect summer side dish.
Roasted Garlic Bread Recipe
Delicious and easy to make, this simple roasted garlic bread recipe is perfect for serving alongside nearly any meal.
Instant Pot Potato Salad Recipe
This Instant Pot Potato Salad from Scratch is perfect for cookouts or picnics. It takes just minutes to prepare and is easy and delicious.
Cucumber Salsa
Use your bounty of cucumbers in this crisp, cool, and spicy Cucumber Salsa. It pairs perfectly with lighter fare!
Sweet Honey Cornbread Recipe
A quick and easy honey cornbread recipe is the perfect accompaniment to barbecues.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
This Mexican street corn salad can be whipped up in no time. It’s a quick summer side dish with a satisfying balance of spicy, savory, and sweet. Everyone will be coming back for more!
Strawberry Dump Cake Recipe
This delicious strawberry dump cake tastes like it took hours to make, but you can throw it together in minutes!
Red, White, and Blue Berry Trifle
Fresh, juicy berries are layered with cake and cream cheese whipped topping in this festive berry trifle.
Marshmallow Fruit Dip Recipe
You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this fluffy fruit dip—and it's perfect for parties and summer picnics.
Cool Whip Cookies
Celebrate summer with these easy and delicious five-ingredient cookies. Perfect for any celebration or picnic!
Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
These Iced Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful bite of nostalgia! With cinnamon, vanilla, and molasses, these soft, chewy cookies are sure to be a new favorite.
Creamy Cannoli Dip Recipe
Easy-to-make Cannoli Dip is ready in ten minutes. It has all the flavors of a traditional cannoli but takes a fraction of the time and effort!
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