21 Holiday Foods That Travel Well for Potlucks

Holiday potlucks are all about bringing a dish that survives the trip and manages to make an entrance. No one’s trying to haul something that needs a balancing act or constant babysitting to stay intact. These recipes? They’re packed to go and don’t mind the car ride. Just prep, pack, and head out, knowing these dishes will still look great when they hit the table — without any mid-journey disasters.

A close-up of a seven-layer dip topped with black olives, diced tomatoes, and sliced green onions in a glass dish. — 7-Layer Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

A round dish filled with glazed meatballs, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Nearby are bowls of chopped green onions and sesame seeds. The background is a textured blue surface, partially covered with a white cloth. — Photo credit: Depositphotos.

These meatballs are always a crowd-pleaser! Mix up the meatballs ahead of time and smother them in a sweet and sour sauce. They’re simple to make in bulk and stay juicy, even after reheating. Since they’re bite-sized, they’re easy to share and serve. For travel, keep them in an insulated container to stay warm. They reheat well in a microwave or on a stovetop. Plus, their small size makes them perfect for easy sharing.

Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread

A person's hand pulling a piece of cheesy bread from a loaf filled with melted cheese and herbs. The bread is cut into cubes, displaying a golden-brown crust and gooey cheese. It rests on a wooden surface. — Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Pull apart bread is holiday potluck gold. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s an easy dish to pull together and transport. Slice a loaf of bread, layer it with homemade garlic butter, mozzarella, and Parmesan, bake until crispy, and you’ve got a shareable appetizer everyone will dig into.
Get the recipe: Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread.

Crunchy Broccoli Salad

A bowl of broccoli salad on a wooden cutting board, featuring broccoli florets, sliced almonds, red grapes, cranberries, red onion, and a creamy dressing. A beige cloth and a fork are beside the bowl. — Photo credit: Depositphotos.

Broccoli salad is a great choice for potlucks because it’s fresh, easy to make, and doesn’t need reheating. This cold salad mixes fresh broccoli with crunchy nuts and a light dressing. Since it’s served cold, it won’t wilt during transport. To pack it, store the salad in a sturdy container with a tight lid and keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This helps the salad stay crunchy and fresh, making it a low-maintenance but popular dish for any gathering. It’s refreshing and easy to portion out, too.

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry

A plate of spiral puff pastries topped with chopped green onions and diced red peppers. Surrounding the plate are fresh tomatoes, mushrooms, and a bunch of green onions. A fork and knife are placed beside the plate on a wooden table. — Photo credit: Depositphotos.

This dish wraps flavorful ham and melty cheese in flaky puff pastry. Bake until golden, let cool, and then pack them up. They’re easy to make in large batches and simple to portion out. The flaky pastry also holds up well and stays fresh for hours. They’re great at room temperature. Plus, they’re easy to carry and don’t need reheating. Pack them in a sturdy container lined with parchment to keep them from getting soggy.

Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells

A round baking dish filled with stuffed pasta shells, containing spinach and tomatoes, baked with a cheese topping. The dish is on a checkered cloth, with a decorative spoon and a grater nearby, placed on a wooden surface. — Photo credit: Depositphotos.

Large pasta shells filled with creamy spinach and cheese mixture taste great and travel well. The stuffed shells maintain their shape even after reheating. Bake them ahead, let them cool, and then transport them in a baking dish covered with foil. Place them in an insulated bag to retain heat. Pop the whole dish back in the oven for reheating, making this an easy, crowd-pleasing option. This dish is perfect for guests who love good, cheesy pasta at any gathering.

Caprese Skewers

Skewers with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves arranged on a beige plate. The mozzarella is sprinkled with herbs, adding a touch of green and texture. The arrangement is colorful and appetizing. — Photo credit: Depositphotos.

These skewers are a light and fresh option, with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil drizzled with balsamic glaze. They are incredibly easy to prepare and pack in a large container. Place them in a flat container with layers separated by parchment paper. These skewers stay intact and mess-free during travel. Since they’re served cold, there’s no need for any last-minute prep or reheating.

Quinoa Salad

Perfect for any potluck, this Quinoa Chickpea Salad is fresh, hearty, and travel-friendly. Toss cooked quinoa with fresh veggies and drizzle with a lemon-garlic dressing. It’s light, flavorful, and easy to make ahead for a no-stress holiday addition to the table.
Get the recipe: Quinoa Chickpea Salad.

7-Layer Dip

A rectangular dish filled with a layered dip, featuring shredded cheese, chopped tomatoes, black olive slices, and green onions. — 7-Layer Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This 7-Layer Dip is made for holiday potlucks. It’s quick to put together, meat-free, and holds up well on the road, making it easy to bring along to any gathering. Layer refried beans mixed with taco seasoning and milk for a smooth spread, followed by fresh guacamole with avocado, salsa, cilantro, and lime juice. Add a creamy layer of sour cream and cream cheese, then shredded cheese, and finish it off with diced tomatoes, green onions, and sliced black olives. Assemble in a 9×13-inch dish, chill, and bring along to wow the crowd with this easy, travel-ready dip.
Get the recipe: 7-Layer Dip.

Macaroni and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a comfort food favorite that is always welcomed at gatherings and can be baked in a large casserole dish. Make it creamy and cheesy, bake it ahead, and then transport it in the same dish or any oven-safe container. Reheat it at the potluck for gooey perfection. It’s easy to serve and always popular among both kids and adults.

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

These Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms bring all the flavors for a holiday potluck hit. They’re easy to prep ahead of time, and their bite-sized, savory goodness makes them perfect for sharing. To store for traveling, arrange the mushrooms in a shallow, airtight container lined with parchment paper. Keep them snug to avoid tipping, and if they need reheating on arrival, simply pop them in the oven for a few minutes.
Get the recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

A close-up of a casserole dish filled with a golden, cheesy baked dish. The top is sprinkled with parsley and crumbled cheese. Slices of bread are visible in the background. — Photo credit: Depositphotos.

This spicy and creamy dip is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for game days or potlucks. Made with tender shredded chicken, hot sauce, and a creamy mix of cheeses, it’s packed with bold flavors. You can make it ahead of time and keep it warm in a slow cooker, which is great for easy transport. It pairs perfectly with veggies, bread, or chips, making it a versatile option for any gathering. Bring the chips or crackers in separate containers, and reheat the dip in the oven or microwave when you arrive.

Cucumber Dill Sandwiches

Triangular cucumber sandwiches with cream cheese and herbs are neatly arranged on a white cutting board. Fresh herbs are scattered around, and a knife rests nearby. There's a stack of small plates in the background. — Photo credit: Depositphotos.

These sandwiches are light and refreshing. Stack cucumber slices and herbed cream cheese between slices of whole-grain bread and cut into quarters. For easy packing, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a container to prevent them from drying out. Slice them into neat quarters or triangles, and they’re ready to go. Serve chilled for the best flavor! The sandwiches are easy to make and carry and don’t require heating, making them perfect for a no-stress potluck dish.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

A batch of homemade blondies with chocolate chips, cut into squares on a parchment-lined wooden board. One piece is slightly separated from the others, showcasing the softly baked texture. — Photo credit: Depositphotos.

Bake a big batch of these sweet treats in a tray, then cut them into bars. They are easy to pack up and incredibly convenient for guests to grab a piece. Who doesn’t love chocolate? These bars ensure you have a little something for the sweet tooth attendees. Arrange the bars in an airtight container with parchment paper separating layers if needed. Since these bars don’t need to be reheated, they’re a grab-and-go option at the event.

Greek Pasta Salad

A glass bowl filled with pasta salad, including rotini, cherry tomatoes, black olives, cucumbers, mozzarella cheese cubes, and red onion slices. A small bowl of black olives is in the background, next to a checkered napkin. — Photo credit: Depositphotos.

Greek Pasta Salad is a great option for potlucks because it’s served cold, and the ingredients only get better as they sit, allowing the flavors to meld. It mixes pasta with olives, feta, cucumbers, and a Greek dressing. It’s easy to prepare in a large bowl. Transport it in a cooler, and it’s ready to eat when you arrive — no heating necessary! Make sure to toss the salad again before serving.

Cheese and Charcuterie Board

A vibrant charcuterie board with sliced meats, various cheeses, green grapes, yellow tomatoes, dried apricots, crackers, and nuts. A small dish holds marinated artichokes. The arrangement is colorful and appetizing. — Photo credit: Depositphotos.

A Cheese and Charcuterie Board is perfect for potlucks because it’s a no-cook dish that’s easy to assemble and looks great on the table. It serves a bit of elegance and a lot of flavors, making it perfect for guests to nibble on as they mingle. Assemble a variety of cheeses, cured meats, and some nuts or fruit. This platter is straightforward to put together and travels well when wrapped. Pack the items separately to maintain freshness and arrange them once you arrive.

Pear and Gorgonzola Salad

A white bowl filled with a fresh salad containing arugula, pear slices, walnuts, blue cheese, and dried cranberries, placed on a folded napkin. The background is a checkered tablecloth. — Photo credit: Depositphotos.

This salad brings a fresh, light option that balances out heavier dishes in a potluck spread. Toss crisp pears with sharp Gorgonzola and greens in a light vinaigrette. This salad is simple to assemble and packs a punch with its mix of sweet and tangy. Transport in a chilled container and serve cold for a refreshing and sophisticated side. Remember to pack the dressing separately and mix it in just before serving to keep the greens crisp.

Antipasto Platter

A platter of assorted charcuterie featuring salami, prosciutto, and pepperoni, accompanied by olives, stuffed cherry peppers, mozzarella balls, artichokes, and cherry tomatoes. Slices of baguette are placed around the dish. — Photo credit: Depositphotos.

An antipasto platter brings a variety of meats, cheeses, and marinated veggies to a potluck, serving something for everyone. Layer meats, cheeses, olives, and peppers to create this classic platter. It’s perfect for guests to pick at and enjoy a variety of flavors. Wrap the platter well, and it’s ready to serve as soon as you arrive — no prep or heating needed, making it a stress-free, crowd-pleasing choice.

Pumpkin Spice Muffins

Close-up of two pumpkin muffins with sugar crystals on top, sitting on a blue cloth. A whole pumpkin is partially visible on the right. A fork rests nearby, highlighting a cozy autumn setting. — Photo credit: Depositphotos.

These muffins bring the flavors of the season to any potluck, and their spiced flavor fits right in with the holidays. Bake them in advance and pack them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They’re great for guests to grab and go; you don’t need to worry about reheating or serving utensils.

Baked Chicken Chimichangas

A delicious burrito topped with melted cheese and salsa is partially cut with a fork resting on the plate. A fresh salad with shredded cheese and tomato wedges accompanies the dish, set on a beige plate. — Photo credit: Depositphotos.

These are a lighter take on the fried classic, filled with seasoned chicken and cheese. They’re filling, easy to portion, and perfect to make in bulk. Their crispy exterior holds up well during transport, especially if packed in foil to retain warmth. Bake them ahead of time, wrap them up, and gently reheat them at the potluck. Just pop them in the oven for a few minutes to heat through. They’re easy to grab and eat, even with a crowd.

Teriyaki Meatballs

A green bowl filled with glazed meatballs topped with sesame seeds sits on a burlap cloth. Two wooden skewers lie beside the bowl on a white wooden table. — Photo credit: Depositphotos.

Sweet and tangy, these meatballs make for a popular potluck treat. They’re easy to cook in bulk, portion out individually, and work as a snack or main dish. The metaballs also stay moist without drying out, even after reheating. Make them ahead and keep them warm in a slow cooker for transport. An alternative is to pack them in a sealed container and use foil or a microwave-safe dish for easy reheating. Pop them quickly in the oven or microwave.

Leek and Potato Casserole

A green casserole dish filled with baked gratin, topped with sliced leeks. Two ornate silver forks are placed beside the dish on a green and white checkered cloth. — Photo credit: Depositphotos.

Leek and Potato Casserole is an easy favorite, thanks to its creamy, comforting flavors. It’s simple to bake ahead and divide into portions. This casserole combines tender potatoes and mild leeks in a creamy sauce. Prepare and bake ahead, then bring it along in your casserole dish, ready to reheat briefly. Warm it up until the top gets slightly crisp and the inside is heated through. This hearty dish makes serving and sharing at a potluck straightforward and stress-free.