Potluck season is again — here is what to cook dinner and how one can make all of it simpler

People have robust emotions about potlucks. Personally, I hate them. Not solely does the meal usually lack culinary narrative, however I can not stand the logistics of bringing a dish to a celebration. Nothing kills your vibe like schlepping throughout city with a plastic tote bag, praying your 14-ingredient salad does not leak within the Uber.

And but, I’ve heard myself say, “Why not make it a potluck?” numerous instances. It’s half people-pleasing, but in addition half perception within the concept of a potluck. The idea is so pure: everybody cooking and sharing a wonderful communal meal collectively. But my romantic imaginative and prescient hardly ever goes unpunished. So right here we’re: potluck season — and, prefer it or not, you are invited.

This article is not about fixing my persistent overcommitting (that is for remedy) however it is about making potlucks much less chaotic, extra elegant. If you are internet hosting, the purpose is to create a desk that feels cohesive with out asking an excessive amount of of any of your folks. If you are a visitor, it is about constructing a small repertoire of dishes that journey simply, get eaten and do not price you a fortune.

Here’s how one can make all of it a bit of simpler if not — dare I say — pleasurable.

For hosts

Give clear particulars in regards to the meals in your invite: how many individuals are coming, when dishes ought to be on the desk and whether or not it is a informal drop-by, a sit-down dinner or a yard grasp. 

Start with a theme  — whether or not it is one thing particular, like “Mediterranean,” or a looser path, like “comfort food.” For huge dinners like Thanksgiving, take into account leaning right into a “holiday favourites” theme that invitations folks to carry their household go-tos and classics from their tradition. 

Then, assign every visitor a class like “sides” or “desserts,” or one thing much more particular, like “hearty vegan sides.” Let folks know that they’ll test in with you in the event that they need assistance deciding.

Don’t be shy about sending reminders, particularly to the buddies who at all times neglect. Or assign them one thing low-lift, like drinks or pre-made dishes.

For visitors

It’s OK to politely decline sophisticated or costly requests and follow dishes you’ll be able to ship inside your finances and with out an excessive amount of stress.

I like to recommend having two or three go-to dishes bookmarked for potluck invitations. The recipes in our listing beneath are straightforward to make, transportable, do not want a lot reheating or particular plating — and so they’re all crowd-pleasers. 

For events, I’m truly tempted to swap out my family recipe for Irene Matys’s spanakopita, from her cookbook, My Cypriot Table. It’s made with frozen phyllo, will be ready a day forward and it is a whole showstopper. 

It’s additionally enjoyable to have a bit of line to say about your dish too — like, “These Parker House rolls are chef Dwight Smith’s recipe. I’ll ship you the reel!’

I’ve lost enough dishware to strongly suggest using sturdy disposable containers — the kind restaurants use — so you don’t have to chase them down afterward. I’ve also started picking up cheap cookware at thrift shops, like pie plates or casserole dishes, that I can cook my contribution right into and leave behind. It might also be worth investing in a food transport bag designed to fit dishes and keep them at the right temperature.

And don’t forget to bring serving spoons or any finishing touches your dish needs. The host already has enough to handle, so anything you can bring to avoid adding to their workload will be much appreciated.

May you avoid overpromising and discover the perfect recipes to carry you through the season.

Parker House rolls 

Fougasse 

Modern Provençal cheese plate 

Körözött (Hungarian pimento cheese) 

Harissa cottage cheese dip with hot honey 

Spanakopita 

Slow cooker scalloped potatoes 

Chopped salad with tofu and sesame dressing 

Broccoli walnut slaw with ginger lemon tahini dressing

Cranberry walnut pulao

Mac and cheese

Lentil shepherd’s pie 

Vegetable biryani

Lebanese moussaka 

Ground beef, eggplant and potato casserole 

Sweet-and-sour meatballs

Spy apple noodle kugel with dried cherries

Judy’s empanadas 

Ye misir sambusa 

Apple harvest cake 

Butternut squash pie with oat crust 

Classic New York-style cheesecake 

Dark chocolate mud pie

Cardamom and orange shortbreads 

Pistachio cake with labneh cream and kataifi 

Spiced apple cider sangria 

French 77 punch

Vegan eggnog