10 Simple Dishes to Bring to a Potluck Without Breaking the Bank
Potlucks can be your time to shine. These recipes will definitely make your coworkers notice you.
1. Cheese Deviled Eggs
My favorite part of my job is making people smile but I really enjoy are the potlucks. It’s the best time to show off my cooking skills to my coworkers and friends. For this dish you will need; 12 peeled boiled eggs cut lengthwise in half, 1/3 cup of mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons of hot sauce, 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 jar chopped pimientos, and 1 cup of chopped green onions. In a large bowl combine egg yolks, mayonnaise, and hot sauce. Mix together until it’s smooth. Sprinkle in the cheese, pimientos, and green onion. Get a tablespoon of the mixture and add to each of the egg whites. Then you are finished. You can serve this dish now or refrigerate and save it for later.
2. Spinach and Artichoke Dip
This dip is easy to make and with 6 ingredients, it definitely won’t break the bank. To create this dip you will need; a can of artichoke hearts drained and dried, 1 pack of baby spinach, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, ½ a can of rinsed cannellini beans, 1 ounce of grated parmesan cheese, and black pepper for taste. In a blender add the artichoke hearts, spinach, beans, lemon juice, cheese, and a sprinkle of pepper. Blend until it’s smooth and then add to a medium bowl and serve within 3 days. This dip goes great with tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetables.
3. Quick Ramen Noodles Stir Fry
These upgraded ramen noodles are so delicious they will make your boss want to give you a raise. To get started you will need 8 ounces of curly egg noodles cooked, ¼ cup of sesame paste, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of lime juice, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 chopped cucumber, 1 pint of cherry tomatoes cut into halves, 3 cups of cabbage sliced very thin, and ¼ cup of cilantro cut into fine pieces. Like I said these recipes are easy on the wallet and this one will also use very little of your time. In a large bowl mix together; the sesame paste, lime juice, and honey. Once these ingredients are mixed well add in the cucumber, tomatoes, and cabbage until they are covered with the mixture. Next, add in the noodles and toss until all is well combined. Just like the deviled eggs, you can serve them immediately or you can let them sit in the refrigerator and chill.
4. Baked Beans
These are not regular out-the-can baked beans, these are baked beans that your coworkers and staff members would remember and enjoy. You will need 6 slices of bacon, 1 chopped onion, 1 chopped green pepper, 4 teaspoons of dry mustard, ¼ cup of molasses, 3 cans of navy beans, 1 cup of ketchup, and salt and pepper for taste. This dish can be made the night before the potluck or the morning. To begin, you fry the bacon in a skillet until all the fat is gone. Then transfer it to a plate and cut it into small pieces and put it to the side. In the same skillet cook the onions and green peppers for about 8 minutes. Set the over to 325 degrees. In a pan combine all the ingredients and place in the oven for about an hour.
5. Chili Macaroni
This dish caters to Vegetarians and I am sure they would appreciate your thoughtful act. You can make this dish with just 1 chopped onion, 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of canola oil, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 2 cups of cheese, 1 pound of cooked macaroni, and 1 can of rinsed black beans. To begin in a large bowl cook the onion, chili powder, and canola oil for about 8 minutes. Then add in the tomatoes and black beans. Cook for another 5 minutes and then macaroni and cheese. Then serve and enjoy.
6. Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie
Many people will bring main dishes to a potluck once that is gone your coworkers will definitely enjoy this sweet treat. Cookies are simple to make you will need 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of white sugar, 1 cup of brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 2 teaspoons of hot water, ½ teaspoon of salt, 3 cups of flour, 3 cups of chocolate chips, and 1 cup of chopped walnuts. The walnuts are optional. Set the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl combine the butter and sugars until smooth. Then add in eggs and then stir in vanilla, baking soda, and hot water. Once that is smooth then add in the salt, flour, chocolate chips, and nuts. Grab a spoonful of the mixture and place about 20 of them onto an ungreased pan. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the cookies are a light golden brown.
7. Lemonade
This refreshment can be made once you arrive on your job site. You will need only 3 ingredients; 2 cups of sugar, 1 cup of lemon juice, and 8 cups of water. You will just add these 3 ingredients together in a pitcher and then stir and serve.
8. Cheese Dip
This dish takes about 5 minutes to create but will be a hit at the potluck. You will need 1 package of 16 ounces Velveeta cheese and 1 can of drained Rotel Diced Tomatoes. To start, combine the 2 ingredients together in a pot. Heat for about 5 minutes or until smooth. Then transfer to a bowl and serve. This dip goes well with tortilla chips. For a cheesier taste try Nacho Cheese Doritos. This dip can also be prepared in the microwave. In a microwave-safe dish combine the 2 ingredients and cook for about 3 minutes. Then serve.
9. Enchilada Meatball
You will need 2 packages of cornbread mix, 2 packets of taco seasoning, 2 lightly beaten eggs, 3 cans of enchilada sauce, 2 pounds of beef, 1 jar of salsa, 1 can of chopped green chiles, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. That’s all you need. You shouldn’t spend more than $20. To start, preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Start with the cornbread mix, follow the directions and then when complete crumble it together and place it in a large bowl. In the bowl add 1 packet of taco seasoning, eggs, 1 cup of the enchilada sauce and meat. Mix lightly. Then shape the meat into balls and place them on a greased pan. Cook for about 10 minutes. Then place meatballs into a slow cooker. Combined remaining enchilada sauce, salsa, chiles, cheese, and the other taco seasoning over the meatballs. Cook for about 3 hours. Then take to your potluck and have everyone ask for seconds.
10. Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake
Who doesn’t like dessert? You only need a few ingredients to create this amazing dessert. To begin, get 1 package of chocolate cake mix, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 2/3 cup of creamy peanut butter, 2 cans of condensed milk, and 1 cup of sugar. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Make the cake mix according to the directions and add vanilla before mixing the batter. Transfer to a greased pan and bake as the directions state. In a bowl mix the peanut butter and milk. Using the end of a wooden spoon poke holes in the cake about 2 inches apart. Pour the peanut butter mixture inside. Refrigerate the cake for about 2 hours. With the remaining peanut butter use as icing on the cake and then serve.
