I’ve been tasked with bringing a dish to a pot luck gathering on Saturday, and I’m guessing I am not alone this time of year. December could almost be dubbed the “Month of Pot Luck Parties” so I’m here to share some ideas of what you can bring to all your holiday gatherings in the coming weeks.
Oh and I was asked to bring a dessert, but I can’t decide between the Whole-Wheat Madeleines and No-Bake Peanut Butter Dessert Bars … both are just too good! Maybe you guys can help be the tie breaker, what do you think? :)
Appetizers and Sides
- Chopped Salad
This one is at the top of the list for a reason. I’ve made it for multiple group gatherings, and it’s always a HUGE hit! To the point where people will ask you for the recipe … so, go for it!
- Crab and Corn Cakes
This is one of those fabulous dishes that tastes great warm or at room temp … the perfect kind of appetizer when you know it will be sitting out for a couple hours!
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Cream Biscuits
These are not only my favorite biscuits, but they are the easiest to make. You could even have your elementary-aged children whip these up for you if you don’t have the time.
- Creamy Kale Caesar Salad
Kale is all the rage for health reasons these days, and this recipe is the perfect combo to prove it actually tastes good, too! Add something light to the buffet table with this one.
- Deviled Eggs
If you’re looking for a budget friendly appetizer, this is it! It’s been my go-to for years when it comes to pot luck gatherings because I always have eggs on hand, and they are almost always a crowd-pleaser (especially for those with special dietary needs).
Desserts
- Whole-Wheat Madeleines
I’ve honestly been looking for an excuse to make these again … so simple, yet fancy and tasty. The lemon flavor gives these “cookies” a lighter flavor than other more-typical desserts this time of year.
- Chocolate Chip Blondies
A twist to your standard chocolate chip cookie … I never met a chocolate chip cookie I didn’t like, and these are no exception!
- 5-Minute Brownies
I’m not sure homemade brownies need an explanation? You’ll definitely come home with an empty dish if you decide to bring these!
- Blueberry Lemon Bundt Cake
Nothing speaks “special” like a bundt cake, so this one will stand out on the dessert table or be a perfect addition to a sit-down holiday dinner gathering with friends.
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Dessert Bars
I promise you can never go wrong with these. They’re dangerous to have around my house for too long, so I only make them when I know I’ll get to share with lots of willing people!
So what’s your vote for me to take Saturday night? Whole-Wheat Madeleines or No-Bake Peanut Butter Dessert Bars?
Banana Oatmeal Cookies (with black walnuts)
LeeAnn
November 30, 2016 at 7:49 pmI vote for the Madeleines… tho’ the bars look good too.
Beth
November 30, 2016 at 8:31 pmMy vote is No-Bake Peanut Butter Dessert Bars ALL THE WAY! And I’m book-marking the recipe so I can make ’em too. :)
Catherine
December 1, 2016 at 6:22 amThe chocolate chip blondies look delectable to me … will have to bring them to my next social gathering!
Janel
December 1, 2016 at 1:50 pmThe peanut butter bars. They’re amazing.
Emma
December 1, 2016 at 1:55 pmI love the madeleines! A potluck is the perfect reason to make them! and they always smell so delicious!! When I first saw your recipe for them (when you went to cooking school with your daughter), I actually bought a madeleine baking pan off of Amazon and I’ve made them a few times now – always a big hit!!
Jessica
December 1, 2016 at 1:58 pmPB Bars! Can’t wait to try them myself!
Louie
December 1, 2016 at 2:07 pmYep, the peanut butter bars are one of our favourites!
Donna
December 1, 2016 at 2:31 pmAlthough I am a Peanut butter Lover… I think the Madeleines are more Elegant to bring to a Holliday Gathering. Yum to Both!! xoxo
Brooke
December 1, 2016 at 2:36 pmI vote PB bars. Thanks for the list!
Marie
December 1, 2016 at 2:44 pmPeanut Butter Bars, Hands down!
Cathy
December 1, 2016 at 2:57 pmPeanut butter bars! Who can resist chocolate and peanut butter together??
yvonne
December 1, 2016 at 3:32 pmI would definitely go with the Peanut Butter bars! But then, I have a serious weakness for anything with peanut butter, so I’m a little biased. ;)
Either way, have a wonderful time at your pot-luck!
Susan Brandenburg
December 1, 2016 at 3:37 pmPeanut butter bars! I can’t wait to try them!!
Katyana
December 1, 2016 at 3:48 pmI’ve made the devilled eggs already for a Halloween Pot Luck and they disappeared in a flash!
Holly Rosene
December 1, 2016 at 5:27 pmI would bring the whole wheat Madelienes for dessert. They will be different and extra special.
knitogether
December 1, 2016 at 6:02 pmHands down the peanut butter bars!
Jan
December 1, 2016 at 6:31 pmWhat a silly question–Peanut Butter Bars, of course. ;)
Tess D
December 1, 2016 at 7:16 pmI’m no use as a tie-breaker, cuz they both look great to me, too!
But I have a question about the chopped salad. It looks delish, but I notice it serves 3-4 people. Have you ever made a larger “batch” and changed the presentation? I guess I could use a larger platter, but also wondering how it would do as a layered salad, maybe in a trifle dish.
Amy Taylor (comment moderator)
December 5, 2016 at 1:11 pmHi. I think it would work fine as a layered salad, too. :)
Robin Goodman
December 2, 2016 at 11:38 amPeanut butter bars. Good excuse to make something that rich and not have to keep the whole pan in the house.
Madeline’s for Santa.
Shelby
December 2, 2016 at 7:12 pmWish I was at your potluck so I could try the peanut butter bars!! Guess I’ll have to make some soon!
Lisa
December 3, 2016 at 12:21 pmLove your recipes, but it’s kind of annoying when I click a link from your email and get a pop to to join your mailing list every time. Obviously I’m on your list.
Julie
December 26, 2016 at 2:47 amAgree
Eric
December 30, 2016 at 10:51 amMy main reason to look for other recipes is to find meal ideas that are aligned with a diabetic need to reduce sugar and simple starches in the diet. Only 2 of your 9 recipes meet this criteria. I went from being under control (blood sugar less than 120) to being about 150 each morning over the Holidays. When I eat out or at gatherings I blow it even when limiting calories and indulging. Now that I am back home in two days my blood sugar is back to <120. I lost 10 lbs and that really helped but the slightest infraction pushes the numbers up. I'm happy that I haven't seen anything over 200 or even close in a very long time but want to keep these numbers down. I need to lose another 20 lbs and finally see a path to get there but am too easily tempted to stray during the Holidays especially. The good news is that I didn't gain any weight.