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    Home » Cheap dinner ideas

    28 Potluck Favorites That Won't Break the Bank

    Published: Nov 3, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    These 28 potluck favorites are budget-friendly and easy to prepare, making them perfect for any gathering. From hearty casseroles to simple salads, these dishes will please a crowd without emptying your wallet. Bring something delicious to share and enjoy the company of friends and family. We know we all have different budgets, so here you'll find options from super cheap, to quite afforadble.

    Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

    Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Cooking Duo.

    Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a cozy and satisfying meal that anyone can whip up. It combines simple, store-bought ingredients to create a dish that's packed with flavor. This casserole is a great addition to your weekly dinner lineup, and it's sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

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    Mashed Potato Casserole

    Mashed potato casserole.
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    This mashed potato casserole is creamy and cheesy, perfect for any gathering. It only takes a few minutes to prepare, making it a great choice for busy days. You can even make it ahead of time, so it's ready when you need it.

    Get the recipe

    Enchilada Meatball Casserole

    7 Ingredient Enchilada Meatball Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Zona's Lazy Recipes.

    This casserole is simple to prepare and packed with flavor, featuring gooey cheese and a hint of spice. It's a great option for gatherings where you want to bring something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Perfect for potlucks, this dish is sure to please a crowd.

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    Watermelon Feta Appetizer Bites

    Watermelon Feta Appetizer Bites.
    Photo Credit: Chef Denise.

    Watermelon-feta bites are a fantastic choice for any gathering. They're easy to prepare and don't require much time or effort, yet they deliver a refreshing and enjoyable flavor. This dish is perfect for potlucks, offering a delightful mix of sweet and salty that everyone will love.

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    Honey Lime Fruit Salad

    Honey Lime Fruit Salad.
    Photo Credit: That Skinny Chick Can Bake.

    Fresh, seasonal fruit is mixed with honey, lime juice, lime zest, and poppy seeds to create a delicious Honey Lime Fruit Salad. This dish is simple to prepare and is a great choice for picnics and potlucks. You can count on it being a hit, leaving you with an empty bowl to take home.

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    Cheesy Supreme Pizza Casserole

    Cheesy Supreme Pizza Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This pizza casserole is a fun and easy take on a classic dish that everyone enjoys. With less than 10 ingredients, not counting your favorite pizza toppings, it comes together quickly and simply. It's perfect for gatherings or just a cozy night in, offering a tasty option that won't break the bank.

    Get the recipe

    Spaghetti Pie

    Spaghetti Pie.
    Photo credit: A Cedar Spoon.

    Spaghetti Pie is a great option for a family dinner during the week. It's simple to prepare, loaded with protein, and really satisfying. This dish brings everyone together and is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

    Get the recipe

    Eggplant Moussaka

    Eggplant moussaka.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    Eggplant Moussaka is a hearty dinner packed with vegetables and ground beef or lamb, all covered in a generous layer of cheese. This recipe skips the potatoes and Bechamel sauce, using more eggplant instead, which keeps it true to its Mediterranean roots. It's a healthy and tasty option that's easy to prepare.

    Get the recipe

    Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

    Savory Sweet Potato Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester.

    This sweet potato casserole is a great addition to your holiday table, bringing a mix of savory and sweet flavors. Using canned yams makes it easy to prepare, and the fresh thyme, seasoned breadcrumbs, and a hint of garlic give it a nice depth. It's a simple dish that everyone will enjoy.

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    Smoked Mac and Cheese with Bacon

    Smoked Mac and Cheese with Bacon.
    Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester.

    Smoked Mac and Cheese with bacon is a wonderfully cheesy dish that has a nice smoky flavor. It's perfect for game day or a laid-back dinner with friends. This dish is sure to please a crowd and is easy to whip up.

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    Crock Pot Baked Ziti

    Crock Pot Baked Ziti.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    Crock Pot Baked Ziti is a fantastic option for a comforting dinner. It features soft pasta, flavorful sauce, and melted cheese, all cooked together with minimal effort. This dish is perfect for busy nights and is sure to satisfy everyone around the table.

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    Dill Pickle Pasta Salad with Creamy Dressing

    Pickle Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: FoodnService.

    Pickle Pasta Salad is a crunchy and tangy dish that features a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise and sour cream. It's packed with sharp cheddar cheese, mini dill pickles, and sweet red onion, all topped off with some fresh chopped dill. This salad is a fun and flavorful option that's perfect for gatherings or potlucks.

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    Chicken Taco Pinwheels

    Chicken Taco Pinwheels.
    Photo Credit: Budget Delicious.

    Chicken pinwheels filled with taco flavor are a simple and tasty appetizer that works well for any gathering. They're quick to prepare and always a hit at parties or potlucks. With their fun presentation and delicious filling, these pinwheels are sure to please a crowd.

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    Cheesy No-Boil Lasagna

    Cheesy No-Boil Lasagna.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    No-Boil Lasagna is a simple dish that you can prepare in just 10 minutes, and there's no need to boil the noodles beforehand. This filling vegetarian meal is quick and easy to make, making it a great option for busy nights. It's so tasty that you'll want to add it to your regular dinner lineup.

    Get the Recipe

    Chicken Pot Pie

    Chicken Pot Pie.
    Photo Credit: The Virtual Caterer.

    This chicken pot pie features a light and flaky puff pastry crust that gives it a nice airy texture. It's simple to customize the filling, making it a dish that everyone can enjoy, regardless of their preferences.

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    Creamy Burrito Casserole

    Creamy Burrito Casserole.
    Photo Credit: In the Kitch.

    This creamy burrito casserole is a delicious mix of meat, cheese, flour tortillas, and peppers, all baked together in the oven. It's similar to a Mexican-style lasagna and is sure to please everyone at the table. This dish is simple to prepare and perfect for family dinners.

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    Chicken Pasta Bake

    Chicken Pasta Bake.
    Photo Credit: The Recipe Well.

    Chicken Pasta Bake combines comforting flavors with a cheesy tomato sauce and simple ingredients. It's a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken and create a filling meal that everyone will love.

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    Mashed Potatoes Without Milk

    Mashed Potatoes Without Milk
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    These mashed potatoes are simple and delicious, made with just potatoes and plenty of butter. Ready in under 30 minutes, they're a great side dish that you might find hard to share. Perfect for any meal, these creamy potatoes will quickly become a favorite.

    Get the recipe

    French Potato Salad

    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This easy homemade potato salad is a great option for gatherings. It's made without mayo, eggs, or dairy, using a creamy Dijon mustard dressing instead. This recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making it a perfect choice for everyone at the table.

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    Chili Dog Tater Tot Casserole

    Chili Dog Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Bowl Me Over.

    This casserole is sure to be a favorite at any gathering. It's straightforward to prepare, tasty, and filling. Everyone, from kids to adults, will enjoy it.

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    Instant Pot Chili

    Instant pot chili.
    Photo Credit: Fresh off The Grid.

    This Instant Pot Chili is your ticket to a satisfying meal without the hassle. Whether you're prepping for a weekend camping trip or a busy weekday, this recipe is perfect to make ahead and simply heat it up when you're ready to eat.

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    Carrot Raisin Salad

    Carrot Raisin Salad.
    Photo Credit: Little Sunny KItchen.

    This creamy and crunchy Carrot Raisin Salad is an easy side dish that everyone will enjoy. It has a hint of sweetness, and you can skip the sugar or honey if you want, using a grated apple instead. This classic salad reminds many of the one that used to be served at Chick-Fil-A.

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    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking taco casserole on a baking dish.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This walking taco casserole is quick and easy, ready in just 25 minutes, and everything cooks in one pan. It's a fun twist on the usual taco night that the whole family will enjoy. Perfect for busy evenings, this dish brings all the flavors of tacos together in a simple and satisfying way.

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    No Mayo Chicken Salad

    Chicken Salad Recipe (No Mayo).
    Photo Credit: My Chef's Apron.

    This chicken salad is a nutritious and simple dish that's packed with flavor from olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. It's a great option for a light meal and can be served on its own or paired with your favorite side. You can also turn it into a low-carb version of the classic chicken salad sandwich by skipping the bread.

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    Caulislaw - Raw Cauliflower Salad

    Caulislaw - Raw Cauliflower Salad
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Caulislaw combines cauliflower, carrots, and red onions with a creamy mayonnaise dressing. It's a great side dish for barbecues and can even be used as a topping for burgers. This dish is quick to prepare, healthy, and low in carbs, making it a go-to option for many meals.

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    Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

    A serving of Cowboy Cornbread Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    Gather the family around for a hearty casserole that's perfect for dinner. This simple skillet dish is packed with ground beef, fresh vegetables, and flavorful spices, all topped with a delicious homemade buttermilk cornbread. It's a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    Monterey Chicken Casserole

    Monterey Chicken Casserole.
    Photo credit: Zona's Lazy Recipes.

    This casserole is simple to prepare and perfect for gatherings. With a mix of zesty BBQ sauce, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy Monterey Jack cheese, it's a dish that everyone will enjoy. It's a great option for family dinners or potlucks, bringing together flavors that satisfy without taking too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole

    Tater tot casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This slow cooker casserole combines green beans, cream of mushroom soup, tater tots, and cheddar cheese for a simple and satisfying meal. The layers of ingredients come together to create a filling dish that everyone will enjoy. It's perfect for potlucks or any gathering where you want to serve something hearty without putting in a lot of effort.

    Get the Recipe

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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