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    Home » Cheap dinner ideas

    27 Cheap Potluck Dishes That Will Steal the Show

    Published: Oct 8, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    These 27 potluck dishes are budget-friendly and sure to impress your friends and family. From hearty casseroles to refreshing salads, each recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for sharing. Bring something special to the table without breaking the bank! We know we all have different budgets, so here you'll find options from super cheap, to quite afforadble.

    Taco Casserole

    Taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    Taco Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, tortillas, enchilada sauce, and cheese into a delicious meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. This dish can be prepared in advance and even frozen for later use. It brings all the flavors of taco night into one easy-to-make casserole.

    Get the recipe

    Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

    Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Out Grilling.

    Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is a simple and satisfying meal that's perfect for any weeknight. It features a hearty ground beef chili, topped with crispy frozen tater tots and lots of gooey cheese. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser, making it a great choice for gatherings or potlucks.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Enchilada Casserole

    Enchilada casserole.
    Photo Credit: Retro Recipe Box.

    Enjoying enchiladas can be simple and fun with this easy version that skips the rolling. You can use either ground beef or ground turkey, making it a flexible choice for your potluck. This dish is perfect for gatherings where you want to serve something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Easy Pea Salad

    Easy Pea Salad.
    Photo Credit: Recipes from a Pantry.

    Creamy Pea Salad is a delicious and simple dish to prepare. It's a low-carb side that works well for busy weeknight dinners. This salad is quick to throw together and adds a nice touch to any meal.

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    Taco Casserole

    Southern Baked Mac and Cheese.
    Photo Credit: FoodnService.

    Taco Casserole is a fun and easy dish that brings a new spin to Taco Tuesday. With layers of taco flavors, crunchy tortilla chips, and melted cheese, this meal is sure to be a hit. It's perfect for gatherings or just a cozy night in.

    Get the Recipe

    Classic Tater Tot Casserole

    Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Bitz & Giggles.

    This classic casserole is a hit with everyone and perfect for gatherings. It's easy to whip up using just a few common ingredients. This dish is not only tasty but also great for feeding a crowd without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Johnny Marzetti - Ground Beef Noodle Casserole

    Johnny Marzetti - Ground Beef Noodle Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Masala Herb.

    Johnny Marzetti is a baked pasta dish that combines ground beef and tomato sauce. It's a simple and satisfying meal that everyone can enjoy. You can finish it off with your favorite cheese on top for extra flavor.

    Get the Recipe

    Cheesy Mexican Chicken and Rice

    Cheesy Mexican Chicken and Rice.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    Cheesy Mexican Chicken and Rice is a flavorful dish that brings together spices, juicy chicken, and melted cheese, making it a hit at any gathering. This casserole is packed with deliciousness and is sure to please everyone at the table. It's a great option for family meals or potlucks, offering a taste of Mexico that everyone will enjoy.

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    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.

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    Falafel Bake

    Falafel bake on a baking dish.
    Photo Credit: Happy Veggie Kitchen.

    This dish is easy to prepare and really delicious. It combines premade falafel, beans, tomatoes, and kale, all topped with cheese, creating a cozy vegetarian casserole. It's a great option for potlucks and will definitely be a hit with everyone.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Baked Ziti

    CREAMY BAKED ZITI.
    Photo credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    This dish combines soft noodles, a creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese for a comforting meal. It's simple to prepare and perfect for families, bringing a taste of Italy right to your dinner table. Everyone will appreciate this hearty casserole, making it a great choice for gatherings or potlucks.

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    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking Taco Casserole.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This casserole brings all the delicious flavors of tacos into one easy dish. It's packed with ground beef, salsa, and plenty of cheese, making it a satisfying meal. Perfect for potlucks or a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.

    Get the recipe

    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

    Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Casserole

    Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Casserole.
    Photo credit: Three Olives Branch.

    Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a simple and tasty pasta bake that brings together all the flavors of the classic dish. It features pasta mixed with a creamy cheese sauce, along with ham and chicken, all topped off with a crispy breadcrumb layer. This dish is perfect for gatherings and is sure to please a crowd.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Rolls

    Buffalo chicken lasagna rolls.
    Photo credit: Tia Clara.

    Buffalo chicken lasagna rolls is exactly what it sounds like: Chicken mixed with buffalo sauce and rolled up into lasagna noodles and cheese. Serve these shredded chicken lasagna roll ups with a side of refreshing vegetables for a filling healthy meal.

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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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    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.

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    Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna

    Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This simple crock pot lasagna is a great meal you can prepare ahead of time. It only takes a few minutes to put together using basic ingredients, including uncooked lasagna noodles. After that, the crock pot takes care of the cooking, making it an easy option for dinner.

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    Old Fashioned Chicken & Rice Casserole

    Chicken baked on top of rice.
    Photo credit: Food Folks and Fun.

    Chicken and Rice Casserole is a classic dish that everyone loves. The chicken and rice are well-seasoned, and the rice turns out just right. This is a simple and satisfying dinner option that requires minimal effort.

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    Slow Cooker Creamed Corn

    Slow Cooker Creamed Corn.
    Photo Credit: Our Love Language is Food.

    Crockpot Creamed Corn is a fantastic dish that's perfect for any holiday gathering. With just seven easy ingredients and a quick five minutes of prep time, it offers great flavor without taking up space on the stove or in the oven. This dish turns regular corn into a creamy delight that everyone will enjoy, making it a great side for Thanksgiving or a special weeknight dinner.

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    Sweet Potato Pudding with Meringue Topping

    Sweet Potato Pudding with Meringue Topping.
    Photo Credit: FoodnService.

    Sweet Potato Pudding is a delightful dessert that features soft baked sweet potatoes blended into a creamy pudding base. Topped with a light meringue and finished with chopped walnuts and a sprinkle of cocoa powder, this dish is a great choice for Fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, or any family get-together. It's a comforting treat that everyone will enjoy.

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    Enchilada Bake

    Enchilada bake.
    Photo credit: Dizzy Busy and Hungry.

    Enchilada Bake is simple to make with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and freezer. It's delicious enough that your family will want it again and again. Plus, you won't even need to use your oven; just let your slow cooker do all the work.

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    Angel Hair Coleslaw with Pineapple

    Angel Hair Coleslaw with Pineapple.
    Photo Credit: One Carefree Cook.

    This angel hair coleslaw with pineapple offers a refreshing and slightly sweet take on a classic dish. It's perfect for sunny days and backyard barbecues, bringing a taste of the tropics to your table. With its light and crunchy texture, this coleslaw is a great addition to any potluck or gathering.

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    Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

    Chicken Pot Pie Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This chicken pot pie casserole is packed with all the comforting flavors you love, and it comes together in under an hour using just one pan. It's a simple and satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is both easy to make and delicious.

    Get the recipe

    Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

    Southern Baked Mac and Cheese.
    Photo Credit: Chenee Today.

    Creamy southern baked mac and cheese is a favorite for gatherings and family meals. This dish is all about comfort, perfect for Sunday dinners or special occasions. With a little twist in the recipe, it stands out as a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.

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    Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad

    Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad.
    Photo Credit: Big Delicious Life.

    Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad is a delightful dessert salad packed with fresh tropical fruits. It's a great choice for summer gatherings and potlucks. This dish combines the creamy goodness of cheesecake with the sweetness of fruit, making it a hit at any event.

    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.

    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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