What to Prepare for a Fall Potluck Party? Easy Recipes!

Is it just us or is fall “potluck party season” for you, too? Something in the autumn air calls for gatherings of family and friends around a well-laden table. And having each one bring a homemade dish or dessert just makes it that much more heartwarming. So if you’re planning an at-home event, like a baby shower, a harvest birthday party, a football viewing party, or a back-to-school gathering, potluck is definitely a great way to go!

Planning What to Bring

You can all surprise one another (the true meaning of “potluck”), with each one bringing a fave recipe to share. Or you can collaborate on a menu, then volunteer for which item you can cook or bake. Either way, these delectable recipes we’ve selected are sure to get you excited to host or be invited to a potluck party this fall!

Casseroles that are Easy to Make Ahead

Casseroles are a nostalgic throwback to mid-century home cooking. Plus these recipes we chose can be made ahead for stress-free prep for your fall gathering!

1. Garlic Cheddar Chicken Bake, from Pillsbury
2. Cheesy Mexican Beef Casserole, from Sargento
3. Chicken Broccoli Casserole, from Kraft Recipes
4. Hot Cheesy Smoked Sausage Casserole, from Johnsonville
5. Shrimp Mushroom Casserole, from Bumblebee

Stews that You Can Make in a Slow Cooker

Rich, hearty flavors are what autumn dishes are all about. So, recipes that you can slow cook for hours, like these stews we recommend, are just the thing!

1. Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs, from Betty Crocker
2. Crock-Pot® Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli, from Crock-Pot.com
3. Slow Cooker Crunchy Onion Chicken Rice, from McCormick
4. Slow Cooker Southwest Chicken Chili, from Knorr
5. Slow Cooker Tex Mex Breakfast Casserole, from Old El Paso

Side Dishes for Fall Potlucks

Autumn harvest produce makes the most wonderful sides and salads for a homestyle gathering. See our selection you can bring as potluck!

1. Healthy Oven-baked Sweet Potatoes, from A Side of Sweet
2. Panzanella Salad, from Tesco Real Food
3. Roasted Cauliflower Gratin, from Tori Avey
4. Green Bean Casserole Starter with Crispy Onions, from Williams-Sonoma
5. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, from Land O Lakes

No-Bake Desserts

Not a fan of baking? You can still bring delightful desserts to the party with these sweet treats inspired by fall—and no oven time required!

1. No Bake Pumpkin Pie, from Kraft Recipes
2. No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars, from If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen
3. Pumpkin Maple Cream Trifle, from Pampered Chef
4. No Bake Apple Crisp, from Draxe
5. No Bake Granola Bars, from Tasty Kitchen

SEE THIS: Consider making casseroles, soups, and desserts with black beans!

Drinks to Serve Guests

Some guests may choose to bring beverages to share, either ready-made like wine or ingredients to mix at the venue. These could be alcoholic or non-alcoholic; hot tea, coffee, or cocoa; or even dessert drinks—all featuring flavors of the season. Some examples include: tea infused with spices, pumpkin pie sangria, dessert cocktails and parfaits, apple cider whiskey sparkler, and classic wines.

All these delicious ideas for a fall potluck party would be perfect for a housewarming party or a fun Friendsgiving Potluck bash, too!