45 BEST Potluck Appetizers—From Fit To Fattening!

Are you looking for potluck appetizers to round out your next picnic, party, or family gathering? Look no further! Here are 45 great appetizing recipes for you!

Potlucks are an excellent time to share a meal with the people whose company you love. 

It’s also a marvelous opportunity to impart your well-loved recipes of home-cooked meals. 

There are a ton of exciting foods you can bring to these gatherings. 

Families will enjoy treats like Mini Fried Chicken & Waffles, Totchos, and Popcorn Chicken. 

You can easily make double or triple batches of the recipes you find here according to the number of people in your group.

Sandwiches are beloved at potluck brunches. 

Try Mini BLT Sandwiches, or when you’re feeling fancy, treat those food lovers to Cheesy Pesto Pasta Bread and Cherry Tomato Crostini. 

Vegetarians and vegans will jump at the sight of our veggie hors d’oeuvres, too!

Go for something like Artichoke Dip Bites, Eggplant Parmesan Fries, and Nutty Stuffed Mushrooms. 

We have meaty morsels for a group who gets thrilled over meat starters, too!

How about some Dried Beef Roll-Ups and some mouthwatering Dill Pickle Beef Skewers?

Enjoy making these spreads of light carbs, seafood, vegetable, meat, and fruity foods to savor first at your upcoming potluck party!

1. Crispy Baked Jalapeño Poppers

These pop-in-your-mouth starters are a surprising fusion of tastes and textures. 

The crispy toppings and gooey cheesy fillings level up this favorite Mexican ingredient. 

Plate them in a circle and add your dressing of choice in the middle.

Buttermilk ranch, sour cream, or Greek yogurt are the dips to match.

2. Mexican Pinwheels

These colorful, delicious pinwheels take the classic tortilla into bite-size goodies. 

It’s also brilliant to use leftover rotisserie chicken for the fillers.

3. Tater Tot Nachos “Totchos”

Take your most-liked nacho toppings and spread them generously over crispy tater tots, and you’re ready for a party!

Grab a fork to savor this 2-in-1 delicacy while basking in compliments from your guests.

4. Pita Chips

The thought and care of making these triangular-shaped chips are simply admirable. 

You can bake, fry, or air fry the pieces for better-than-store-bought goodness. 

It’s a highly versatile recipe when it comes to adding flavor, like using a variety of herbs.

5. Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

You won’t go wrong with a micro version of the most popular sandwich in the United States.

These meatless baguettes taste as good–if not better–than it looks!

Receive compliments for the perfectly grilled crust and the refreshing and heartwarming filling.

6. BLT Mini (Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato) Sandwiches

Tagged as the “nation’s favorite” in the UK, these miniature BLTs will undoubtedly please a crowd. 

Crisp bacon on crusty crostini—so good!

It takes only 2-3 bites to finish one, so you’ll be happy to make a massive batch of this for everyone.

7. Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread

These stuffed bites make making an enormous batch worth it!

Even kids and picky eaters will adore this.

You can also add some little pepperoni pieces too.

8. Cheesy Pesto Pasta Bread

You can’t get your hands off this sourdough loaf once it’s turned into this delightful appetizer!

Be ready with a few loaves for serving more than a few families. 

The light seasoning and the fillings on these cheeseball bites will prepare those appetites for a delicious feast.

9. Cherry Tomato Crostini

Make an impact with the bold colors and oh-so-delicious taste of these crostinis.

These have no meat, making these a light starter for a potluck dinner. 

BBQ smoking chips add an element of surprise. 

Try even more delicious options from our list of Breakfast Potluck Ideas.

10. Italian Meatball Crescent Buns

You can make these cheesy meatball stuffed buns when you’re in a pinch but don’t want to bring anything store-bought to the bring-your-own-food gathering.

It’s a delightful treat with kids and adults reaching for seconds and thirds.

11. Mini Fried Chicken & Waffles

Whip up a fun-sized version of this soul food that’s well-loved by all ages. 

Kids are especially into this treat that reminds them of family brunches at Roscoe’s. 

Remember to bring maple honey butter for everyone to drizzle on top of these bite-sized pieces.

12. Two Way Wings

For potlucks on game days, like when you agreed to watch the Super Bowl with a hoard of friends, you’ll want to serve them chicken wing appetizers. 

Fan-favorite Buffalo wings and honey garlic are sure to please.

13. Popcorn Chicken

When hosting a potluck with children and teens, you’ll want to serve finger-licking bites.

Have fun plating these crispy chicken balls inside popcorn bags or small tin pails for fun.

14. Restaurant Style Chicken Lollipop

Want to recreate this party fave with an Indian twist?

Add some chaat masala and a green chutney dip!

The chicken itself has some spices like Kashmiri chili for a kick.

15. Deviled Eggs

These nostalgic finger foods are excellent for large gatherings and are rather inexpensive to make. 

It’s a classic that you can spice up with some herbs, relish, or bits of smoked salmon, bacon, and crumbled cheese.

More deviled eggs inspirations? Check out our Bacon Deviled Eggs and Avocado Deviled Eggs recipe!

16.  “Donkey Balls”

The funny name and heavenly filling make up for the rather plain look of these balls. 

The sausage and cream cheese inside will have guests reaching for more to pop into their mouths.

17. Manchego Cheese, Ham & Olive Bites

A few well-thought ingredients and a simple assembly process make this recipe beloved by sensible food enthusiasts. 

Its presentation makes it a top choice for holiday potlucks and fancy get-togethers. 

Here are our ideas for what to serve with a cheeseboard!

18. Dill Pickle Beef Skewers

It’s sweet and crunchy at the same time. 

Try this Modern Australian take on skewers that delight the taste buds.

19. Dried Beef Roll-Ups

Football fans want to dig into a bowl of these beef morsels. 

A few haven’t tasted this excellent pick yet, but once you serve these, your friends will ask for it at your next event.

20. Mini Cranberry-Pecan Cheeseball Bites

Small treats make a superb start to giant parties. 

These are super presentable and exquisitely tasty.

It has exquisite elements, too, like goat cheese and pecans. 

Want to add puff pastry to a cranberry-brie pop of flavor? Yeah, you do.

21.  Antipasto Skewers

Here’s a festive fare for your next outing!

I can’t get enough snacks on a stick, honestly.

Look at the flavor-packed onto these!

It’s an easily adaptable appetizer with a selection of vegetables, cheeses, and salami.

22. Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato

It’s an unexpected pairing with the perfect balance of texture and flavors. 

Soft and sweet on the inside, crispy and savory on the outside. 

You can enjoy it lightly seasoned or spiced with cayenne pepper.

23. Homemade Pork & Vegetable Egg Rolls

Featuring Chinese roast pork balanced by vegetables–all rolled up in one convenient appetizer. 

Add flavor with some soy sauce and oyster sauce, fry or bake, and serve with sweet and sour sauce–all elements showcasing this Asian cuisine.

24. Shrimp Toast Puffs With Two Sauces

These are melt-in-your-mouth puff pastries filled with shrimp and bacon. 

Bring along equally enjoyable soy garlic and sweet chili sauce to serve as a dip for the puffs.

25. Coconut Shrimp

These finger foods make an alluring appetizer. 

The tropical flavor of the coconut with Panko breadcrumbs is what you need to add excitement to these seafood goodies

26. Mini Pull-Apart Lobster Rolls

Here’s a classy approach to sweet bread rolls. 

The filling is a creamy seafood base with herbs and spices. 

It makes a sophisticated addition to a spread of chips and other appetizers.

27. Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Cucumber Bites

These elegant hors d’oeuvres are all about the flavor. 

Relish in the smoky taste from the fish, the tangy fresh dill, and the intense spice of the horseradish.

28. Lemon Garlic Tuna Cakes

These tasty flat fritters turn canned fish into a mouthwatering delicacy!

It’s great to make in bulk and a match with tartar sauce. 

Appetizers like these are good for lunches and dinners, too. 

It works well with other veggies, carbs, and dips other guests are bringing to the table, too!

29. Sushi Gefilte Fish

A favorite at occasions like Shabat, you can also take these to potlucks and delight pescatarians. 

There’s not much fuss with the ingredients, keeping it as simple as wrapping the fish in nori seaweed and coming prepared with wasabi for the dip.

30. Oyster Cheese Appetizer Log

Fancy a can of smoked oysters? 

Craft this exquisite canned seafood into a large appetizer log for all to share. 

The balance of flavors will earn you praises from your friends and family.

31. Tortellini & Shrimp Skewers With Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

It’s shrimp pasta on a stick!

The sun-dried tomatoes with basil, milk, and cream cheese make a dip for these creative skewers.

32. Spring Vegetable Pizza Appetizer

Serve some meatless pizza at your next potluck night.

Seasonal vegetables upgraded with Neufchâtel cheese and dill weed make this a captivating starter.

33. Artichoke Dip Bites

Trading recipes at your next gathering?

These warm, creamy bite-sized artichoke hearts will surely be one worth sharing!

You and guests will be having mouthful after mouthful of these yummy bites, it’s surprising there’s veggie in there!

34. Garlic Butter Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus

Thinly sliced ham envelopes these buttered spears that would make nearly any guest love asparagus. 

The vegetables gleam with the coating of garlic butter that adds flavor to these finger foods.

35. German Sauerkraut Potato Balls

Combine two German favorites (potato dumplings and sauerkraut), and what do you have?

A batch of potluck goodies that is sure to please a crowd!

The traditional flavors will feel like home for your European friends. 

It’s also a good idea if you want to introduce new cuisine to your family.

36. Togarashi Fries

Now for your Asian cuisine-loving friends, you’ll want to surprise them with these Japanese-style finger foods. 

It uses a unique spice blend paired with a spicy dipping sauce, which packs interesting, unique flavors.

37. Crispy Baked Eggplant Parmesan Fries

Potatoes aren’t the only vegetables that make excellent fries–eggplants are versatile, too!

These treats will take you from casual snacking to potlucks. 

Enjoy!

38. Zucchini Fritters

For a low-carb yet satisfying appetizer, try the summer squash.

These zoodles-turned-fritters taste garlicky and cheesy–a great starter to a feast. 

Don’t forget to make the special sauce to match–an excellent creamy garlic chive yogurt base.

Our baked version of Zucchini Fritters is topnotch, too!

39. Crispy Potato Latkes

These potato pancakes are a favorite during Hanukkah, but you’re welcome to make them anytime. 

The fun swirly finger foods are a delight to have at potlucks!

You can whip up batches of latkes in minutes and have fun while frying them, too!

40. Nutty Stuffed Mushrooms

Walnuts with a crunchy center will win hearts at your upcoming outing. 

Guests will be in awe at your clever use of mushroom caps, and best of all, you can make them a day ahead of your event. 

Tip for serving: these succulent bites pair well with sweet or dry wine like crisp rosé.

41. Stuffed Baby Peppers With Beef Rice

Sweet Hungarian or Mini Peppers stuffed with meaty goodness is a wholesome appetizer. 

Creamy tomato sauce or sour cream on top makes these tastes even more satisfying. 

Even kids will approve of eating these appetizers–a great way to get them to eat vegetables at a party, too!

42. Olive Cheeseball

These gluten-free balls are great for every occasion. 

It boasts festive colors and unique tastes that pair wonderfully with Crunchmaster crackers. 

Just when you think it’s a typical cheesy, melty mouthful, you’ll find it surprising to have a kick of spice from the red pepper flakes.

Here’s the CookingChew.com Cheese Ball With Bacon Recipe too!

43. Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites

These sweet party treats make a fun addition to any group gathering. 

It’s a heartwarming goodie that will go well with many of those dips they bring to potlucks like hummus and spicy mustard.

Fellow guests will appreciate your thoughtfulness in choosing these pretzel bites that complement the potluck spread.

44. Cheese Tartlets

Startle those sweet tooths with an appetizer that packs a ton of surprises. 

The fusion of flavors complements the aesthetics of this canape.

The tart’s crusty and cheesy texture makes all the effort to make this treat worth it!

45. Watermelon Caprese Skewers

These skewers are anything but boring with the juicy summer fruit, prosciutto, mozzarella, and basil. 

Guests will adore this unique offering to the assembly. 

It’s refreshing, and the flavors come together with a bit of help from the balsamic glaze.

The bottom line

When you have a large party ahead and an entire crowd to please, you need not fret about what to feed them. 

There’s a recipe here for you whether you’re a meat lover, seafood enthusiast, vegetarian, or carb fan. 

Every mouthful is satisfying and will have your guests coming back for more. 

Select the flavor you want to bring to the table–sweet, smoky, tangy, or umami.

It won’t be long before you gather a crowd digging into your finger foods and new favorite potluck appetizers! 

They might even be asking you for your recipe or have you bring them again to the next potluck gathering. 

Want even more potluck ideas? Get you some.