“What can I bring?” It's Potluck Party Season!
And the perfect 'Oven Baked Ribs, Mac & Cheese and Slaw' recipes that you will serve all summer...
“What can I bring?” - It’s the most-asked question as friends and family gather all summer long to make memories and have fun. There’s something special about summer entertaining — the vibes are low-key, the weather is warm, and nothing brings people together quite like a BBQ or a casual potluck party. Hosting doesn’t have to be stressful, either. In fact, some of the easiest (and most fun!) get-togethers are the ones where everyone contributes. That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate summer entertaining menu — packed with crowd-pleasing favorites you can serve at your own party or easily bring along to someone else’s. Whether you’re the grill master, the sides pro, or the dessert hero, there’s something here for everyone
Potluck Menu:
Pink Punch
Spinach Feta Dip in Bread Bowl
Perfectly Marinated Chicken Breasts
Strawberry Farro Salad
Summer Corn Salad
Watermelon Goat Cheese Salad
Berry Crumb Bars
‘Elegant yet Easy’ recipe (subscribers only): Oven Baked Ribs, Macaroni & Cheese and Slaw
Potluck Party 101:
Assign Guests a Category to Bring: To keep things organized and balanced, assign your guests a category of food to bring. Aim for a mix of appetizers, grain salads, green salads, grilled veggies, and desserts — that way, there’s something for everyone.
If You’re Hosting at Home: We recommend handling the main course yourself. Think: burgers, kebabs, grilled steak, chicken, or sausages — all great options for feeding a crowd and easy to prep on the grill.
Want to Keep Control of Most of the Menu? Ask guests to bring wine, a fruit tray for the kids, or dessert — easy-to-share options that don’t interfere with the main spread.
Set Up a DIY Drink Station: Have a drink dispenser with a batched cocktail (think sangria, spiked lemonade, or a summer spritz) and another with water — throw in citrus slices, strawberries, and mint to make it feel extra special.
Place ice buckets beside the dispensers, and set out large beverage tubs filled with wine and beer and NA drinks so guests can help themselves.
Pro Tip if You’re Bringing Food: Always bring your dish in a container that’s ready to serve and serving utensils. Your host shouldn’t have to scramble for bowls and spoons. We love this cute one from Target that comes with built-in serving utensils. I also swear by this set, which gets used on repeat all summer long.
Bring it Ready to Serve: Please, please don’t ask to finish your dish in the host’s oven or kitchen. The best potluck contributions are the ones that show up good to go!
Make sure to label your dish so guests know exactly what they’re serving themselves. It’s especially helpful at a potluck where dishes can range from mystery dips to famous family recipes! Be sure to note any allergens — things like nuts, dairy, gluten, or shellfish. You can use mini chalkboard signs for a reusable and cute option, or go with place card holders — we love these clam shell ones for a coastal summer vibe.
Utensil holders also double as condiment and bottle holders, and can also be filled with gifts for a hostess - flowers, a bottle of wine and some snacks in this would be perfect!
Potluck Party Essentials:
For Subscribers Only:
Potluck Shopping List & Prep Timeline
NEW ‘Elegant yet Easy’ Recipe- Oven Baked Ribs, Macaroni & Cheese and Slaw
Ribs always feel like such a special meal because you just can’t have them but so often- they take a long time to prepare, so when you do have them it’s something to celebrate. Now I have had some of the best smoked ribs, but not all of us have or know how to use a smoker. These oven baked ribs are not going to be the same, but man are they delicious. And very easy to make! I could go on and on about these ribs, but what we need to start talking about is this macaroni and cheese. There’s a little country store in Vermont that makes the best macaroni and cheese I’ve ever had. It’s very simple, cooked in large cast-iron pans with lots of crunchy craggy edges. This is my version of that Mac and cheese. We have rounded out our plate with our super simple to put together slaw and you basically have the perfect summer dinner. This is a meal you will make for years to come. Your children request this on their birthday. You will make it for friends when they come over for potluck or barbecues. These recipes are for your forever files!