14 Cozy Potluck Dishes Friends Will Appreciate in October

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Baked Mac and Cheese

Baked mac and cheese is a timeless dish that is sure to please any crowd. With its creamy sauce and perfectly baked top, it brings warmth and comfort to any potluck. You can prepare this dish ahead of time and bake it right before serving, making it a practical choice for busy hosts. The combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella gives it a rich, cheesy flavor that everyone loves.

For a simple recipe, cook 8 oz of elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. In a separate pot, melt 2 tbsp butter and whisk in 2 tbsp of flour until smooth. Slowly add in 2 cups of milk, stirring until the sauce thickens. Add in 2 cups of shredded cheddar and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until melted. Pour the cooked pasta into a baking dish, cover with cheese sauce, and top with breadcrumbs. Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole is the perfect combination of savory and sweet. It features tender mashed sweet potatoes topped with a crumbly, buttery pecan topping. The dish is both comforting and flavorful, with a balance of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s a great way to add a bit of sweetness to a savory spread at a potluck.

To make this casserole, peel and mash 4 medium sweet potatoes. Mix in ½ cup of brown sugar, 1 tsp of vanilla, 1 tsp of cinnamon, and 1/2 cup of melted butter. Spread the mixture into a baking dish and top with a mixture of 1 cup of chopped pecans, ¼ cup of flour, ¼ cup of brown sugar, and 2 tbsp of butter. Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crunchy.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Roasted Brussels sprouts with a balsamic glaze make a simple but flavorful side dish. The crispy edges of the Brussels sprouts pair perfectly with the tangy sweetness of the balsamic reduction. This dish is easy to prepare and can be served alongside any main course at a potluck. It’s a great way to add some green to the table while keeping the flavors seasonal.

For this dish, cut 2 cups of Brussels sprouts in half and toss with 2 tbsp of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast them in the oven at 400°F for 20–25 minutes until they are crispy and browned. While the Brussels sprouts roast, reduce ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat until it thickens. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the roasted sprouts and serve hot.

Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a fall potluck. The flaky crust, creamy filling, and tender chicken come together in a warm and satisfying dish. It’s a complete meal in one, making it an ideal choice for a hearty potluck contribution. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and herbs.

To make a simple chicken pot pie, start by cooking 2 chicken breasts and chopping them into bite-sized pieces. In a large skillet, sauté 1 chopped onion, 1 cup of carrots, and 1 cup of peas in 2 tbsp butter. Add in 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 cup of milk, and 1 tsp of thyme, and cook until the mixture thickens. Roll out 1 sheet of puff pastry, line a pie dish with it, and fill with the chicken mixture. Top with another sheet of pastry and bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown.

Apple Crisp

Apple crisp is a delicious dessert that celebrates the flavors of fall. The tender apples, cinnamon, and buttery crumble topping create a mouth-watering combination. It’s simple to make and can easily be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. This dessert is a great way to use up the season’s apples and share something sweet at a potluck.

To make apple crisp, peel and slice 6 medium apples and place them in a baking dish. In a separate bowl, mix ½ cup of oats, ½ cup of flour, ½ cup of brown sugar, and 1/3 cup of melted butter. Sprinkle the topping over the apples and bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes, until the apples are tender and the topping is golden and crispy.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are a savory appetizer that will be devoured in no time. The mushroom caps are filled with a flavorful mixture of breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs, then baked to perfection. They are small, bite-sized, and easy to eat, making them the perfect finger food for a potluck. Plus, they look impressive on the table.

To make stuffed mushrooms, remove the stems from 20 large mushrooms and set the caps aside. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs, ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp of melted butter, and 1 clove of minced garlic. Stuff the mushroom caps with the mixture and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, until golden brown and crispy on top.

Beef Stew

Beef stew is a hearty, warming dish that is perfect for an October potluck. The tender chunks of beef, along with root vegetables and savory broth, create a comforting meal that will fill you up. It’s a great one-pot dish that can be cooked ahead of time and kept warm in a slow cooker for easy serving. The rich flavors are even better the next day, making it a fantastic make-ahead option.

For a simple beef stew, start by browning 2 lbs of beef stew meat in a large pot. Add 4 chopped carrots, 2 chopped potatoes, 1 chopped onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Pour in 4 cups of beef broth, 1 tsp of thyme, and 1 bay leaf, and let everything simmer for 1–2 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Beef and Bean Chili

Beef and bean chili is a hearty, satisfying dish that is perfect for a fall potluck. With its spicy, savory flavor and chunky texture, it’s a filling meal that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. This dish is easily customizable depending on your preferred level of heat and choice of beans. It’s simple to prepare and works well in large batches for big gatherings.

To make beef and bean chili, brown 1 lb of ground beef in a large pot. Add 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp of chili powder, and 1 tsp of cumin, cooking until fragrant. Stir in 2 cans of diced tomatoes, 1 can of kidney beans, 1 can of black beans, and 1 cup of beef broth. Let it simmer for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Top with sour cream and shredded cheese before serving.

Meatball Sub Casserole

Meatball sub casserole brings all the flavors of a meatball sub into one easy, baked dish. The combination of tender meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and melted cheese on top of toasted bread creates the perfect comfort food. It’s a filling dish that is both hearty and satisfying. This casserole is a great option for feeding a crowd at your next potluck.

To prepare, layer 2 cups of cubed bread in the bottom of a baking dish. Top with 12 cooked meatballs, 2 cups of marinara sauce, and 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with cheese on top. Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Pulled pork sandwiches are a savory and tender option that is perfect for a casual potluck. The slow-cooked pork is flavorful and juicy, and when paired with a tangy barbecue sauce, it becomes a crowd favorite. Serve it on soft buns with a side of coleslaw for a complete meal. This dish is easy to make and will definitely be a hit at your gathering.

For the pulled pork, slow-cook a 3–4 lb pork shoulder with 1 cup of barbecue sauce, 1 chopped onion, and 1 tsp of smoked paprika for 8 hours on low. Once the pork is tender, shred it with two forks and mix it with the sauce. Serve the pulled pork on soft buns with a scoop of coleslaw for added crunch.

Roasted Root Vegetables

Roasted root vegetables are a simple, healthy, and delicious side dish. The natural sweetness of carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors of rosemary and garlic. This dish is easy to make and perfect for fall gatherings. The roasted vegetables become caramelized and crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.

To make roasted root vegetables, peel and chop 3 carrots, 2 parsnips, and 2 sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with 2 tbsp of olive oil, 1 tbsp of fresh rosemary, salt, and pepper. Spread the vegetables evenly on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and tender.

Beef Stroganoff

Beef stroganoff is a rich and creamy dish that features tender pieces of beef in a savory sauce. It’s comforting, filling, and perfect for chilly October evenings. The dish pairs wonderfully with egg noodles or mashed potatoes, making it a satisfying addition to any potluck spread. Its creamy texture and hearty flavor will leave everyone coming back for more.

To make beef stroganoff, cook 1 lb of beef strips in a skillet until browned. Remove the beef and sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves in the same pan. Add 1 cup of beef broth, 1 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 cup of sour cream, stirring until smooth. Return the beef to the skillet and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve over egg noodles or mashed potatoes.

Chicken Alfredo Bake

Chicken Alfredo bake is a creamy and cheesy casserole that’s sure to be a hit. The tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and melted cheese come together in this comforting dish. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for a busy potluck. This casserole is filling, flavorful, and bound to satisfy any crowd.

For this recipe, cook 2 cups of penne pasta according to the package instructions. In a separate pan, cook 2 chicken breasts and slice them into strips. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, chicken, 2 cups of Alfredo sauce, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Pour into a baking dish and top with an additional ½ cup of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

Sausage and Peppers

Sausage and peppers is a savory and simple dish that’s full of flavor. The sausages are cooked until browned and served with sautéed bell peppers and onions for a classic, comforting meal. This dish is easy to prepare and can be served in a variety of ways—on rolls, over rice, or as a side to other dishes. It’s a great addition to a fall potluck spread.

To make sausage and peppers, cook 1 lb of Italian sausage links in a large skillet until browned. Remove the sausages and sauté 2 chopped bell peppers and 1 chopped onion in the same skillet until softened. Slice the sausages and return them to the pan. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.