Simple and Inexpensive Potluck Ideas

Are you trying to decide what to bring to the next company potluck or party? Get simple potluck ideas that won't cost you a lot of money. The following potluck dishes can be prepared in around 30 minutes and most of these dishes cost less than $10 to make.

Appetizers
Deviled eggs are simple to make and are quite tasty. First, hard boil the desired amount of eggs and cut them in half to remove the yolk. Place the yolk in a bowl and mash the yolk with a fork or other kitchen utensil. Add mayonnaise, dry mustard powder, finely diced onion (optional), salt and pepper. Stuff the yolk mixture into the egg halves and sprinkle paprika on top of the eggs for additional flavor and color. The eggs can be served on a colorful platter and covered with plastic wrap until the party.

Tortilla triangles are another easy appetizer idea for potlucks. Spread one tablespoon of cream cheese spread on one half of a small flour tortilla and spread the other half of the tortilla with refried beans. Drizzle with thick and chunky salsa and fold each tortilla into quarters to make a triangle. Tortilla triangles can be served warm or cold and can also be topped with guacamole, if desired.

Side Dishes
Caesar salad is an excellent potluck idea, as well as inexpensive and simple to prepare. Chop some romaine lettuce and toss with seasoned croutons and parmesan cheese. To prevent the salad from getting soggy, wait to mix in the salad dressing until time of serving. Once you are ready to serve the salad, add creamy ceasar dressing and mix the salad lightly.

Another potluck dish that is relatively quick and easy to make is pasta salad. The most important ingredient is the pasta. You can choose elbow macaroni, rotini or shells. Tri-color pasta will make the dish more colorful. To make this simple and inexpensive dish, you will need a package of pasta, Italian salad dressing, a package of frozen broccoli, a can of peas, a container of cherry tomatoes and small black olives (optional). Cook the pasta and broccoli according to the package directions. Drain the pasta (do not rinse) and pour it into a large bowl. Next, pour the broccoli, peas and cherry tomatoes into the bowl. You may want to cut the cherry tomatoes in half first, especially if they are large. Pour the dressing over the pasta and mix well. If you prepare this dish the night before the potluck party, you may want to drizzle a small amount of dressing on the pasta salad before serving. The pasta tends to soak up the dressing as it sits overnight and may become a little dry.

Main Course
This main course dish is perfect for potlucks and can be reheated in a microwave before it is served. In a large skillet, brown one to two pounds of ground beef. Add a large can of diced tomatoes (including the juice). Add 1 box of dry elbow macaroni and 1/2 teaspoon of salt and any other desired seasonings. Add just enough water to cover the pasta completely and stir well. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more water if the mixture gets too dry. Pour the mixture into a large bowl or dish and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

Desserts
For a super-simple potluck dessert, purchase one box of jello (any flavor) and one can of fruit cocktail. Prepare the jello according to the directions on the package and let it set for approximately 30 minutes in the fridge. Drain the fruit cocktail and pour it into the jello. Return the jello to the fridge and allow it to fully set. Top the jello with cool whip or whipped cream before serving, if desired.

Another quick potluck dessert idea is chocolate pudding pie. Simply prepare one package of instant chocolate pudding mix according to the directions on the package. Next, pour the pie mix into an oreo or graham cracker crust. Spread whipped topping on top of the pudding and refrigerate for several hours. Garnish the pie with chocolate chips, shaved chocolate or chopped walnuts (optional).

These simple and inexpensive potluck ideas are sure to be a hit with any crowd. Add your own variations to any of these recipes in order to modify the flavor or to create a healthier alternative.