The potluck dinner has to be one of the most fun, laid-back ways to enjoy an array of fantastic food with friends. With everyone bringing their favourite dishes, or keeping to a theme of your choosing, it’s a great way to help everyone feel involved, take some stress off the host and give people the chance to try new flavours. So we’ve come up with a selection of brilliant potluck ideas.
First things first: what exactly is a potluck party? Well, it’s a feast where the host asks their guests to each bring a dish with them. It could be a starter, main or dessert; a big pot of something comforting, or a board of lots of little picky bits and pieces. Anything goes! It’s such a great way to get people together, where the emphasis is really on fun. As long as everyone is catered for – and allergies made clear! – you’ll end up enjoying lots of delicious variety. What’s not to love?!
To help you get started, here are a few top tips:
- To make it as stress-free as possible, choose a dish that’s quick and easy to make, and that’s easy to transport. Check out our favourite ideas below.
- To avoid the awkwardness of turning up at a potluck party with the same dish as someone else (heaven forbid!), check in with the other guests to find out what they’re making. You could also try to coordinate, so if your friend is making a chilli, you could bring the rice and/or guacamole.
- Flex the size of your dish according to the size of the party. Remember, people will probably eat less of each dish if there are several to choose from
- If your dish requires specific requests for the oven, hob, or refrigerator space, make sure you check in with the host in advance. Just to make sure they have space.
- And make sure you help wash up, and leave any leftovers with the host.
Explore Jamie's food range for even more easy inspo...
The main event
Now you’re ready to get cooking! We’ve compiled a list of our favourite potluck mains that will make beautiful centrepieces and ensure your dish gets the “mmmm’s” of success!
For a dish that really packs a flavour punch, you can’t beat a fragrant curry. And this one, which uses Jamie’s Kerala curry paste as a brilliant cooking shortcut, ensures it’ll be ready in under an hour – perfect if you’ve left your potluck prep to the last minute! Starring some truly stunning fish, this dish looks as good as it tastes.
MADE USING: Jamie Oliver Aromatic Kerala Curry Paste, available in Tesco.
Potlucks can often be heavy on the carbs, so a bright and beautiful salad will go down a treat. Whip up this tasty number in just 20 minutes with the help of the Sticky Glazed Carrots from Jamie’s frozen food range. Big win!
MADE USING: Jamie Oliver Sticky Glazed Carrots, available in Sainsbury’s and The Food Warehouse.
Smoky fajitas
Fajitas are so fun to eat, they’re perfect for potlucks, and they absolutely don’t have to be a faff if you prep ahead. Make your fajita mix in advance, ready to warm up when you get there, then serve with soft flour tortillas, guacamole, soured cream and coriander for everyone to assemble their own on the day.
MAKE USING: Jamie Oliver Smoky Fajita Paste, available in Sainsbury’s.
Loaded nachos & smoky chilli
Perfect for dipping, scooping and snacking, loaded nachos will always be a potluck party favourite. Hit them up with Jamie’s epic Smoky Chipotle Chilli pouch, guacamole, fresh tomato salsa and coriander and you’ll be an instant potluck hero.
MAKE USING: Jamie Oliver Smoky Chipotle Chilli pouch, available in Sainsbury’s
Sensational sides
Have your mates got the main event covered? Then whip up some sensational sides instead. Ideal for snacking and topping up busy plates, these lovely sides are potluck perfection.
Black daal with all the trimmings
Beautifully spiced and full of flavour, daal is a really satisfying veggie dish to feed a crowd. Take it to the next level with crispy pan-fried garlic, ginger, curry leaves and red chilli for a pop of colour. Delicious served with fluffy rice, if you like.
MAKE USING: Jamie Oliver Dreamy Black Daal, available in Sainsbury’s.
Cheese & potato pie
You’ve gotta love a side of cheesy mash! And you can hack your way to superb spuds with the mash from Jamie’s frozen food range and a little Red Leicester cheese. Simply heat the mash, stir in some grated cheese, then transfer to an oiled baking dish. Grate over a little more cheese and place under a hot grill for 12 minutes, or until piping hot and crispy on top. Yum! Bring a fresh green salad for balance.
MAKE USING: Jamie Oliver's frozen Ultimate Mash, available in Sainsbury’s.
Potato salads are a top-tier option for any potluck dinner. Elevate yours with crispy spuds, a zingy pickled cucumber & radish salad, and loads of lovely fresh herbs. This is one side that’s sure to steal the show.
MADE USING: Jamie Oliver's frozen Garlic & Rosemary Potatoes, available in Sainsbury’s
Mushroom grains & asparagus
No pain, just grains! With rice, pearl barley, wheatberries, black lentils and mushrooms, Jamie’s Mighty Mushroom Grains add big flavour, fast. Add in grilled asparagus, Parmesan and a sprinkling of parsley for a next-level side.
MAKE USING: Jamie Oliver Mighty Mushroom Grains pouch, available in Sainsbury’s.
