Don't Expect An Invitation For Next Time
Potlucks are only fun whenever everyone puts in the effort to contribute something enjoyable. You don't need to bring the most elaborate, expensive, or fancy dish to meet the requirements, but at least aim for something on theme, thoughtful, or homemade. If you show up with any one of these 20 potluck dishes, don't be surprised if you get passed on for the next one.
1. A Plain Bag of Potato Chips
Sure, showing up to a party or gathering with a bag of chips counts as bringing something, but compared to everyone else, you're definitely going to come across as lazy. It's especially disappointing when everyone else has brought homemade goodies that, regardless of how they taste, show they at least tried and put in effort.
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2. Frozen Pizza
Everyone loves pizza, but seeing a frozen one next to a wide array of homemade dishes just seems lackluster and unappealing. The frozen stuff never tastes as good as ones that are at least bought from a chain or made fresh from the oven, and people are definitely going to notice.
3. Raisin Potato Salad
Potato salad can already be a hit or miss dish for many who don't enjoy overly creamy foods or ones covered in mayo, but toss in raisins and you'll have the entire room divided. Some might love that chewy sweetness, while some might be utterly appalled by the combination. Don't get your hopes up for winning dish of the night.
4. Canned Spaghetti
You won't be able to get away with passing canned spaghetti as your own making unfortunately; these canned varieties have a distinctly artificial flavor that's impossible to miss, and honestly, the noodles are often overcooked and soggy to begin with. People will definitely judge you if you bring something like this to a party.
5. Tortilla Chips and Jarred Salsa
Chips and salsa is a reliable snack that most of the crowd will likely enjoy, but the problem is that it requires hardly any effort. You can buy them straight from the store, which will taste fine, but will look lazy and rushed to other people. Everyone will eat it, but they're not necessarily going to thank you for it.
6. Rotisserie Chicken
Rotisserie chicken might be the star of the show for busy weeknights or meal prep, but when it comes to a potluck, they can feel a little bit awkward. If you literally bring one whole, not only does it look like you just came from the grocery store, but now guests are expected to pull it apart themselves, which is not the hassle-free experience potluck dishes should come with.
7. A Store-Bought Vegetable Tray
Practical? Yes. Predictable and boring? Also yes. Guests might grab a few veggie sticks, but if they see more elaborate or homemade sides up for grabs, we wouldn't blame them for walking right past it. It's a safe choice, but it's never going to be the highlight, and people definitely will note down the kind of potluck guest you are.
8. Fruit Salad
Fruit salad is always refreshing, but it's also one of the easiest dishes to ignore when there are other more decadent and indulgent desserts on the table. Not to mention, if you accidentally use any unripe or sour fruits, you best believe there'll still be a large portion of your dish remaining at the end.
9. Plain Boiled Eggs
Unless guests are looking specifically to up their protein intake, a container filled with plain boiled eggs just isn't going to be touched. At least put in the effort to make them deviled or have them seasoned! Because without any care for flavor or presentation, people will definitely judge you for your low-effort contribution.
10. Packaged Dinner Rolls
The problem with bringing packaged dinner rolls isn't just that they're a quick and thoughtless grab at the grocery store, but if there are barbecue items, soups, or saucy casseroles on the table from other guests, you're just piggying off their contributions.
11. Cold Baked Beans from a Can
Baked beans are a familiar potluck side, but that doesn't mean you get a pass to be lazy about it. Cracking open a can and simply bringing the beans inside will get you noted down for being a poor potluck guest who doesn't show any effort. Adding seasoning, meat, or a homemade sauce would at least make them feel more appropriate for the occasion.
12. Brownies from a Box Mix
Brownies are a popular potluck dessert, especially among chocolate lovers, but don't think you can be sneaky about using a box mix. They tend to have a very noticeable "boxed mix" taste that everyone knows, so lying and saying that it's your own creation will definitely get you a side eye or two.
13. Cocktail Sausages
Cocktail sausages are realistic potluck food, but they’ve appeared at so many gatherings that they can feel boring and lackluster, especially because no cooking is involved. Their sweet sauce and processed flavor don’t appeal to everyone, and though some may get eaten, it's not likely anyone will consider them the best item on the table.
14. Plain Pasta Salad
Cold pasta mixed with bottled Italian dressing is one of the most predictable potluck sides. It’s affordable and simple, yet when you bring it just as is, often lacks vegetables, cheese, or seasoning to make it interesting. It's just kind of there on the table.
15. Frozen Meatballs
Frozen meatballs are definitely easy to prepare, but they lose points for lack of originality and effort being put in. And if you go as far as to bring it just as is without any sauce or add-ons, you'll lose points with the crowd too.
16. Microwave Popcorn
Listen, you should know the difference between a movie night and a potluck party. Microwave popcorn bags don't count as a proper shared dish, even if it's a snack. It's inexpensive, will turn stale sitting on the table, and realistically, no one wants to put popcorn on their plate.
17. Ambrosia Salad
A dish straight from the past, ambrosia salad combines canned fruit, marshmallows, coconut, and creamy dressing. It's an outdated potluck dish that awkwardly sits in between being a side dish and a dessert. Let's just say for today's modern crowd, it's going to leave them too baffled to want to try it.
18. Grocery Store Coleslaw
A large tub of grocery store coleslaw is a common last-minute potluck choice that's convenient, but often comes with watery dressing and a plain flavor that hardly attracts much positive attention. Guests might take a small spoonful, but just out of politeness.
19. Generic Packaged Cookies
Packaged cookies might be great when you're at home looking for a quick sweet snack, but at an event where people are bringing homemade dishes and desserts, it's just not going to cut it. They're underwhelming, show no effort, and will likely get passed on compared to all the other offerings.
20. A Bag of Ice
Sure, ice can be helpful, especially at an outdoor gathering in the summer time, but it isn’t a dish and you shouldn't treat it like it is one. Unless the host specifically asked you to bring it, showing up with nothing else just looks like you misunderstood the assignment.
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