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10 Commandments for a Successful Potluck

In collaboration with
Philadepha

Potlucks are still pretty popular nowadays. You get to share the work and the cost with your guests, as well as taste a wide variety of recipes. In collaboration with Philadelphia, we can help you make this event a veritable success with a few easy recipe suggestions, such as dishes that are easy to transport and can be placed directly on the table or reheated on site. After an evening such as this, you’ll be fully satiated!

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1. Opt for simple bites

During a potluck, small bites are ideal because they can be eaten without cutlery in a very informal and casual way. Like these jalapeño poppers, hot peppers stuffed with cheese and then formed into triangular bites with phyllo dough. These savoury pastries are easy to make and loaded with flavour, and don’t require a carefully meticulous finish.

2. Think meatballs

Meatballs are a holiday staple. They’re particularly perfect for meals where everyone has to throw in their own two cents. Whether made with veal or pork, it's convenient that they can be prepared in advance, pre-cooked and frozen. All that’s left is to warm them in the oven and serve!

3. Don’t forget the buns

They’re easy to make and will be thoroughly enjoyed come mealtime. Dinner rolls are great to fill those hunger gaps while patiently waiting for the next course, or to pair with a soup. You can make a version with creamy cheese, which adds tenderness to the crumb, or even milk for a more airy version.

4. Provide a cozy environment

For the perfect potluck, don’t forget the ambience. Play some soft music and decorate your home with little wooden touches for that winter cottage feel. In the kitchen, it’s the time of the year to bring on a few beloved scents. Make mini meat pies or gingerbread cookies, not only because they taste good, but because their wonderful aromas will waft throughout the house.

5. Focus on freshness

During the holidays, who doesn’t love a taste of the sea, like shrimp cocktail or gravlax? These are a few good ideas for a shared meal, because they’re easy to prepare and can be made in advance. Do take a few precautions, however, to ensure you serve a dish that remains fresh, such as only serving a small portion at the table and only refilling it when it’s empty.

6. Prepare dishes the day before

By preparing dishes in advance, you won’t be standing over a hot stove all evening. Verrines are a smart idea; simply cover and refrigerate each until they’re ready to be eaten. Certain salads can also be prepared earlier, their flavour even being enhanced as the dressing permeates the salad. This way, you’ll require neither a tray nor a knife to prepare everything once the evening has begun.

7. Provide both warm and cold choices

To keep from having to use the oven to cook dishes as your guests are arriving, be sure to have a few options that don’t need to be warmed. Savoury pies, for example, are a great choice, like a tarte tatin or a thin zucchini tart. They can be eaten either warm or cold, so they don’t need to be reheated before being served the night of the party. Thin and delicate, they’ll surely have a spot amid a plentiful feast.

8. Make the most of your slow cooker

We love dishes that can be made in advance and don’t take up oven space! Thanks to the slow cooker, you can prepare a delicious cream cheese and artichoke dip to serve with crudités and crackers. Simply let it warm in its pot before serving. Place it on the table at the Warm setting, and it’ll keep warm throughout the meal.

9. Use a skillet

To keep things simple and efficient, opt for dishes that can be made in a skillet, reheated in said pan once on site, and then placed directly on the table for easy serving. We recommend our meat and confit duck pies or even our one-pan fruitcake. These require very little handling once cooked, allowing you to enjoy the party.

10. Serve dessert out of a bowl

Dessert in a serving bowl makes it easy to transport. A mousse is a good example. This one is made with white chocolate and cream cheese, and is then enhanced with a cranberry and orange zest coulis. Layer the mousse alternately with the coulis, combining the sweet and tangy flavours. Place it on the table, and guests can help themselves.

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For more potluck suggestions, be sure to check out our selection of recipes:

This article is a collaboration between RICARDO and Philadelphia.