7 Lucky Potluck Recipes

When you feel like your schedule has caused you to drift out of the lives of your friends and family, plan a potluck. Potlucks are a great way to gather loved ones without all the fuss of an all-out event. Delight in the sight of this family-style feast.

The word potluck originated in sixteenth-century England as a shortened version of the phrase "luck of the pot," which referred to a feast of dishes without any particular theme that miraculously managed to feed a large crowd.

Today, we continue to celebrate this tradition. There are never too many cooks in the kitchen when it comes to potluck dinners, but consider picking a theme for your potluck to ensure that everyone's dishes create a cohesive meal. Also, remember that shareable and portable foods make for the best potluck dishes.

Adding to the spirit of simple cooking, make-ahead dishes are something to consider when selecting the perfect recipe to bring to your next potluck. However, remember to ask the host about oven space if you plan on reheating once you arrive.

If you are in need of a little cooking inspiration, peruse these seven carefully selected recipes that we think are potluck perfection.

This dip is a crowd-pleaser — and the perfect addition to your fiesta-inspired potluck celebration.

Click here for the 7-layer dip recipe.

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This salad is light, refreshing, and crunchy, which will make it a hit at your next potluck. Add shrimp, chicken, or your favorite protein to make it more of an entrée.

Click here for the Asian Cabbage Salad recipe.

Remember that make-ahead dishes reduce stress when planning your next potluck feast. Bake this casserole a day ahead and heat up right before serving. Guests will love this rich cauliflower dish fresh out of the oven.

Click here for the cauliflower casserole recipe.

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Add bacon to anything and people will rave. You'll be proud to serve this one-of-a-kind corn pudding.

Click here for the pudding with bacon and leeks recipe.

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Hot, creamy crab and artichoke dip is an excellent appetizer for potluck dinners. Make it ahead and heat it up when you arrive at your destination.

Click here for the pudding with bacon and leeks recipe.

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Pasta salads are filling additions for a potluck. Serve yours as a side or add grilled chicken to make it a main course.

Click here for the creamy Italian pasta salad recipe.

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Lasagna is shareable and versatile, which makes it perfect for a potluck. This version is meatless, which makes it perfect for a meatless Monday potluck dinner.

Click here for the zucchini lasagna with greens and fontina recipe.

Click here for more potluck recipes.

Angela Carlos is The Daily Meal's Cook Editor. Follow her on Twitter @angelaccarlos.