What is a great crowd pleaser for a pot-luck dinner item?

Question

I do not want anything that the host has to heat. I want something new, other then the typical pasta salad or potato salad. Any ideas??

Answer 1

I do a layered nacho dip. Do taco meat, blackened chunked chicken, beans, guacamole, salsa, lettuce, shredded cheese (two-color), and sour cream. Use a disposable aluminum roasting pan and arrange these ingredients (or add whatever else you like best or you can substitute your favorites) in striped layers. Top with some sliced black olives or jalapeno slices and you're in business. Make sure you pre-cook all the items that need it and while it can be served cold--you could always bring the meats separate in ziploc's and heat in the microwave before you add them to the pan. Also make sure you bring a big bag of corn tortilla chips along too--stick some in around the sides of the pan for presentation. This is always a big hit with my friends and family, it's easy to make, relatively cheap, and looks very pretty on the table. I never have any left to throw away.

Answer 2

I've got two - first is frozen meatballs heated through with a sauce made of equal parts of ketchup and grape jelly - sounds weird, but always a big hit. Can be heated ahead in an electric pan and taken to the party that way - just plug it in to keep warm

Another is a broccoli salad: raw broccoli florets, dried cranberries or raisins, shelled sunflower seeds, bacon (use the Oscar Meyer bottled type), minced red onion. Dress it with bottled cole slaw dressing - make night before. Even kids like this - broccoli and all!

Answer 3

Chicken Ritz Casserole

Ingredients:
5-6 chicken breasts, cooked
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cheddar broccoli soup
about 1/4 soup can of milk
1-1/2 c. sour cream
2 c. cooked minute rice (1 c. prior to cooking)
dash salt and pepper
30 to 40 Ritz crackers, crumbled
Butter
Cooking Instructions:
Cook chicken and remove chicken from bone and cut up. Place chicken in casserole dish. Mix together remaining ingredients. Pour mixed ingredients over chicken. Top with crushed Ritz crackers; dot with butter. Bake at 350F. for 45 mins.

Answer 4

Trees and Clouds
1 bunch broccoli
1 bunch cauliflower
1/2 lb. bacon, browned and crumbled
1/2 c. parmesen cheese
1 c. miracle whip
salt and pepper
sm. onion, diced

Chop broccoli and cauliflower into bite sized pieces. Mix all together and chill. (double or triple this recipe as needed)


CREAMY CUCUMBER SALAD
3-4 cucumbers, peeled and sliced
1/2 red onion, sliced thin
1-2 Tomatoes, diced
1 ½ cups Ranch or Cucumber Ranch dressing

In large bowl, combine all ingredients, tossing to coat the vegetables. Place in refrigerator and chill before serving.



COLD TORTELLINI APPLE SALAD
3 tablespoons concentrated apple juice (you can get this frozen)
3 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 teaspoon cider vinegar
2 teaspoons firmly packed brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon garlic salt
Dash pepper
1 package refrigerated cheese tortellini (9 ounce)
2 cups chopped apples
2 cups shredded salad greens
1 cup of manadrin orange slices (canned)
1/2 cup thin sliced celery
1/4 cup sliced green onions
2 tablespoons pine nuts

Combine apple juice concentrate, corn syrup, vinegar, sugar, garlic salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate. Cook the cheese tortellini according to package directions. Drain and cool thoroughly. In large mixing bowl combine tortellini and remaining ingredients. Toss gently with apple juice dressing and serve immediately.

Answer 5

I have a very different potato salad recipe if you would like it. It can be served hot, warm or cold. Also, were you thinking of side dishes or somekind of meat? I have several recipes that I use that everyone loves! If you want them just email me. I would be happy to give them to you!

Answer 6

How about bringing a light dessert, or fruit side, like a fruit salad. The fruit can be a refreshing and light dessert as well as a nice compliment to dinner. And who doesn't like fruit!

Answer 7

There are a lot of great recipe's on the Kraft Foods web site, there is also a section where guests can posts recipe's, and users can rate them. Good Luck

Answer 8

How about hummus in a bread bowl, or a stuffed bread? For the stuffed bread wrap it tightly in foil while you bake it, and take it out as soon as you leave the house or put it in a towel in an insulated bag if you have one. It was a big hit at Thanksgiving!

Answer 9

All fruits are fruit and vegetables. A "vegetable" is a plant, any part of which can be used for food.

Answer 10

In the superstore, fruits are usually chosen much too soon. Some are rocks, many are wrong. Some of the fruit and vegetables are right (zucchini, onions, garlic, lettuce, greens, and a few others) so I'd have to go with vegetables.