8 Potluck-Perfect Recipes for the Holidays

We have a lot of amazing recipes here on BCLiving, from cocktails to cookies and sushi to salads. So, we sifted through our extensive catalogue to dig up the best recipes ahead of the holiday season—a time when sharing food is essentially an unspoken rule. We narrowed down the list based on simplicity (the recipe has to be easy enough), shareability (it has to yield enough) and a holiday je ne sais quoi (festive vibes, of course!). Here are eight recipes to get inspired for your holiday potluck.

Drinks for a Potluck

1. Homemade Eggnog

Eggnog is a quintessentially festive drink. Sure, you could just go buy cartoned eggnog from the grocery store. But everyone will be way more impressed if you show up to the holiday get-together with some homemade holiday fuel in tow. This traditional recipe by our columnist Christine McAvoy is highly customizable (ie, alcoholic vs. non-alcoholic eggnog), and it’s easy to adjust the recipe to the right amount for the number of people. Just remember that you’ll have to make this eggnog within a day of serving it.

2. Cozy Hot Apple Cider

Mix this hot apple cider recipe from Jillian Harris and Tori Wesszer for a heartwarming drink that anybody at the potluck can enjoy. No need to juice the apples yourself with this recipe. Simply take any store-bought apple cider and incorporate a few tasty additions to make this a hit. Add booze to this warm cider to make it even warmer, or whip cream on top to make it sweeter.

Savoury Dishes for a Potluck

3. Cranberry Baked Brie

Baked brie is basically a no-fail appetizer. And this recipe from Sebastien and Sheila Centner is just as easy to prepare as it is to share. Featuring a festive combo of pecans, pumpkin seeds, maple syrup and cranberries, this baked brie will have everyone coming back for another bite. Try pairing this brie with a charcuterie board to go above and beyond.

4. Pierogi Mashed Potatoes

Now onto the main event. Mashed potatoes will always be a crowd-pleaser (who doesn’t love any form of potato?), and it’s an easy comfort dish to elevate with onions, chives, dill and a whole lotta cream. This Ukrainian-inspired recipe from Jillian Harris and Tori Wesszer can be vegan-friendly and nut-free, and adjusted to serve large parties.

5. Ouzo Prawns

This Mediterranean prawn recipe from The Greek by Anatoli is a tasty dish for seafood lovers this holiday season. The flambé of the prawns in ouzo adds a smokiness, while the tomatoes, mushrooms and feta add a heartiness. These prawns are great as an appetizer, but they can easily be upgraded to side-dish status by doubling the recipe.

6. Zucchini Fritters

Get your veggies in (it still counts if they’re fried!) with these savoury zucchini cakes from Caren McSherry. Easily shared—and easily loved—this savoury zucchini cake recipe serves 20, but can be modified to serve more. Plus, freeze these handheld fritters if you’re attending more than one potluck to share the love.

Desserts for a Potluck

7. Madeleines From Scratch

Grabable, handheld desserts are great for potlucks where people are moving, mixing and mingling. These French madeleines from Christine McAvoy are a lemony treat that goes beyond a pack of store-bought cookies at a potluck. (Be sure to save a few to have with breakfast the next morning.)

8. Gingerbread Cake

Scrap the gingerbread cookies and use that spiced flavour for a cake this year. This gingerbread cake (topped with a cranberry compote, no less) from chef Colin Burslem is a festive, pantry-friendly potluck option that everyone will love. This cake also pairs well with coffee, tea or some homemade eggnog.

Want more delicious dishes to try at home? Find your next favourite recipe here on BCLiving.