Timeless Dishes to Bring to Any Potluck Dinner

Have you ever attended a potluck dinner or any other gathering where everyone brings a dish to share? If so, you may have found yourself making great memories, one meal at a time. As someone who has attended numerous potluck dinners, I can confidently say that bringing a dish that brings people together is the ultimate gift. In this article, we will explore some of the best dishes to bring to potluck dinners and share my family’s favorite recipe for rice dressing.

The Art of Potluck Cooking

At potluck dinners, it's all about bringing together flavors from various homes and culinary traditions. Whether you're in Maryland or in a completely different part of the world, one of the most enjoyable parts of a potluck gathering is trying out new dishes and expanding your taste buds. Last year, I attended a holiday potluck dinner in Maryland, and everyone brought something special to share. It was magical to see how diverse everyone's dishes were and how much fun we had trying new foods.

My Personal Favorite: Rice Dressing

One of the most enjoyable dishes I brought to that potluck dinner was a rice dressing, which was inspired by my family’s traditional recipe. It may seem like an unusual choice for a rice dressing, but it turned out to be a hit because it was something none of the guests had ever tried before. My daughter, Lily, requested that I make it again soon after the event, and she even said it was one of her favorite dishes from that holiday gathering.

Ingredients and Prep

1 cup uncooked white rice 1/2 cup chicken broth 1/2 cup water 1/4 cup chopped onions 1/4 cup chopped celery 1/4 cup chopped carrots 2 tablespoons diced green bell pepper 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Simply cook the rice in a pot with chicken broth and water, and then mix in the chopped vegetables, seasonings, and melted butter. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

A Classic Choice: Potstickers

While the rice dressing was a surprise hit, one dish that always garners a warm response regardless of personal preferences is potstickers. These crispy, savory dumplings are a crowd favorite and can be customized with a wide range of fillings to suit any taste. Plus, potstickers are incredibly simple to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making them a great choice for any potluck or party.

Basic Potsticker Recipe

Filling:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup finely chopped scallions
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Dumpling Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Cooking:
1. Roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
2. Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of each dough circle.
3. Fold the dough to create a half-moon shape, sealing the edges.
4. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and spray with cooking spray.
5. Place the potstickers in the skillet, seam side down.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side until golden brown and crispy.

Conclusion

Beyond the rice dressing and potstickers, there are countless other dishes you can bring to any potluck dinner. It’s all about finding that special recipe that not only satisfies your guests but also brings a sense of familiarity and joy to the table. So, the next time you attend a potluck, remember to bring something that you and your family have eagerly anticipated, and you can only hope for rave reviews!