23 Potluck Mains That Got More Compliments Than the Host

At every potluck, there’s always one dish everyone talks about—and these 23 mains are exactly that. Each recipe delivers dependable flavor, easy prep, and big satisfaction whether served hot or reheated later. From casseroles and sheet-pan dinners to slow cooker favorites, these dishes feed a crowd with zero stress. Expect compliments before you even sit down to eat.

A spoonful of creamy chicken and stuffing casserole garnished with herbs. — Slow Cooker Turkey Pot Pie. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Easy Beef Pot Pie

A close-up of a beef and vegetable pie with a golden, flaky crust. A triangular segment is removed, revealing chunks of beef and vegetables in a savory sauce inside the pie. The crust is lightly seasoned with herbs. — Easy Beef Pot Pie. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Easy Beef Pot Pie bakes in about 50 minutes and fills a flaky crust with beef, vegetables, and gravy. The flavor is savory and rich, with tender meat and a golden crust that holds up beautifully. It’s hearty, homey, and easy to slice for sharing. A true crowd-pleaser that disappears quickly at any table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Beef Pot Pie

Creamy and Cheesy Butternut Squash Lasagna with Spinach

A baked dish of zucchini lasagna with a golden-brown cheese topping. A wooden spatula lifts a square piece, revealing layers of zucchini, cheese, and spinach. The casserole dish is partly cut, showing more servings. Garnished with herbs. — Creamy and Cheesy Butternut Squash Lasagna with Spinach. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Creamy and Cheesy Butternut Squash Lasagna with Spinach takes about 1 hour and layers noodles, roasted squash, and spinach in a smooth cheese sauce. The taste is balanced between savory and subtly sweet. Its creamy texture makes every bite feel indulgent without being heavy. Perfect for serving at gatherings where comfort food always wins.
Get the Recipe: Creamy and Cheesy Butternut Squash Lasagna with Spinach

Authentic Rice and Lentils

A white dish filled with cooked lentils and rice, topped with chopped cilantro and caramelized onions. A wooden spoon rests on a patterned napkin next to the dish. — Authentic Rice and Lentils. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Authentic Rice and Lentils cooks in around 35 minutes with caramelized onions, spices, and tender lentils. The flavor is warm, nutty, and deeply satisfying. It’s filling enough to serve as a main but light enough for pairing with salads or meats. This classic dish offers simple ingredients and reliable flavor every time.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Rice and Lentils

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

A baked dish with a golden-brown crumb topping is in a rectangular baking dish, which has a white and blue checkered cloth nearby. A serving is on a round plate to the right. The surface is a light marble texture. — Cheesy Zucchini Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole bakes in 35 minutes and brings together zucchini, eggs, and cheese in a soft, rich blend. The flavor is mild and comforting, perfect for guests of all tastes. The texture is creamy inside with a light golden top. It’s a simple dish that always earns seconds.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Quinoa Chicken Casserole with Broccoli and Pumpkin

A baked casserole dish containing a cheesy broccoli and chicken mixture, topped with pieces of pineapple and sprinkled with chopped parsley. — Quinoa Chicken Casserole with Broccoli and Pumpkin. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Quinoa Chicken Casserole with Broccoli and Pumpkin is ready in about 40 minutes and combines tender chicken, nutty quinoa, and roasted pumpkin. The taste is hearty, balanced, and naturally flavorful. Broccoli adds a crisp bite that keeps it from feeling too heavy. It’s a make-ahead favorite that reheats beautifully for potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Chicken Casserole with Broccoli and Pumpkin

Brown Sugar Veggies and Ham Steak Sheet Pan

A white plate with a serving of glazed ham garnished with rosemary, surrounded by roasted sweet potato chunks and green beans. A gray napkin and a bottle of syrup are beside the plate. — Brown Sugar Veggies and Ham Steak Sheet Pan. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Brown Sugar Veggies and Ham Steak Sheet Pan cooks in about 30 minutes and blends savory ham with caramelized vegetables. The flavor is smoky, slightly sweet, and full of depth from the roasted glaze. The vegetables stay tender with crisp edges. It’s an easy one-pan dish that feeds a crowd with little cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Veggies and Ham Steak Sheet Pan

Crunchy, Crispy Tofu Pasta Bake

A white bowl filled with penne pasta mixed with chunks of chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and garnished with fresh basil leaves. A fork is placed in the bowl, and a small dish is visible in the background. — Crunchy, Crispy Tofu Pasta Bake. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Crunchy, Crispy Tofu Pasta Bake bakes in 40 minutes and combines pasta, tofu, and sauce under a crisp golden topping. The flavor is savory and slightly tangy, while the texture balances creamy and crunchy layers. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own as a main. A great plant-based option that surprises everyone.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy, Crispy Tofu Pasta Bake

French Onion Chicken Skillet

A close-up of a baked dish in a skillet featuring melted cheese, onions, and herbs. A serving spoon is lifting a portion, highlighting the golden-brown cheese and caramelized onions on top. — French Onion Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

French Onion Chicken Skillet takes about 35 minutes to make and blends caramelized onions with juicy chicken in a rich sauce. The flavor is deep, savory, and slightly sweet from the onions. The texture is tender with a light glaze coating every bite. This skillet dish makes comfort food look effortless.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Chicken Skillet

Chicken Pumpkin Risotto

A black bowl filled with creamy pumpkin oatmeal garnished with fresh thyme and pumpkin seeds. A spoon rests inside the bowl. The background is a light gray marble surface scattered with a few pumpkin seeds. — Chicken Pumpkin Risotto. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Chicken Pumpkin Risotto cooks in around 35 minutes and combines creamy rice, tender chicken, and pumpkin puree. The taste is mild, savory, and lightly sweet, giving it a cozy feel. Each bite is smooth with just enough texture from the rice. It’s a warming meal that fits perfectly into any potluck spread.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pumpkin Risotto

Festive Chicken Recipe With Pomegranate

A close-up of a cooked dish featuring several pieces of meat topped with vibrant green parsley leaves and scattered pomegranate seeds. The dish is placed in a dark pot. — Festive Chicken Recipe With Pomegranate. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Festive Chicken Recipe With Pomegranate is ready in about 45 minutes and features juicy chicken paired with tart pomegranate seeds. The flavor is sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky from the spices. The color and texture make it stand out on any table. It’s a vibrant, flavorful dish that draws compliments fast.
Get the Recipe: Festive Chicken Recipe With Pomegranate

Air Fryer Turkey Thighs

Two roasted chicken thighs on a white plate garnished with sprigs of thyme. A ceramic jar is partially visible in the background on the left. — Air Fryer Turkey Thighs. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer Turkey Thighs take about 25 minutes and turn out juicy inside with crisp, golden skin. The flavor is bold and savory with a touch of smoky seasoning. They’re easy to portion for group serving and stay tender after resting. A low-effort option that feels festive enough for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Thighs

Ground Beef Zucchini and Rice Casserole

Close-up of a cheesy zucchini casserole being served with a spoon. The dish features layers of melted cheese, sliced zucchini, ground meat, and herbs, with a golden-brown crust. — Ground Beef Zucchini and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

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Ground Beef Zucchini and Rice Casserole bakes in about 45 minutes with ground beef, zucchini, and rice in a light sauce. The taste is hearty yet balanced, with mild seasoning and creamy texture. It’s easy to serve in scoops or slices. This dependable dish always earns quiet seconds from guests.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Zucchini and Rice Casserole

Slow Cooker Osso Buco

A plate of cooked lamb chops sits on a bed of sliced, cooked carrots. The dish is garnished with chopped green onions. Utensils, a wooden spoon with spices, and a small bowl of more green onions are nearby on a burlap cloth surface. — Slow Cooker Osso Buco. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Osso Buco cooks for about 6 hours and results in tender beef shanks surrounded by rich tomato sauce. The flavor is deep, slightly sweet, and savory from long, slow cooking. It’s elegant but easy to make ahead. This dish brings restaurant-level comfort to any potluck table.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Osso Buco

Winter Dilly Carrot and Zucchini Curry

A white plate contains a dish of stewed vegetables, including chunks of carrots and zucchini, topped with fresh dill. The vegetables are covered in a yellow-orange sauce. A fork rests on the plate's edge. — Winter Dilly Carrot and Zucchini Curry. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Winter Dilly Carrot and Zucchini Curry is ready in about 35 minutes and combines carrots, zucchini, and fresh dill in a light curry sauce. The taste is fragrant, warm, and slightly tangy. The texture is thick yet silky from the tender vegetables. It’s a unique, colorful dish that brightens any meal spread.
Get the Recipe: Winter Dilly Carrot and Zucchini Curry

Firecracker Meatballs

A bowl of rice topped with meatballs in a creamy sauce, garnished with chopped green onions. It is placed on a striped cloth, accompanied by a wooden spoon and a bowl of green beans. A beverage is visible in the background. — Firecracker Meatballs. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Firecracker Meatballs bake in about 30 minutes and pack a mix of heat, sweetness, and savory depth. Made with ground meat, hot sauce, and spices, they’re bold but balanced in flavor. The glaze adds a sticky finish that clings perfectly to each bite. They’re always the first platter to empty.
Get the Recipe: Firecracker Meatballs

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

A plate of shredded chicken is garnished with herbs, black olives, and sliced cherry tomatoes. Two lemon wedges and pieces of flatbread accompany the dish. A fork is resting on the edge of the plate. — Slow Cooker Greek Chicken. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken takes about 5 hours and simmers chicken with lemon, garlic, and oregano. The result is tender meat with bright, tangy flavor and a herby finish. It’s easy to make ahead and serve hot or cold. This dish feels fresh, filling, and ready for any crowd.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

Air Fryer Spiced Tilapia

Four seasoned and cooked chicken breasts are arranged on a gray plate, garnished with chopped fresh herbs and lemon wedges. The plate is set on a white marble surface. — Air Fryer Spiced Tilapia. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer Spiced Tilapia cooks in just 12 minutes for a light, flaky main dish. The seasoning adds a warm, slightly smoky taste that enhances the fish without overpowering it. The texture stays crisp on the edges and soft inside. It’s quick, clean, and a guaranteed hit among seafood lovers.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spiced Tilapia

Mushroom Leek Pasta Bake

A white dish filled with creamy pasta topped with mushrooms and herbs is placed on a blue and white striped cloth. — Mushroom Leek Pasta Bake. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Mushroom Leek Pasta Bake bakes in about 40 minutes with sautéed leeks, mushrooms, and pasta in a creamy sauce. The flavor is earthy and mellow, perfect for guests who love classic comfort food. The texture is rich without being heavy. This dish holds its shape and taste well, even after reheating.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Leek Pasta Bake

Easy Slow Cooker Butternut Squash

A dish filled with mashed sweet potatoes topped with chopped nuts, a pat of butter, and a sprig of thyme. The dish is placed on a wooden board, with a few thyme sprigs scattered around. — Easy Slow Cooker Butternut Squash. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Easy Slow Cooker Butternut Squash cooks in about 3 hours and transforms into a soft, buttery dish. The flavor is naturally sweet with a hint of salt, bringing balance to any meal. The texture is silky and easy to portion. It’s a warm, gentle side that complements any main course.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Butternut Squash

Maple-Dijon Instant Pot Pot Roast with Potatoes

A white plate containing a stew made of tender shredded meat and chunks of potatoes, garnished with sprigs of fresh thyme. A spoon rests on the side of the dish, placed on a marble surface. — Maple-Dijon Instant Pot Pot Roast with Potatoes. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Maple-Dijon Instant Pot Pot Roast with Potatoes is done in about an hour and offers bold, savory-sweet flavor. The beef becomes fork-tender, and the potatoes soak up the rich sauce. It’s filling, aromatic, and easy to serve. A dependable dish that always draws praise at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Maple-Dijon Instant Pot Pot Roast with Potatoes

Instant Pot Creamy Mushroom Soup

A bowl of creamy mushroom soup garnished with croutons, a drizzle of olive oil, and fresh herbs. A golden spoon lies nearby, and sprigs of thyme are placed on the table beside the bowl. — Instant Pot Creamy Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Instant Pot Creamy Mushroom Soup takes around 30 minutes and delivers deep, earthy flavor in a velvety texture. Made with mushrooms, cream, and herbs, it’s smooth and satisfying without being heavy. The flavor stays balanced and rich. It’s a comforting soup that doubles as a hearty main for potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Creamy Mushroom Soup

Slow Cooker Cranberry BBQ Turkey Sliders

Three BBQ chicken sliders stacked on a white plate, with a red checked cloth and a green glass nearby. — Slow Cooker Cranberry BBQ Turkey Sliders. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Cranberry BBQ Turkey Sliders cook in about 5 hours and mix sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors perfectly. Shredded turkey is coated in a cranberry-barbecue blend that keeps it juicy and bold. The texture is tender, perfect for soft rolls. These sliders are a surefire hit at every potluck table.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cranberry BBQ Turkey Sliders

Slow Cooker Turkey Pot Pie

Slow Cooker Turkey Pot Pie takes around 6 hours and combines shredded turkey, vegetables, and gravy under a flaky crust. The taste is savory, rich, and comforting in every bite. The filling stays creamy and hearty without becoming heavy. It’s a make-ahead meal that guarantees compliments every time.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey Pot Pie