Today we have a post by Jamie of Like a Bubbling Brook…
There are so many dishes you could bring to a holiday potluck, but what are your choices if you’re trying keep things simple and frugal during the holiday season? Plan now for your upcoming family, friends, or church gathering by browsing these inexpensive dishes that are also simple enough to make while creating memories with the children.
Here are 12 ideas to get you started:
image by carolyn|umami girl
1) Deviled eggs – Easy, yummy, and very inexpensive. Add a layer of lettuce to the bottom of your flat serving dish to help keep them from sliding around.
2) Melon skewers – Try cantaloupe, honeydew, or any melon and use a melon baller to make perfectly round spheres, then skewer them.
3) Cheese and fruit tray – Children especially love cheese squares, so these make a great option if there will be children at the party. Garnish with a few pieces of fruit, such as grapes or sliced strawberries.
4) Garlic hummus – My recipe is super easy. You’ll love it.
5) Red beet dip – Roast a beet, add some yogurt and herbs, and you have a uniquely yummy dip. Try it and see!
6) Salad – Use lettuce and veggie or two that’s on sale, then make your own vinaigrette.
7) Pretzel bread – If you have a bread machine, this is an easy recipe that my family always asks for during the holidays.
8 ) Sugar cookies – Here are three variations to the basic sugar cookie recipe you already have.
9) Hot cocoa – Kept warm and served from a crockpot, this would be a fun treat for grown-ups and children both.
If you absolutely must bring a dinner dish, what about:
10) Grilled whole chicken – If your weather is still nice enough to pull out the grill, this is the dish for you. Yum!
11) Chicken picatta – One nice thing about this dish is that a little sprinkle of capers makes you feel like a gourmet cook. Layer pasta in a 13×9 dish, then arrange the chicken picatta and it’s wonderful sauce over the pasta.
12) Chicken fried rice – If you have curry on hand, this would be a cinch to pull together.
What do you like to bring to a holiday potluck gathering? I’d love to know!
Jaime, a pastor’s wife and homeschool mom, shares simple, homemade goodness on her blog, Like a Bubbling Brook. She enjoys photographing her “real” food recipes and is passionate about nurturing her family, living intentionally, and being debt-free. Join her conversations on Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter.
