Cheap, Tasty Last Minute Potluck Ideas for Your Next Work Function

Working sucks, but eating is great. Potlucks were practically invented to make work just a little less miserable. They're a great way to introduce people to new foods, flavors, and drinks they might never have experienced otherwise.

While I've never been a fan of the idea that company gatherings boost productivity or office morale, at the very least, potlucks keep everyone full for a while. To help you plan the ultimate office potluck, I've put together this comprehensive guide.

What to Bring to a Work Potluck

Be mindful of common food allergies. Peanuts, shellfish, and other commonly consumed ingredients can be dangerous for some. It's important to reach out in advance to find out about any allergies so you know which foods to avoid.

Once you've eliminated the potentially harmful foods, it's time to focus on universally tasty dishes to fill up the table in the lunchroom. Here are some of the best cheap potluck ideas you'll find on the web.

1. Monster Energy Drinks - This is a controversial pick, but it's one that'll likely be appreciated by the weary office workers dealing with mid-afternoon fatigue.

2. Cane's Sauce - Be the hero who brings an industrial-sized batch of Raising Cane's Sauce. It pairs with almost anything except dessert. If you're skeptical, check out this list of foods that go great with Cane's Sauce.

3. Meatloaf and Sliced Bread - Meatloaf is a comfort food for many Americans. For those who aren't fans, they can use the bread to make a hearty sandwich.

4. Pasta with Ground Beef and Red Sauce - This was my go-to during my bachelor days. Everyone loves pasta, so it's a safe bet. Swap out beef for turkey or ground chicken if you want a healthier option.

5. Publix Chicken - Sauced - If you're in the southeastern U.S., stop by Publix for fried chicken wings, then pair them with your favorite sauce.

6. Wawa Catering - If there's a Wawa nearby, take advantage of their catering services. They offer massive quantities of your favorite sandwiches.

7. Walmart BBQ Chicken - Walmart's customer service might be questionable, but their deli's BBQ wings are tasty and an inexpensive potluck dish everyone will enjoy.

8. Macaroni and Cheese - A beloved classic, especially if it has a crunchy breadcrumb topping. It's a dish that rarely has leftovers.

9. Veggie Platter with Hummus - For the health-conscious, veggies with hummus are easy and guilt-free. Add pita chips for extra substance.

10. Deviled Eggs - Easy to make in bulk and always a hit. Just keep them cold—no one wants warm deviled eggs.

11. Fruit Salad - A refreshing, light option for when everyone's feeling stuffed. Go heavy on the berries and melon.

12. Chips and Guacamole - Guacamole is nearly universally loved. It adds color to the table and is easy to share. Just beware of double-dippers.

13. Meat and Cheese Platter - Great for snacking throughout the day. A mix of cheeses, meats, and crackers adds a classy touch to any potluck.

14. Sliders - Whether beef, chicken, or veggie, sliders are easy to eat, and everyone loves them. You can make a variety to satisfy different tastes.

15. Spinach Artichoke Dip - Serve warm with crusty bread or tortilla chips. Just bring extra napkins—things might get messy.

16. Brownie Bites - No potluck is complete without dessert. Brownie bites are perfect for satisfying chocolate cravings. Sprinkle sea salt on top for a gourmet touch.

Potluck Meals to Make Without Cooking

Not everyone has time to cook for a potluck. If you're wondering what to bring to a potluck without cooking, here are some easy, no-cook ideas that'll still impress:

1. Cheese and Charcuterie Board - Pick up an assortment of cheeses, meats, olives, and crackers. Arrange them on a nice platter for a dish that's both simple and elegant.

2. Caprese Skewers - Thread cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and mozzarella balls onto skewers. Drizzle with balsamic glaze right before serving for extra flavor.

3. Store-Bought Dips and Chips - Grab a few popular dips like salsa, guacamole, or spinach dip, and pair them with tortilla chips or pita bread. No prep needed, and they're always a hit.

4. Sushi Platter - Pick up a sushi assortment from your local grocery store. It's easy, impressive, and doesn't require any heating.

5. Fruit and Yogurt Parfait Cups - Layer yogurt, fresh fruit, and granola in small cups. It's light, refreshing, and great for both breakfast and lunch potlucks.

6. McDonalds 40 Piece Chicken Nuggets - At the time of writing, McDonalds will sell you 40 artery-clogging, delicious nuggets, fries, and drinks for less than $20. Buy a couple of these, and your contribution to the corporate feast will be memorable.

7. KFC Bucket of Chicken - Nothing says potluck like a giant bucket of fried chicken. KFC offers family-sized buckets that will have your coworkers coming back for seconds. It's finger-lickin' good and always a crowd-pleaser.

8. Taco Bell Party Pack - With a variety of tacos and burritos, Taco Bell's Party Pack is both affordable and satisfying. It's perfect for those who like a little spice, and you'll definitely be the life of the party.

9. Costco Pizza - Costco's massive pizzas are a potluck MVP. For under $10 each, you can feed a small army, and with classic flavors like pepperoni and cheese, you're bound to please even the pickiest of eaters.

10. Chick-fil-A Nugget Tray - Chick-fil-A's nugget trays are always a hit. Order a medium or large tray, grab a few dipping sauces, and watch as the tray empties in record time. Just be sure to order ahead—it's popular for a reason!

11. Subway Sandwich Platter - Keep things simple with a Subway platter of assorted sandwiches. Customize with classic toppings and offer a range of flavors to satisfy all taste buds. It's easy to serve and share.

12. Popeyes Biscuits and Red Beans and Rice - Bring some southern flavor with a side of Popeyes famous biscuits and a tub of red beans and rice. It's a filling, hearty addition that'll pair well with almost any other dish.

13. Little Caesars Crazy Bread - This cheesy, garlicky bread is affordable and addictive. Grab a few orders of Crazy Bread, and it'll disappear fast. Plus, it goes with pretty much anything else on the table.

14. Trader Joe's Snack Mixes - For a unique twist, load up on Trader Joe's variety of snack mixes. From trail mixes to peanut butter pretzels, these are great for grazing and offer a little something for everyone.

15. Domino's Cheesy Bread and Pasta - Add a side of Domino's Cheesy Bread or even one of their pasta dishes to mix things up. It's carb-heavy, cheesy, and perfect for soaking up any lingering office stress.

Potluck Rules and Guidance

Corporate potlucks come with unwritten rules to keep things smooth. Here are some key rules to follow at your next one:

1. Don't Spend a Lot of Money - Admittedly, “a lot” is subjective, but as a general rule, don't spend more than 3% of your weekly pay feeding a bunch of strangers. Let your bank account and bills guide you, not some suggested list of goods HR threw up on SharePoint. Keep it real and affordable.

2. Bring Something You Actually Like - Don't fall into the trap of bringing a dish just because you think it will please others. If you're going to bring something, make sure it's something you enjoy too. If no one else wants it, at least you'll have leftovers you won't hate taking home.

3. Be Prepared for Office Critics - Someone's going to have an opinion about what you brought, whether they ate it or not. Just remember, this isn't “Top Chef”—it's an office potluck. Smile, nod, and remind yourself that you don't need their approval.

4. Expect HR to Try to Make It a “Team Building” Moment - Potlucks are a great way to relax, but don't be surprised if HR tries to turn it into a “team-building opportunity.” Just roll with it, focus on the free food, and let any bonding happen naturally (or not at all). You're here for the snacks, not a life-changing experience.

5. Bring a Dish That Doesn't Require Microwaving - There's nothing worse than having to wait in line to microwave your food, especially when the entire office has the same idea. Save yourself (and everyone else) the hassle by bringing something that's ready to eat as soon as it's set out.

6. Don't Overthink It - This isn't a culinary competition. No one expects gourmet meals at a work potluck. Keep it simple, tasty, and affordable. It's the gesture that counts, not how much time or money you invested.

Keep Potlucks Light and Fun for an Enjoyable Office Experience

Office potlucks can sometimes feel awkward, but they also offer a break from the usual grind and a chance to try new foods. Keep it low-pressure, enjoy the free meal, and make the most of the chance to step away from your desk. If you're looking for new, fun, and healthy lunch options, check out this generator that makes fast food healthy with easy-to-follow recipes.