12 Delicious Fall Potluck Ideas for Cold-Weather Gatherings

2015-06-09
12 Delicious Fall Potluck Ideas for Cold-Weather Gatherings

We're all about hosting a casual get-together when the weather is cooling down and the leaves change color. Our roundup of fall potluck ideas features seasonal produce and flavors (hello, pumpkin and apples!) in cozy, comforting dishes. These delicious recipes pair perfectly with your next tailgate, bonfire, or other autumn-themed gathering.

01 of 12

Curried Cider-Pork Stew

Apple cider isn't just for sipping. This colorful, comforting fall potluck idea combines the flavorful juice with curry powder. It's the perfect balance of sweetness and spice for a pot full of fresh apples, pork, and seasonal veggies.

02 of 12

Tangy Molasses Barbecue Ribs

Cookouts and potlucks are pretty much synonymous in the summer. But when it cools down, you can still enjoy the sweet, smoky flavor of ribs with the help of your trusty slow cooker. A combo of liquid smoke, smoked paprika, and our zingy homemade sauce on the ribs turn out some seriously finger-licking good fall food.

03 of 12

Chicken Florentine Artichoke Bake

A Parmesan cheese-bread crumb mixture tops this hearty fall potluck idea featuring artichokes, bow-tie pasta, chicken, and Monterey Jack cheese. Crushed red pepper adds a touch of heat.

04 of 12

Winter Woods Chili

For a hearty chili that will satisfy the meat lovers in your family, try this fall dish featuring beef and bacon. Mix your classic cheddar topper with fresh oregano for a new twist on the game-day classic.

05 of 12

Balsamic Honey Pulled Pork Sliders

This slow cooker fall potluck idea for a crowd makes a whopping 20 servings. Everyone is going to devour these little sammies made from boneless pork shoulder in a ridiculously tasty sweet and tangy homemade sauce.

06 of 12

Kale, Fennel, and Roasted Delicata Salad

If you haven't cooked delicata squash before, it's about to become your new favorite. The small winter squash has delicate (hence the name delicata) skin that gets tender enough to eat. Combined with leafy kale and crunchy fennel, it's a fall potluck idea that's both healthy and delicious.

07 of 12

Orange-Sage Sweet Potatoes with Bacon

Look no further than these delicious sweet potatoes for a fall potluck idea that will steal the spotlight. Orange juice, brown sugar, and herbs give the seasonal produce a sweet, earthy flavor. The crumbled bacon takes your side dish to the next level.

08 of 12

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

This cheesy mac starring seasonal squash might be one of our best potluck recipes for fall. Smoked Gruyère cheese is irresistible when blended with butternut squash into a creamy, rich sauce. Bacon is added to the mix to make every bite extra indulgent.

09 of 12

Roasted Vegetables and Chickpeas

This fall potluck idea features a gorgeous blend of seasonal root veggies with a simple seasoning that is slightly sweet from brown sugar and herbal from dried rosemary. We added some chickpeas to the roasted veggies for a boost of plant-based protein and added texture.

10 of 12

Lazy-Braised, Maple-Glazed Carrots

Crunched for time? This easy autumn dish is ready to tote to a gathering in less than 30 minutes. Sliced carrots take on amazing flavor with the help of garlic, butter, herbs, orange, and maple syrup. Add a dash of cayenne for a bit of heat.

11 of 12

Crumb-Topped Apple Slab Pie

Instead of a small round apple pie, this fall potluck idea for dessert takes a whole baking pan. Enjoy the divine smell of baked apples and cinnamon filling your kitchen before sharing it with family and friends.

12 of 12

Cider Mulled Wine

This slow cooker cider is definitely going to warm everyone up at your fall potluck party. Use cheesecloth to bundle up cinnamon sticks, cloves, and allspice to infuse the cider-wine mixture for easy removal. Orange and apple slices add fresh flavor and a pretty garnish to your cup.

Related Article

Crab Rangoon Roll-Ups Are So Much Better Than the Original

Crab Rangoon Roll-Ups Are So Much Better Than the Original

This crab rangoon roll-up recipe is the perfect balance of crispy tortilla shell and creamy crab filling. Serve them with your favorite sweet chili sauce.
Ricotta and Parmesan Spread

Ricotta and Parmesan Spread

Basil, oregano, and chives brighten up this rich Parmesan and ricotta cheese spread. Start your next dinner party with this easy, cheesy appetizer. Just add slices of baguette and veggies for dipping!
Pineapple-Ginger Punch

Pineapple-Ginger Punch

Pineapple-Ginger Punch might just be your new favorite summer drink. To transform the refreshing punch recipe into a cocktail, spike the fresh ginger-infused sip with rum or vodka.
Why You Should Be Eating More Pecans

Why You Should Be Eating More Pecans

Beyond their delicious taste, pecans are also packed to the brim with nutrition. Read on to find out just what makes pecans such a healthy addition to your lifestyle as well as some tasty ways to get started.
What Is Natural Flavor? Here’s What It Means on Food Labels

What Is Natural Flavor? Here’s What It Means on Food Labels

What does “natural flavors” mean when you see it on a food or drink label? A flavorist explains how your favorite strawberry drink gets that taste.
13 High-Protein Breakfast Ideas for a Morning Brain Boost

13 High-Protein Breakfast Ideas for a Morning Brain Boost

Looking for a protein-loaded breakfast? Here are our best energy packed breakfast ideas to give your morning a boost. Incorporate these recipes into your daily routine for a high protein breakfast.
How Long to Cook Steak on a Grill for Perfect Results Every Time

How Long to Cook Steak on a Grill for Perfect Results Every Time

Conquer your next cookout with tips on all you need to know about how long to cook steak on a grill, the best cuts to buy, and how to serve the steak.
How to Cook Eggplant—5 Simple Methods

How to Cook Eggplant—5 Simple Methods

If you're wondering how to cook eggplant, keep reading. On the grill, roasted, sautéed, and—yes—even in the microwave, this vegetable is as versatile as it is delicious.
How to Cook Sweet Potatoes—6 Different Methods Including Baked, Fried, and More

How to Cook Sweet Potatoes—6 Different Methods Including Baked, Fried, and More

Mash them, bake them, pressure-cook them, or turn them into fries—whatever your method, follow these steps to make perfect sweet potatoes every time.
Easy Chicken and Broccoli Recipes You'll Be Making on Repeat

Easy Chicken and Broccoli Recipes You'll Be Making on Repeat

From all-American casseroles to Korean-style suppers to Italian chicken Parm, these chicken and broccoli recipes show how that combo *can* be something you eagerly anticipate. We’ve rounded up our best healthy chicken and broccoli recipes (as well as a few more decadent options) to help remix your weeknight menu.
16 Cauliflower Recipes to Make if You're Cooking Tonight

16 Cauliflower Recipes to Make if You're Cooking Tonight

This round-up of cauliflower recipes features the versatile veggie as the star of the plate. Each of these recipes with cauliflower provides a wide array of options everyone can enjoy, any night of the week.
Snap Peas, Snow Peas, and Farro with Oranges and Citrus-Sesame Vinaigrette

Snap Peas, Snow Peas, and Farro with Oranges and Citrus-Sesame Vinaigrette

The crunchy combo of snap and snow peas complements the chewy bite of farro and contrasts the juicy orange sections.
Chilaquiles Breakfast Casserole

Chilaquiles Breakfast Casserole

Try this make-ahead breakfast casserole to feed a crowd on a busy weekend. The zesty Mexican flavors will inspire everyone to come back for seconds.
Fire-Roasted Tomato and Italian Sausage Grinders

Fire-Roasted Tomato and Italian Sausage Grinders

Use canned fire-roasted tomatoes to rev up this classic Italian sausage sandwich recipe.
Gluten-Free Giant Ginger Cookies

Gluten-Free Giant Ginger Cookies

We've used a 1/4 cup of cookie dough for each of these giant, molasses-infused cookies. If you prefer smaller cookies, there's instructions for mini gluten-free ginger cookies, too.
Gluten-Free Fresh Herb Vinaigrette

Gluten-Free Fresh Herb Vinaigrette

In just 10 minutes, you can have a zesty homemade salad dressing ready. The olive oil will solidify when chilled, so let the vinaigrette stand at room temperature 1 hour before serving. Don't forget to shake it well!
Portobello Pot Roast

Portobello Pot Roast

Meaty portobellos stand in for beef in this vegetarian portobello pot roast that's as rich as the classic but cooks in a fraction of the time.
Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
How to Smoke Food Even if You Don't Have an Actual Smoker

How to Smoke Food Even if You Don't Have an Actual Smoker

Add complex flavors to your meats, seafood, grains, and veggies with our Test Kitchen tutorials on how to smoke food at home using a charcoal or gas grill.
Grilled Trout Stuffed with Lemon and Herbs

Grilled Trout Stuffed with Lemon and Herbs

This is a simple, flavorful way to grill almost any whole fish, with a 'stuffing' designed not to be eaten, but to flavor the fish from the inside out.