7 Budget-Friendly Dishes for Your Next Holiday Potluck

Credit: Style My Soul, www.stylemysoul.com | Holiday Potlucks; Cooking

Style My Soul explores budget-friendly dishes to bring to your next holiday potluck. We’ve gathered delectable suggestions from foodies alike. From opting for a festive vegetable casserole to going classic with a spaghetti casserole, these experts share their top picks for affordable and crowd-pleasing dishes.

Opt for a Festive Vegetable Casserole
A budget-friendly dish for a holiday potluck could be a vegetable casserole. Vegetable casseroles are cost-effective as they primarily use seasonal vegetables, which are typically cheaper. They are also hearty and can feed many people, making them an ideal choice for potlucks. Additionally, they are easy to prepare in advance and can be reheated before serving, saving you time on the day of the event. You can even add a touch of festivity by incorporating holiday-themed colors with ingredients like bell peppers, tomatoes, or fresh herbs. This dish allows for creativity and flexibility while keeping costs low. - Ana Maria, Blogger, VayCay Couple

​Prepare a Healthy Veggie Platter with Dip
One budget-friendly dish to prepare for a holiday potluck is a classic vegetable platter with a homemade dip. This dish is not only economical, but also a healthy and colorful addition to any potluck spread. Ingredients for the vegetable platter include carrot sticks, celery sticks, bell pepper strips, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, broccoli florets, and cauliflower florets. For the homemade dip, you will need 1 cup of plain yogurt or sour cream, 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of dried dill, and salt and pepper to taste. Wash and cut the vegetables into bite-sized sticks, slices, or florets. Arrange the prepared vegetables on a platter in an appealing, colorful manner. In a bowl, mix the yogurt or sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional dried dill for extra flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and place it in the center of the vegetable platter. You can garnish it with fresh herbs. - Joe Li, Managing Director, CheckYa
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Serve Crowd-Pleasing Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a budget-friendly and delicious dish to prepare for a holiday potluck. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to make. Start by cutting sweet potatoes into fries, toss them in olive oil, sprinkle with salt and your choice of spices, and bake them until crispy. Serve these crispy delights with a dipping sauce like garlic aioli or chipotle mayo. Everyone loves the sweet and savory combination of these fries, making them a crowd-pleaser during holiday gatherings. We can make them in large quantities without breaking the bank, making them an excellent option for a budget-friendly potluck dish. - Roy Lau, Co-Founder, 28 Mortgage

Choose a Basic and Cheap Pasta Salad
If you want to bring a basic, easy, and cheap meal to a holiday potluck, try making pasta salad. To make a tasty pasta salad, all you need is pasta, vegetables, and a vinaigrette dressing that you make yourself with vinegar, oil, and spices. You can also put cheese, peppers, or tuna from a can on top if you want to. It’s cheap, can be used in lots of different ways, and can be made in large quantities to feed many people. - Jay Toy, General Manager, 88stacks

Create a Customizable Baked Potato Bar
A cost-effective option for a holiday potluck is a baked potato bar. Guests can customize their potatoes with toppings like cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, and chives. Baked potatoes are an affordable base ingredient, and the toppings bar allows for individual preferences. This dish caters to various dietary needs and offers a satisfying and budget-friendly option for a holiday potluck.- Yoana Wong, Co-Founder, Secret Florists
 
Surprise with Budget-Friendly Mini Quiches
Mini quiches are a budget-friendly and unexpected dish for a holiday potluck. They can be made in advance and easily customized with various fillings, like cheese, vegetables, or bacon. These bite-sized, savory treats are both visually appealing and delicious. By using affordable ingredients like eggs, cheese, and pantry staples, mini quiches offer a cost-effective option that can cater to different dietary preferences. You can serve them hot or at room temperature, making them a convenient choice for potlucks. Your guests will appreciate the unique addition of mini quiches to the holiday spread! - Ben Lau, Founder, Featured SEO Company

Go Classic with a Spaghetti Casserole
A budget-friendly dish that is always a hit at holiday potlucks is a classic spaghetti casserole. It’s inexpensive, easy to make in large quantities, and a crowd-pleaser. The ingredients are simple: spaghetti, ground beef or turkey, tomato sauce, cheese, and spices. You can make it healthier by using whole wheat pasta and lean meat. It’s also versatile — vegetarians can substitute the meat with mushrooms or lentils. You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake it just before serving, making it convenient for busy holiday schedules. It’s a comforting dish that satisfies diverse palates and can be customized to accommodate dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone at the potluck can enjoy it.- Einav Biri, CEO, FARUZO