• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Bake It With Love

  • Grilling
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Cookbooks
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Grilling
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Cookbooks
  • Subscribe
×
Home » Recipes » Recipes

Last Updated: Nov 26, 2023 by Angela Latimer · Leave a Comment

Winter Potluck Recipes

Jump to Recipe
Best winter potluck recipes pin featuring beef enchiladas and baked spaghetti dishes to feed a crowd.

These winter potluck recipes are great for serving a crowd at Christmas and New Year's parties, and all the other occasions of the cold weather season! You certainly don't want to show up empty-handed! From appetizers to desserts, you're sure to find plenty of delicious potluck recipes made for sharing!

Best winter potluck recipes to make for feeding a crowd like these popular dishes featured in a square collage.
Jump to:
  • Wintertime Party Potluck Ideas
  • 1. Lasagna
  • 2. Rotel Chicken Spaghetti
  • 3. Beef Enchiladas
  • 4. Stuffed Green Peppers
  • 5. Ham & Potato Casserole
  • 6. Hashbrown Casserole
  • 7. Bechamel Pasta Bake
  • 8. Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs
  • 9. Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
  • 10. Homemade Chili
  • 11. Creamed Corn Cornbread
  • 12. Velveeta Mac and Cheese
  • 13. Jalapeno Cheddar Scones
  • 14. Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs
  • 15. Sausage Cream Cheese Dip
  • 16. Air Fryer Pigs In A Blanket
  • 17. 7 Layer Dip
  • 18. 4 Ingredient Potato Soup
  • 19. Cherry Pie Bars
  • 😋 More Crowd-Pleasing Recipes
  • 📖 Recipe Card
  • Winter Potluck Recipes: Homemade Chili (+ More Great Ideas To Feed A Crowd!)
  • 💬 Comments & Reviews

Wintertime Party Potluck Ideas

For most people, the winter season comes with many family visits, church events, holiday parties, and countless Christmas activities. That's why I like to keep some winter potluck recipes on the back burner so I don't show up empty-handed to last-minute invites!

Below are my go-to recipes for feeding a group during the colder winter months. I've added appetizers, entrees, side dishes, and desserts, so no matter the occasion, you will have the perfect recipe in mind!

1. Lasagna

Lasagna is a potluck classic and everyone will remember who brought the homemade lasagna. Tender pasta, hearty meat sauce, and cheese are hard to resist.

You can even keep one frozen on hand so you have it ready to go whenever you need it!

Lasagna
A homemade lasagna full of tender noodles and a hearty meat sauce covered in melted cheese is one of the best comfort foods you can make. All the time you spend making it will be more than worth it when you see your family lining up for seconds.
Check out this recipe
Square image of the sliced meat lasagna with red sauce on white plate.

2. Rotel Chicken Spaghetti

This easy chicken and pasta casserole is great for family dinners or for bringing to potlucks! In this recipe, spaghetti noodles and chicken are tossed with an ultra-creamy sauce made from Velveeta cheese, cream cheese, chicken broth, and heavy cream.

Then, you just add a can of RoTel diced tomatoes with chiles, season them, and bake! It's a great way to use up leftover chicken, too!

Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel
Chicken spaghetti with Rotel is an easy, simple, and delicious spaghetti casserole dish for weeknight family dinners! The Velveeta cheese, cream cheese, and heavy cream (or cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soup) make this dish extra special! Plus, it is a perfect use for leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken!
Check out this recipe
This Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel is a super easy spaghetti casserole loaded with creamy deliciousness from the Velveeta and cream cheeses!

3. Beef Enchiladas

You can never go wrong with a huge dish of beef enchiladas! These enchiladas are filled with ground beef, onion, garlic, refried beans, and black beans.

Bring along some of your favorite Tex-Mex toppings like sour cream, pico, or more shredded cheese! This recipe makes 8 enchiladas, but you can always make two batches if you need more.

Beef Enchiladas
These homemade beef enchiladas are generously seasoned for a rich and bold flavor that your entire family will love! This saucy, cheesy, and savory meal is perfect for any occasion! Even better, you can use homemade enchilada sauce to take the flavor to the next level!
Check out this recipe
Square image of beef enchiladas.

4. Stuffed Green Peppers

Green bell peppers stuffed with cheesy ground beef and rice filling, then baked! They are wonderfully easy to make and surprisingly filling!

Stuffed Green Peppers
Savory, easy-to-make stuffed green peppers are filled with a seasoned tomato, ground beef, and rice mixture for a satisfying meal. The familiar flavor of tender green bell peppers pairs perfectly with a hearty filling, covered with tomato sauce, topped with cheese, and baked until golden. This classic dish is perfect for family dinners and can be prepped in advance for a quick weeknight meal too.
Check out this recipe
Classic stuffed green peppers in a clear glass 9x13 baking dish topped with fresh chopped parsley.

5. Ham & Potato Casserole

This hearty ham & potato casserole is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! The chunks of potato and ham are coated in a luscious cheese sauce and baked until tender.

Ham and Potato Casserole
This flavorful ham and potato casserole combines these two hearty ingredients into a meal that's just as wonderful for breakfast as it is for dinner. Hearty potatoes and savory diced ham get layered with a rich, luscious cheese sauce for a heavenly meal.
Check out this recipe
Square overhead image of ham & potato casserole on a white plate, with casserole in background.

6. Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown casserole is an easy-to-make side dish that is perfect for any meal of the day, not just breakfast. The hash browns are baked in a creamy combination of cream of chicken soup, butter, sour cream, and Colby Jack cheese.

These warm and cheesy hashbrowns will definitely draw a crowd at your next potluck.

Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
This Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole is a savory, flavorful side dish that will satisfy your need for some delicious comfort food. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you'll bring the taste of Cracker Barrel into your kitchen. This easy-to-make casserole is ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or a comforting meal any day of the week.
Check out this recipe
Closeup square image of Cracker Barrel Hashbrown casserole copycate on a white plate.

7. Bechamel Pasta Bake

Layers of seasoned ground beef, rigatoni noodles, and creamy bechamel sauce combine to make one incredible casserole. It's quick (less than 30 minutes) but totally satisfying and full of flavor.

You can always make this casserole a day or 2 in advance and reheat it for your potluck to save more time, and you can freeze it too!

Bechamel Pasta Bake (Macarona Bechamel or Pastitsio)
This bechamel pasta bake, also called macarona bechamel or pastitsio, is an amazingly flavorful dinner casserole! It combines rigatoni noodles with a seasoned ground beef filling and a rich bechamel white sauce! It's an addictive flavor combination that you'll be making over and over again after trying it!
Check out this recipe
Perfectly golden baked bechamel pasta bake or macarona bechamel served in casserole dish.

8. Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

This baked version of spaghetti and meatballs is a great variation of the classic recipe everyone knows and loves. What's not to love about spaghetti, meatballs, mozzarella, and spaghetti sauce all in one casserole?

You can prepare homemade meatballs or use store-bought and no one will be any the wiser.

Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs
Baked spaghetti and meatballs is an easy casserole with layers of spaghetti coated in sauce, cheese, and meatballs! This tasty comfort food dinner can be loaded with cheesy goodness to please your entire family. Plus, it's the perfect use of leftovers from a spaghetti dinner!
Check out this recipe
Large square closeup image of baked spaghetti and meatballs in a clear casserole dish baked with fresh baby mozzarella and garnished with genovese basil leaves.

9. Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

You can use crack chicken as a dip for chips or turn it into sandwiches. You can also serve it right out of your crockpot!

It's made with chicken, bacon, cheese, and ranch seasoning, slowly cooked until it becomes a pot of melted goodness.

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
This slow cooker crack chicken is totally addictive. Absolutely creamy and cheesy shredded chicken with bacon and ranch that's perfect for sandwiches, dips, potlucks, and more. Whether you're feeding your family or a crowd, this crockpot chicken is super easy and totally addictive.
Check out this recipe
Large square straight on side view of the slow cooker crack chicken served on brioche bun.

10. Homemade Chili

A great homemade chili recipe is always nice to have in your back pocket, and this is my go-to. I like to top it off with a little sour cream, cheese, and a side of crackers!

This version does call for kidney and chili beans. I also have a recipe for Texas chili that has no beans if that's what you prefer!

Homemade Chili
This homemade chili is so incredibly delicious and loaded with flavor that you will want to get rid of every other chili recipe you have! It is packed with beef, beans, vegetables, and a made-from-scratch seasoning blend that makes this dish truly special. Trust me, everyone who tastes this will be begging you for the recipe!
Check out this recipe
Easy homemade chili recipe served in maroon bowl with shredded cheddar cheese.
Best winter potluck recipes to make for any cold weather season gathering featuring three favorite dishes, enchiladas, ham casserole, and baked spaghetti.

11. Creamed Corn Cornbread

The addition of canned creamed corn makes this cornbread extra moist and the honey gives it a perfect touch of sweetness. You could even add cheese or jalapenos to make it a spicy/sweet Southwest cornbread!

Creamed Corn Cornbread
Once you try my easy creamed corn cornbread recipe you will want to make cornbread without using a cornbread mix from here on out. The canned creamed corn, butter, and a touch of honey give it plenty of sweetness while the bits of corn throughout the fluffy bread add great texture. This creamed corn cornbread is a must-try side dish this summer that is sure to be a new family favorite!
Check out this recipe
Closeup of the creamed corn cornbread sliced into squares and served.

12. Velveeta Mac and Cheese

Kids and adults alike will obsess over this super-creamy mac and cheese! It's a one-pot side dish, meaning you won't have to do very much prep or cleanup.

You only need macaroni noodles, milk, cheddar cheese, Velveeta, and some seasonings. Oh, and did I mention it only takes 20 minutes to make?

Velveeta Mac and Cheese
My easy stove-top Velveeta mac and cheese is a rich and creamy comfort food delight that's irresistibly cheesy. It's a one-pot stovetop side dish that takes practically no effort to make. This family favorite dish is ready to enjoy in less than 20 minutes!
Check out this recipe
Square image showing velveeta mac & cheese on a plate with chicken and veggies.

13. Jalapeno Cheddar Scones

These scones aren't spicy but they are full of jalapeno and cheddar flavor! They are the perfect side dish for BBQs, potlucks, or anywhere you can find good home cooking.

Jalapeno Cheddar Scones
These jalapeno cheddar scones might be cut smaller than my usual sweet scone, but they are mighty in taste and loaded with cheddar and jalapeno flavor. They also happen to be a very popular family favorite that I love to serve with dinners.
Check out this recipe
Jalapeno Cheddar Scones piled up on a baking tray with a blue and white background.

14. Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs

Crockpot jelly meatballs are one of my favorite winter potluck recipes. They make a fabulous appetizer for any occasion!

You only need 4 ingredients: frozen meatballs, grape jelly, ketchup, and cayenne pepper. The jelly caramelizes into a sweet sticky sauce that is hard to resist!

Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs
Crockpot grape jelly meatballs combine homemade or freezer meatballs, grape jelly, ketchup, and seasoning. They're a perfect appetizer for any potluck, dinner party, or game day. These easy, delicious, and tender meatballs will also be the hit of any family dinner!
Check out this recipe
Square image of crockpot grape jelly meatballs piled up high on a white plate.

15. Sausage Cream Cheese Dip

Pork sausage, cream cheese, and RoTel tomatoes are all you need to make a creamy and savory chip dip! It's served warm, so it is a great choice for winter occasions.

All you have to do is cook the ground beef, drain, stir in the cream cheese and tomatoes until melted, and serve!

Sausage Cream Cheese Dip
Sausage cream cheese dip is a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer dip that will be the talk of your next party or game day get-together! This 3-ingredient dip combines hearty pork sausage, cream cheese, and RoTel diced tomatoes with green chiles. Serve with chips or veggie sticks and you have yourself a delicious party appetizer to share with a crowd!
Check out this recipe
Square image of sausage cream cheese dip in a bowl with chips around bowl.

16. Air Fryer Pigs In A Blanket

These 2-ingredient pigs in a blanket are fantastic finger food for any occasion. In the morning, they make a great quick breakfast, or you can serve them as an easy appetizer at lunch or dinnertime.

Air Fryer Pigs In A Blanket
This 20-minute air fryer pigs in a blanket recipe combines savory Little Smokies sausages and buttery crescent rolls to make an easy snack! The air fryer is the fastest way to make this classic appetizer that is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, and parties!
Check out this recipe
Square image of air fryer pigs in a blanket on a metal tray with ketchup.

17. 7 Layer Dip

This 7-layer dip is the ultimate party appetizer. Layers of beans, sour cream, guacamole, cheese, salsa, tomatoes, and black olives all come together to make one delicious chip dip!

Grab a few bags of crispy tortilla chips, and you're in business.

7-Layer Dip
This 7-Layer Dip is a tasty combination of refried beans, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, cheese, diced tomatoes, and sliced black olives! Your easy taco dip can be served warm or cold; either way, it's always a hit at parties, a game day get-together, or an amazing family dinner! Best of all, you can throw this 7-layer dip together in just 10 minutes flat!
Check out this recipe
Wide side image showing the layers in 7 Layer Dip.

18. 4 Ingredient Potato Soup

Yes, you can get a creamy and comforting homemade potato soup with just 4 ingredients (plus water and salt & pepper)! All you need is potatoes, butter, onion, and milk, though I highly recommend topping it with shredded cheddar and bacon!

This soup tastes like it simmered all day, but in reality, it comes together in less than 30 minutes. Not to mention, it's warm and inviting, which is perfect for serving on cold winter evenings.

4 Ingredient Potato Soup
This Easy Potato Soup is creamy and delicious. The easiest comfort food soup you’ll ever make with only 4 ingredients needed! This luscious, delectable soup will have your family thinking it’s been simmering all day – but it only takes 30 minutes to cook!
Check out this recipe
Wide image of the dishes 4 ingredient potato soup served in black bowl.

19. Cherry Pie Bars

All the flavor of a homemade cherry pie in easy-to-eat dessert bars! They are drizzled with a sweet and simple vanilla glaze that is finger-licking good.

These bars can easily be prepared in advance so all you have to do is quickly whip up the icing on the day of your potluck.

Cherry Pie Bars
Cherry pie bars are a delicious fruit dessert that is perfect for serving a crowd at any get-together. The sweet vanilla glaze requires only 3 ingredients and is perfect for topping off the golden buttery crust stuffed with cherry pie filling. Bring these cherry pie squares to a party, gathering, or potluck, and all of your guests will want to know the recipe!
Check out this recipe
Square image of cherry pie bars.

Did you give any of these Winter potluck recipes a try? Let me know how they turned out in the comment section below!

>>>>See all of my recipes here<<<<

😋 More Crowd-Pleasing Recipes

  • Campbell's Green Bean Casserole - You don't have to wait for Thanksgiving to serve this classic green bean casserole!
  • Mashed Potato Casserole - A creamy mashed potato casserole with a crispy breadcrumb topping!
  • Buffalo Chicken Dip - A creamy dip for chips, crackers, or veggies with all the flavor of a buffalo chicken wing!
  • Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms - These stuffed mushrooms are the perfect 2-bite snack, and they are so easy to make!
  • Pinwheel Sandwiches - You can make pinwheel sandwiches with so many different fillings!
  • Rotel Dip - This cheesy ground beef chip dip only calls for 4 ingredients!

Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
Stay in touch with me through social media @ Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Subscribe to the newsletter today (no spam, I promise)! Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!

📖 Recipe Card

Best winter potluck recipes to make for feeding a crowd like these popular dishes featured in a square collage.
Print Recipe Leave A Comment
Love This Recipe?Click On A Star To Rate It!
5 from 2 reviews

Winter Potluck Recipes: Homemade Chili (+ More Great Ideas To Feed A Crowd!)

These winter potluck recipes are great for serving a crowd at Christmas and New Years' parties, and all the other occasions of the cold weather season! You certainly don't want to show up empty-handed! From appetizers to desserts, you're sure to find plenty of delicious potluck recipes made for sharing!
Author | Angela Latimer
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 458kcal
Prep 10 minutes minutes
Cooking 2 hours hours 10 minutes minutes
Total Time 2 hours hours 20 minutes minutes
Pin Recipe Share on Facebook

Ingredients
 

  • 4 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 1 large white onion (diced, or use yellow onion)
  • 1 large red bell pepper (diced, seeds removed)
  • 1 large Anaheim pepper (seeds removed, diced)
  • 2 large jalapeno peppers (finely diced, seeds removed)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
  • 2 ½ lbs ground beef
  • ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 beef bouillon cubes
  • 12 oz light beer (such as Coors, or use beef broth)
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes (San Marzano are recommended)
  • 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (fire-roasted)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • ½ cup white wine (or use more beef broth)
  • 4 tablespoon chili seasoning (try my recipe or use your own)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon chipotle pepper sauce
  • ½ teaspoon each, salt & pepper (to taste)
  • 32 oz dark red kidney beans (2 16-ounce cans, drained and rinsed)
  • 16 oz chili beans (1 16-ounce can, drained and rinsed)
  • 3 tablespoon cilantro (optional, chopped for garnish)

(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)

Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

Instructions
 

  • Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add in the extra virgin olive oil. Once hot, add the onion, bell pepper, Anaheim pepper, jalapenos, and garlic. Cook and stir the veggies until they are tender.
  • Meanwhile, in a separate skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef for 5-7 minutes until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat.
  • Into the browned meat, add the Worcestershire sauce, beef bouillon cubes, and beer. Continue to cook the meat mixture, using a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pan as you stir for about 3 minutes (or until hot).
  • Pour the beef mixture into the pot with the vegetables. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, wine, brown sugar, chipotle pepper sauce, salt, pepper, and chili seasoning mix. Stir to combine.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and allow it to simmer for about 90 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add in the kidney beans and chili beans, then continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
  • Garnish with cilantro, if desired, as well as any of your other favorite toppings. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a chili recipe without any of the beer or wine, replace the alcohol with the same amount of additional beef broth. Instead, use 2 cups of beef broth and omit both the beer and wine.
  • To store: Allow your chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and keeping it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • To freeze: Freeze your chili in individual portions in a freezer-safe bag with the excess air squeezed out. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
  • To reheat: Reheat your leftovers either in the microwave or in a pot on the stove.

Nutrition

Calories: 458kcal (23%) | Carbohydrates: 33g (11%) | Protein: 26g (52%) | Fat: 25g (38%) | Saturated Fat: 8g (50%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 67mg (22%) | Sodium: 745mg (32%) | Potassium: 1125mg (32%) | Fiber: 9g (38%) | Sugar: 9g (10%) | Vitamin A: 1897IU (38%) | Vitamin C: 32mg (39%) | Calcium: 97mg (10%) | Iron: 7mg (39%)
Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
« Chili Con Carne
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies »

Share This Recipe!

  • Share
  • X
  • Flipboard
  • Threads
  • WhatsApp
  • Email

Reader Interactions

Comments

No Comments

5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

Thanks for coming! Ask anything - or let me know what you think: Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Author bio photo with cake.

Hi there, I'm Angela

I am an avid vintage cookbook collector, cook, baker, and total foodie. I love sharing new, fun, creative recipes and great classic recipes, just like my Grandma used to make! Every recipe on BIWL is tested to ensure that cooks of any experience level can succeed.

Welcome to Bake It With Love. Enjoy!

More About Me ->

Grilling Recipes

  • Tasty, easy cookout food ideas to make and feed a crowd this summer.
    Easy Cookout Food Ideas: Best Dishes To Bring To A Cookout

  • Square image of sliced Arrachera steak on a cutting board.
    Arrachera (Mexican Steak for Tacos)

  • Square image of sliced Denver steak on a cutting board.
    Denver Steak

  • Square image of grilled ostrich steaks.
    Grilled Ostrich Steaks

  • Square image of grilled pineapple.
    Grilled Pineapple

  • Square image of sliced grilled skirt steak.
    Grilled Skirt Steak

See more Grilled →

Tasty Dinner Ideas

  • A square collage of four images showing easy summer crockpot meals including tender London broil pot roast, green beans and potatoes, grape jelly meatballs, and pork carnitas tacos.
    Summer Crockpot Meal Ideas

  • Panda Express honey sesame chicken copycat recipe plated with rice and garnished with more white sesame seeds.
    Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken

  • A square image showing a bowl of tender wok fried marinated chicken with celery, onions, and black pepper sauce.
    Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken

  • Best leftover lobster recipes page image featuring four favorite dishes in a square collage.
    Leftover Lobster Recipes

  • Square collage image featuring 4 tasty recipes using leftover hard boiled eggs.
    Leftover Hard Boiled Eggs Recipes

  • Spider taco ring on baking sheet with taco toppings in the body and sliced olives for eyes.
    Spider Taco Crescent Ring

See more Main Dish →

Footer

As Seen On

As seen on these popular sites: Mashed, Tasting Table, Parade, MSN, Yahoo, Delish, The Pioneer Woman, Today, Taste of Home, and more.

↑ back to top

About

  • Meet The Team
  • Photo Sharing
  • Privacy Policy
  • Work With Me
  • Accessibility Statement

Recipes

  • Dinners
  • Desserts
  • Breakfasts
  • Cookies & Bars
  • Videos
  • Articles

AI-Free

Everything on Bake It With Love is created by me, where I share my experiences, with help from my team members and family.

I promise that BIWL is 100% free of AI content.

Get Social

Visit us on your favorite social media platforms!

Copyright © 2016-2025 Bake It With Love

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

This worked exactly as written, thanks!
My family loved this!
Thank you for sharing this recipe

Or write in your own words:

A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.