17 Delicious Dishes You'll Find at a Midwestern Potluck
Fun fact: Salads don't need to have lettuce.
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While there are many culinary differences across this great nation, there's one thing everyone seems to love in the United States: a good excuse for a potluck. There are church potluck recipes for Sundays, tailgate food come football season, and of course, the backyard BBQ when the weather is warm. Because each region is a little different (this is a huge country, after all), you won't always find the same dishes everywhere you go. And that's part of the fun!
If you've never experienced the wonder that is middle America, there are plenty of dishes at a Midwestern potluck that you may or may not find anywhere else. For instance, while you'll find several church recipes Southerners love as much as anyone like taco dip and easy casseroles, you'll also find quirky spins on salads that seem to be quintessentially Midwestern. You'll learn that anything can have the word "salad" in it and there will not be a shred of lettuce in sight... though Watergate salad is technically green.
From German-inspired brats to pasta salad sides, and of course the most heavenly church potluck desserts, there's one thing you won't find: anyone still hungry once they leave. Because you betcha Midwesterners know how to throw a good potluck any time of the year! Now don't forget to grab your Tupperware before you go. You'll need it for whatever "salad" you plan to bring next time, don't cha know?
Cheesy Potato Casserole
You'll most likely see these referred to as "funeral potatoes," but either way, this potato side dish is pure comfort food. What's better than a warm, cheesy scoop?
Get the Cheesy Potato Casserole recipe.
Taco Dip
You can't have a potluck without at least one dip. Classic taco dip is easy to make (seriously, ten minutes!) and will always be a crowdpleaser. Serve with tortilla chips or even some cut-up veggies.
Get the Taco Dip recipe.
Watergate Salad
Having at least one sweet Jell-O "salad" is a must. You're not quite sure what's in it until you taste it, but you won't be able to stop eating it. If you don't have a family recipe, then start with this classic.
Get the Watergate Salad recipe.
Perfect Potato Salad
You might find a few variations of potato salads, including German potato salad. The other versions will probably be yellow thanks to eggs and mustard, just like Ree Drummond's perfected recipe.
Get the Perfect Potato Salad recipe.
Slow Cooker Chili
Having a big ol' pot of chili is great as is or you can serve it over spaghetti Cincinnati-style or make coneys (a.k.a chili cheese dogs). The slow cooker will keep it warm regardless!
Get the Slow Cooker Chili recipe.
Puppy Chow
This sweet snack is the best five minutes of prep you'll ever spend. Melt chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter, pour over Chex cereal, and then shake in a big bag of powdered sugar.
Get the Puppy Chow recipe.
Tuna Pasta Salad
This cold pasta salad makes a hearty side dish for practically any gathering. And because it has protein and veggies mixed with the pasta, it could easily be a main, too.
Get the Tuna Pasta Salad recipe.
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
What started as an accident in St. Louis became a beloved dessert! You start with a boxed cake mix and turn it into the best cake-cookie bar-cheesecake hybrid treat.
Get the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake recipe.
Beer Brats
If there's a cookout, you betcha there'll be some brats. The magic starts when the sausages, onions, and beer simmer together. Then they get crisped up on the grill and served.
Get the Beer Brats recipe.
Kicked-Up Tater Tot Hotdish
Cross the border into Minnesota and your casserole becomes known as a hotdish instead. While there are many ways to build one, the most fun is by topping it with tater tots.
Get the Kicked-Up Tater Tot Hotdish recipe.
Buckeyes
No, you don't need to be a fan of Ohio State to make these tasty confections. But you do need to be a fan of chocolate and peanut butter because that's what you'll get in every bite.
Get the Buckeyes recipe.
Classic Three Bean Salad
While you can absolutely pop open canned beans and throw this together fast, you can take a few more minutes and use fresh green beans instead. They're a nice crunchier contrast to the white and kidney beans.
Get the Classic Three Bean Salad recipe.
Ham and Cheese Sliders
Turn soft dinner rolls into epic sliders. Layer ham, Swiss cheese, and a tangy mayo-mustard spread, then bake them in the oven until they're glossy on the outside and melty on the inside.
Get the Ham and Cheese Sliders recipe.
Lemon Bars
Ree's lemon bars have a "nice, substantial cookie-like crust and just enough filling," she explains. And whenever she makes them, "they disappear within four minutes." The same will happen at your potluck!
Get Ree's Lemon Bars recipe.
Layered Salad
You'll find some version of this called "seven layer salad" and you can guess why! Get a clear bowl and layer lettuce, eggs, bacon, tomatoes, green onions, cheddar cheese, and peas, then seal it with a creamy dressing.
Get Ree's Layered Salad recipe.
Pull-Apart Pigs in a Blanket
Everyone loves pigs in a blanket! And if you're feeding a crowd, this version is more appealing and even tastier. That's because they're brushed with a buttery honey mustard sauce before being baked.
Get the Pull-Apart Pigs in a Blanket recipe.
Scotcheroos
Rice Krispies treats have a chocolatey, peanut buttery, butterscotch-y cousin that you'll find over on the sweets table. They're called scotcheroos and they'll become your all-time favorite no-bake treat.
Get the Scotcheroos recipe.
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