Nothing brings a community together quite like good food. As your neighborhood gears up for its annual HOA holiday event, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a community potluck. From savory casseroles to festive desserts, these recipes are simple to prepare, easy to transport, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Whether you’re a board member planning the gathering or a resident signing up to bring a dish, here are five tried-and-true community potluck favorites that everyone will love.
1. Deviled Eggs
Time: 15 minutes | Source: Smitten Kitchen
A timeless starter that never lasts long; these deviled eggs are creamy, tangy, and endlessly customizable.
Ingredients:
8 large, hard-boiled eggs, 3 tbsp plus 1 tsp mayonnaise, 2 tsp Dijon mustard, 1½ tsp white wine vinegar, ¼ tsp kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and optional garnishes (chives, bacon bits, pickles, or fried shallots).
Directions:
- Peel and halve eggs lengthwise. Remove yolks into a bowl and mash until smooth.
- Mix in mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper until creamy.
- Spoon or pipe the filling into egg whites, sprinkle with paprika, and add any garnish you like.
Potluck tip: Serve on a chilled platter to keep them fresh and offer a mix of mild and smoky toppings to please all tastes.
2. Pepper Jack Corn Casserole
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Serves: 6 | Source: Midwest Living
This warm, cheesy casserole is comfort food at its best, rich, satisfying, and perfect alongside almost any main course.
Ingredients:
1 egg, 1 can whole-kernel corn, 1 can creamed corn, 1¼ cups crushed crackers, 1½ cups shredded pepper jack cheese, hot pepper sauce, salt, and butter.
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Mix corn, egg, ¾ cup crackers, 1 cup cheese, hot sauce, and salt. Spread into a greased 2-quart baking dish.
- Combine melted butter, remaining crackers, and cheese for topping; sprinkle over casserole.
- Bake 45 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Potluck tip: This dish travels beautifully, cover with foil, reheat on-site, and watch it disappear fast.
3. Turkey Stuffing with Apples, Pears & Mushrooms
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes | Serves: 10 | Source: Midwest Living
Traditional stuffing gets a festive twist with fruit and herbs that fill the room with a holiday aroma. It pairs perfectly with turkey, chicken, or pork.
Ingredients:
Butter, onion, celery, apples, pears, mushrooms, dry bread cubes, eggs, chicken broth, brown sugar, and a blend of thyme, sage, and marjoram.
Directions:
- Sauté onions and celery in butter until soft. Add apples, pears, and mushrooms; cook until tender.
- Toss mixture with bread cubes in a large bowl.
- Whisk eggs, broth, sugar, and spices; drizzle over bread mixture and stir gently.
- Bake at 375°F for 40–50 minutes until golden brown and crisp on top.
Potluck tip: Make ahead the night before, refrigerate, and reheat just before serving; it tastes even better the next day.
4. Hash Brown Casserole
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes | Serves: 6 | Source: Midwest Living
This creamy, classic dish is beloved at every potluck. Filled with ham, cheese, and crispy cornflakes, it’s a hearty option for both brunch and dinner gatherings.
Ingredients:
Condensed cream of chicken soup, light sour cream, frozen shredded hash browns, diced cooked ham, cubed American cheese, onion, black pepper, cornflakes, and butter.
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine soup, sour cream, potatoes, ham, cheese, onion, and pepper in a large bowl. Spread into a greased baking dish.
- Mix cornflakes with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
- Bake 50–55 minutes until bubbly and golden. Rest 10 minutes before serving.
Potluck tip: Double the recipe if your community has a big turnout, this one goes fast!
5. Eggnog Cheesecake Bars
Total Time: ~6 hours including chill time | Serves: 16 | Source: Midwest Living
End your community meal on a festive note with these creamy cheesecake bars that combine the flavors of eggnog, cinnamon, and a touch of bourbon.
Ingredients:
Graham cracker crumbs, sugar, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, butter, cream cheese, egg, eggnog, and optional bourbon or crystallized ginger.
Directions:
- Combine crust ingredients, press into an 8×8 pan, and bake for 5 minutes at 375°F. Reduce oven to 325°F.
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, eggnog, and bourbon until smooth. Pour over the crust.
- Bake 28–30 minutes, cool 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Garnish with graham crumbs or ginger before serving.
Potluck tip: Cut into squares for easy sharing; these rich bites are perfect for guests to grab on the go.
Celebrating Together
A community potluck is more than a meal, it’s a chance to connect, share traditions, and celebrate the season with your neighbors. These simple dishes can help every resident contribute something special, turning your HOA holiday event into a warm and memorable gathering. So grab your casserole dish, pack up your favorite recipe, and join your community at the table this holiday season.