8 Healthy Big-Batch Recipes for Your Next Potluck (2024)

Nov92016

8 Healthy Big-Batch Recipes for Your Next Potluck (1)Dear Hungry Girl,

My office is having a holiday potluck, and I want to WOW my coworkers. What do you suggest? I want something delicious and guilt-free to feed a bunch of people. Thanks!

Feeling Potlucky

8 Healthy Big-Batch Recipes for Your Next Potluck (2)Hi Potlucky,

It's your potlucky day! So many of my recipes are great for parties. It's always fun to see the look on peoples' faces when you tell them what they're eating is good for them! And I've got you covered, no matter what part of the meal you're assigned.

Let's Start this Party off Right... with Appetizers!

Pump-Up-The-Jam co*cktail Weenies

1/14th of recipe (3 co*cktail weenies with sauce): 88 calories, 1g total fat (0g sat. fat), 692mg sodium, 14.5g carbs, 0g fiber, 8.5g sugars, 5.5g protein

SmartPoints® value 3*

These saucy mini hot dogs are just as good as pigs in a blanket, but they're a lot lower in calories... meaning you can enjoy more of 'em! They're made in a slow cooker, a.k.a. the best kitchen device for cooking up big batches. But if it's pigs in a blankie you crave, I've got a recipe for those too.

Holy Moly Guacamole

1/6th of recipe (about 1/3 cup): 78 calories, 3g total fat (0.5g sat. fat), 320mg sodium, 10.5g carbs, 3.5g fiber, 4g sugars, 3.5g protein

SmartPoints® value 3*

Everyone loves guac! It's the hottest dip around, and this recipe keeps the calories low with a few secret ingredients. Fine, I'll spill: canned peas and Greek yogurt! I've also got an island-inspired guac studded with mango, jicama, and cilantro. Both recipes are easy to double, if guacamole's in high demand. Serve with baked tortilla chips or crunchy jicama, and ready yourself for compliments...

Time for Sides!

Glaze-of-Glory Candied Carrots

1/7th of recipe (about 1 cup): 102 calories, 1.5g total fat (0.5g sat. fat), 286mg sodium, 22g carbs, 3g fiber, 13g sugars, 1.5g protein

SmartPoints® value 2*

People will flip over these sweet and sassy carrots. This is another recipe that's made in a slow cooker. (If you don't own one, now is the time!) It's the perfect veggie side dish to accompany whatever main dishes your fellow party-goers bring to the table. Literally.

8 Healthy Big-Batch Recipes for Your Next Potluck (6)

Holiday Harvest Kale Salad

1/6th of recipe (about 1 1/4 cups): 102 calories, 2g total fat (<0.5g sat. fat), 126mg sodium, 20g carbs, 2.5g fiber, 9.5g sugars, 3g protein

SmartPoints® value 2*

Salads don't have to be boring... This one is full of bold and fruity flavors! It serves six, but you can easily double, triple, quadruple (you see where I'm going with this) the recipe to fit your needs. Bonus: You can make it the night before; it tastes even better the next day. Your officemates will thank you...

Entering… the Entrées!

Slow-Cooker Pot Roast

1/12th of recipe (about 2 1/2 oz. cooked meat with 2/3 cup broth and veggies): 206 calories, 7g total fat (3g sat. fat), 447mg sodium, 11g carbs, 2g fiber, 4.5g sugars, 25.5g protein

SmartPoints® value 4*

Break out the slow cooker, because I've got another slow-cooked party-pleaser! Tender beef, tasty veggies, flavorful broth... This stuff is sooooo good. Be prepared to share the recipe, because it WILL be requested. I love this one!

Perfect Li’l Lasagna Cupcakes

1/12th of recipe (1 cupcake): 173 calories, 5g total fat (3g sat. fat), 390mg sodium, 14.5g carbs, 1.5g fiber, 4g sugars, 15.5g protein

SmartPoints® value 4*

Lasagna is a potluck favorite, but here's a new twist: single-serving minis! They may be small, but they pack all the big flavors you'd expect from the Italian classic. Juicy tomatoes, rich ricotta, savory beef, melty mozzarella... These guys will go fast!

Last but Not Least, Dessert Is Served!

Raspberry Streusel Bars

1/12th of pan (about 3" X 3"): 122 calories, 4g total fat (1.5g sat. fat), 116mg sodium, 23.5g carbs, 5g fiber, 3g sugars, 3g protein

SmartPoints® value 3*

These taste like decadent pastries but they're REALLY healthy! The oats and berries bring major fiber to the party, so this is one dessert that will actually fill you up. And if raspberries aren't your jam (tee-hee), try blueberries, strawberries, or dark sweet cherries. Trust me: Your work pals will love this sweet treat!

Chocolate PB Cake Pops

1/18th of recipe (1 cake pop): 101 calories, 3g total fat (1.5g sat. fat), 153mg sodium, 16.5g carbs, 1g fiber, 9.5g sugars, 1.5g protein

SmartPoints® value 4*

These look fancy, but they're super easy to make! Your officemates will be so impressed... No need to tell them your take on the oh-so-popular cake pop only calls for three ingredients! (That can be our little secret.) Chocolate + PB = always a winner.

Chew on this:

Today, November 9th, is Cook Something Bold & Pungent Day. Great Garlic Miracle Mashies, anyone?

You're not the only one invited to the potluck... Click "Send to a Friend" to help out your pals!

Have a Question for Hungry Girl?

Send it in!She answers new Qs each week (but cannot respond to emails personally).

8 Healthy Big-Batch Recipes for Your Next Potluck (11)

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8 Healthy Big-Batch Recipes for Your Next Potluck (2024)

FAQs

How many main dishes for a potluck? ›

"People love trying different things at potlucks, so it's best to offer two to three dishes of each category (appetizer, salad, main, dessert)," says Levitt.

How big of a dish to bring to a potluck? ›

When you're unsure about the number of people attending a potluck, it's best to bring a dish that can serve a large number of people. A good rule of thumb is to bring enough food to serve at least 8-10 people. This way, you can ensure that there will be enough to go around, even if the turnout is larger than expected.

What's the easiest thing to bring to a potluck? ›

Pasta Salad: A simple pasta salad with veggies and Italian dressing is quick and budget-friendly. Vegetable Tray: Bring a colorful assortment of fresh vegetables with dip. Deviled Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs filled with a flavorful mixture are always a hit.

What is the easiest thing to bring to a work potluck? ›

Most food stores sell prepared vegetable trays with dips. This is simple, easy, and usually goes quickly at parties. Fruit tray. Similar to the vegetable tray, most food stores have some kind of combination of fruit salad or fruit trays that you can use for your potluck event.

Is it OK to bring store bought food for potluck? ›

Potluck food should be plate-based. Unless you plan on bringing a stash of disposable bowls and spoons, it's best to stick to food that can be eaten off a plate with a fork. If you don't have time to cook, there's a world of store-bought food that is acceptable to bring to a potluck.

Is it rude to eat at a potluck if you didn t bring anything? ›

There is no proper etiquette for not bringing food if you intend to eat. You should bring something. Otherwise you're being a freeloader. People don't like freeloaders.

Can I bring cookies to a potluck? ›

Cakes and other similar desserts are also favored, but they can be messier and harder to serve than easy things like cookies, which can be easily picked up and put onto a plate. Drinks can also be very important in having a good potluck.

What is the difference between a party and a potluck? ›

A dinner party is very organized and has set dress code, age of guests and a particular dinner. A potluck dinner is open to everyone and everyone brings a dish to add “to the pot". One is more formal than the other.

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