Bring along all necessary serving utensils.
Preparing a dish that appeals to a crowd is essential when you're invited to a Christmas potluck, particularly if kids are invited. Once you find out what part of the meal the host wants you to bring, choose a recipe that you've made before and that your family has enjoyed so you're sure that it will turn out well. Does this Spark an idea?
Appetizers
Dip is the ideal appetizer to bring to a holiday party, because serving it doesn't require any effort on the host's part. A warm dip is appetizing during the holiday season, so make a nacho cheese or spinach and artichoke dip, and serve it with a basket of crackers and pretzels. Bring the dish in a small electric crock pot so it can be kept warm without taking up valuable oven space. An antipasto tray is also easy to put together yet elegant. Arrange marinated chunks of cheese on a tray with slices of Italian bread and prosciutto.
Entrees
Many casseroles can be made weeks in advance and kept frozen until party day, and one 13-by-9-inch dish can feed up to 20 party guests. Eggplant parmesan is warm and comforting, and it's an ideal choice if any vegetarians are on the guest list. Chicken tetrazzini made with pasta, mushrooms, peas and cheese sauce is also easy to make ahead and will appeal to even the pickiest of eaters. Add some diced roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes to give the casserole both red and green accents.
Vegetables
Many people gain weight during the holidays, so guests will appreciate having tasty and healthy vegetable dishes to enjoy. A green salad is one of the healthiest dishes you can prepare, and because it's served at room temperature, it's easy to transport to a potluck. Top the greens with red and green peppers and cherry tomatoes so it's decked out in Christmas colors. For a warm and filling dish that's quick to prepare, cook green beans before the party. Just before serving, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in the microwave and toss it with the beans, toasted walnuts and salt and pepper.
Desserts
If you have a favorite family Christmas cookie recipe, a potluck is the time to share these treats with your friends. Even if you don't a favorite recipe, cookies can be quick to whip up. Decorate sugar cookies with white frosting and edible silver sprinkles, or bake up a batch of brownies topped with minty frosting. If you prefer to make a cake, choose something rich and dense so guests will only need a small piece, meaning the cake will feed more people. Make a flourless chocolate torte topped with crushed peppermint or an eggnog-flavored cheesecake.
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