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Finding the perfect veggie dish to bring to a potluck can be tricky — especially if you're looking for options that aren't just tasty and budget-friendly, but can also withstand the journey without a heat source or ice packs. After all, nobody wants to eat hot fruit salad or dive into a cold casserole.
Luckily, with these creative dish ideas shared by users on the r/cooking subreddit, you'll be able to serve up vegetarian potluck meals without compromising on taste and quality.
"Brussels Sprouts, roasted with balsamic, honey, and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts," shares one Redditor, noting how the dish can be made with "a ton of variations (parmesan, maple/orange, garlic, lemon)," and always travels well. "Whatever flavor profile you choose, they're all amazing made the day before then served room temperature."
Recipe: Once Upon a Chef
A Waldorf salad is another reliable choice that holds up well during transport, users say. Combining apples, grapes, celery, and walnuts in a simple cream dressing, this dish can maintain both texture and taste even when away from the fridge for a while. "Waldorf salad is an absolute treat with fall apples," writes one Redditor.
Recipe: Foodie Crush
"Green beans in general travel well, particularly blistered green beans," writes one user, adding, "I love blistered green beans seasoned at the end with soy sauce, fresh garlic, and Shaoxing rice wine. Super simple flavor bomb." The Redditor notes that the dish is forgiving and can easily be reheated in the oven or microwave.
Recipe: Bon Appétit
For those who prefer a sweet dish, corn pudding is another solid choice, Redditors say. "Corn pudding does well and people love it. Cheap to make, too," writes one user, while another adds, "I second this. I introduced my family to this dish and now it's requested for every single holiday and event!"
In fact, the dish is so scrumptious that one Redditor suggests hiding the leftovers. "Hide any leftovers if possible because spoonfuls of it cold from the fridge are second only to pie as a day-after-Thanksgiving breakfast."
Recipe: Taste of Home
Related: Ranking Korean Corn Dogs From Delicious to Horrible
"Stuffed mushrooms would be good if you have a container that can store them all in a single layer," writes one Redditor, noting that the dish can be easily reheated in about 10 minutes. Mushrooms are versatile, vegan-friendly, and can be customized to fit different flavor profiles and dietary restrictions.
Recipe: Peas and Crayons
Pasta salads provide another easy, versatile, and cheap solution for dinners or potlucks. The non-perishable nature of the pasta also makes this dish ideal for transportation. Just be sure to opt for vegetables such as peppers, tomatoes, onions, and olives that won't wilt or get soggy, says one Redditor.
Recipe: Cookie and Kate
"A red cabbage slaw with carrot and pickled jalapeño or hatch chili is a delight that just gets better and better as it rests," writes one Redditor. "Use a bit of rice vinegar, olive oil, a tiny touch of mayo, a blob of course mustard, some smoked paprika, poppy seed, ponzu sauce, and a dribble of soy sauce." Sounds like a winning dish to us — and how nice of them to provide the recipe, too.
Related: 50 Easy Salads to Make the Most of Summer Produce
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Another Redditor shares how their go-to potluck dish is a "Korean-style corn casserole that is just corn baked with mayonnaise and cheese (queso fresco or mozzarella)." The user notes that the trick is to add "just enough mayo to coat the corn and a sprinkle of cheese." While casseroles don't always travel well, this one sounds delicious, decadent, and easy to re-heat.
Recipe: Honest Food Talks
I love when Redditors tell me exactly what to do. Case in point: "Look up Melissa Clark’s NYT recipe for a garlic sesame broccoli salad. It gets better the longer it marinates, is best at room temperature, and it’s always a hit," writes one user. I looked it up and was not disappointed. It also looks like it would hold up well in transit.
Recipe: NYT Cooking
Related: 22 Quick and Easy Cold Salads for People Who Hate Lettuce
One Redditor says they "brought cauliflower cheese [for] Christmas Day dinner," and it was a hit. "I pre-boiled the cauliflower and smothered it in cheese sauce (with grated cheese on top) and then popped it in an oven safe Pyrex dish with a lid for easy transport. Then it just went straight in the oven at their house." Easy enough.
Recipe: Recipe Tin Eats
If you're loath to turning on the oven, just bring a veggie tray and call it a day, Redditors say. As one user shares, "I had a relative show up with a can of corn, along with a grouchy 'How the hell am I supposed to travel with vegetables'."
We don't blame them — there's nothing more frustrating than spending time and money on a dish that arrives looking like mush. "I think a tray of roasted Fall vegetables would travel well," writes another user. If you're feeling fancy, though, consider making your own ranch dip, advises one Redditor.
Related: Which Fruits and Veggies Go Bad the Quickest and Which Last the Longest?
