Amber's Top 3 Potluck Party Solutions

How many potluck parties are you going to this year? If I had to guess, I'm thinking you probably have at least one office party, one holiday party with friends, one get-together at your house and at least one more party you really don't want to go to but your hands are tied and now you're going to have to bring something yummy and impressive to contribute. While I may not be able to help you with the perfect white elephant gift I can give you a few brilliant potluck ideas that will save you both money AND time. Which, let's be honest, we're all a little short of this time of year.


1) Sherbet Punch. Buy two bottles of 7 Up and one box of sherbet (flavor and color of your choice!) Combine in a large punch bowl. Magic. People love it and it will cost you less than $5.00. It's also something you can make on site.  For an adult party I highly recommend you spike this with a little vodka.



2) Antipasto Platter. If you need to bring something a little more sophisticated, I recommend an antipasto platter. Buy a container of mixed olives from the salad bar at your local grocery store, a couple of packages of pre-sliced salami varieties, a container of soft mozzarella balls (drain the water, add a little extra virgin olive oil and fresh/dried herbs and mix to make them fancier), some sharp cheddar cheese and some crackers or bread. Arrange on a large plate/platter. If you roll a mozzarella ball in a salami blanket your palate will be so pleased!  Other additions: roasted red peppers, marinated artichoke hearts, you name it!  The last one I made for a party of 45 cost me a little less than $30 and wowed the crowd.

3) Pizza Dip. I have certain friends in Bellingham who BEG me to bring this to every occasion. It's only 4 ingredients and won't cost more than $8.00.

INGREDIENTS

1 8 oz. package softened cream cheese

1 can plain 'ol Hunts Pizza Sauce
1 package pre-shredded Italian Cheese Blend
1 Family Size bag of Tortilla Chips

DIRECTIONS
Spread all of the cream cheese onto the bottom of one of your nicer casserole dishes using a silicone/bendable spatula. Make sure you let the cream cheese soften before you spread. Pour pizza sauce on the top - you may not use all of it, just spread evenly over the top. Sprinkle with Italian cheese blend. Top with any kind of toppings you want: peppers, pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, whatever. I'm a purist and like this so much I don't think it needs a topping but I'll let you decide. Sprikle with oregano if you want.  Bake at 350 degrees until the cheese is bubbly and brown (about 25 minutes). Let cool slightly and serve with a side of tortilla chips.  (or crusty bread but tortilla chips are honestly the way to go in my opinion.)  This is the best thing ever. Ever. Might even rival my World's Best Baked Brie.  I didn't just say that. 

Also, I have a confession.  I didn't take either of the above pictures.  Photo credit for the antipasto platter goes to Ikea (what? yes) and pizza dip photo I got from the ladies and gent at livelovepasta.  If you're into food bloggers you should definitely check out their site.  Their recipe for pizza dip which you can see here is more complicated than mine but probably tastes just as good if not better.  Also, please know I normally like to take my own photos but it was important to me that I arm you with these ideas BEFORE the weekend and that's the only time I'll have time to make mine. 

Looking for other easy recipes this holiday season?  Check out:
-Megan's Easy Peasy Cheesy Bread
-Missy's 3 Ingredient Fudge
-Jolie's Famous Tapenade

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Happy Holidays!