Potlucks can be brutal.

Not in the sense of competition (though, let’s be honest, sometimes it feels that way), but because you never know what’s going to show up on the table. Half the time it’s a lineup of chips, sad casseroles, and something vaguely beige.

That’s why I’ve made it a personal mission to always bring a dish people will actually fight over. I don’t want anyone politely pushing food around their plate—I want them asking, “Who made this?” and going back for seconds.

And since I’m vegetarian, I’ve had to get good at dishes that hold their own against brisket, wings, or whatever meaty main is lurking nearby. Here are the seven I keep coming back to because they never fail me.

1. Smoky roasted eggplant dip

I first fell in love with this in India, where street vendors roasted eggplants right over open flames until the skin was black and blistered. The smell was unreal.

At home, I mimic it by broiling or grilling whole eggplants until they collapse. Then I scoop out the silky insides and mash them with garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and olive oil.

The result? A dip that tastes way more indulgent than it is. That smokiness gives it depth, like it’s been slow-cooked for hours.

At potlucks, I’ve had people tell me, “I usually hate eggplant, but this is incredible.” It’s the kind of dish that changes minds because it’s familiar (like hummus) but with an unexpected twist. Pair it with warm pita or veggies and it’s usually the first bowl to empty.

2. Spiced chickpea salad

This is the dish I can throw together in under 15 minutes and still look like I planned ahead. Canned chickpeas, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, lemon, parsley, red onion. That’s it.

The magic is in the flavor—bright, zesty, smoky. Chickpeas soak it up like little sponges, so every bite packs a punch.

The first time I brought this to an office potluck, I honestly worried it looked too plain compared to crockpots of mac and cheese. By the end of the night, the salad bowl was empty while those crockpots were half-full.

People don’t just like the taste—they appreciate that it feels light but filling. You’re not waddling away from the table regretting your life choices. You’re fueled.

3. Loaded sweet potato wedges

Want to know the fastest way to get a crowd’s attention? Show up with a platter of giant, crispy sweet potato wedges covered in toppings.

I roast the wedges until caramelized, then treat them like nachos: black beans, avocado crema, cilantro, feta (or vegan cheese), maybe a drizzle of hot sauce.

Once, at a game night potluck, I put these down and within 10 minutes someone said, “Wait, who made these?” By the time I raised my hand, half the tray was gone.

Sweet potatoes have this built-in sweetness that plays beautifully with savory toppings. People forget they’re eating a nutrient-dense root vegetable—they just know it’s damn good.

4. Lentil-mushroom “meatballs”

These are the sneaky winners. They look like classic meatballs, they smell like Italian comfort food, and they hold up when smothered in marinara. But they’re made entirely from lentils, mushrooms, and breadcrumbs.

Mushrooms are actually one of the secret weapons in vegetarian cooking. They add that umami punch—the “meaty” flavor everyone craves. Combine that with lentils for texture and you’ve got yourself a dish that satisfies even the most stubborn carnivores.

One potluck stands out: a friend’s dad (a self-declared meat-and-potatoes guy) refused to try them at first. Eventually he gave in, then circled back for seconds. Later, I caught him sneaking thirds. That’s the kind of win that makes you grin all the way home.

5. Thai peanut noodle salad

Colorful, crunchy, saucy—this dish makes people’s eyes light up before they even take a bite.

I toss rice noodles with shredded cabbage, bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers, cilantro, and peanuts, then coat it all in a creamy peanut dressing with lime, soy sauce, and a touch of heat.

It’s addictive. You can’t eat just one forkful because the flavors are perfectly balanced: sweet, salty, tangy, spicy. It tastes like takeout from your favorite Thai spot, except fresher.

This dish taught me something important about potlucks: presentation matters. When you bring a rainbow-colored salad that smells amazing, it practically markets itself.

6. Baked brie with cranberry and pistachios

Alright, this one isn’t “vegetables first,” but it’s too good to skip. Take a wheel of brie, top it with cranberry sauce and crushed pistachios, wrap it in puff pastry, and bake until golden.

The reveal moment—when you cut into it and molten cheese oozes out—is potluck theater. People literally stop conversations to watch.

Once, I brought this to a holiday party and it vanished so fast someone actually scraped the baking sheet for remnants. It’s rich, gooey, and festive, and no one ever suspects how easy it is to make.

Pro tip: always make two. Trust me.

7. Mediterranean grain salad

This one’s my anchor dish—the one I know will please everyone. I mix farro or quinoa with roasted veggies, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, olives, herbs, and a lemony dressing.

It’s hearty enough to stand alone but fresh enough to balance out heavier potluck fare. Plus, it holds up on a buffet table without turning limp or sad after an hour.

I once brought this to a summer barbecue where someone actually told me, “I don’t usually bother with the salad section, but this feels like a meal.” That’s the gold standard—when something looks healthy and irresistible.

The bottom line

Here’s the truth: people don’t care if a dish is vegetarian. They care if it tastes amazing, fills them up, and feels like something they’d actually want again.

That’s why these dishes work. They don’t play defense (“This is good… for vegetarian food”). They go on offense. They win people over without having to explain themselves.

So next time you’re invited to a potluck, skip the bag of chips or the bland pasta salad. Show up with something bold, colorful, and delicious. You might just leave with an empty dish and a new reputation: the person who always brings the good stuff.