The best dishes for party guests to bring

Attending a potluck or picnic-style party can be a great opportunity to share and experience a wide range of dishes. For party guests, however, it can be intimidating to decide what to bring. You want to bring something to please a crowd, but without blowing your budget or spending all day in the kitchen.

Luckily, there are some easy party food ideas you’ll love to share with fellow guests. Here are a few suggestions to try:

Charcuterie boards & platters

If you want a delicious party snack without any cooking required, consider a charcuterie board or cheese platter. In addition to being quick and simple to put together, boards and platters give you an enormous amount of flexibility when choosing foods to share. A variety of cheeses, cured meats, fruit and vegetables can make a statement without a ton of effort.

For a safer and more convenient take on a cheese board or platter, consider stacking pieces of cheese, salami or other ingredients into bite-sized portions. Breaking your platter down into finger foods will make it easier for guests to enjoy without accidentally spreading germs or making a mess.

Creamy, cheesy dip recipes

A warm, savory dip is a tried and true party food option perfect for almost any occasion. For a classic recipe, try a spinach and artichoke dip made with sour cream, cream cheese, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Add fresh herbs and pair with delicious crusty bread, crackers or even tortilla chips.

Try creating individually portioned snacks with spinach artichoke dip in a small cup or ramekin. This turns a party food favorite into a mobile snack guests can mingle with rather than crowd around the same bowl.

Single-serving party snacks

The sky’s the limit when it comes to bite-sized party snacks. You can go savory or sweet depending on preference, and use a wide variety of ingredients. Some excellent examples include:

• Individual caprese salad bites made with tomato, mozzarella and basil.
• Savory and spicy jalapeño poppers wrapped in bacon.
• Roasted skewers with a rainbow of fresh veggies.

Your choice in party foods ultimately comes down to the individual party and your own preferences. Regardless of the occasion, you’ll know you can get the party started with these quick and simple party food ideas.