potluck food ideas for large gatherings

10 Potluck Food Ideas That Always Win Over a Crowd

Planning a potluck dinner? Whether it's for a birthday bash, an office potluck, or a laid-back family gathering, bringing the right dish can really make you the MVP of the night.

But we all know how it goes lah... sometimes you only remember last minute, and now you're scrambling to find a potluck dish that’s easy to make, travels well, and feeds many.

Don’t stress. We’ve got your back with these 10 potluck food ideas that are perfect for Singapore-style gatherings!

These recipes balance hearty mains with a couple of side dishes to make sure no one walks away hungry.

Even better, you can shop some of these dishes from Foodcrumz, so you don't have to spend hours sweating it out in the kitchen.

Let’s dive into these sure-win potluck ideas.

 

1. Potato salad

You can never go wrong with this classic big bowl of potato salad. It’s creamy, tangy, and makes a great side dish next to heavier mains.

Just boil your potatoes, add hard-boiled eggs, mayo, olive oil, and mustard. Don’t forget a squeeze of lemon juice and a handful of chopped spring onions for that local twist.

Want to give it more kick? Add some green beans or a spoon of sambal mayo for that localised twist.

Serve it chilled and watch it disappear faster than you can say, “Wah, so nice!”

2. Hainanese chicken pasta salad

Here's one for the fusion lovers. It’s like Hainanese chicken rice but with cold pasta.

Toss some shredded poached chicken with cooked pasta, sesame oil, light soy sauce, garlic, and a dash of ginger.

Add some sliced cucumber and coriander, and boom — you’ve got a potluck dish that’s refreshing, flavourful, and easy to make.

Bonus? It can be served chilled, so you won’t need to reheat anything on the spot.

Great for the office potluck where fridge space is limited!

3. Classic deviled eggs with a twist

You know those small eggs at buffets that always finish first? This is that, but better.

Boil the eggs, halve them, and mash up the yolks with mayo, mustard, and a bit of sambal belacan for that local spicy kick.

Pipe the mixture back in and sprinkle with paprika.

This deviled eggs recipe is bite-sized, creamy, and one of the easiest potluck recipes to prepare. Everyone confirm take one, then another, then maybe just one more lah...

4. Beef shepherd’s pie

If you want to bring something hearty to the table but don’t have the time to prep, this one is a lifesaver.

Foodcrumz’s beef shepherd’s pie is ready-to-bake and perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s loaded with flavourful ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and topped with cheese.

All you need to do is pop it in the oven until golden.

Prefer chicken? No problem, there’s a chicken version too!

Either way, this is a great option when you want something filling that feeds many without having to go full MasterChef in the kitchen.

5. Sambal goreng pengantin

For a traditional Malay dish that’s full of flavour, sambal goreng pengantin is a must-have.

Normally, it's a bit leceh to cook — got to fry, stir, blend — but with Foodcrumz’s pre-made version, all you need to do is reheat!

Spicy, rich, and savoury, this recipe pairs perfectly with white rice or ketupat.

Bring this to a gathering and confirm your potluck contribution will be the talk of the night.

6. Chicken lasagne

You bring lasagne to a potluck and wah — instant hero status.

And Foodcrumz’s chicken lasagne is layered with creamy béchamel, seasoned chicken, and melty cheese — all ready to heat up and go.

Just unwrap, bake, and serve on a white tray if you’re feeling fancy. Of course, there’s also a beef lasagne version.

It’s one of the best potluck dishes if you want to feed a crowd and still have time to do your hair, makeup, or chase your kids around.

7. Mee siam goreng

This is a true local crowd-pleaser.

Mee siam goreng is tangy, slightly spicy, and works perfectly as a noodle dish for sharing.

Toss thin rice noodles with prawns, taugeh, eggs, and a pre-packed mee siam paste to save time. Squeeze some calamansi over before serving and garnish with fried shallots.

Best part? You can make it ahead and serve in a big tray or even portion into small cups if you want it finger food-style.

8. DIY popiah platter

Want to get everyone involved? Go for a DIY popiah station. It’s fun, interactive, and feels a bit like a cooking game.

Just prep the turnip filling ahead of time, lay out the popiah skins, and let guests roll their own.

Throw in toppings like lettuce, egg, sweet sauce, chilli paste, and crushed peanuts.

Not only is this a meal and activity in one, but it also allows everyone to makan just the way they like it.

9. Egg mayo sandwich bites

Sometimes, the simplest recipes get the most love — soft white bread, creamy egg mayo with a touch of pepper.

Make a big batch, cut them into little triangles, and you’ve got yourself an easy potluck snack that everyone loves.

Want to upgrade it? Add some sliced Japanese cucumber or sprinkle a bit of curry powder into the mayo.

You’d be surprised how one small twist can elevate the whole dish.

10. Chicken fried rice cups

This one not only looks good on a plate, but also super practical.

Fry some cold rice with diced chicken, garlic, soy sauce, and whatever veggies you have. Top with a slice of omelette and a dab of chilli sauce if you want to level up.

Scoop them into muffin cups or lettuce wraps and you’re done.

Perfect for little hands (or big ones) to pick up and eat — no mess, no fuss. And you don’t even need utensils!

 

Scaling up? These ideas work for caterers too!

Whether you’re running a catering business, managing an F&B outlet, or running a home-based side hustle, these potluck dishes aren’t just for family gatherings.

With a bit of planning, many of them can be scaled up for live stations, event buffets, or even your regular shop menu.

Here’s how Foodcrumz products can be adapted for larger setups:

  • Lasagne and shepherd’s pie (beef/chicken) – Ideal for set menus, buffet lines, or café lunch specials. Heat up in bulk trays or portion into individual meal boxes. Consistent quality every time, minus the hours of prep.
  • Sambal goreng pengantin – A flavour-packed dish that works great in wedding menus, open house buffets, or as a hot dish for catered bentos. No frying, blending, or babysitting the wok — just reheat and serve with rice or ketupat.
  • Chilli con carne – Perfect for Mexican-themed menus, nacho bars, or as a rice bowl topping. Add a dollop of sour cream, some cheese, and you're good to go. One pack can stretch far for catering needs.
  • Marinated or boiled beef lung – Want something bold and unique on your menu? These can be stir-fried or grilled for live stations or premium rice sets.

With a few tweaks, these potluck favourites can easily become part of your regular offerings — or your next best-seller!

 

Make potluck planning easier with Foodcrumz

When it comes to potluck food, sometimes the biggest stress is the prep — cutting, marinating, cooking, cleaning.

But with Foodcrumz’s range of halal frozen mains, you can skip straight to the fun part: showing up with a delicious dish that everyone will remember.

Whether you need a ready-to-bake lasagne, comforting shepherd’s pie, or flavour-packed sambal goreng pengantin, these ready-to-heat meals are perfect for potluck dinners, family gatherings, or even just a weekend treat.

Everything is made to suit local tastebuds, portioned for families, and easy to store in your freezer until you need it. Just pop it in the oven or on the stove.

Plus, you'll also find a wide variety of other halal frozen options — from savoury bites and sweet treats to soups, stews, and sauces. It’s a one-stop shop for both everyday meals and little indulgences.

Best part? Delivery is super convenient! Enjoy free delivery to your doorstep with minimum $60 spending, or just $5 delivery fee with minimum $30 spending.

Shop now for food that save time and impress the crowd!

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