These Crowd-Pleasing Dishes Are Perfect for a Memorial Day Potluck
Because the best Memorial Day memories are made around the table.
There’s a special feeling on the Memorial Day long weekend. Other than giving space to reflect on the meaning of the weekend, it officially marks the beginning of summer – so spirits are high and plans feel full of possibility.
Between travelling, hanging out by the water, or browsing the online sales, the long weekend probably involves a meal with friends or family. You might be attending a backyard BBQ or a potluck (or hosting your own) this year, which means a crowd-pleasing dish is likely on your to-do list.
Yes, there are the classic staples – potato salad, coleslaw, deviled eggs, sliders and fruit cobbler, for example – but if you want to get a little more creative and impress guests without too much effort, we’ve got a few elevated twists and easy recipes to try.
Savoury dishes
1. Cacio e Pepe Mac and Cheese
Bringing mac and cheese to a potluck is always going to go down well, but a few extra touches to elevate it makes this recipe feel grown-up without losing its comfort-food charm. A velvety, indulgent creation, loaded with sharp cheese and a peppery kick to balance out the rich, creamy sauce – this classic-with-a-twist dish designed by Natalie Chassay is guaranteed to have everyone going back for seconds.
Read the recipe here.
2. Confit Garlic and Parsley Bread
Three ways to win over any crowd? Garlic, butter and carbs. You’ll get the same nostalgic satisfaction as if you’ve bought a guilty-pleasure store-bought loaf, but with the added kudos of having whipped it up yourself (and it’s even more delicious than a frozen supermarket version, promise). If you want to serve it fresh, bring the slices prepped in a baking tray and smeared with the garlic butter, ready to pop in the oven and sprinkle with parmesan.
Read the recipe here.
3. Fennel and Rainbow Chard Pita Pie
Easy to transport and serve, this flaky savoury pastry pairs perfectly with salads and brings a touch of the Mediterranean to any meal. It’s got enough greens (fennel, rainbow chard, mint leaves, dill) to add some colour to people’s plates, while the creamy indulgence of feta and halloumi keeps it satisfying and moreish.
Read the recipe here.
4. Roasted Capsicum and Eggplant Pastitsio
When it comes to a heartwarming meal that can be easily made in large quantities, it's hard to look past a pasta bake. Helena and Vikki Moursellas’ Pastitsio is a twist on a classic Greek dish, a vegetarian-friendly version with roasted capsicums and eggplants for a delicious flavour that won't disappoint. It serves 6-8, so adapt accordingly!
Read the recipe here.
5. Vegetarian Spring Rolls
Finger food, but make it classy. Jessica Nguyen's Vietnamese spring roll recipe is a real winner (have you ever met someone who doesn't like spring rolls!?). Freshly made and vegetarian-friendly, these crispy rolls will be a failsafe option for any potluck.
Read the recipe here.
Sweet dishes
6. Zingy Strawberry Glazed Lemon Loaf
For a dessert that looks as good as it tastes, this simple dish designed by Christine Heyri is a delightful balance of sweet and tangy, with the zestiness of lemon tempered by the rich strawberry syrup, vanilla, and cream. Be warned, this will be snapped up in the blink of an eye, so if you're going to a large gathering, consider making a double batch.
Read the recipe here.
7. Sicilian Apple Cake
Apple and cinnamon are a match made in heaven and Paola Bacchia's delightful recipe for Sicilian apple cake celebrates the combination to perfection. It features a generous amount of juicy apples, warm tones of cinnamon, rum-soaked sultanas, and the nutty goodness of walnuts and pine nuts.
Read the recipe here.
8. Twice-Baked Almond Biscotti
File this one under: elegant after dinner bites with zero fuss. Perfect to bring out with the desserts, or as a treat to accompany coffees when things are winding down, if you show up with a box of homemade biscotti, you’re guaranteed to impress. Plus, they're quick and easy, so you won't have to spend half your weekend baking.
Read the recipe here.
9. Salted Tahini Brownies
What could possibly better than a brownie? There's only one answer: Salted Tahini Brownies designed by New York-based chef and food editor Zaynab Issa. Fellow party-goers will be raving about these for weeks, thanks to their dense, rich texture and unexpected nutty flavour.
Read the recipe here.
10. Sticky Date Pudding With Rich Butterscotch Sauce
Every guest is guaranteed to leave happy and content if this classic dish is served up at the end of the night. As baker and recipe developer Charlotte Ree says, it "can be mixed, baked, and served in under an hour." If your host doesn’t mind you whipping up a sauce on the stove, make the butterscotch drizzle fresh; otherwise, bring the pudding and pre-made sauce, heat them separately, and serve. Don’t forget to bring double cream!
Read the recipe here.
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