Potluck question -- will these foods work?

Posted by crawchalk@reddit | AskAnAmerican | View on Reddit | 234 comments

Brit living in America, I've never attended a potluck before, or any other event where you have to bring cooked food. My new church is having a potluck and I'd like to bring something but I'm not sure if the foods I have planned will work. Sorry if this is a silly question, but I imagine some foods don't travel and reheat well, so I'd like your input. I was planning on making a beef stew, and a separate dish of homemade mashed potatoes to go with the stew. Do you think these things would be welcome at a potluck? There is a small kitchen for the food to be stored during the service but I'm not sure how/if it will be kept warm. Thoughts?

Reply to Post

Reply

234 Comments

[-]

meeksworth@reddit

First, determine if a soup is an appropriate potluck. Not all gatherings will have bowels and spoons I personally don't even take potluck dishes that require heating or reheating, but crock pots are an option if you'll be somewhere it can be plugged in. Are poltucks not a thing in the UK?

Reply

[-]

Pitiful_Lion7082@reddit

Stew is likely not a good idea, unless you know bowls will be available. A slow-cooker, well-labelled, and your own serving utensils is all you need. Finger food or something that can be eaten with a fork or something is typically easier.

Reply

[-]

Wolf_E_13@reddit

You need a crockpot(s) to keep everything warm...personally I'd probably just opt for the beef stew and have potatoes in it rather than a separate side of mashed potatoes. Crockpots are one of the best potlucking tools.

Reply

[-]

Cayke_Cooky@reddit

Label your crockpot and/or dishes.

Reply

[-]

BookLuvr7@reddit

Good point. It's like the old joke, "Your momma's so Lutheran, are has her name engraved on the bottom of *all* her casserole dishes!" You can swap out any religion or foodie group.

Reply

[-]

speakeasy12345@reddit

In my family it was freezer tape on the bottom. Amazing how long that stayed stuck on.

Reply

[-]

kswilson68@reddit

That's a Southern Baptist thing too!

Reply

[-]

BookLuvr7@reddit

Definitely.

Reply

[-]

littlemsshiny@reddit

And ladle!

Reply

[-]

railmanmatt@reddit

And my axe!

Reply

[-]

carolinaredbird@reddit

I tie a piece of fabric to the crock pot and a matching piece to the ladle handle. It always stands out and keeps them together.

Reply

[-]

sammysbud@reddit

I was in charge of organizing a "works-giving" potluck last year and ended up with a really nice ladle left behind. I shot an email out to the group, but it was the last day before the Thanksgiving break, and pretty much everybody had checked out/put their automatic response messages on... So to OP: label the ladle, or consider it donated to the underpaid coordinator organizing the event!

Reply

[-]

CaRiSsA504@reddit

FYI, the Dollar Tree has some decent utensils usually. Get a $1.25 ladle or spoon and just plan to leave it behind for the church kitchen!

Reply

[-]

Perenially_behind@reddit

This is the way.

Reply

[-]

Temporary_Nail_6468@reddit

Yes! Mainstays (Walmart brand) is $0.97. That’s disposable money in my book.

Reply

[-]

Jolly-Bowler-811@reddit

Yes. This would have avoided a near vomit inducing reaction when what I thought were lil' smokies in BBQ sauce turned out to be baby carrots in fucking gravy. What even is that?

Reply

[-]

Cayke_Cooky@reddit

Vegan lil' smokies?

Reply

[-]

Jolly-Bowler-811@reddit

More like mushy slugs in salty brown paste.

Reply

[-]

Cayke_Cooky@reddit

I've seen this before! Once you said that it made sense. My then-teenage brother once got into the crockpot and ate all the meat and potatoes. He left the carrots.

Reply

[-]

Jolly-Bowler-811@reddit

That makes sense, and I probably would have been fine with that. Just.. you know when you're expecting a certain texture and then its very much not that? It was that scenario. In this case, it wasn't a situation of missing meat and potatoes, it was just a big ol' crockpot full of carrots and gravy.

Reply

[-]

No_Discussion2120@reddit

Especially the glass lid! Otherwise you'll go home with a plastic one.

Reply

[-]

jorwyn@reddit

Everyone laughed at me for my name being etched in my glass lid, but then I had to hunt it down and swap a plastic one for mine on someone else's crock pot. I know what happens at potlucks.

Reply

[-]

rshining@reddit

Wow, I've never seen a crockpot with a plastic lid! I would be outraged to find that someone had swapped a plastic lid onto my pot.

Reply

[-]

zelda_moom@reddit

My old 5-quart round Rival crock pot from the 90s has a plastic lid. I’ve since gotten a new Hamilton Beaxh that has a glass lid, way better.

Reply

[-]

jorwyn@reddit

They always act like they didn't notice, too. As if it's not immediately obvious. I do have a mini crock pot with a plastic lid, but it was on clearance for $5, and I use it for melting beeswax. I guess plastic is fine.

Reply

[-]

deleted_by_reddit@reddit

[removed]

Reply

[-]

AutoModerator@reddit

The use of URL shorteners on this subreddit is prohibited. Please repost your link without the use of a url shortener *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskAnAmerican) if you have any questions or concerns.*

Reply

[-]

k75ct@reddit

We're used to putting the potatoes into the stew, and cooking it in a crockpot

Reply

[-]

Doone7@reddit

I always serve em mashed when I make a roast or stew. They could always throw them in the microwave or reheat in the oven for a min. I've been to plenty of pot lucks with mashed taters. You can also just insulate the container really well.

Reply

[-]

carolinaredbird@reddit

I use two large rubber bands- attach them to the lid and then loop one on each handle- it really makes a difference in spillage prevention. Just to be safe, you can put the crock pot in a box to catch any spills. That way it doesn’t get all over your car.

Reply

[-]

MollyOMalley99@reddit

And line the box with old towels.

Reply

[-]

ITrCool@reddit

“Boil em mash em stick em in a stew!!” (Sry I had to)

Reply

[-]

that-Sarah-girl@reddit

Agreed. And just the stew is plenty. You're not expected to bring a complete meal. You bring one thing. Somebody else will bring rolls or cornbread or potato salad or something that'll pair great with it. But also, you will need a crock pot and a ladle and to bring paper bowls in case they only have plates.

Reply

[-]

Far_Winner5508@reddit

Mashed and stew could work, if you did it in a casserole dish with mashed potatoes on top, maybe sprinkled with shreaded cheese and melted, slightly browned in the oven. That way folks could one-hand a serving spoon size portion and each serving will have stew and mashed together. Make's it easy when loading up the plate in the other hand. Can get casserole dishes with insulated carriers and microwavable hot pack in them. Unzip carrier, fold like back and under dish, have hot pack under dish to keep warm; no electricity needed at serving table. Makes it easier on layout.

Reply

[-]

throwa1589876541525@reddit

For thanksgiving we brought sweet potato casserole. Took it out of the oven right before we needed to leave the house, put the lid on, and wrapped it in two bath towels to keep it insulated. It was still hot by the time we got there. A better option might be to wrap in a towel and place in a cooler.

Reply

[-]

osteologation@reddit

warm up a couple bricks in the on put in bottom of cooler. they do this in pelican coolers at work for meals on wheels. itll stay hot for hours.

Reply

[-]

poopiebutt505@reddit

In a warming dish/casserole on a warming plate.

Reply

[-]

mnth241@reddit

Yeah mashed potatoes are not the best pot luck choice least of all but cause it presents a2nd dish to be kept warm.

Reply

[-]

MrsPedecaris@reddit

Maybe not as practical, but they're usually pretty popular and get eaten up.

Reply

[-]

ruggerbear@reddit

and bring an extension cord, with your name written on it. never assume there will be enough outlets close for all the crockpots.

Reply

[-]

ididreadittoo@reddit

Very good. Many appliances tend to have rather short cords.

Reply

[-]

BrooklynGurl135@reddit

Beef stew, or anything soupy, would be easy to spill when you're walking around and the gravy will mix in with other foods on the plate.

Reply

[-]

Sunshine030209@reddit

That is an excellent point. Maybe they can get some little disposable bowls to put next to their crock pot?

Reply

[-]

Retiree66@reddit

Make sure your crockpot lid LOCKS.

Reply

[-]

deleted_by_reddit@reddit

[removed]

Reply

[-]

AutoModerator@reddit

The use of URL shorteners on this subreddit is prohibited. Please repost your link without the use of a url shortener *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskAnAmerican) if you have any questions or concerns.*

Reply

[-]

XemptOne@reddit

this is the way and exactly what i came to suggest

Reply

[-]

Superb-Butterfly-573@reddit

Or buns

Reply

[-]

Elemental_Breakdown@reddit

2 choices, crock pot to plug in or catering tray with sterno gel fuel. You will be a pain in the arse if you ask to reheat and you would probably have to reheat several times because people tend to graze over the course of a couple hours

Reply

[-]

Strong_Landscape_333@reddit

You can bring anything you want A recurring joke in shows is like 15 people bring potato salad

Reply

[-]

clearliquidclearjar@reddit

Ask the origanizers if there will be a way to keep it warm. Or you could pick up a crock pot and take it in that, which would be a pretty common option if there is a place to plug it in. Sounds tasty! You might want to bring disposable spoons and bowls in case they only have plates.

Reply

[-]

weaselblackberry8@reddit

Chances are a church will have plates and bowls and plenty of spoons. And probably a kitchen. OP, do you know what the kitchen is like?

Reply

[-]

Jealous-Argument7395@reddit

Go to any thrift store. Guarantee they have at least one crock pot.

Reply

[-]

Mangledpie@reddit

Yes - good thought with the bowls/spoons! Usually potlucks just have plates. I think people will be thrilled :)

Reply

[-]

NotABreakfastGuy@reddit

I second what everyone here is saying but i'd like to add. You can ask the host/event planner, there may already be three trays of mash and they'd prefer you bring something else. You may find out there's a major allergy. You're probably good, but if you want ask the host and double check. Have fun at the potluck!

Reply

[-]

Total-Improvement535@reddit

The beef stew will work, that’s something that is good reheated, especially on a stove or kept and transported in a crock pot. I am a believer that mashed potatoes need to be made and eaten while they’re still hot. They can be reheated but I feel like they always get a little dry when reheated.

Reply

[-]

MollyOMalley99@reddit

Helpful hint for mashed potatoes - if you add a big dollop of mayonnaise while you're whipping them, they stay moist through the refrigerator and reheating.

Reply

[-]

Ok_Concept_8883@reddit

Na, thats great bro. Youll mostly see casseroles or chili or some kinda soup. Nobody is talking bad about you bringing cow stew n taters, beyond blablabla grandmother blablabla pinch of oregano. Youre gonna crush dawg.

Reply

[-]

notquitesolid@reddit

Just as an aside, if you can add a list of all ingredients for whatever you’re making. This helps people with food allergies. I know a guy who is allergic to potatoes for example and for him a potluck is a minefield.

Reply

[-]

vegasnative@reddit

As an American married to an English man- bring sausage rolls. Just as many as you can make. Trust me- you’ll be the hero of the day. When my husband makes them for functions, they evaporate the second he puts the plate down.

Reply

[-]

Serious_Mango5@reddit

I knoooooow I'm in the minority, but god how I hate sausage rolls. Most of British food is dry, devoid of seasoning and generally sad. Sausage rolls are all of those things. I crave vegetables with my meat! I don't like dry food! No seasonings and no sauce? Just dry pastry and meat to choke on? Nahhh, I'm not hungry.

Reply

[-]

tetlee@reddit

As an English person living in the US my go to is scotch eggs but have done sausage rolls too

Reply

[-]

Lower_Neck_1432@reddit

Make some pasties as well, Michigan has some recipes.

Reply

[-]

vegasnative@reddit

Oh hell yeah- scotch eggs are the shit and we don’t really have anything like that here.

Reply

[-]

tetlee@reddit

Yeah I learned to do both of them for lack of an equivalent. I see you're in Nevada.. Cornish pasty Co has a restaurant in Vegas which do eggs. I emailed them before asking for sausage rolls and they said they were working on them then 2020 happened

Reply

[-]

vegasnative@reddit

Love Cornish Pasty- we go there all the time. They do have scotch eggs, but no sausage rolls yet. They used to do chips and curry sauce but they took that off the menu- dang shame.

Reply

[-]

katamino@reddit

Yes, also a former Brit. My consistent hits are sausage rolls, shepherds pie, or a trifle for a dessert dish. Never had leftovers.

Reply

[-]

Lower_Neck_1432@reddit

Just don't make THIS trifle: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ky3KiiUK\_D0&pp=ygUVZnJpZW5kcyByYWNoZWwgdHJpZmxl](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ky3KiiUK_D0&pp=ygUVZnJpZW5kcyByYWNoZWwgdHJpZmxl)

Reply

[-]

vegasnative@reddit

Eton mess is another dessert fav!

Reply

[-]

Kaurifish@reddit

Tasty, indulgant and stacks well on a plate with a bunch of other things - the trifecta of potluck win

Reply

[-]

Common_Tiger1526@reddit

I just looked up what these are, I now second this comment, I would be delighted to see these at a potluck

Reply

[-]

ididreadittoo@reddit

Your comment sent me to google, and I agree with you. They look yummy (did i just say that about a British dish?)

Reply

[-]

The_Max-Power_Way@reddit

I hope OP considers this. Way better potluck food. There's a decent chance people won't eat the stew (it just isn't a pretty dish, or easy to eat). But sausage rolls? Almost certain to be devoured. My mum once went to a church potluck, and one of the Mexican ladies brought a traditional food (my mum wasn't great at explaining what it was). She noticed nobody had tried it, so she had a big helping and made sure to compliment the woman, but she was the only one who ate it. Obviously, stew is a lot more familiar to people, but it's not necessarily what people are looking for at a potluck.

Reply

[-]

Overall_Occasion_175@reddit

As a fan of Bake-Off, I don't know why we don't have sausage rolls in the US. They certainly SEEM like a thing we'd have, don't they?

Reply

[-]

Illustrious-Shirt569@reddit

Yes! My mother-in-law is English and she will make sausage rolls as appetizers for big gatherings and they’re always gone in a flash. It’s a mystery to me that they’re not common fare in the U.S. Pigs in a blanket are absolutely inferior to sausage rolls.

Reply

[-]

Mangledpie@reddit

Oh - those do look delicious

Reply

[-]

EdgeCityRed@reddit

Having lived in England, I second this suggestion.

Reply

[-]

Responsible_Side8131@reddit

If you bring beef stew, skip the mashed potatoes. If I bring something like beef stew, I put it in my crockpot. Bring the entire crockpot and plug it in on warm during the service.

Reply

[-]

brightlightshining@reddit

Sounds delicious!

Reply

[-]

ketamineburner@reddit

I am so curious- do people in the UK not bring foods to share at parties?

Reply

[-]

Lower_Neck_1432@reddit

Not as the US does, it's usually snack type items rather than full dishes.

Reply

[-]

ketamineburner@reddit

Interesting. I never thought of sharing a meal in itself as cultural. For example, the plate lunch was created because people of many cultures working on sugar plantations shared food.

Reply

[-]

Heeler_Haven@reddit

My go to potluck dishes as a Brit in America are sausage rolls or trifle... ...

Reply

[-]

jatg96@reddit

Trifle for the win!

Reply

[-]

Lower_Neck_1432@reddit

Just not Rachel's: [https://youtu.be/ky3KiiUK\_D0](https://youtu.be/ky3KiiUK_D0)

Reply

[-]

Lower_Neck_1432@reddit

Absolutely fine. Do you have a slow-cooker/crockpot? You can keep it warm in that.

Reply

[-]

muhhuh@reddit

Just remember that people live in squalor and filth. Some folks let their animals freely shit all over the floors of their homes. Some folks have 10 year old expired food in their refrigerators. And you’d never know who it is. I don’t do potlucks.

Reply

[-]

atomicitalian@reddit

Beef stew and mashed potatoes are a great option for a potluck, I would be thrilled if I went to a potluck and a Brit brought stew. That said, keeping it warm will be obviously important. Do you have crockpots? And if not, do you know if you might be able to borrow at least one for the stew?

Reply

[-]

Sirenista_D@reddit

Right! I would love to taste a British beef stew! For all the crap talked about British food, I feel like a good beef stew is what they *do* and would be delicious!

Reply

[-]

GrunchWeefer@reddit

I've had the beef stews and pies in the UK and Ireland and they're out of this world. Honestly British cuisine can be just as good as French. British roasts equal beef bourguignon any day. Their most mediocre fish and chips beats anything you can get here in the states. Whatever you do, don't get the pizza, though. Their pizza is terrible. Then again, the pizza in most of the US is bad, too.

Reply

[-]

palishkoto@reddit

As a Brit, I do feel our roasts, (savoury) pies, stews and curries are pretty good! Our comfort food isn't too bad, even if it isn't fancy!

Reply

[-]

SGDFish@reddit

Shepherds pie is easily one my top 10 foods, it's incredible. Somewhat labor intensive, but worth it

Reply

[-]

diente_de_leon@reddit

And potlucks are all about good comfort food!

Reply

[-]

Ok-Parfait2413@reddit

Beef stew you could transport in crockpot. Mashed potatoes don’t know about those.

Reply

[-]

kswilson68@reddit

Crockpot, casseroles, finger sandwiches, home made cookies. A church I attended when I was younger decided to publish a cookbook- "Church potluck recipes" - several local churches members contributed to it as a fund raiser for ministry trips and to help folks in need locally with unexpected expenses. You might want to see if the local community has such a cookbook because that was really popular in the 80s and 90s in rural US states.

Reply

[-]

serendipitymoxie@reddit

It's your first potluck. Make something that doesn't need reheating, maybe a dessert, and see how everything goes.

Reply

[-]

Guinnessron@reddit

If you bring something hot you need to be the one to provide the heat. Slow cooker or whatever

Reply

[-]

Lupiefighter@reddit

Stew works well for a winter potluck. Bringing it in a Crock Pot or instant pot is typical for church potlucks. Most churches with have surge protectors to plug in crock pots or they will already have enough plugs built into the kitchen for this. I would suggest making sure that the church has bowls available. If not, bringing some disposable bowls would be a good idea.

Reply

[-]

allamakee-county@reddit

When in doubt, make deviled eggs. No potluck has enough deviled eggs.

Reply

[-]

Logical_Pineapple499@reddit

How much broth is in your stew? If it's a more soup leaning stew, you'll want to make sure there will be bowls available. A lot of potlucks will just be plates, cups, and plastic cultery. The plates might even be paper. I would possible recommending bringing a pack of paper bowls if your not sure. That being said, stew sounds amazing, and I'm sure it will be appreciated. Like others have said, a crockpot is the way to go. I think either potatos or stew would be generous on their own, but no one would be mad at having both :D

Reply

[-]

bowling_nun@reddit

Crock pot, meatballs (frozen), teriyaki sauce. Pineapple chunks optional.

Reply

[-]

BookLuvr7@reddit

Potluck food is often one step away from picnic food. It's basically everyone sharing a variety of foods on provided plates, so items in bowls are much more rare. Things like potato salad, pasta salad, deviled eggs, and finger foods are common. Sausage rolls would be an excellent idea, as would bruschetta if you keep the toasted bread slices separate from the veg topping. I agree if you do a stew, you'll need to make sure there's an outlet, bowls, and bring a crock pot, ladle etc.

Reply

[-]

rolyfuckingdiscopoly@reddit

This very much depends on location and the facilities! Is the event in a building? Is it at church? Is it served outside? At someone’s house? At a park? Many potlucks do not have a way to keep stuff warm because they are often outside ; and in that case, it’s just all on picnic tables. But CHURCH picnics are great because churches have kitchens. If there will be electricity available, and you have a crockpot or instant pot, you can bring the stew or potatoes in that! Bring an extension cord if you have one, plug it in and set it up. If it’s a picnic, you likely won’t have a way to heat it. You will know better than we will! Where is the event? Is it at the church and there are facilities to heat it? If so, bring the stew! The church ladies will be over the moon. If the event at the park or the lake (like my own church picnic used to be), I’d bring something else that doesn’t need heat. It’s sweet of you to do this, and I hope it goes well! Also uhh my church winter potluck is this weekend so… what state are you in?? It would be crazy (and extremely unlikely) to see you there lol. Bless to ya and I’m sure whatever you bring will be greatly appreciated 💜

Reply

[-]

Last-Radish-9684@reddit

Potluck, you say? My advice is: Always take deviled eggs. ALWAYS.

Reply

[-]

beaglemama@reddit

Yes, but see what others said about crockpots and stuff. Honestly, if you bring specifically British food, people will **LOVE** that you are sharing your culture with them.

Reply

[-]

AmexNomad@reddit

I’ve roasted vegetables (like peppers/eggplant/tomatoes/mushrooms) in the oven with some garlic salt and brought those. Huge hit because most folks don’t bring veggies. Super easy and holds up without refridgeration.

Reply

[-]

MultnomahFalls94@reddit

Potluck can be veggie tray, apples, orange clementines, grapes. Some go to foods that are easy to buy and bring just get eaten up.

Reply

[-]

Quirky_Commission_56@reddit

Beef stew with mashed potatoes sounds lovely!

Reply

[-]

Saltpork545@reddit

1. You should use a crockpot. 2. Ask your friends in the congregation. Everyone does it just a little differently, but most can steer you in a good direction. 3. If you're up for it a cottage pie could serve the same thing as a single dish and a good cottage pie is fantastic.

Reply

[-]

BeckyDaTechie@reddit

Yes, but you could blow some minds if you can do a good Yorkshire pudding. :D

Reply

[-]

Maronita2025@reddit

Could you make the stew in a crockpot/slow cooker and bring it in it?

Reply

[-]

dangerspring@reddit

Depending on how thick the stew is, you may also need to bring disposable bowls and spoons. Other than that it's up to you what you bring.

Reply

[-]

Cinisajoy2@reddit

What are you good at making? Also cook the potatoes in the stew.

Reply

[-]

RTR7105@reddit

As one of the resident Ask an American Baptists, this is our Super Bowl. Beef stew is absolutely perfect by itself, especially if you get the otherwise mentioned Crock Pot. Mashed Potatoes are also a good single dish option and will keep in a simple insulated covered dish. Whatever dish you take, guard it with your life. Fights happen over taking home someone else's covered dish.

Reply

[-]

PCBassoonist@reddit

If you do that, bring a crockpot to keep it warm.

Reply

[-]

FlippingPossum@reddit

Absolutely. Bring bowls just in case there are only plates. Would love to eat a hearty stew this time if year.

Reply

[-]

hawthornetree@reddit

I would stay away from stew. Winning at potluck often means dishes that are more legible and easier to serve. Don't over-achieve quantities-wise - some groups are going to have far too much food.

Reply

[-]

Outtabrooklyn3445@reddit

Stew is a lovely idea but tricky to transport and keep hot. Would you consider something like baked ziti that can be made in a disposable aluminum tray and tastes fine at room temperature?

Reply

[-]

Mean_Butter@reddit

If this is your first potluck; crockpot, lil wieners, bbq sauce and a splash of grape jelly. Grab a thing of tooth picks and you’re good.

Reply

[-]

msreciprocity@reddit

Will there be bowls for the stew? Usually there's only plates. I'd remember to bring disposable bowls for the stew.

Reply

[-]

deleted_by_reddit@reddit

[removed]

Reply

[-]

AutoModerator@reddit

The use of URL shorteners on this subreddit is prohibited. Please repost your link without the use of a url shortener *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskAnAmerican) if you have any questions or concerns.*

Reply

[-]

pixyfire@reddit

You can get a crock-Pot at a thrift store for a couple bucks. If you don't want to buy a new one. They're really easy to come by

Reply

[-]

InvestigatorJaded261@reddit

Sounds pretty perfect, to be honest.

Reply

[-]

Sink_Key@reddit

Huh? Brother if you make a beef stew and homemade mashed potatoes that were good, you'd be invited back to someone's next get together

Reply

[-]

mina-ann@reddit

Quiche is a perfect potluck item. It can be served room temp and is not likely to spill once baked, so easy to carry from house to car and car to inside the venue. Just need a knife to cut

Reply

[-]

Eastern-Eggplant4374@reddit

Don't eat at potlucks unless you want tummy problems. American tip.

Reply

[-]

poopiebutt505@reddit

Stew us too liquid. People put lots of little portions on a plate usually paper. I would recommend something that does ooze. Maybe Salisbury steak? Shepherds Pie? If you want it to be all gone, make devilesd eggs.

Reply

[-]

mytthewstew@reddit

Beef stew and mashed potatoes are great for travel. You should have no problem. And no leftovers

Reply

[-]

Mr_BillyB@reddit

I don't have anything to add about what to bring. I just wanted menttion that potluck, from what I've read, is a holdover from when people would have a big pot of stew going, and everyone would bring something to throw into it. You'd fix your bowl of stew, and what you got was just the luck of the pot. To be clear, that's just wear I've read, and it may be apocryphal. But it would be amusing for that to be the origin of the term — even if a myth — but for stew to not be an acceptable potluck dish.

Reply

[-]

Suspicious_Peanut828@reddit

You could bring yorshire pudding to pair with the stew that might be a bit easier to travel with rather than crockpots and I think people will really like them!

Reply

[-]

Pleased_Bees@reddit

Yorkshire puddings are generally served right out of the oven. I"ve never tried to take them somewhere else and reheat them. Does it work? Do you you bring gravy to serve with them?

Reply

[-]

Suspicious_Peanut828@reddit

They reheat as well as any other bread. I had a mini crock pot with the gravy.

Reply

[-]

Sugah-mama21@reddit

Beef stew in a crockpot with some bread would be better.

Reply

[-]

semisubterranean@reddit

Those are good potluck dishes, but they assume you or the church have the ability to serve them warm. It sounds like your church does have that ability, but you don't know the processes yet. If I were bringing a dish for the first time to a new church, I would choose something served cold, like a potato salad or pasta salad, until I knew exactly how things work and had the opportunity to figure out who runs the kitchen and talk to them. Crockpots are an excellent suggestion for increasing the odds your food will be warm.

Reply

[-]

Imaginary_Ladder_917@reddit

I would say at my church mashed potatoes in a crock pot is very common at potlucks, and beef stew in a crock pot is fine, too. I’m not sure why people are so worried about the mashed potatoes in the answers here

Reply

[-]

Bluemonogi@reddit

My concern is bringing 2 things that need to be kept warm or reheated and the outlets, table or counter space that may not be available. Mashed potatoes are not necessarily bad just wouln’t be my potluck choice.

Reply

[-]

agate_@reddit

Stew is a great idea for a winter potluck, but it's not a potluck standard. Whoever's in charge of tableware will bring plates, but probably not bowls. You'll want to either bring some paper bowls, or make sure that stew is good and thick.

Reply

[-]

semisubterranean@reddit

Yeah, I wouldn't expect bowls. I would bring paper bowls.

Reply

[-]

Common_Tiger1526@reddit

Usually the closest dollar store will have a good selection of disposable cutlery, bowls, and even serving utensils. If not disposable, very cheap.

Reply

[-]

makerofshoes@reddit

Yeah liquidy foods might be difficult. I’m sure it tastes great but it’s not a typical potluck thing. Often they just have flimsy paper plates and forks. But just ask and make sure what kind of stuff will be available

Reply

[-]

ITrCool@reddit

Or at least bring some of those pocketed plates with the three pockets for varieties of stuff if OP opts to bring mashed potatoes separately from the stew.

Reply

[-]

WiseQuarter3250@reddit

my only concern is, will they have something to serve the soup/stew in? most potlucks only have plates. Double check, or bring cups that'll tolerate high heat, or bowls.

Reply

[-]

GreenBeanTM@reddit

Most people have covered what I’d say but I haven’t seen anyone mention that table space is usually pretty limited at potlucks and large ones like a church often have an exception of one dish per household.

Reply

[-]

ParticularYak4401@reddit

Mashed potatoes are fine. Source: we do mashed potatoes a few times a year when My episcopal church serves at Issaquah means once a month. We either do instant or the two pack from Costco. Either way we heat them in hotel pans in the ovens at church and they stay hot through service. And are gobbled up. I don’t think there are ever leftovers of the mashed potatoes.

Reply

[-]

Fickle-Aardvark6907@reddit

Generally speaking the idea potluck dish is something you can make easily in a large batch that can either be served at room temp (brownies, cookies) or can easily be reheated. As others have said, crockpots are ideal because they can be used to reheat the food and you can serve out of them relatively easily.

Reply

[-]

FishAroundFindTrout9@reddit

If you get a crockpot, barbecue meatballs are easy and super delicious.

Reply

[-]

jeharris56@reddit

You're overthinking it. Just bring what you like.

Reply

[-]

Plastic-Ad-5171@reddit

Stew and mashed potatoes is a great choice for a potluck. If you want to bring something British, beef stew and Yorkshire pudding would be a great choice. The beef stew is nice and comforting as well as recognizable by Americans. The Yorkshire pudding is great for sopping up the extra broth in the stew and as a bread like thing, also somewhat versatile to eating with other main courses.

Reply

[-]

platoniclesbiandate@reddit

Take sausage rolls!

Reply

[-]

RedditBeginAgain@reddit

Will people be sitting or standing to eat? That sounds great if people walk a line of potluck offerings fill their plate then go sit at a table. If there are not chairs and tables to sit at think of more finger food type offerings.

Reply

[-]

Ok_Caterpillar2010@reddit

The only problem about crockpots at a potluck is that the number brought may very well exceed the number of outlets available. Same problem with the oven, if your church's kitchen has one: limited space and lots of people wanting to use it to keep their dishes warm. So crockpot + extension cord is the way to go. If you don't have one, you'll need something that's good at room temperature (or cold, if you're in a cold part of the US, where the great outdoors is one big refrigerator this time of year). And then buy a crockpot for next time -- it's probably nearly required for church membership, anyway. Also, stew sounds yummy, but if yours requires a bowl, people might have a hard time balancing it along with everything else as they're going down a buffet line, so I'd say either make it thick enough for a plate or aim for something more solid.

Reply

[-]

SirTwitchALot@reddit

Usually for stews the person who made them brings their own crock pot. Make sure to take it home with you when you leave

Reply

[-]

DO_its@reddit

Masking tape on the bottom with last name written on it.

Reply

[-]

Itchy-Astronaut-7388@reddit

And lid!

Reply

[-]

phishtrader@reddit

And buy a cheap serving spoon at the dollar store and expect not to get it back.

Reply

[-]

Mehitobel@reddit

I buy cheap serving dishes and serving utensils at thrift stores. This way if anything gets lost or taken, I don’t care because I only spent a few dollars.

Reply

[-]

TipsyBaker_@reddit

This. Never leave behind the lid. It'll never resurface.

Reply

[-]

Far_Winner5508@reddit

Until you go to that garage sale 2 years later and there's a stack of lids that don't go with anything.

Reply

[-]

Listen-to-Mom@reddit

I use the address labels that charities often send out to label the dishes I take to a potluck.

Reply

[-]

Adorable-Gur-2528@reddit

I have a baking dish that was my great aunt’s. It still has her address label on the bottom. I treasure it!

Reply

[-]

GOTaSMALL1@reddit

Or be like my Grandma and write your initials on the pot and the lid with nail polish. :)

Reply

[-]

jeffbell@reddit

Same for any serving spoons.

Reply

[-]

wowieowie@reddit

If you do the beef stew don't use flour to thicken it. Use corn starch instead, which will keep it gluten free. Make sure you have a label noting it's gluten free. People will appreciate it.

Reply

[-]

nounthennumbers@reddit

Don’t be discouraged if no one eats your food. Sometimes people just have different tastes. I like to make some weird one off things for potlucks sometimes they are a hit and sometimes no one wanted to try the pickled onion bacon jam. Use masking tape to put your name your dishes so they make it home.

Reply

[-]

Even_Happier@reddit

FYI sausage rolls are great for potlucks if this is stressing you out.

Reply

[-]

Aggressive_Ad_5454@reddit

Perfect. But bring just one dish for simplicity. Tell your new friends it’s your first potluck supper.

Reply

[-]

RedReaper666YT@reddit

Most stews have potatoes in them. Skip the mashed and just make a big crockpot of stew. There's a real chance you won't be bringing anything but the crockpot home

Reply

[-]

mommawolf2@reddit

You can make it and put in a crock pot.

Reply

[-]

jeffbell@reddit

If it’s hot when you leave home it will probably still be warm enough an hour later, especially if you wrap it in a blanket or keep it in a cooler chest. No one expecting perfection at a potluck.

Reply

[-]

PraetorianHawke@reddit

Yes, your beef stew would probably be a hit. Just bring bowls because they won't have any there. Also, peel and cook potatoes in the stew instead of the side of mashed.

Reply

[-]

Lbboos@reddit

This is just an observation. We used to have potluck all the time where I worked. One coworker noted that almost everything was based on cream cheese and she was right. Hot, cold, didn’t matter at all had a cream cheese base to it. I guess we all liked cream cheese!

Reply

[-]

Blutrumpeter@reddit

Along with what everyone else has said, I'm not sure you need to bring two dishes. There will be a lot of food and you'll have to take it back home

Reply

[-]

V-DaySniper@reddit

You're living in the U.S. get yourself a crockpot. It's one of the best inventions ever made for food. Stew is probably an ok option, but I would put potatoes in the stew instead of having to deal with keeping mashed potatoes warm also. Plus, people like convenience at pot lucks, so I doubt they would want to scoop out mashed potatoes and then stew on top alongside all the other food they will be getting.

Reply

[-]

Greywoods80@reddit

Bring something you would serve to half a dozen friends if they came to your place for dinner.

Reply

[-]

fattfreddy1@reddit

Can’t go wrong with a Shepherds/cottage pie. My American wife now makes it for family gatherings (my mum taught her) and it always gets eaten. Hardest ingredient to get is bisto or oxo cubes.

Reply

[-]

whatsupgrizzlyadams@reddit

Id go with rice instead of mashed potatoes and get a crock pot.

Reply

[-]

CompetitionOther7695@reddit

Sounds great to me, they can be wrapped in blankets to keep warm and everyone loves both those dishes.

Reply

[-]

DelsinMcgrath835@reddit

Personally id avoid things that cant be served on a plate. People can put multiple dishes on a plate, but theyd need a bowl just for your stew. Are you sure there will even be bowls there? Mashed potatoes are a good option, but there may be other people planning on bringing them. You should check with the organizers to see if they know what some people are bringing already.

Reply

[-]

PriorFront4138@reddit

Most people bring a crockpot to keep food warm but the organizers typically have spares to keep it warm. If you dont want to get a crockpot then just bring it in a metal pot and I am sure there will be a little stove you can let it simmer on. As for the food selection what you have is perfect. For potlucks the only real requirement is that you want it to be something that people can just easily grab and move on. This is why you will see a lot of soups, pastas, lasagnas, pizzas, ect. Things where someone can just grab a scoop or a slice and then move down the line without holding people up.

Reply

[-]

Nodeal_reddit@reddit

Beef stew would be perfect. Bring it in an **electric crockpot** so it can be self-heating and you can serve right out of the pot. A crockpot is a great investment if you don't already have one. Mashed potatoes would also do well in a crockpot. They aren't very good cold. But I don't know if you want to have two crockpots. Maybe you could borrow one.

Reply

[-]

JanuaryDove@reddit

Or buy one at Goodwill or another thrift store

Reply

[-]

Hot_Aside_4637@reddit

Careful - Don't want to have a "This is Us" incident.

Reply

[-]

Alone_Term5356@reddit

If you aren't bringing your family more than 1 fish is typically not required. I would bring the stew and not the potatoes

Reply

[-]

getElephantById@reddit

Beef stew would be great. Totally appropriate for a winter potluck. Make a label that says "British Beef Stew" with a little union jack sticker on it and people will think it's an exotic delicacy.

Reply

[-]

Aghaiva@reddit

Bringing beef stew and mashed potatoes sounds fantastic for a potluck, just make sure you have a way to keep it warm, maybe a crockpot or two, and don't forget those paper bowls for serving.

Reply

[-]

kmoonster@reddit

A salad, cookies, or rolls are a good option if you aren't sure. Stews and soups are also good.

Reply

[-]

ATLien_3000@reddit

You're British. Bring spotted dick.

Reply

[-]

SallyAmazeballs@reddit

Bring some disposable bowls (near the paper plates at the store) with the stew. Bringing stuff like chili is totally normal at potlucks, but people usually bring bowls so nobody is trying to eat chili off a plate.

Reply

[-]

nauticalfiesta@reddit

they'll do fine. A crockpot is the best way to keep things warm.

Reply

[-]

seifd@reddit

Those are pretty typical potluck foods.

Reply

[-]

General_Ad_6617@reddit

I have never seen either of those at a potluck. I wouldn't cry if I did though!! As others have said... crockpot. Good luck!

Reply

[-]

Apart_Insect_8859@reddit

If you do not have two crockpots, you can get some disposable chafing dishes and cans of sterno to keep your food warm.

Reply

[-]

GrowlingAtTheWorld@reddit

Go to the thrift and get you a warming plate. There is almost always one there.

Reply

[-]

trinite0@reddit

I've done stews (and chilis) for church potlucks fairly frequently. It tends to be pretty popular, especially in cold weather! But as others have said, your best best to to have a crock pot (or other slow-cooker -- Crock Pot is a brand name, but we tend to call all slow-cookers "crock pots"), and make sure that there's a place to plug it in. Check with whoever is organizing the potluck, to be sure that there are power outlets available. Also, make sure that there will be bowls and spoons available. If you don't own a slow-cooker, buy one! Simple store-brand ones are cheap, and you can even find used ones in thrift shops. Mashed potatoes are also good, but you'd need a second slow cooker to keep them warm.

Reply

[-]

mdavis360@reddit

I would be thrilled if you brought that to my potluck. But yeah you’ll need a crockpot that can plug in and keep everything warm.

Reply

[-]

eyetracker@reddit

Crockpots are usually easy to find at thrift stores for cheap if you don't own one. Beef stew would be a good idea. Mashed potatoes you might want to ask what everybody is bringing because it's easy to make so it's often a default option and there might be 10 other people bringing it. What church? Lutherans have perfected the science of the potluck so competition is heavy. Catholic could have more ethnic foods that differ depending on the congregation so you can go within or outside that theme. Episcopalian or other probably flexible.

Reply

[-]

Sorry-Government920@reddit

Make sure they want an entrees from you most pot lucks give different people different items like desserts or appetizers as well as main dishes

Reply

[-]

lalachef@reddit

Crockpot and only bring the stew, just add potatoes to it. You don't want to be that person taking up a bunch of real-estate on the table.

Reply

[-]

warp10barrier@reddit

People still do this crap?

Reply

[-]

leaderclearsthelunar@reddit

Beef stew over mashed potatoes will be well-received (I'm getting hungry right now thinking about it), though as others have pointed out it makes things complicated for you. Maybe the stew over biscuits? You can get the Pillsbury biscuit dough from the refrigerated section of your supermarket and just bake them; room temp biscuits are better than room temp mashed potatoes.

Reply

[-]

robbbbb@reddit

If I have a dish I want to keep hot for an hour or two, (assuming the container itself is already heated, and has a lid), I'll just wrap the container in a towel and put it in a cooler. It'll stay warm.

Reply

[-]

jruss666@reddit

Since everyone is suggesting a crockpot or two, I’ll chime in and suggest a multiple plug extension cord to not hog outlets, and keep the sharing spirit going.

Reply

[-]

StrippinChicken@reddit

Crockpot is absolutely necessary for the stew, as others have said, but you could also check if the church has a sterno situation set up (considering they probably do potlucks regularly). If they do, you could bring the mashed potatoes in a cheap, disposable aluminum pan and set it up on a sterno rack

Reply

[-]

Reverend_Bull@reddit

If you're ever wondering, ask the organizers what they need. Just as a stab in the dark, tho? Sounds phenomenal. Probably wanna bring disposable bowls for the soup tho

Reply

[-]

PM_Me_UrRightNipple@reddit

An alternative to the crockpot if you don’t have one and don’t want to buy one. Buy a disposable chafing kit and sternos to serve in. You can get the whole set at a Walmart.

Reply

[-]

Demented-Alpaca@reddit

I'll start by saying "that's two dishes!" Stew would be plenty (assuming our definitions of 'stew' are similar) Many potlucks will involve cold foods, purchased things like fried chicken, a lot of chips and cookies, someone will bring Jello (bonus points if it has fruit in it and extra bonus if there's carrots, raisins or celery in it!) and there's usually a cake or 6. Pasta and fruit salads are also popular. Regular leafy green salads are hit and miss. Simple foods that can travel in a container or the pan it was made in are ideal. Crock pots (slow cookers) are great for things like stew, soups, fondu (yeah, someone might just melt some cheese) and those little sausages people like. (They're made with BBQ sauce and grape jelly!) Crock pots also tend to blow the breakers which is half the fun of the event! Welcome to America... we eat some interesting shit. Especially at a potluck. Potluck Etiquette: don't feel the need to try everything and don't bring something you won't eat. You're either going home with an empty pot or a ton of left overs. If you ask "what is that" of the person who brought it, it's rude not to take some even if it sounds gross as shit. If you ask someone else you can skip it or take it and nobody will care. However, if your plate is full you can get out of the rudeness by suggesting you'll come back and try it but your plate is too full now. Then you can "forget" to try it. So if you're unsure of something and don't know who brought it, carefully arrange your plate to appear full before asking "what is that?"

Reply

[-]

ZenorsMom@reddit

I like your ideas and all of the ideas I've read so far. I am surprised I haven't seen mentioned that you should call the people at the church and ask: 1) are there enough outlets for crockpots 2) do they think what you are planning will work 3) are they going to be providing meats and expecting that people will bring sides/desserts. Most potlucks I've been to are this way. I'm not saying beef stew would not be welcome if that were the case, but it might be more expensive and more work than what they were expecting you to do. 4) do they have a sign up sheet for dishes that you aren't aware of. Most very large potlucks in my experience have people signing up for specific sides or desserts or salads or rolls so that you don't have everyone bringing the same thing. Good luck and enjoy!

Reply

[-]

Then_Increase7445@reddit

Chiming in to say you need to invest in a crockpot or two. We live in Germany and we bring crockpots to church potlucks here too, I think it's starting to rub off on the locals.

Reply

[-]

la_tajada@reddit

I'm excited for your first church potluck. Those sound like perfect potluck dishes that would typically be brought in a crockpot. Even if the crockpot isn't kept plugged in, the thick crockpot will keep them warm. My church typically has a couple of people in the kitchen making sure everything is taken care of before the meal. After a few potlucks you will learn who usually brings what and, in my case, "Linda" always brings too many mashed potatoes so I might ask her if she is planning on bringing them again and I'd only bring the stew and then she know she can make less gravy. Also, pro tip, if this church is doing less than one potluck per month, find a better church.

Reply

[-]

Bluemonogi@reddit

You might check with someone at the church about keeping things warm. I would probably skip the mashed potatoes instead of trying to keep 2 dishes warm. Stew might be okay but you might check if there are bowls or you need to provide them. I would bring something that was okay at room temperature or cold personally.

Reply

[-]

Renny400@reddit

I think for the purposes of a potluck, it would make more sense to just put potatoes in the stew instead of doing a separate batch of mashed potatoes. Then you can put everything in one crockpot and just have that out there for people to take.

Reply

[-]

diabloplayer375@reddit

That’s very typical potluck food. Could use a crock pot to keep stew warm or just pour it warm into a bowl if you know it’ll be served soon. Taters can just be put into a bowl, unless it’s important to you they stay warm.

Reply

[-]

Working-Office-7215@reddit

That beef stew (in a crock pot as mentioned) sounds great! I am excited for you and your church potluck! I am 44 and I feel like a lot of people my age and younger are wary of potlucks. Fortunately I moved to the midwest where potluck culture is still chugging along. We have people over for potluck dinners monthly, except for at Christmas when do the whole spread. It is just great to keep connected with people in low pressure ways. I will warn you - I go to a liberal, wealthy, generic white person church and people bring the paltriest underseasoned spreads to our potlucks! Hopefully that will not be your experience. Our Jewish, Hindu, and Muslim friends are epic at potlucks. Unfortunately they do not likely go to your church. Hopefully your church is at more diverse than mine, and you will have a great meal! Or- if not, everyone will be doubly grateful for your stew.

Reply

[-]

Glittering-Silver402@reddit

But disposable warming chafers to keep them warm or if you have a outlet, a warming mat. As far as the food. People will appreciate it’s not chips or cookies lol

Reply

[-]

eruciform@reddit

if a potluck item requires heating or cooking or other facilities from the host, then ask the host first. as reheating goes, a big pile'o'mashers is pretty simple, it just depends on whether the oven will be filled up and not available

Reply

[-]

Meowmeowmeow31@reddit

You can buy crockpot transport cases for around $40. They’re made for transporting the whole thing to potlucks.

Reply

[-]

oddball_ocelot@reddit

So something we don't want overlooked. Don't forget serving utensils. Bring something to serve your stew with, a ladle or something.

Reply

[-]

jezzarus@reddit

For the mashed potatoes, you just need [one of these ](https://www.walmart.com/ip/EZ-Foil-Serving-Tray-18x14-5x1-25-1-count/15088062504?wl13=5965&selectedSellerId=0&wmlspartner=wlpa)

Reply

[-]

FrannieP23@reddit

You may need to take paper bowls if the stew isn't really thick.

Reply

[-]

gsxr@reddit

General rule with american pot luck, bring WHATEVER and everyone will be happy. At my church we've had everything from elk steaks to chicken soup. Season it up with love, and folks will be happy. Stew and mashed potatoes, especially in the winter, are always a hit. the brits and most of america eats about the same, only our food has seasoning and is cooked correctly.

Reply

[-]

qnachowoman@reddit

They said stew, you came in with a roast lmao

Reply

[-]

BlueDragon82@reddit

Beef stew is a great idea. Just make sure to have a crockpot to keep it warm or reach out to the church to see what options they have for food storage and heating. I will say that if there is a potluck in the summer, make sure you check what everyone brings. Summer church potlucks have vastly different food depending on what state and even region of the state you are in. Also, always skip the potato salad. More food poisoning happens from potato salad that hasn't been kept at the proper temperature than most any other dish at a potluck.

Reply

[-]

Birdywoman4@reddit

If you can keep your stew in a Crock Pot and it can be plugged in it will stay warm. Yes those foods would be welcome at any of the potlucks that I’ve been to. That’s what makes potlucks so much fun, different foods to try. Just make sure there are bowls to put the stew in. Most potlucks will have foam or paper plates. I’ve purchased huge packs of disposable bowls for potlucks at work.

Reply

[-]

EngelNUL@reddit

Lots of suggestions for crockpots. Perfect if you have them AND there are plugins. If there are no plugins available, chafing dishes are decent and will keep food warm long enough for a potluck. Plus they are cheap if you have Sams Club or Costco or Walmart available.

Reply

[-]

PerfectAnonym@reddit

There are minimal rules. Just bring the stuff that will be necessary for your dish, i.e. bring them in crock pots so they stay warm and bring a ladle

Reply

[-]

CraftFamiliar5243@reddit

you need a crockpot or two. Cheap ones are fine and you can often pick them up for a few bucks at a thrift shop. I recently bought a new, simple 4 quart with a dial for $30 on Amazon. You don't need fancy programmable ones.

Reply

[-]

jennyjenny223@reddit

This is why a lot of us are potluck averse: no way of knowing how long food has been sitting around in the “danger zone”(among other reasons). Unless this can be kept and served hot, I’d pick something else.

Reply

[-]

heathers1@reddit

but heat it up before you put it in the crock pot

Reply

[-]

SpaceCrazyArtist@reddit

Usually people bring home made foods in crockpots that can be plugged in and or will keep the foods warm. Otherwise bring it right before the potluck starts. But yes in general those foods are very well received

Reply

[-]

NoneOfThisMatters_XO@reddit

You need crockpots to keep them warm. Otherwise those sound like good options to me.

Reply

[-]

sjedinjenoStanje@reddit

Both will not change texture (in a bad way) if kept warm for a long time or if they cool down, so you chose good options for a potluck. It's really hard to keep potluck food warm without a crockpot or a heating vessel, so don't worry about it.

Reply

[-]

Trambopoline96@reddit

Thirding on the crockpot idea. If they have a kitchen with outlets, it will be pretty easy to heat and keep warm in there. Also, crockpots are just super useful to have on hand anyway

Reply

[-]

cavall1215@reddit

Do you have two crockpots to keep them warm?

Reply