Potluck dinners are popular ways to feed large groups of people easily. The type of potluck and how to insure enough food is available depend on the event and the planning done in advance. This guide provides information on how to host a potluck dinner. Being the host of the dinner may seem intimidating but with a little organization and preparation, the event will be one everyone can enjoy. Don't hesitate to discuss what worked well or failed miserably with the previous host so you can learn from those experiences.

Potluck ideas are endless and are perfect for use when hosting dinner for a large group. Potluck dinner events allow many to be served without a single hostess preparing all the food or funding the entire meal. Many holiday office parties are enjoyed potluck style with the meal being provided by the attendees. Planning ahead will help the host be sure enough food is on hand for each type item desired.

It’s best before the crowd starts deciding what to bring, to split the group somehow to insure a variety of food dishes. If the host is providing the main course, consider splitting the attendees between those bringing side dishes and those bringing desserts or appetizers. A third category might be created for those without cooking facilities to be able to sign up to bring drinks, plates, cups etc. Consider best ways to split the group. Several suggestions include:

• Split by last name A-M brings side dishes, N-Z brings desserts or appetizers.
• Split by office branch
• Split by generation but define who falls into which (Aunts, Uncles etc on one and cousins bring a different item)

For office potluck dinners decide whether to leave the workplace or host the event on site. Family potluck meals may be held at someone’s home or at a community center or reception hall. Hosting a potluck dinner for an organization may mean finding a larger venue to be able to seat all attendees. It is critical to get the word out to everyone early in the planning process to prevent confusion on where the dinner will be held.

Easy potluck recipes can be found online, in cookbooks, or by asking for Grandma’s Secret Potato Salad recipe or Uncle Tom’s famous Pork and Bean Casserole recipe. The hostess contribution to the potluck dinner may be one dish if many food contributions are expected or several if the turnout is not definite.

Here are two easy potluck recipes for main course items:

You will need:

• 1 to 2 pounds hamburger
• 1 small onion chopped
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 large cans pork 'n beans
• 2 cans refrigerated biscuits

Directions:

1. Brown hamburger and onion
2. Add the remaining ingredients.
3. Simmer for 15 min.
4. Pour into 9X13 or larger flat casserole dish
5. Cut biscuits into four pieces each
6. Layer biscuits around edges of dish. Do not fill center
7. Cook at 375 until biscuits are done.

To make Hash Brown Casserole you will need the following items:

Ingredients

• 1 (30 oz.) bag frozen hash browns, thawed
• 2 cups. sour cream
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 stick melted butter
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 medium onion diced small
• 2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cup. crushed butter crackers mixed with 1/4 c. melted butter

Directions

1. Thaw potatoes in a colander
2. Mix soup, sour cream, butter, salt, onion and cheese.
3. Fold Mix into potatoes.
4. Pour into 9X13 glass baking pan.
5. Sprinkle with buttered crumbs.
6. Bake uncovered for 50 minutes at 350 degrees.