Is there a better way to unite a group of people than over food? At Primoprint, we don’t think so! Potlucks are a great way to bring together a team, break down boundaries between siloed departments, and have some fun with your coworkers. We love potlucks here at Primoprint! It boosts the company culture, and it’s something we enjoy and look forward too.
Cooking is all about people. Food is maybe the only universal thing that really has the power to bring everyone together. No matter what culture, everywhere around the world, people get together to eat. – Guy Fieri
Whether it’s your first attempt at an office potluck or you are a seasoned veteran, below are tips that everyone can use to make sure the potluck is a success.
1. Post a Sign-Up Sheet
Having a sign-up sheet is critical. A sign-up sheet helps create a balanced potluck, where people don’t bring in multiples of the same dish. If there are too many desserts, try to bring a savory dish. Is the menu looking super rich and heavy? Bring a salad or a veggie tray. Having a sign-up sheet builds excitement, and it allows you to see what your coworkers are planning to bring. Plus, it serves as a friendly reminder of the potluck. We’ve created a free downloadable sign-up sheet to help you get started.
Free Office Potluck Sign-up Sheet
2. Store-Bought is OK. Along with Non-Food Items
Don’t stress! It’s OK if you’re unable to make something from scratch. Bringing chips, crackers, or a veggie tray will go along great with dips. Also, don’t limit yourself to just food items. Bring drinks, juice, soda, or alcohol (if permitted). Napkins, plates, and cutlery could be a big help too.
3. Be Mindful of Dietary Needs and Food Preferences
Make sure there’s something for everyone at your potluck, and consider your coworker’s dietary preferences. It’ll show your coworkers that you are thinking about them. Sometimes you can even make different versions of your dish; perhaps you don’t include meat in one dish or cilantro in the salsa you are making.
Resource: 40 Vegetarian Potluck Recipes
4. Make It Available All Day
Who says potlucks are just for lunch? Bring breakfast treats such as danishes, scones, or frittatas. And after lunch, keep it going with items that can be kept out for a post-lunch snack.
5. Have a Theme
If your office hosts potlucks regularly employees try mixing it up with different themes. At Primoprint, we’ve hosted a chili cook-off where some people made different kinds of chili, and others brought the fixings and bread. It is also fun to celebrate different cultures or holidays by bringing your favorite ethnic or themed dish. Like Chinese food for Chinese New Year, or a cookie exchange during the holidays.
When Primoprint announces that we’ll be having a potluck, everyone knows it’s something special. Not only do we get to enjoy a marvelous meal, but we love sampling a variety of foods. Try some of our pot luck favorites at your next event!
Jenny’s White Bean Chicken Chili
“Super easy and it warms your insides on cold days.”
Ingredients:
1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
1 can of Great White Northern Beans
2 cups of Mild Salsa
2 cups of shredded cheese: Monterey Jack, Colby blend
1lb Chicken Breast or Lean Ground Turkey
Salt / Pepper to taste
Add all ingredients into crockpot except for Chicken / Turkey. Cook meat thoroughly and place into the crockpot. Place on low for 4 – 8 hours.
Jen’s Cranberry-Sauerkraut Meatballs
“This is an office favorite using ingredients that you wouldn’t think would be good together.”
Ingredients:
1 can (14 ounces) whole berry cranberry sauce.
1 can (14 ounces) sauerkraut, rinsed and well-drained
1 bottle (12 ounces) Heinz chili sauce
3/4 c packed brown sugar.
1 package (32 ounces) frozen fully cooked homestyle meatballs, thawed
Large Spoonful of crushed garlic
Ground Pepper, to taste
Put everything into the crockpot and cook on high for a few hours.
Suzy’s Black Bean Brownies
“I love trying those out-there recipes. Showing people you can be healthy and tasty.”
Kastle’s Sticky BBQ Slow Cooker Meatballs
“This is a special recipe because it’s absolutely delicious and always a fan favorite”
Recipe: Sticky BBQ Slow Cooker Meatballs
Kevin’s Almost Famous Soft Pretzels
“There’s nothing like a hot soft pretzel! Everyone will love them! Make sure you bring in some dipping sauces. I’m a yellow mustard kind-a-guy, but you can be creative or bring in beer cheese.”
Recipe: Almost-Famous Soft Pretzels
Do you have any office potluck tips or favorite recipes or potluck dish? Let us know in the comments below.
