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Jacqui Wedewer/The Daily Meal
One of the things the best party guests know is that you should never show up empty-handed. If you’re invited somewhere, you need to bring along a small token of your gratitude, be it a bottle of wine or a small gift themed to the occasion. If you’re going to a potluck or other casual gathering and want to help the host out, however, the best thing to bring is a dish to share. Luckily, we know the 25 best foods to bring to any party, from appetizers to side dishes to dessert.
What can make perfect pigs in a blanket even better? A little bagel inspo. Puff pastry is stuffed with cream cheese and hot dogs, rolled and topped with everything bagel seasoning. It’s everything you never knew you always wanted.
For the Everything Bagel Pigs in a Blanket recipe, click here.
You don’t have to go to one of the best Mexican restaurants in America to have high-quality guacamole. Make it at home with simple, fresh ingredients for any fiesta.
Though maybe best known as one of the best Super Bowl party foods, seven-layer dip (you know, the one with refried beans, sour cream, avocado, tomatoes, cheese, black olives and scallions) is great for any occasion.
You know it, and you know basically everyone loves it too. One of the most irresistible dip recipes on the planet, Buffalo chicken dip requires just a handful of pantry-staple ingredients.
While there are plenty of creative ways to make deviled eggs, we like to keep it classic. Guests will appreciate the simplicity (and deliciousness) of this appetizer.
Add hummus to the list of groceries you should stop buying and make at home instead. This recipe only takes 15 minutes and is a healthy addition to any buffet.
Pull-apart bread? More like pull-a-party bread. Easily customizable, this recipe comes together in just 45 minutes.
While there are a ton of great ways to make potatoes, for a party, few things beat out potato skins. This elevated recipe uses prosciutto, brie and cremini mushrooms.
A homemade chip and dip combination is always going to sound impressive, but this one’s a cinch to make. The secret? Bottled roasted red peppers. They pack an insane amount of flavor and require zero effort on your part.
For the Homemade Pita Chips With Red Pepper Dip recipe, click here.
Sausage balls are one of those Southern recipes every Northerner needs to try. You only need four common pantry ingredients for these savory little bites, making them perfect for a last-minute party.
Stuffed mushrooms are playful, easy to transport and actually a relatively healthy appetizer option with just a touch of indulgence.
Three ingredients in your slow cooker? It doesn’t get much simpler than that. This slow-cooker recipe makes for an easy appetizer.
If you can’t resist the pillowy interior and crispy exterior of a tater tot, then you certainly won’t be able to stop eating these bacon-wrapped tots. Just be sure to share.
A healthy and light yet undeniably delicious dish, these couscous-stuffed tomatoes are perfect when tomatoes are ripe in the summer.
This take on one of your favorite comfort foods uses one of those secret ingredients that elevate mac and cheese. It works perfectly as a side dish for Thanksgiving or a barbecue.
If you’re trying to feed a crowd, look no further than this hearty lasagna, which is made with Italian sausage and three different kinds of cheese.
While there are plenty of regional twists on chili, this slow-cooker recipe is simple, satisfying and sure to please everyone, whether you’re watching sports or joining a potluck.
For the Sweet and Spicy Slow-Cooker Chili recipe, click here.
People underestimate great coleslaw recipes. However, when you bring this to the party, they won’t anymore. With a slight Asian influence, this texture-filled umami bomb will outshine whatever else is on the plate.
Perfect for cookouts, picnics or really any summertime soiree, this German-inspired potato salad pairs perfectly with one of the 50 best burger recipes.
Sure, you can just find the best boxed brownie mix and make this dessert from there, but homemade desserts will impress your fellow partygoers.
This dark chocolate tart will please lovers of pie, cake and decadent chocolate desserts. It’s perfect for elegant wedding showers.
This simple spice cake recipe uses coconut, chocolate, nuts and a hint of cinnamon to elevate a yellow cake mix. A favorite for decades, this dessert recipe is among the winners of the Pillsbury Bake-Off.
While we love the best store-bought chocolate chip cookies, nothing beats a homemade treat. This iconic recipe is always going to make the young and the young at heart happy.
While peaches may be synonymous with summertime, this recipe can use canned peaches, making it the perfect dessert to bring to any party any time of year.
Classic cupcakes are a hit with dessert-lovers of all ages and easy to serve at a birthday party. Before you fire up the oven, just be sure you read up on how to make perfect cupcakes every single time.
For the Vanilla Cupcakes With Buttercream recipe, click here.
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The Most Iconic Pie from Every State
15 Best Games for Dinner Parties
25 Brilliant Ways to Use Up Leftover Chicken
Retro Snack Foods That Are Primed For a Comeback
20 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Make in Your Cast-Iron Pan