Potlucks for the Holidays

The holidays are a special time to bring family and friends together to celebrate the accomplishments of the year and look forward to the coming one. At the centre of most of these holiday gatherings is food. And more and more people are turning to potluck-style dinners for these events. Whether it’s at home, at the office or in your community centre the benefits of potlucks are many. Less stress and expense for the host, a greater sense of community at the table and a chance for each guest to show off their unique culinary prowess.

Although a potluck dinner is a relatively stress-free endeavour, a little planning and organization is required to ensure the meal isn’t a complete mish-mash of food or a table full of meatballs. Here are a few tips on hosting the ultimate potluck and a collection of perfect potluck recipes featuring Canadian cheese.

MENU
As the host, create a loose menu, keeping in mind the need for appetizers, mains, sides, desserts, beverages and bread. Consider dishes that cook quickly, are suited to make in advance and that reheat easily. Also keep in mind if any guests have particular dietary requirements (no meat, no wheat, etc). Based on the menu, decide what you will be preparing.

INVITATIONS
Send out invitations to guests with an assignment of dishes, including the number of servings required for the party. When assigning dishes keep in mind each person’s specialty in the kitchen. If Aunt Linda is famous for her meatballs, make sure she is assigned them. And if cousin Gary isn’t so great in the kitchen, put him on beverage or napkin duty. Do your best to ensure each guest isn’t going to feel overwhelmed by the assigned task. Finally, leave a little note at the bottom of the invitation asking guests the heating time and space required for their dish (if any), any special serving ware required and to label their containers to make clean up easier. 

SETTING THE TABLE
Set the buffet table in logical meal order. Start with plates, cutlery and napkins on the left, moving to appetizers, then mains, sides and desserts. Ideally, keep glassware and beverages at a separate table. 

THE PARTY
A potluck buffet allows the host to really enjoy the party. As guests arrive help them navigate your kitchen for any re-heating required and to get their dish presented on the table. Then pour yourself a drink, sit back and enjoy the festive warmth that comes with good food and good company.

RECIPES
Whether you’re hosting a potluck or are attending, Canadian cheese is always a crowd pleaser. Use this collection of appetizers, mains and sides, all featuring Canadian cheese to help you decide what to make and bring.

APPETIZERS
Mushroom–Gouda melts

Baked Canadian Camembert with Pine Nuts and Apricots

French Onion Soup with Croutons au Gratin

Savoury Baked Cheese Appetizer

Cheddar Stuffed Meatballs With Rosemary

MAINS
Pomodoro Sauce with Chicken and Linguine

Creamy Seafood Lasagna with Herbs

Phyllo Chicken with Brie and Veggie Confetti

Chicken stuffed with mango and Cheddar

Turkey & Mozzarella Stuffed Veggies

SIDES
Crunchy Cauliflower Salad with Cheddar

Gouda & lentil soup

Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Cheese