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Food

Best Things to Bring to a Potluck When You Can't Cook

Impressive contributions that require zero culinary skills

A store-bought charcuterie board beats a homemade casserole disaster every single time—spend $30-50 and look like a hero.
👑 #1 Pick

Charcuterie & Cheese Board Platter

Pre-assembled sophistication that looks like you spent three hours curating it

All 5 recommendations

Est. prices as of 24 Feb 2026

#1 · Hickory Farms · Crowd Favorite

Charcuterie & Cheese Board Platter

$34.99

Pre-assembled sophistication that looks like you spent three hours curating it

  • ✓ Comes fully assembled with cured meats, cheeses, and crackers
  • ✓ Looks expensive and impressive despite minimal effort
  • ✓ Travels well and requires zero heating
  • ✗ Limited customization if anyone has dietary restrictions
#2 · Busseto · Best Value

Store-Bought Antipasto Platter

$28.50

Italian flavors without the Italian grandmother energy required

  • ✓ Mix of cured meats, olives, and marinated vegetables
  • ✓ Fancy enough to satisfy any potluck snob
  • ✓ Minimal packaging—just peel and serve
  • ✗ Can be high in sodium for health-conscious guests
#3 · Whole Foods Market

Whole Foods Prepared Hummus & Veggie Tray

$24.99

Fresh vegetables + dip = proof you care about wellness

  • ✓ Vegetables are pre-cut and ready to eat
  • ✓ Satisfies the health-conscious guests
  • ✓ Less intimidating than showing up with chips alone
  • ✗ Vegetables can wilt or dry out if left too long without dip
#4 · Ladurée · Premium Pick

French Macarons Gift Box

$42.00

Tiny, delicate, and instantly make you seem cultured and refined

  • ✓ Undeniably elegant and conversation-starting
  • ✓ Individual portions mean less waste
  • ✓ No heating required and travels perfectly
  • ✗ Expensive for what is essentially sugar and almond flour
  • ✗ Some people find them overrated
#5 · Emerald Nuts · Budget King

Sweet & Spicy Nut Mix

$8.99

Grab-and-go snack that proves you at least tried a little

  • ✓ Cheapest option on this list
  • ✓ Shelf-stable and requires zero prep
  • ✓ Actually tastes better than most homemade attempts
  • ✗ Less impressive visually than other options
  • ✗ Can't be the only thing you bring unless it's a casual gathering