4 Ideas For Your Next Office Potluck Contribution

Every office has that one person who makes everyone else look bad at the office potluck. They spend hours in the kitchens preparing homemade lasagna, shrimp scampi, or some other dish that require multiple steps and a little culinary skill to complete. Of course there is also the guy that stops at the gas station right before work and picks up a few different varieties of Doritos to say he contributed.

You don't have to be either of these of these extremes, or one of those people who stay at their office desks during the festivities because they didn't contribute. There are several great and simple recipes for potluck grub that will have people talking about it months later.

Hot Cheese Dip

This zesty appetizers is great for both Super Bowl parties and the office potluck. The total prep and cook time is only 30 minutes and any novice can make it with their cheap kitchen equipment. The primary ingredients are:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups of mayonnaise
• 1 medium-sized onion (minced)
• 1 can of chopped green chiles
• 1/2 cup of sliced black olives
• 1 1/2 ounces of sliced pepperoni

Mix together the first five ingredients in a greased pie plate or baking dish. Top the mixture off with the black olives and pepperoni. Make at 325 degrees for about 25 minutes or until bubbly-looking. Serve it as a dip for crackers, tortilla chips, or fresh veggies.

Fruit and Cheese Kabobs

For those who wear turning on a stove at all, fruit and cheese kabobs are your best option. Pick two fruits that are easy to slice and thread onto skewers; and that do not rot (turn brown) quickly. Green seedless grapes, strawberries, and fresh pineapple are the most popular for this dish. American, Monterey jack, or any kind of cheese can be used. Cube the cheese and alternately thread it and the fruit onto the skewers.

A great dip can be made by mixing a cup of vanilla yogurt, half cup of sour cream, two tablespoons of honey, and a little cinnamon.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Here is yet another party food that is simple to make and delicious. The ingredients needed are:

• 8 ounces of soft cream cream cheese
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast (either buy it cook or better yet, cook it yourself)
• 1/2 cup of Frank Red Hot Sauce
• 2 tablespoons of butter (not margarine)
• 1/2 cup of ranch or blue cheese salad dressing (your choice)
• 2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack Cheese

Make the buffalo sauce by melting the butter and mixing it with the hot sauce. Spread the cream cheese at the bottom of a baking dish without greasing the dish. Spread the chicken, buffalo sauce, and dressing on top of the cream cheese. Top everything off with the shredded cheese. Make for up to 25 minutes at 350 degrees. Serve it with tortilla chips, crackers, or celery sticks.

Green Goddess Potato Salad

This recipe has the longest prep time because you have to boil the potatoes. The dish is simply to prepare after that. The ingredients include:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 10 red potatoes
• 1 minced shallot
• 1 cup of minced herbs (choose your own, like basil, dill, parsley, tarragon, etc.)

Boil the potatoes whole in salt water for about 20 minutes or until they are tender enough to poke with a fork. Drain and allow them to cool off completely. Cube the potatoes into bit-sized pieces. Mix all the other ingredients into a large bowl and add the potatoes. Toss everything with a couple salad spoons until thoroughly mixed.