Occasions / Bring a main

Keto at a potluck

A potluck is unpredictable by design, which is why the rule is simple: bring a dish you could happily make a whole meal of. Then scan the table for the safe bets and the hidden starches.

The game plan

Bring a filling main or a hearty side, not just a dip.
Walk the whole table before you fill a plate.
Start with your own dish, then add meats, salads and vegetables.
Ask the cook when a casserole looks creamy; many use canned soup thickened with flour or have a cracker or breadcrumb topping.
Keep hot food hot and cold food cold, and do not leave dishes out more than 2 hours.

Go for

Your own dish
The guaranteed keto option.
Meatballs and sliced meats
Meatballs usually have breadcrumbs; a few is fine.
Green salads
Dressing on the side.
Deviled eggs
A potluck staple.
Roasted vegetables
Watch for honey or maple glazes.
Cheese and charcuterie
Skip the crackers.

Pass on

Casseroles with rice, pasta or a cracker topping
Ask what is in them.
Pasta and potato salads
Starch in dressing.
Dessert table
Unless someone brought berries and cream.
Sweet glazed meatballs
Grape-jelly and BBQ glazes are sugar.

What to say

“What’s in it? It smells amazing.”

What to drink

Unsweetened tea
8 oz0–1 g
Yes Sparkling water (unsweetened)
12 oz0 g
Yes

Bring or make

Recipes for this occasion

Mains

Quick answers

What is the best keto dish to bring to a potluck?

A main that travels well and feeds a crowd: a zucchini lasagna, a bacon cheeseburger casserole or a chicken alfredo bake. You can make a meal of it and nobody will guess it is keto.

General guidance, not medical advice. See our health disclaimer.