Potluck social nights and I are not friends.
It’s not because I don’t love to cook. I do! In fact, when I’m stressed, it’s not uncommon to find me in the kitchen…and it has nothing to do with getting to eat the products of my labors. Mostly. Sometimes.
The problem with potlucks is that I never know what to bring. Do I show up with the dish that was a complete success last time, or do I accept that it’s been done and try something else? Do I make something sweet, or something salty? Do I put a lot of effort into it and make it fancy, or do I just toss something together?
I usually make my decision about what I’m bringing when I walk into the kitchen, oh, about fifteen minutes before I have to start cooking. Some of it depends on what’s left in the kitchen and how many days it is until our next grocery run. Some of it depends on what I’m in the mood for. Mostly, it depends on what jumps out at me when I walk into the kitchen and open a cabinet.
I have a friend who now insists on very specific lists when we have a potluck party. Saying, “I’ll bring a dessert,” is no longer good enough for her. It might have something to do with the potluck at which half a dozen different women brought brownies. Thanks to that, I have developed a couple of go-to recipes that I almost always have the supplies for on hand—including one dip recipe that you can keep the staples for around all the time, just in case you realize at the last minute that you have no idea what you’re taking to a potluck.
Easy Chicken, Bacon, and Ranch Dip
Ingredients:
1 cup shredded chicken (canned works, too)
6 slices turkey bacon, cooked
2 cups shredded cheese, divided
1 large container Greek yogurt
1 package Western Ranch Dip
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375° F and cut the turkey bacon into small pieces.
Stir the ranch dip mix and Greek yogurt together in an oven-safe bowl.
Add bacon, 1 ½ cups of cheese, and chicken; stir to combine.
Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheese over the top and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is bubbling and edges are slightly crusty.
Serve with crackers, tortilla chips, pretzels, or anything else you might want to dip into the party dip.
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