The Best Amazon Kitchen Tools and Essentials for Summer Potlucks

It’s no secret that we love summer potlucks at Allrecipes. By the time June hits each year, our editors and writers have already been dreaming of shareable casseroles, make-ahead sandwiches, and barbecue recipes for months. Whether you’re hosting the potluck or contributing a single dish, some essentials will make the experience easier and more enjoyable. We’ve rounded up a list of must-have potluck tools you’ll use on repeat all summer, including our favorite tested casserole carrier, an Allstar-approved 9×13-inch baking dish, and versatile serving utensils—starting at $3 apiece. 

The Best Potluck Essentials for Summer

We named OXO the “best budget” 9×13-inch baking dish in our most recent tests, but it’s our first choice overall for potlucks. It’s made from borosilicate glass, which is more resistant to thermal shock than other types of glass. That means it can go straight from the freezer to the oven, and it’s also dishwasher-safe and easy to clean thanks to its nonporous surface. It includes a matching lid for storage and transportation, and the transparent glass makes it easy to monitor your recipe as it cooks—or when building a seven-layer taco dip.

Bringing a baked casserole or a cheesy lasagna to the potluck doesn’t have to be complicated. A dedicated casserole carrier does all the work for you, keeping your hot or cold dish at the optimal temperature and allowing you to neatly pack up your casserole pan and other supplies when the party’s over. The Rachael Ray Lasagna Lugger is a tested favorite with a two-layer design, sturdy handle, and zippered pockets for holding serving utensils and accessories. 

A good set of food storage containers is essential for serving dishes and packing up leftovers after a party. We’re partial to these Rubbermaid Brilliance glass containers because they elevate presentation and resist odors or stains. This set of four 3.2-cup containers is versatile for serving and storing, but the Brilliance glass collection is also available in an 8-cup size for larger portions. 

Potlucks have a nostalgic quality, and nothing says kitchen nostalgia like Pyrex. This grandma-loved brand is a classic for a reason, and these tinted mixing bowls offer the perfect balance between vintage aesthetics and modern practicality. The set includes three mixing bowls with matching lids, so you can store and serve your macaroni salad, sliced watermelon, or any other potluck items in the same container. Each bowl has a sculpted, tinted design that’s both beautiful and functional.

These Stasher silicone stretch lids are the secret to ditching disposable plastic wrap for good. The rippled design allows them to stretch over bowls, cans, and halved fruit of different sizes. To clean, simply toss them in the top rack of the dishwasher or handwash with warm, soapy water. This variety pack includes a 9-inch lid, a 6.5-inch lid, a 4.5-inch lid, and a 2.5-inch lid. 

Someone always forgets to bring their serving utensils to the potluck, and you can only expect the host to have so many at their disposal. Grab a set of these mini tongs to save the day. Each 7-inch pair features silicone tips that won’t scratch delicate serveware or nonstick cookware. They come in a wide variety of colors, but this black-and-gray set is currently on sale for $3 apiece. 

These lovely salad servers are made of pure acacia wood with a polished surface and natural grain pattern that’s unique to each piece. They’re great for mixing green salad, of course, but also double as serving utensils for casseroles, potato salad, and other summer potluck recipes. Since they’re compact, they won’t take up too much space in your travel bag or on the buffet table. 

Being in charge of potluck dessert is a big responsibility, and there’s nothing worse than finishing a gorgeous cake or decorated tray of cupcakes and realizing you have no way of transporting them. This cake carrier solves the problem with a generous 9-inch diameter, a domed lid with locking tabs, and a sturdy handle. Flip over the flat base to find built-in compartments for serving fruit or snacks.