What to Bring to a Summer Potluck: Crowd-Pleasers from Antipastos
- olivia21924
- Jun 30
- 2 min read
Summer in Niagara means long weekends, smoky grills, and, around here, the unofficial kickoff to potluck season. Whether you’re heading to a backyard BBQ, a lakeside picnic, or a casual get-together with friends, there’s always that question:
“What should I bring?”
We’ve got you covered.
From ready-to-serve trays to easy side dishes that beat the heat, we know what keeps people coming back for seconds (and thirds). Whether you’re going all-out or need a last-minute save, here are some summer-ready picks that’ll make you the MVP of any potluck.
1. The No-Fuss Antipasti Platter
Want something simple that still looks (and tastes) impressive? Build an antipasti platter.
Think marinated artichokes, roasted peppers, grilled zucchini, olives, and stuffed hot peppers.
It’s colourful, flavour-packed, and requires little to no prep. Add a loaf of fresh bread or focaccia, and you’ve got a ready-to-serve spread that screams Italian summer.
2. Catering Trays = Stress-Free Hosting
Not sure how much food you need? Let us take care of it. Our catering trays are made for sharing and take the guesswork out of feeding a group.
From deli meats and cheeses to hearty pastas, chicken parmigiana, and more, there’s something for every type of summer get-together. Hosting something bigger? We can help you customize a menu that fits your crowd and your budget.
3. Sides That Steal the Show
Who said the main course has to steal all of the attention? The right side dish can totally outshine the main. Pasta salads, skewers, roasted veggies… these are the dishes everyone piles onto their plate first.
Some summer-ready favourites from our kitchen:
Fire-roasted vegetable medley
Tuscan-style roasted potatoes
Caprese salad with local tomatoes and fresh mozzarella
Anything paired with our in-house tomato sauce
4. Hosting Hack: Mix Homemade + Store-Bought
Not everything has to be made from scratch to feel thoughtful. Pair our house-made dips with your own chips, or grab a pasta salad and top it with grilled chicken or fresh herbs. A little of this, a little of that…it’s all about finding the balance between easy and elevated.
From Our Kitchen to Your Table
Whether you’re hosting the whole crew or just bringing a dish to share, we’re here to make summer gatherings simple, delicious, and stress-free.
Drop by Antipastos to explore our ready-to-serve options, or chat with our team about putting together a custom tray that’s perfect for your next potluck. No prep, no pressure. Just good food made easy.
