If you've got a potluck to attend or you're preparing dinner for a friend, sometimes the transportation is the trickiest part of the meal! Here are some great tips and tricks for how to package and transport food WITHOUT any spills or messes.

Food is often the life of the party, but getting your culinary creations from your kitchen to the event can sometimes be a daunting task. Whether you're attending a potluck, a family gathering, or a friend's soirée, transporting your dishes with style and practicality is essential. In this blog post, we're sharing some genius ways to package food, ensuring your homemade dishes arrive at the destination intact and ready to impress.

PACKAGING

Ensuring that your carefully prepared dishes arrive at their destination without a mess is crucial. Here are some tips for packaging up food so that it can be transported safely:

  1. Secure Lids and Seals: using containers with tight-fitting lids is a given for preventing leaks and spills during transportation. However for added security, seal the edges of the containers with plastic wrap prior to placing the lid on the container.
  2. Double-Layer with Foil: if you're transporting something in a container, you might want to first wrap dishes in aluminum foil before placing in the container. Especially those containing liquids or sauces! This provides an extra layer of protection against leaks.
  3. Avoid Overfilling Containers: Leave some space at the top of containers to prevent spills. Overfilling can lead to leakage during transport, especially if the food expands or contracts due to temperature changes.
  4. Wrap Glass Containers: If you're transporting food in glass containers, wrap them in dish towels or bubble wrap to prevent breakage. Place these containers in a sturdy box or a cooler with additional padding.
  5. Bring Extra Containers: Pack extra containers, especially for sauces, dressings, or other liquids, to transfer any leftovers or prevent spills if a container is accidentally opened.
  6. Use Zip-Top Bags for Sauces: Put sauces, dips, or dressings in sturdy zip-top bags. Seal the bags tightly and place them in a separate compartment to avoid any potential leakage.
  7. Insulate Hot Dishes: For hot dishes, wrap them in towels or newspaper to provide insulation. Place them in an insulated carrier to keep the temperature stable during transit.

By following these tips, you can minimize the risk of spills and messes during the transportation of your delicious creations, ensuring that your food arrives in perfect condition for the festivities!

BEST LOW-MESS, LOW-FUSS FOODS TO BRING TO A POTLUCK

When it comes to potlucks, low-mess, low-fuss dishes are not only convenient for the host but also appreciated by guests. Here are some ideas for such dishes that are easy to prepare, transport, and serve:

Deviled eggs on white platter
  • Fruit Salad Cups: Prepare individual fruit salad cups (we have a crowd-pleasing recipe here!) in advance. Use small, portable containers to make it easy for guests to grab a refreshing fruit snack without the need for utensils.
  • Deviled Eggs: Deviled eggs are a classic potluck favorite that's easy to make and serve. Arrange them on a platter, and they can be eaten with fingers without much mess. We have more deviled egg hacks here!
  • Quinoa Salad: Quinoa salads are versatile, easy to prepare, and can be served at room temperature. Include a variety of colorful vegetables, herbs, and a simple vinaigrette.
  • Cold Pasta Salad: Prepare a cold pasta salad with your choice of vegetables, herbs, and a light vinaigrette. It's easy to portion out, and guests can serve themselves without much fuss.
  • Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Chips: Dice a mix of fresh fruits to create a delicious fruit salsa, or follow our recipe here! Serve it with cinnamon sugar-dusted tortilla chips for a sweet and satisfying treat.
  • Muffin Tin Quiches: Make mini quiches using a muffin tin. These individual servings are easy to handle and eliminate the need for cutting and serving.
  • Greek Salad Skewers: Thread cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, and olives onto skewers. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
  • 25 More Potluck Appetizer & Main Dish Ideas in this blog post here!
  • Easy & Cheap Recipes Ideas For Bringing A Meal To a Friend: If you're bringing food to a friend or neighbor to show you care, here are some great affordable recipes & tips!
a bowl of fruit salsa, fro Shelf Cooking

GENIUS PRODUCTS FOR TRANSPORTING FOOD

Sometimes there are just products that make life so much easier! These aren't always in the budget, but if you frequently find yourself making food to deliver to others, you might want to invest in some of these!

  • Insulated Food Carriers: Investing in a high-quality insulated food carrier is a game-changer for transporting hot or cold dishes. These carriers come in various shapes and sizes, equipped with thermal insulation to keep your food at the right temperature, and you can find several under $25. Look for carriers with multiple compartments to separate different dishes and prevent mingling of flavors.
  • Slow Cooker Travel Bags: If you're bringing a slow-cooked delight like chili or stew, consider using a slow cooker travel bag. These specially designed bags fit most slow cookers and come with padding and insulation to keep your dish warm during transit. Some even have additional pockets for utensils or condiments and can be found under $40.
  • Stackable Containers: Opt for stackable containers to transport multiple dishes without taking up too much space. These containers often come with snap-on lids and are available in various sizes, allowing you to stack them securely. Consider using silicone cupcake liners to prevent small spills and maintain the integrity of each dish.
  • Collapsible Crates: Collapsible crates are versatile and space-saving containers that work well for transporting a variety of dishes. They're lightweight, easy to store, and can be expanded or collapsed based on your needs. Line the crate with non-slip shelf liners to prevent containers from sliding during transport.
  • Innovative Casserole Carriers: For those beloved casseroles, invest in a casserole carrier with smart design features. Look for carriers with heat-resistant material, secure locking mechanisms, and additional pockets for serving utensils or napkins. Some carriers even come with built-in hot or cold packs to regulate temperature.
  • Mason Jars for Salads: For salads and layered desserts, consider assembling them in individual mason jars. Not only does this make for an attractive presentation, but it also prevents sogginess and keeps ingredients fresh. Here's a 20-pack for around $23. Seal the jars tightly and pack them in a sturdy box to prevent breakage. (Mason jar salads are also a great work-lunch idea! Here are some tips!

Now you're ready to bring along whatever dish you please to a friend, neighbor, dinner party, or potluck! We hope you found these tips helpful! Don't forget to check out these other great blog posts: