Have you been invited to a potluck by your sorority sisters or fraternity brothers but don’t know what to bring? At Greek Gear, we know that while all college students have busy schedules, those schedules are especially busy for members of sororities and fraternities. That’s why our in-house college trends team came up with eight simple treats to consider bringing to a sorority or frat potluck.

What Is a Potluck?

A potluck is a traditional communal gathering that is believed to have originated in the early 1900s, though it may have its roots as far back as the 16th century. Some sororities and fraternities host these potlucks during recruitment season as a way to bond with potential new members.

Everyone is responsible for bringing some sort of dish or plate of prepared food. If you have a potluck coming up soon for your Greek organization, here are eight simple treats you could bring.

Ham and Cheese Plate

One of the easiest and quickest ways to create a potluck platter is to simply visit your local deli and pick up some meat (ham, turkey or salami) and cheese slices. Remember that presentation is everything, so put on some protective plastic gloves and get to work. Take the time to fold the meat in neat rolls, slice the cheese in squares, pin them with toothpicks, and arrange everything in a circular pattern on a large plate.

Easy Chocolate Chip Bars

For this treat idea, you'll need about five or so packages of cookie dough. Line a deep baking pan with aluminum foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Use a spatula to press the soft cookie dough down until it is spread across the pan. Bake per the package directions, allow it to cool completely, and cut into squares for the potluck.

Hot Pocket Platter

If there’s one treat that college kids can’t get enough of, it’s Hot Pockets. If you’re in a rush to pull a dish together for your upcoming potluck, stock up on them, heat them up at the event and stack them on a nice plate. Easy, and there’s a good chance that these will be the first to disappear from the potluck table.

Strawberry Shortcake Cups

You don’t have to bake anything to make mini strawberry shortcakes. It is actually very simple, and you only need three ingredients: fresh strawberries, whipped cream and sponge cake cups, which you can find at most supermarkets. Wait until the day of the event to add the whipped cream to each cup and then put a chilled strawberry on top.

Tiny Hot Dogs on a Stick

Got a bunch of meat lovers in your frat? Then they'll love it if you bring some mini hot dogs or cocktail sausages to the potluck. Just pop them in the microwave in batches, add toothpicks, and serve them up.

Chopped Veggies and Ranch Dressing

Not everyone is going to want to eat meat at the potluck party, so you just might be a hero when you show up with a vegetarian treat. Chop up carrots, celery, broccoli, cauliflower and add whole cherry tomatoes. Bring a jar of the most delicious ranch dressing you can find. Be sure to provide a large spoon for scooping along with mini bowls so that no one has to grab the veggies by hand.

Small Soft Pretzels with Cheese Sauce

You’ll have a hard time keeping people away from soft pretzels and cheese sauce at your potluck. Look for the small ones that can be consumed in one or two bites and remember to bring toothpicks or cocktail forks. You can usually find large containers of cheese sauce at your local convenience store. Make sure you remind guests not to double dip!

Mmm… Tacos

Just about everyone loves tacos. If you don't mind chopping up some lettuce and tomatoes, you can create a small taco station at the potluck. Bring taco shells, a pot of cooked ground beef or turkey, shredded cheese and your vegetable toppings. And don't forget the guacamole. You can also opt for mini tacos that can be air fried or baked if you want to skip a few steps. Another option for your taco station? Salsa, of course.