7 potluck dishes perfect to take to-go

We get it. Not everyone has the time, interest or attention span to cook for a crowd. But that doesn’t mean you should bring a bag of Doritos to your next potluck. Thanks to these local eateries, easy, unexpected cuisine is just a carryout order away.

Fried Brussels Sprouts Sala
Fried Brussels Sprouts Salad tastes best soon after the sprouts are yanked from the fryer. Make this dish if you’re the host or if you don’t have to travel far to the party. Get the recipe here.

Paella
Drop off your own paella pan at Guido’s, and they will cook their amazing paella valenciana right in it. No pan? No hay problema. You can borrow one of theirs and return it after the party.
$18 and up. Guido’s Pizzeria and Tapas, 5046 Shaw Ave., St. Louis, 314.771.4900, guidosstl.com

Zesty Quinoa Salad
If you eat dairy-free, ensure there’s something you can eat by bringing this stellar salad. The spicy, citrusy quinoa works double-duty as a tasty side dish and vegan entree.
$7 per pound. Fields Foods, 1500 Lafayette Ave., St. Louis, 314.241.3276, fieldsfoods.com

Shaved Kale Salad
Kale’s hearty texture and verdant color will hold up until the party shuts down. Call ahead to place your order, then pull up to Pasteria’s front door. The valets will bring your salad straight to you – no parking necessary.
$12. Pastaria, 7734 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, 314.862.6603, pastariastl.com

Meze Platter
Walk in with an empty serving platter and walk out with an overflowing assortment of falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush, labneh or any number of other Middle Eastern delights.
$30. Ranoush, 6501 Delmar Blvd., University City, 314.726.6874, ranoush.com

Barbecue Baby Back Ribs
You could spend hours smoking ribs to perfection or just pick up a few racks from The Smokehouse Market at Annie Gunn’s. If you have time, slice them into individual ribs and arrange them on your own dish. A roll of paper towels adds a nice touch.
$20 per rack. The Smokehouse Market, 16806 Chesterfield Airport Road, Chesterfield, 636.532.3314, smokehousemarket.com

Sushi Tray
With 24 hours’ notice, new sushi lounge Baiku can supply you with a selection of 10 pieces of nigiri and either three classic maki or, for a 20-spot more, three specialty rolls like Serpent, Onisan and Red Dragon (the tray contains about 35 pieces in total).
Basic tray: $60, Specialty tray: $80. Baiku, 3407 Olive St., St. Louis, 314.896.2500, baikustl.com