15 Nut Butter-Based Snacks to Bring to a Potluck (You Can Make at Home)

Ever find yourself in a potluck pickle, wondering what unique dish you can contribute? Worry no more! This collection of 15 nut butter-based snacks is your secret weapon.

Whether you're a culinary novice or a kitchen pro, these snacks to bring to a potluck will elevate your dish from the ordinary to the extraordinary.

1. Peanut Butter Protein Bars

These homemade peanut butter protein bars are not only healthy but also very filling. Here's how to make them at home. Start by mixing natural peanut butter, oats, your favorite protein powder, and a bit of honey in a bowl.

You want the mixture to be sticky so that it holds together. Once it's mixed well, press it into a lined baking dish. Then, let it chill in the fridge until it's firm.

After that, cut it into bars. These protein bars are perfect for taking to a potluck because they're easy to share and everyone loves the rich taste of peanut butter combined with the satisfying texture of oats.

2. Almond Caramel Bars

Making these bars is easier than you might think, and they are a hit at any potluck.

First, you'll need to blend dates until they form a smooth paste. This natural sweetness is the base for our caramel. Then mix in some creamy almond butter, a touch of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.

Spread this mixture over a base of pressed oats in a baking dish. For the final touch, melt some dark chocolate and pour it over the top. Once everything is set in the fridge and cut into squares, these almond caramel bars offer a delightful mix of textures and tastes.

3. Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

There's something about peanut butter cookies that feels like home. To start, cream together peanut butter and sugar until they're light and fluffy. This step is crucial for getting that perfect texture.

Then, add an egg and mix it in until everything is well combined. Gradually blend in flour to form a dough.

Roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and gently press down with a fork to create the iconic criss-cross pattern.

Bake until they're golden around the edges. These peanut butter cookies are not only delicious but also bring a sense of warmth and nostalgia.

4. Homemade Peanut Butter Cups

Imagine the joy of biting into a homemade peanut butter cup.

Start by melting your favorite chocolate. You can use dark, milk, or even white chocolate, depending on your taste. Spoon a little of the melted chocolate into mini cupcake liners and let it set in the fridge for a few minutes.

Then, add a spoonful of peanut butter over the set chocolate. Top it off with more melted chocolate, covering the peanut butter completely. Let them chill until firm.

They're sure to impress at any potluck, offering a little bite of heaven to everyone who tries them.

5. No-Bake Bites

No-bake nut butter bites are the perfect solution for those who want a delicious snack without turning on the oven.

To start, mix together your choice of nut butter, oats, and honey in a large bowl. This mixture will be sticky, but that's what keeps the bites together. For some extra nutrition and texture, add chia seeds and coconut flakes.

Once everything is mixed well, take small amounts of the mixture and roll them into balls. If you find the mixture too sticky, a little extra oats or refrigerating the mixture for a few minutes can help.

Place the finished balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them chill in the fridge until they're firm.

6. Nut Butter Smoothie Bowls

Nut butter smoothie bowls are a refreshing and nutritious way to start the day or enjoy as a snack.

To make a smoothie bowl, blend together a ripe banana, a handful of frozen berries, and a splash of almond milk until smooth. The key to a thick smoothie bowl is using less liquid than you would for a regular smoothie.

Once blended to your liking, stir in a generous spoonful of peanut butter for that rich, nutty flavor. Pour the mixture into a bowl and have fun with the toppings. You can add slices of banana, a sprinkle of granola, a few chia seeds, and a drizzle of honey.

7. Veggie Sticks With Nut Butter Dip

Bringing a healthy option to a potluck has never been more delicious with veggie sticks and a nut butter dip.

Start by making the dip. Mix together your favorite nut butter with a little bit of yogurt to create a smooth texture.

Add a dash of honey for sweetness and a sprinkle of cinnamon or chili powder for a bit of spice, depending on your preference. Stir everything until it's well combined.

Then, cut up a variety of fresh vegetables such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers into sticks. Arrange the veggie sticks on a platter with the bowl of nut butter dip in the center.

8. Oat and Nut Butter Cookies

Oat and nut butter cookies are a healthier alternative to traditional cookies, perfect for those looking to enjoy a sweet treat without too much guilt.

Begin by mixing together nut butter and honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness. Add in whole oats, which give the cookies their hearty texture and a good dose of fiber.

For those who like a bit of variety, throwing in a handful of add-ins such as chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts can add an extra layer of taste and texture. Once you've mixed all the ingredients, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet and flatten them slightly.

Bake until they're lightly golden and set.

9. Nut Butter Stuffed Dates

Nut butter stuffed dates are a simple yet elegant snack that combines the natural sweetness of dates with the creamy richness of nut butter.

To make them, start by selecting large, plump dates and slicing them open to remove the pits. Be careful not to cut all the way through; you want to create a pocket for the filling.

Next, spoon your favorite nut butter into the center of each date. For an added touch of luxury, you can top each stuffed date with a small piece of dark chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt.

These elements enhance the flavors and add a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the dates. Nut butter stuffed dates are not only a delicious treat but also offer a nice variety of textures, making them a unique and sophisticated addition to any potluck spread.

10. Chocolate Nut Butter Granola Bars

Chocolate nut butter granola bars are the perfect blend of indulgence and energy.

To make them, start by combining oats, a mix of your favorite nuts and seeds, and a generous helping of nut butter in a bowl. The nut butter acts as a binder and gives the bars a moist, chewy texture.

For sweetness and a bit of chew, add some honey or maple syrup into the mix. Stir in a handful of chocolate chips for that irresistible chocolatey flavor. Once everything is thoroughly mixed, press the mixture firmly into a lined baking tray, ensuring it's compacted well. After chilling in the fridge until firm, cut the slab into bars.

These chocolate nut butter granola bars are not just tasty; they're also packed with energy, making them an excellent snack for sharing and enjoying at gatherings.

11. Nut Butter Banana Sushi

Nut butter banana sushi offers a fun and creative twist on traditional sushi, turning it into a sweet treat that's sure to delight anyone at a potluck.

Start by peeling a ripe banana and spreading a generous layer of your favorite nut butter all over it. The nut butter not only adds a rich flavor but also acts as the 'rice' in our sushi. Once the banana is fully coated, roll it in crushed nuts or seeds of your choice.

This adds a crunchy texture that mimics the seaweed wrap in regular sushi. Then, using a sharp knife, slice the banana into bite-sized pieces, resembling sushi rolls.

Nut butter banana sushi is not only a conversation starter but also a nutritious and delicious snack.

12. Savory Nut Butter Sandwiches

Savory nut butter sandwiches bring a delightful twist to the classic sandwich, proving that nut butter isn't just for sweet treats. These sandwiches are easy to make and pack a punch of flavor.

Begin by choosing your favorite type of bread. Whole grain or sourdough works wonderfully for adding texture and depth. Spread a thick layer of almond or peanut butter on one slice.

Then, add your choice of savory toppings. For a refreshing crunch, thinly sliced cucumber pairs beautifully with almond butter. If you're in the mood for something with a bit of heat, try spreading peanut butter on one slice and topping it with a drizzle of sriracha sauce and some shredded chicken.

The creamy nut butter balances the spice perfectly.

13. Nut Butter Energy Balls

Nut butter energy balls are the perfect pick-me-up snack that's both tasty and nutritious.

Start by mixing nut butter with oats and honey in a large bowl. The oats add texture and the honey gives a natural sweetness. And the nut butter provides a creamy base!

To this mix, add flaxseeds or chia seeds for an extra boost of omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for brain health. Once everything is well combined, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls.

If the mixture is too sticky, chilling it in the fridge for a few minutes can make it easier to handle. These energy balls can be rolled in cocoa powder, crushed nuts, or coconut flakes for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

14. Nut Butter Drizzled Popcorn

Nut butter drizzled popcorn is a fantastic snack that combines the classic crunch of popcorn with the creamy, rich flavor of nut butter.

Start by popping your favorite kernels until you have a big bowl of fluffy popcorn. Then, gently warm your choice of nut butter until it's smooth and runny. A microwave or a small saucepan over low heat works well for this.

Be careful not to overheat it; you just want it to be liquid enough to drizzle. Using a spoon, drizzle the melted nut butter over the popcorn, making sure to distribute it evenly.

For a final touch, sprinkle a little sea salt over the top. This adds a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the nut butter.

15. Nut Butter Swirled Brownies

Nut butter-swirled brownies are a decadent dessert that marries the rich, fudgy flavor of chocolate with the creamy, nutty taste of nut butter.

Making these brownies is a delightful baking project that isn't too complex but yields impressive results. Begin by preparing your favorite brownie batter, whether from a box mix or from scratch.

Pour the batter into a greased baking pan, smoothing it into an even layer. Then, take your choice of nut butter and warm it slightly to make it more fluid. Dollop spoonfuls of the nut butter over the brownie batter.

Using a knife or a toothpick, swirl the nut butter through the batter, creating beautiful marbled patterns. Bake according to your brownie recipe's instructions until the edges are set but the center is still a bit soft.

These nut butter-swirled brownies offer a stunning visual appeal with a deliciously complex flavor profile, making them a surefire hit at any gathering.

Great Snacks to Bring to a Potluck

These 15 nut butter-based snacks to bring to a potluck are more than just delicious; they're a testament to the versatility and rich flavors nut butters can bring to any dish. From sweet treats to savory delights, there's something for everyone to make, share, and enjoy.

American Dream Nut Butter satisfies your sweet tooth with low-carb, high-protein, low-sugar nut butters for the whole family.

Each jar of nut butter is also handcrafted in small batches, to order. No sitting on a store shelf or in a remote fulfillment center. Get in touch today for more great recipe ideas!