Neighborhood Block Party

[cat lover]

Does anyone ever organize or take part in one of these? We used to do them in our old neighborhood, but out here we don't have neighbors to do it with unless you call 3 people a neighborhood! LOL

We'd ask each family to bring a dish with the recipe written out (and a stack of them as give aways) so everyone could see if it was something they could eat. They also brought their own meat for grilling and paper plates, silverware, and drinks. We would have odd numbered houses to bring desserts and even numbered houses to bring salads or veggies.


We set up everyone's grills and sometimnes even got a permit to block off the street.


Do you have some potluck recipes to share?

[DeBora4BobbyL]

I have never done a neighborhood block party. The closest I ever came was a potluck dinner at church socials and tailgating.

[cat lover]

Here's a goodie to fix for those block parties!


Nacho Potato Skins



Makes 24 servings




6 medium potatoes, such as russet (2 pounds)
Cooking oil
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/4 tsp seasoned salt
Ground red pepper
4 ounces colby jack cheese, cheddar cheese, or Monterey Jack cheese with peppers, shredded (1 cup)
Toppers, such as dairy sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped tomato, chopped sweet pepper, sliced green onion, sliced pitted ripe olives, or snipped fresh cilantro


Heat oven to 425 degrees. Thoroughly scrub potatoes and pat dry. Rub with cooking oil and prick potatoes with a fork. Bake for 40 to 60 minutes or till tender. (Or, microwave on high for 15 to 20 minutes or till tender.) Cut potatoes lengthwise into quarters. Scoop out the pulp, leaving 1/4" thick shells. Reserve the pulp for mashed potatoes or another use. Brush both sides of the potato pieces with the 1/4 cup butter or margarine. Sprinkle the insides with seasoned salt and ground red pepper. Place potato pieces, skin sides up, on the unheated rack of a broiler pan. Broil 3 to 4 inches from heat for 3 minutes. Turn potato pieces skin sides down. Sprinkle with shredded cheese. Broil 2 minutes more. Arrange the potato pieces on a heated serving platter. Serve with desired toppers. Makes 24 servings.
To Make Ahead: Bake, scoop, and season the potatoes. Place in a covered container and refrigerate up to 2 days.