55 Thanksgiving Potluck Recipes Guaranteed To Be The Most Popular At The Party
If you're looking to host (without any stress) at any point this holiday season, potlucks are the BEST, especially on Thanksgiving. Why? Because someone else is hosting, you don't have to be on turkey duty, and can instead focus on all the fun Thanksgiving side dishes, Thanksgiving appetizers, or Thanksgiving desserts that will get you invited back for holidays to come. Whether you're bringing the cranberry stuffing or the mashed potato casserole, these 55 easy Thanksgiving recipes are perfect for feeding a crowd at a potluck. We're pretty sure you'll get major points if you bring some Thanksgiving jungle juice. 😉
Instead of focusing on all the more traditional Thanksgiving foods (we're looking at you, green bean casserole and mashed potatoes), bring a batch of Turkeytinis or our sparkling apple cider sangria, and plenty of fun appetizers to share. We're pretty partial to our turkey cheese ball and this too-cute Turkuterie, but our baked feta bites, our cranberry brie pull-apart bread, and our caramelized onion & goat cheese bites are crowd-pleasers too.
Going to a potluck-style Thanksgiving also automatically means that the dessert table is going to be stacked. If you still have room, you'll want to make a couple trips for our favorite Thanksgiving desserts that go beyond pie, our top Thanksgiving cookies, and our best Thanksgiving cakes. Our recipes for mini pumpkin pies, lemon cranberry cheesecake bars, and pumpkin cheesecake lasagna are not only delicious, but they're easy to make for a big group too!
On a time crunch (or have a bigger crowd than you anticipated)? Check out our favorite last-minute Thanksgiving appetizers, Thanksgiving punch recipes, and our all-time favorite no-bake holiday desserts. And if you're serving a smaller group, we've also got tons of ideas on how to make Thanksgiving dinner for two.
Sweet Potato Crescent Bites
Just like our famous cranberry brie bites, these little guys are hard to put down! They're the perfect amount of sweet and savory, so you can serve them before or after the big meal.
Get the Sweet Potato Crescent Bites recipe.
Stuffed Mushrooms
To make these, we stuff baby bella mushrooms with garlicky, herby breadcrumbs and plenty of cheese. Stuff them ahead of time and bake them off when you're ready for the most Thanksgiving-friendly appetizer ever.
Get the Stuffed Mushrooms recipe.
Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria
If you’re looking for a Thanksgiving cocktail that will keep your guests going back for just one more glass, this is the recipe you should reach for. Our apple cider sangria is a fan-favorite, but this bubbly version feels a bit fancier, making it extra worthy of your holiday dinner.
Get the Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria recipe.
Gnocchi Stuffing
Heading to Friendsgiving and need a fun, different dish? This gnocchi stuffing is a creative twist on classic stuffing everyone will love. Using gnocchi instead of bread gives you dumpling-like bites with all the traditional flavors of Thanksgiving.
Get the Gnocchi Stuffing recipe.
Mini Pumpkin Pies
A classic pumpkin pie is a standard at Thanksgiving dinner, but what to do when there are more diners than slices? Or what if you're more of a crust-lover than filling? Enter these adorable mini pumpkin pies.
Get the Mini Pumpkin Pies recipe.
Cranberry Bacon Green Beans
It takes just a little effort to take eating your vegetables from a “have to” to a “want to,” and these green beans are a perfect example. Some crispy bacon, sweet cranberries, and creamy goat cheese enhance these into a Thanksgiving side dish that everone will be cheering for.
Get the Cranberry Bacon Green Beans recipe.
Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread
Pull-apart bread reaches a whole new level, thanks to brie and cranberry sauce. Use your favorite homemade sauce recipes, but store-bought works too if you're short for time.
Get the Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread recipe.
Funeral Potatoes
The story goes that these bubbling beauties were named so after becoming a traditional comfort food for post-funeral gatherings. While we can get behind that—they are basically comfort in a pan—we prefer to eat them on happier occasions too, especially holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Get the Funeral Potatoes recipe.
Stuffed Turkey Breast
A savory mushroom and bacon filling keeps this roasted turkey breast juicy while making it fancy and hearty enough to take the place of a whole bird on the holiday table. If you end up with leftover filling, you can even use it as a pre-dinner snack!
Get the Stuffed Turkey Breast recipe.
Mashed Potato Casserole
This recipe begins—as you might expect—with classic mashed potatoes. We then add herb-infused milk and some cream cheese, then fold in the secret ingredient—eggs! Eggs are stirred in before baking to lighten up the potatoes, and they help the mixture “soufflé” a bit in the oven.
Get the Mashed Potato Casserole recipe.
Pear Salad
This simple yet satisfying wintery salad packs a flavorful punch with slightly smoky seared pears, creamy blue cheese, and ultra-crunchy candied pumpkin seeds. Tied together by a sweet-sour honey vinaigrette, it’s the perfect holiday side to bring to a potluck.
Get the Pear Salad recipe.
Cranberry-Apple Sangria
This recipe is fairly traditional but with a holiday twist, featuring flavors like tart cranberries and warm cinnamon. Seltzer isn’t so authentic, but we like this addition because it makes the drink a little less potent, so guests can indulge in more than one glass.
Get the Cranberry-Apple Sangria recipe.
Pumpkin Lasagna
In this lasagna, pumpkin adds the ideal sweet touch to this cheesy, comfort food dream. We amp up our creamy pumpkin mixture with maple syrup and fresh nutmeg, resulting in the perfect sweet-savory dinner, whether we're looking for a cozy weeknight main or the star of our non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner.
Get the Pumpkin Lasagna recipe.
Fluffy Potato Rolls
These are truly the fluffiest. Dinner. Rolls. Ever. Fresh out of the oven, each roll has a crispy bottom, buttery top, and unbelievably soft center.
Get the Fluffy Potato Rolls recipe.
Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip
Fresh feta cheese is combined with herbs, garlic, and cream cheese, whipped until super-smooth, then topped with tart homemade cranberry sauce, toasted pistachios, and honey. The result is a salty, creamy, sweet, tart, and absolutely irresistible dip that's perfect for a last-minute potluck.
Get the Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip recipe.
Melting Potatoes
These melt-in-your-mouth potatoes got their name for good reason: With a tender, soft middle and an herby topping, one bite and you'll get it. Smothered in butter, garlic, and fresh herbs, they really are amazing with everything, from weeknight dinners to romantic special occasions.
Get the Melting Potatoes recipe.
Garlic & Herb Turkey Roulade
Sometimes, roasting a whole turkey is just too much of an undertaking. A roulade, though? It's surprisingly easy (we swear!), super-flavorful, and much easier to carve. Perfect served with a side of mashed potatoes and some tart cranberry sauce.
Get the Turkey Roulade recipe.
Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese Bites
Little puff pastry squares get topped with caramelized onions and a little crumbled goat cheese for an easy appetizer that always wows. The final step is a light drizzle of honey for that salty sweet combination everyone will love.
Get the Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese Bites recipe.
Cranberry Brie Jalapeño Poppers
Cranberry brie bites are by far one of our favorite appetizers for the holidays, but jalapeño poppers also have place in our hearts too... So why not combine them? The spice of the jalapeño goes so well with the tart cranberries.
Get the Cranberry Brie Jalapeño Poppers recipe.
Creamed Brussels Sprouts
We'll take Brussels any which way, but we also love giving them the traditional Thanksgiving treatment—with plenty of butter, cream, and cheese. This method upgrades even the most humble vegetables while still allowing them to be the star of the show—even skeptics will be asking for seconds.
Get the Creamed Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Cranberry Apple Pie
Here, we gave apple pie an extra-special spin by adding sweet-tart cranberries. They guarantee your pie will stand out on the dessert table at any and every potluck this fall.
Get the Cranberry Apple Pie recipe.
Sweet Potato Gratin
Just like the OG potatoes au gratin, these sweet potatoes (including purple AND orange ones) are layered with plenty of cheese and herby cream sauce and baked until golden brown and bubbly. 😍
Get the Sweet Potato Gratin recipe.
Bacon Brie Crescent Wreath
Looking for an appetizer that doubles at a centerpiece? This cheesy, savory crescent ring is perfect for your holiday gathering. And if it's a vegetarian app you're after, we'd suggest subbing in sautéed mushrooms for the bacon.
Get the Bacon Brie Crescent Wreath recipe.
Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour
We crave cranberry cocktails all season long, and this is our go-to cocktail this holiday season. It's warm and spicy from the whiskey and ginger beer, but refreshing and tart from the cranberry and citrus.
Get the Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour recipe.
Homemade Turkey Stuffing
When it comes to the big Thanksgiving feast, we consider the roast turkey and the sweet potato casserole as sides to the STUFFING. A good stuffing makes or breaks Thanksgiving dinner, and this one will absolutely make your holiday meal all the better.
Get the Classic Stuffing recipe.
Brie & Green Bean Bundles
If you're looking for the easiest (and most satisfying) last-minute appetizer, look no further than these cheesy brie & green bean bundles. Perfect for a Thanksgiving potluck or holiday party appetizer, these bundles of joy turn the classic green bean casserole into a handheld delight, all wrapped in flaky crescent dough.
Get the Brie & Green Bean Bundles recipe.
Cheesy Green Bean Mushroom Tart
Green beans and mushrooms are a combo we never tire of, and that goes double for this tart, featuring blanched green bean layered onto a creamy blend of ricotta and goat cheese, topped with garlicky mushrooms and cheese, then baked onto puff pastry until perfectly melty, crisp, and crave-able.
Get the Cheesy Green Bean Mushroom Tart recipe.
Lemon Cranberry Cheesecake Bars
Tart, tangy, and sweet, these cheesecake bars are sandwiched between a pastry crust that just happens to be super-easy to make (thank you, store-bought crescent roll dough!). Plus, we snuck in one of our favorite spice combos to add a cozy touch: pumpkin spice.
Get the Lemon Cranberry Cheesecake Bars recipe.
Steamed Carrots With Hot Honey Butter
To make this delicious vegetarian side dish, you'll toss a pound of steamed carrots in a slightly spicy honey-butter glaze. Rather than cooking the carrots and the glaze together in the pan, you'll cook the carrots and the glaze separately, reducing the risk of mushy veggies.
Get the Steamed Carrots With Hot Honey Butter recipe.
Baked Feta Bites
If you’re a fan of our cranberry brie bites, we’ve got news for you: There’s a new app in town, and it’s inspired by another fan fave, baked feta pasta. These feature the flavors you know and love, all nestled into bite-sized cups of golden crescent roll dough.
Get the Baked Feta Bites recipe.
Baked Pumpkin Risotto
Baked, not stirred, this recipe for pumpkin risotto takes some of the work off the chef without sacrificing that classic risotto flavor and texture. A sprinkle of goat cheese, parsley, and the tart-sweet touch of dried cranberries round out the earthy autumnal vibes.
Get the Baked Pumpkin Risotto recipe.
Garlic & Feta Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are the perfect blank canvas that can really be taken in any flavor direction. For this recipe, we decided to go with feta and kept the other add-ins simple so it could shine. Fresh garlic and parsley complement without distraction for a Thanksgiving side that is anything but boring.
Get the Garlic & Feta Mashed Potatoes recipe.
Brown Butter Pumpkin Blondies
Pumpkin adds a lot of moisture to baked goods, which keeps these blondies soft and tender, but still slightly chewy in the center. These are super-quick to make and warmly spiced with pumpkin spice and brown butter.
Get the Brown Butter Pumpkin Blondies recipe.
Turkey Cheese Ball
Just because you're not serving a real turkey doesn't mean you can't get in on the theme. Enter: this adorable cheeseball. We used carrots, pecans, pretzels, and bell peppers to create the iconic look, but feel free to sub out for different ingredients for what you have on hand.
Get the Turkey Cheeseball recipe.
Fried Mashed Potato Balls
What better way to use up your leftover mashed potatoes than by turning them into crispy balls full of all the cheesy, bacon-y goodness we love about loaded mashed potatoes, but in bite-sized form?
Get the Fried Mashed Potato Balls recipe.
Garlic-Parmesan Roasted Carrots
This recipe made us wonder, Why don’t we roast carrots more often? When they roast, their flavor concentrates and sweetens. Pair that with copious amounts of umami-packed Parmesan and just a touch of lemon, and you’ve got a super-irresistible side.
Get the Garlic-Parmesan Roasted Carrots recipe.
Green Bean Casserole
This tried-and-tested recipe is our most classic version of the Thanksgiving side. We ditched the cream of mushroom soup for a homemade cream sauce and fresh sautéed mushrooms, but don’t worry—this dish is still super-simple to make.
Get the Green Bean Casserole recipe.
Thanksgiving Rolls
If you’ve never tried your hand at making rolls from scratch, this straightforward, easy recipe is for you. With only a few simple ingredients and a little bit of hands-off time, you can have soft, buttery dinner rolls not only for Thanksgiving dinner, but any time of the year.
Get the Thanksgiving Rolls recipe.
Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi With Italian Sausage
For this gnocchi dish, we use pumpkin puree and tomato to build a sauce that's similar to a marinara in texture. Pumpkin pairs beautifully with sage and sausage, so they were natural additions to the gnocchi and sauce too.
Get the Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi With Italian Sausage recipe.
Pecan Pie Cheesecake
When our dessert spread is absolutely filled with delicious pies, sometimes we need to switch it up a bit. Take your pecan pie to the next level by turning it into a rich and nutty cheesecake! Extra-creamy base + sweet and sticky pecan topping = best Thanksgiving dessert ever.
Get the Pecan Pie Cheesecake recipe.
Sweet Potato Salad
This sweet potato salad is the perfect way to lighten up any autumnal dinner, and especially your Thanksgiving spread. Feta, dried cranberries, and red onions pair really nicely with the earthy sweetness of the orange superfood. Did we mention it's great warm or cold (which means you can make it ahead!)?
Get the Sweet Potato Salad recipe.
Pimiento Cheese Corn Muffins
The flavor squad is here to provide standard corn muffins with a mega boost. The result is pimiento cheese corn muffins, which take their cues from the classic Southern cheese dip. Packed with shredded cheddar, diced pimiento peppers, garlic powder, and a generous amount of cayenne, the result is a savory delight.
Get the Pimiento Cheese Corn Muffins recipe.
Green Bean Casserole Bundles
Looking to switch up your Thanksgiving menu but don't want to upset any traditionalists? Look no further than these green bean casserole bundles. We took our favorite green bean casserole and then wrapped individual portions in bacon. It's genius, really.
Get the Green Bean Casserole Bundles recipe.
Mini Piecakens
Inspired by pastry chef Zac Young’s viral three-layer piecaken, these fun-sized versions feature a tiny cranberry pie baked inside a spiced pumpkin cupcake, crowned with a generous dollop of whipped cream, more cranberry pie filling, and a tiny round of sugary pie crust. 😍
Get the Mini Piecakens recipe.
Brussels Sprouts Casserole
This is one side dish that will make everyone freak out (and run for seconds). If you have vegetarian guests, feel free to skip the bacon. We're usually all about the smoky flavor, but for this dish, it's all about the CHEESE.
Get the Brussels Sprouts Casserole recipe.
Cranberry Brie Bites
Our love for crescent roll recipes is no secret. Why make dough from scratch when everyone loves the canned stuff?! These are a fan favorite every fall. They always disappear within minutes, probably because the combo of salty, creamy brie, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, and crunchy pecans is PERFECT.
Get the Cranberry Brie Bites recipe.
Cheese Ball Bites
These easy bites are perfect for any Thanksgiving celebration. We love their little pretzel handles, but feel free to leave them out or even make one huge cheeseball instead!
Get the Loaded Cheese Ball Bites recipe.
Cranberry Stuffing
You don't need meat to make a stuffing everyone will love. This vegetarian option is filled with everyone's favorite Thanksgiving flavors—apples! cranberries! sage! thyme!—if anyone complains about meatless stuffing, just send them home without dessert. 😉
Get the Cranberry Stuffing recipe.
Thanksgiving Jungle Juice
If you need an extra strong fall cocktail to keep you and your guests going, then this Thanksgiving punch is here for you. Beware: This baby is strong—made with two bottles of red wine, whiskey, and Fireball, this is the drink to serve if you're really looking to party this holiday.
Get the Thanksgiving Jungle Juice recipe.
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