21 Thanksgiving Potluck Dishes that everyone will rave about

Thanksgiving potlucks are one of the best ways to share a holiday meal because everyone pitches in and no one is stuck cooking for the whole group. The challenge is choosing dishes that travel well, are easy to reheat, and taste good even after a car ride. This list covers everything from traditional mains and sides to party starting dips and delicious apps. And who can forget the desserts? They need their own side table! A word of advice: check with the host so you don’t end up with five of the same dish.

Also Read: 21 Best Thanksgiving Party Appetizer Ideas

Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

This Costco copycat cranberry jalapeno dip is sweet, creamy, spicy, and cheesy all at once. Mix softened cream cheese with cranberry sauce, minced jalapeno, and cilantro. Squeeze some lime juice for that pop of brightness. Chill it for an hour or so that the flavors come together and the cheese can absorb the juices from the cranberry. Serve it with crackers.

Cranberry Brie Bites

These cranberry brie bites look super fancy, as if you slaved a whole evening over them. But they are actually super easy to make. Simply cut a wheel of brie cheese into small cubes and wrap each one in puff pastry or crescent dough with a spoonful of cranberry sauce on top. Bake until the bites are golden and puffy, about 15 to 20 minutes. The melted cheese and cranberry sauce complement each other. Place a sprig of rosemary on top to make them look festive. They are best served warm, so bring them in a covered dish and reheat before serving.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

This potluck favorite works from Thanksgiving to Christmas to game days to Easter to basically any occasion. Mixed shredded chicken, cream cheese, hot sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and shredded cheddar, then bake until the dip is hot and bubbly. When done, it should taste creamy, tangy, and spicy. I love making and transporting it in a slow cooker so it stays warm. Recipe.

Sweet & Spicy Bourbon Meatballs

No potluck is complete without some kind of meatball appetizers. These sweet and spicy bourbon ones are easy peasy to make in a slow cooker. I cook them using frozen meatballs and simmer in a sauce made of bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, and a little hot sauce. The sauce thickens into a sticky glaze and coats the meatballs from all sides. Put them in a slow cooker on low and set out toothpicks or cocktail picks for guests to grab them.

Turkey breast & Gravy

Turkey is the main event, and of course someone needs to bring it so why not you? If the thought of cooking a whole bird feels daunting, just roast some turkey breast. It cooks faster, is simple to slice, and fits easily in a roasting pan. Rub the turkey breast with butter, garlic, and herbs like thyme and sage, and roast till it reaches, till the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Let it rest before slicing so it stays juicy. Bring gravy to go along with it in a slow cooker or thermos. You will be the star of the party.

Mashed Potatoes

They might look basic, but mashed potatoes are hands down one of the first dishes to disappear at my Thanksgiving table every year. Boil Yukon Gold potatoes until tender, then mash them with tons of butter, warm cream, salt, and pepper. I love adding a lot of roasted garlic, since everyone in my family loves it. You can also stir in sour cream or cream cheese for extra tang and creaminess. There is no way you can mess up this dish.

Stuffing

Stuffing or dressing is a Thanksgiving must. You can either make it with regular bread or with cornbread for a southern style twist. Toss cubed bread with sauteed onion, celery, sage, thyme, and chicken or turkey broth. Then bake till the top is crisp and the inside is soft and moist. You can give it your own take by adding sausage, apples, or dried cranberries for extra flavor. You can even make the stuffing in little muffin tins for individual servings. Stuffing is easy to make and travels well, making it perfect for a potluck.

Green bean casserole

Green beans something has to be on the Thanksgiving table. And for potlucks, the casserole is the clear choice. The key to this casserole is using fresh green beans so they don’t get super soft. Mix green beans with cream of mushroom soup and a splash of milk or cream, then bake until bubbly and hot. Top with crispy fried onions the last few minutes, so they stay crunchy.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole is full of nostalgia. This is legit the first Thanksgiving side dish I would make a beeline for since I was a kid. Of course, because of the marshmallows. Mash cooked sweet potatoes with butter, brown sugar, autumn spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Then top it with mini marshmallows and bake. The creamy potatoes topped with gooey melted marshmallows is so rich and comforting.

Corn Casserole

If I had to make just one casserole for potluck, it would be corn casserole. It’s creamy, sweet, and slightly custardy, meaning it’s the perfect blend of a side and dessert. Mix corn muffin mix, whole kernel corn, creamed corn, sour cream, and melted butter. Then bake until it’s set and toasted on top. I like to add a few diced jalapeno peppers for that spicy and sweet contrast.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Another essential holiday potluck appetizer. Remove the stems from button or cremini mushrooms and fill the caps with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic – scratch that, tons of garlic – parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and chopped herbs. Add the chopped mushroom stems back into the filling. Bake till mushrooms are tender and tops are crisp. You can assemble these stuffed mushrooms a day in advance and bake just before leaving for your potluck.

Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is grown-up comfort food. Make a creamy cheesy sauce with sharp cheddar cheese, some Gruyere, milk and butter, and stir in the cooked elbow macaroni pasta. Top the dish with buttered breadcrumbs for that signature crispy crust. Bake till warm throughout and bubbly, and cover with foil till it’s time to serve.

Cranberry Sauce

Homemade cranberry sauce beats canned or bottled versions anytime. Simmer fresh cranberries with sugar, orange juice, orange zest till the berries pop open and the sauce thickens. This process takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Once it’s ready, the sauce keeps in the fridge for up to a week.

Dinner Rolls

Soft, fluffy dinner rolls are perfect to soak up the gravy and make your own turkey cranberry sauce sandwiches. You can bake these from scratch or use a store-bought package and upgrade it with this trick. Brush the store-bought rolls with some melted butter and sprinkle flaky salt and fresh herbs as well as some garlic powder before serving. Keep them wrapped in foil and serve with honey butter.

Ham and Cheese Sliders

Ham and cheese sliders are easy to make in a big batch. Layer sliced ham and Swiss cheese on a pan of Hawaiian rolls. Then pour a mixture of melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and poppy seeds over the top. Cover with foil and bake till the cheese has melted and the top of the sliders are golden. They are sweet, savory, buttery, and just easy to grab one.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with bacon

Roasted brussels sprouts might be the most divisive menu item ever. But fans would appreciate you a lot, especially if you bring the bacon topped version. Halve the sprouts, toss them with olive oil, salt and pepper, and roast at a high temperature. Toss with crisp crumbled bacon and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top.

Fresh Salad

A fresh salad provides the perfect light and crisp contrast to all the rich and heavy dishes. Combine mixed grains or arugula with sliced apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and crumbled goat cheese or feta. Toss with a simple apple cider vinaigrette made from olive oil, apple cider vinegar, mustard, and honey. Pack the dressing separately and add it right before serving so the salad stays crisp.

Pumpkin Pie

No Thanksgiving potluck is complete without someone bringing the pecan pie. Whisk together pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, egg, sugar, and autumn spices, and pour it into a prepared crust. Bake till the filling is set and slightly jiggles in the center. Let the pie cool completely before slicing so it sets properly. Serve with whipped cream on top and keep it chilled till the meal.

Caramel Apple Dip with pretzels and fruits

Caramel apple dip is a fun low sugar dessert that guests can nibble on all afternoon. Whip softened cream cheese with brown sugar and vanilla. Spread it in a shallow dish and top with some caramel sauce, pecans, and toffee bits. Served with sliced apples, pears, pretzel sticks, and graham crackers for dipping.

Pecan Pie Bars

Pecan pie bars give all the flavor of the classic pecan pie in an easy individual serving. Press a buttery shortbread crust into a pan and bake it briefly, then top it with a mixture of pecans, brown sugar, eggs and butter. Bake till the filling is set. Once the bars are cooled, cut them into squares so everyone can grab one.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars

Pumpkin cream cheese bars combine two of my favorite fall flavors in one dessert. Bake a spiced pumpkin cake base and top it with a smooth cream cheese frosting. A touch of cinnamon and nutmeg, plus some chopped pecans, adds a nice topping. These bars are soft and moist, plus they’re not overly sweet, making them a good option for those who are not too much into desserts.

A Thanksgiving potluck is one of my favorite times of the year. Everyone gathers around the table, eats the good food, and talks about interesting things. Some linger over the dips and bites. Most go for the turkey and sides. Others stay for the dessert. Remember to label your dish and bring a serving spoon to help out the host. Happy Thanksgiving.