40 Thanksgiving Potluck Recipes Guaranteed To Be The Most Popular At The Party
Thanksgiving potluck = The dessert table is gonna be stacked.
We can all agree, 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 easy big-batch 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. đ
Before you dig in on all those traditional Thanksgiving foods (we're looking at you, green bean casserole and mashed potatoes), greet your guests with a glass of harvest punch and plenty of bite-sized appetizers. We're pretty partial to our baked feta bites, turkey cheese ball, and this too-cute crudité turkey.
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 top favorite Thanksgiving desserts that go beyond pie, Thanksgiving cookies, and Thanksgiving cakes. Our recipes for mini pumpkin pies, lemon cranberry cheesecake bars, and our pumpkin pie bars 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 got tons of ideas on how to make Thanksgiving dinner for two.
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.
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, itâs the perfect holiday side to bring to a potluck.
Get the Pear Salad 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, which rethink the ratio of crust to filling and do it in a snack-able package. These little pies are perfect for people who want just a little treat after the big meal, or who'd rather a smattering of desserts, since, honestly who can choose between pumpkin and pecan?
Get the Mini Pumpkin Pies recipe.
Harvest Punch
Cider and ginger beer might seem like a weird pairing, but with fresh fruit and cinnamon (plus bubbly!), we promise you it more than works. For a small but just as rowdy bunch, make our caramel apple mimosas instead.
Get the Harvest Punch recipe.
Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip
This cranberry-topped whipped feta dip is here to save your holiday appetizer planning. 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.
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.
Mashed Potato Casserole
This recipe beginsâas you might expectâwith classic mashed potatoes. We then add herb-infused milk and some cream cheese, then fold in the secret ingredientâeggs! Eggs are stirred in before baking to lighten up the potatoes, and they help the mixture âsoufflĂ©â a bit in the oven. You might never make regular ole mashed taters again.
Get the Mashed Potato Casserole recipe.
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.
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.
Creamed Brussels Sprouts
These are a holiday party MUSTâeven Brussels haters will love it. Not a fan of Fontina? GruyĂšre or white cheddar would also be delicious here!
Get the Creamed Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Mini Piecakens
Inspired by pastry chef Zac Youngâs 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. đ
Get the Mini Piecakens recipe.
Cheesy Green Bean Mushroom Tart
Green beans and mushrooms are a combo we never get tired of, and that goes double for this tart. Fresh blanched green beans are layered onto a creamy blend of ricotta and goat cheese, topped with garlicky mushrooms and cheddar cheese, then baked on a puff pastry crust until perfectly melty, crisp, and crave-able.
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.
Stuffed Mushrooms
To make these, we stuff baby bella mushrooms with garlicky, herby bread crumbs and plenty of cheese. Stuff them ahead of time and bake them off when you're ready for an easy appetizer or simple side dish.
Get the Stuffed Mushrooms recipe.
Pumpkin Pie Bars
Not only are pumpkin pie bars the perfect way to feed your hungry crowd on Thanksgiving, they're also so much easier to make than a traditional pie. No crust chilling. No crimping. Just a quick press into the pan, and your shortbread crust will be ready to go.
Get the Pumpkin Pie Bars recipe.
Best Mashed Potatoes
Quick: Name one thing better than creamy, buttery, steamy, perfect mashed potatoes! See? You can't! So put down the instant potatoes, grab your favorite spuds, a large pot, a masher, and let's get ready for comfort in a bowl.
Get the Perfect Mashed Potatoes recipe.
Cheesy Brussels Sprout Bake
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 Cheesy Brussels Sprout Bake recipe.
Sweet Potato Gratin
Your sweet potatoes are tired of being baked all on their own. Give them the chance to become something much more exciting and turn them into 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. đ
Get the Sweet Potato Gratin 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. Hot tip: these are the perfect opportunity to bust out any good-quality honey youâve been saving.
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. Though special on their own, they would be phenomenal with some added chopped pecans or chocolate chips!
Get the Brown Butter Pumpkin Blondies recipe.
Mackenzie Filson is a food writer and contributing digital food producer at Delish. Her favorite ice cream flavor is chocolate-pine. If wine was an astrological sign she'd be a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. She's never met a bag of Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos she didn't eat in one sitting.