24 Thanksgiving Potluck Ideas Everyone Will Actually Love
So, you’ve got a Thanksgiving potluck coming up and you don’t want to be the person who shows up with a sad bag of chips.
I get it. Potlucks can feel like a test of your creativity, your cooking skills, and sometimes even your sanity.
But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with 24 Thanksgiving potluck ideas that are easy, crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to get you invited back next year.
Let’s be real: Thanksgiving is all about the food, and showing up with something delicious is half the fun.
Whether you’re into appetizers, hearty mains, or sweet endings, I’ve pulled together options for every cook (and every level of effort). Ready? Let’s dig in.
1. Classic Green Bean Casserole
Everyone knows it. Everyone expects it. Green bean casserole is basically the Beyoncé of Thanksgiving sides—it never goes out of style. Use fresh beans if you’re feeling fancy, or keep it traditional with canned beans and cream of mushroom soup. Just don’t forget the crispy fried onions on top.
2. Deviled Eggs with a Twist
Why bring plain deviled eggs when you can jazz them up? Add a little smoked paprika, crispy bacon bits, or even a touch of hot sauce. They’re bite-sized, portable, and they disappear fast—trust me, you’ll blink and they’ll be gone.
3. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
I know this one can spark arguments—marshmallows or no marshmallows? IMO, the marshmallows win. They caramelize into gooey perfection, making this dish basically dessert disguised as a side.
4. Cranberry Sauce That Doesn’t Come from a Can
Look, I have nothing against the jiggly canned stuff, but making fresh cranberry sauce takes about 15 minutes and tastes way better. Throw in some orange zest or cinnamon for an extra festive vibe.
5. Stuffing Muffins
Instead of scooping stuffing onto plates, bake it in a muffin tin. You get cute little stuffing muffins with crispy edges and soft centers. Bonus: no fighting over who gets the corner piece.
6. Cheese and Charcuterie Board
Not everyone wants to wait until the turkey is carved. A charcuterie board loaded with cheeses, crackers, fruit, and cured meats is the perfect appetizer. Plus, it makes you look like you have your life together—even if you just arranged Trader Joe’s finds on a cutting board.
7. Mac and Cheese (Because Why Not?)
Sure, it’s not “traditional,” but nobody ever complains when mac and cheese shows up. Make it extra gooey with sharp cheddar and a buttery breadcrumb topping. Comfort food at its finest.
8. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Skip the boxed flakes. Go for real mashed potatoes with roasted garlic whipped in. Creamy, dreamy, and begging for gravy.
9. Butternut Squash Soup
Bring a pot of butternut squash soup for a cozy starter. It’s smooth, velvety, and easy to make ahead of time. Garnish with roasted pumpkin seeds for crunch.
10. Cornbread with Honey Butter
Cornbread is already amazing, but add some whipped honey butter and it becomes unforgettable. Pro tip: bake some in mini muffin tins for perfect grab-and-go servings.
11. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Brussels sprouts have had a major glow-up in recent years, and when you roast them with bacon, they turn into something magical. Even the sprout-haters will sneak a bite.
12. Turkey Meatballs
If roasting a whole turkey feels like too much, bring turkey meatballs. Toss them in gravy or cranberry glaze, and suddenly you’ve got a handheld version of Thanksgiving dinner.
13. Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Hot, cheesy, and best served with bread or crackers—spinach artichoke dip is always a win. It’s the kind of appetizer people hover over like it’s their job.
14. Glazed Carrots
Want something easy but impressive? Roast carrots with maple syrup and thyme. They look elegant on the table but take zero effort.
15. Pumpkin Bread
Forget plain rolls. A loaf of pumpkin bread screams Thanksgiving and doubles as a dessert. Serve it sliced with cream cheese spread for bonus points.
16. Mini Pecan Pies
Whole pies can be a pain to slice at potlucks. Solution? Mini pecan pies baked in muffin tins. Same great flavor, less mess, and everyone gets their own portion.
17. Baked Brie with Cranberries
Picture this: melty brie cheese, cranberry sauce, and puff pastry. Bake it until golden and watch it disappear in five minutes flat. It’s rich, festive, and honestly, one of my favorite potluck hacks.
18. Garlic Roasted Green Beans
If you want something lighter, skip the creamy casserole and bring garlic roasted green beans instead. They’re crisp, flavorful, and won’t weigh people down.
19. Apple Crisp
Not a pie person? Make apple crisp instead. It’s easier than pie, and the crunchy oat topping makes it just as good (arguably better, but I’ll let you decide).
20. Deviled Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip
Yes, it’s a thing. Blend cream cheese, pumpkin, and spices into a fluffy dip. Pair it with graham crackers, apple slices, or pretzels. It’s basically dessert you can eat with your hands.
21. Roasted Turkey Sliders
If someone else already signed up for turkey, bring sliders instead. Shredded turkey on soft rolls with cranberry mayo = genius. They’re portable, fun, and disappear fast.
22. Candied Yams
Yams roasted with brown sugar, butter, and pecans? Yes, please. This dish adds a sweet touch to the savory lineup and makes your plate feel complete.
23. Chocolate Pumpkin Brownies
Brownies are great. Pumpkin is great. Combine them and you’ve got chocolate pumpkin brownies—a dessert that feels seasonal without being predictable.
24. A Signature Cocktail (or Mocktail)
Don’t underestimate the power of a good drink. Bring a big batch of apple cider sangria or a spiced cranberry mocktail. It sets the mood and gives people something festive to sip between bites.
Tips for Choosing Your Potluck Dish
Before you grab your casserole dish, keep a few things in mind:
- Transport matters. Pick something that travels well—soups, dips, and casseroles usually hold up.
- Temperature counts. If the host’s oven is full of turkey, don’t bring something that needs reheating.
- Balance it out. Not everyone can bring dessert (though that sounds amazing). Aim for a mix of apps, sides, and sweets.
- Make it personal. If you’ve got a family recipe everyone begs for, bring that. Nothing beats a dish with a story behind it.
Final Thoughts
Potlucks can feel intimidating, but they’re really about sharing the holiday with friends and family. Whether you show up with mini pecan pies, mac and cheese, or roasted Brussels sprouts, the key is to bring something you love making—and eating.
So, what’s your go-to dish for a Thanksgiving potluck? Personally, I lean toward baked brie or apple crisp because they always vanish first. Whatever you pick, remember: it’s not just about the food, it’s about the fun of sharing. And hey, showing up with something delicious pretty much guarantees you won’t get stuck bringing napkins next year.
