90 Easy Thanksgiving Potluck Ideas to Festively Feed a Crowd
Unique and fun Thanksgiving potluck ideas! These festive recipes are super fun dishes to bring to your Thanksgiving gathering – and they’re all crowd favorites!
So you’ve been invited to a Thanksgiving potluck, and you’re not sure what to bring.
We’re all aware of the classic Thanksgiving foods, but maybe you want something more unique or original, or easier to make.
Well, you’re in luck!
I put together a list of the best Thanksgiving potluck food ideas, so you have tons of inspiration for what to make.
This assortment of Thanksgiving potluck dishes has recipes for:
- Appetizers – dips, spreads, bite-size finger foods
- Side Dishes – hearty casseroles, festive salads, veggie dishes, rolls and biscuits
- Main Dishes – unique and traditional ideas
- Desserts – pies, crumbles, bars, and no-bake treats
There’s something for every kind of gathering, AND every cooking skill level.
Okay, let’s check ‘em out!
(🍂 Psst: Looking for more festive entertaining ideas? Check out these Thanksgiving charcuterie board ideas, easy bite-size finger food appetizers, delicious cute and fun Thanksgiving treats, and make-ahead snacks and starters.)
Unique Thanksgiving Potluck Ideas
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Want to bring the most popular dish at the gathering?
Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese has a secret ingredient that takes it over the top. It's truly the ultimate comfort food!
Antipasto Wreath
Dress up antipasto into an eye-catching, festive wreath!
Mix and match different types of meat on each skewer, pairing it with mozzarella pearls, basil, cherry tomatoes, olives, and artichoke hearts.
There are endless options to choose from!
Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Loaded Mashed Potatoes are wildly addicting, and packed with bacon, cheese, sour cream, and butter.
Forget pasty, plain mashed potatoes, and make this crowd-pleaser instead!
Pumpkin Pie Crumble
Crumble or crisp meets pumpkin pie in this simple, warm Pumpkin Pie Crumble.
Only about 10 minutes or so of prep and a thick pumpkin layer topped with a buttery oat topping - no need to make a crust!
Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon and Goat cheese
Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon and Goat Cheese are a beautiful and healthy side dish for your Thanksgiving menu that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
It looks upscale but is actually super easy and uses just a few ingredients.
Arugula Apple Salad with Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette
Arugula Apple Salad is hearty enough to serve as a main dish or a side!
Topped with a roasted shallot & garlic vinaigrette, pancetta, wild rice, and goat cheese, every bite is packed with flavor.
Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie
Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie is a flavorful sweet treat that combines all the flavors of Fall.
It's easy to put together and a fun variation on classic pumpkin pie.
Everything Bagel Cheese Ball
Serve this pumpkin-shaped Everything Bagel Cheese Ball appetizer and watch everyone go crazy and ask for the recipe.
Best of all, it’s easy to make ahead in 15 minutes, chill, and have ready for your gathering.
Southern Cornbread Dressing
Southern Cornbread Dressing is a savory and delicious side dish that everyone will devour.
Flavored with sage, garlic, onions and celery, it tastes like a recipe straight from Grandma!
Turkey Peanut Butter Cups
Turkey Peanut Butter Cups are a simple way to turn a classic peanut butter cup into a fun treat that is perfect for the Thanksgiving holiday!
There's no baking involved, and they easily transform into turkeys that are almost too cute to eat.
Cheesy Vegetable Casserole
Cheesy Vegetable Bake is a delicious vegetable medley that takes mere minutes to throw together.
It’s a foolproof side dish made with frozen mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, butter, cheese, and crispy bread crumbs.
Candied Sweet Potato Casserole
Candied Sweet Potato Casserole is packed with flavor! Simple to prepare, this dish will have guests begging for seconds and needing the recipe.
Thanksgiving Salad
This Thanksgiving Salad features bright fall flavors like pears, pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries and savory ingredients like nuts, parmesan cheese, bacon, and red onions, then dressed with a bright mustard vinaigrette.
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers are creamy, spicy and loaded with cheese.
Perfect to serve to your spice-loving family, this classic appetizer never disappoints.
Crockpot Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar and Butter
Easy 5 ingredient Crockpot Mashed Sweet Potatoes are a simple one pot side dish that is perfect to make ahead and bring to your Thanksgiving potluck.
Even if you “don’t cook” you can make this!
Caprese Skewers
Caprese Skewers look stunning on any holiday table. They are so easy to make and only require a few ingredients.
Best of all, they can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you're ready to serve them.
No-Bake Nutella Cheesecake with Oreo Crust
If you want to receive *all the compliments* make this no-bake Nutella cheesecake with an Oreo crust.
It’s incredibly rich and decadent so it’s perfect for a special occasion or holiday like Thanksgiving.
Homemade Green Bean Casserole
Don’t want to use canned cream of mushroom soup or canned green beans? \Make this easy fresher-tasting Green Bean Casserole from scratch using frozen green beans, fresh mushrooms, and sour cream.
2-Ingredient Sweet Potato Rolls
With just 2 simple ingredients you can make soft and delicious Sweet Potato Rolls.
You don't need any special equipment and there is no rise time, so you'll be enjoying these flavorful, tender dinner rolls in no time.
Easy Funeral Potatoes
Don’t let the name fool you! Funeral Potatoes are always a HUGE hit! Potatoes in a creamy sauce topped with buttery corn flakes cereal and then baked until hot and bubbly. They’re addicting!
Slow Cooker Cranberry BBQ Meatballs
Crockpot Cranberry BBQ Meatballs are the easiest holiday appetizer you will ever make!
Simply dump everything into the crock pot and peace out while it cooks, then watch your guests gobble them up.
Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes
Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes have all the same flavors and textures of homemade pumpkin custard pie - without the crust!
This simple recipe bakes in just 30 minutes, using 100% pure pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and evaporated milk.
Mashed Cauliflower "Potatoes" with Roasted Garlic
Creamy Mashed Cauliflower "Potatoes" with roasted garlic are cozy & healthier than traditional mashed potatoes.
The recipe is easy, and it’s a fun way to satisfy a starchy potato craving with fewer carbs.
Thanksgiving Fruit Salad
Delicious and easy Thanksgiving Fruit Salad features apples, pears, grapes, oranges, and pecans tossed in a light honey and holiday spice dressing.
It’s sweet and refreshing and beautifully balances the traditionally heavy Thanksgiving dinner.
Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing
Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing is a delicious way to prepare a classic Thanksgiving side dish with ease!
This recipe combines the traditional flavors of sausage, onion, and celery with the warmth and convenience of a slow cooker.
Pumpkin Dump Cake
Pumpkin Dump Cake has all of your favorite Fall flavors wrapped in one delicious dessert!
It’s made with spice cake mix and pure pumpkin puree and takes only 10 minutes to prep. Dump, bake, and eat!
Pimento Cheese and Bacon Crostini
Homemade Pimento Cheese and Bacon Crostini combine rich and tangy pimento cheese spread with crusty slices of baguettes for a delicious party appetizer.
Cranberry Turkey Sliders
Hawaiian roll Cranberry Turkey Sliders are made with turkey, cranberry sauce and Swiss cheese and baked with a savory butter drizzle. \You can use thick-cut storebought carved turkey if you don’t have leftovers.
Toffee with Pecans and Pumpkin Spice
Easy toffee gets an autumn twist with pecans and a hint of pumpkin spice. Pumpkin Spice Toffee with Pecans is perfect for fall gift giving or just to nibble as a special Thanksgiving treat.
Savory Pumpkin Hummus
Pumpkin Hummus is healthy, savory, and easy to make and serve with your favorite dippers.
Serve it as part of a charcuterie board, or on its own with veggies or crackers.
Easy Pesto-Roasted Potatoes
Easy Pesto-Roasted Potatoes are super flavorful, yet very simple to prepare. Ready in only 30 minutes with basically three ingredients, they are a crispy, cheesy and elegant side.
Loaded Cornbread
Classic Cornbread gets kicked up several notches in this Loaded Cornbread recipe by adding in cheese, bacon, corn, and more!
This might just be the most popular dish of the night.
No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are the perfect dessert to honor fall, with the warm flavors we all know and love from a biscoff cookie crust, and classic pumpkin spice.
Best of all, it's completely no-bake!
Cream Cheese Corn Dip
Cream Cheese Corn Dip is loaded with fresh corn, cream cheese, crumbled feta and smoky spices.
Get ready for rave reviews, because the fresh flavor stands out..
Make it ahead and bake it when you're ready, or serve it cold with tortilla chips and veggies for dipping.
Easy Maple Glazed Roasted Carrots
Bright in color and sweet in flavor, Maple Glazed Roasted Carrots are sure to be a hit.
The baked maple carrots are sweet, sticky, and roasted to perfection. Super easy, but looks upscale, my favorite!
Sweet Potato Biscuits
Sweet Potato Biscuits are delicious fluffy biscuits that will look beautiful on your Thanksgiving table.
Everyone will be so impressed by this unique biscuit recipe!
Roasted Butternut Squash With Bacon And Sage
Roasted Butternut Squash with Bacon has fantastic fall flavors. The balance of sweet and salty is perfect, and it’s not too heavy of a dish.
Chewy Apple Pie Cookies
Soft and chewy Apple Pie Cookies are packed with white chocolate chips and taste just like a warm apple pie.
If you want a lighter dessert to serve, this is perfect!
Puff Pastry Brie Bites
If you’re looking for a simple appetizer that looks impressive, these Puff Pastry Brie Bites are going to steal the show.
With only 10 minutes to prep and the option to make ahead up to 3 days in advance, just top with your favorite jam for a unique flavor everyone at the party will love!
Turkey Oreo Balls
Kids and adults alike will love munching on these fun Turkey Oreo Balls. With just 3 ingredients, you can prep these in advance and have them ready for holiday snacking.
Cranberry Apple Sausage Stuffing
For an upscale, elevated version of traditional dressing, Cranberry Apple Sausage Stuffing is as beautiful as it is tasty.
Everyone will love the combination of French bread, savory sausage, herbs, fresh apple, and dried cranberries.
Easy Cheesy Loaded Scalloped Potatoes
Cheesy Loaded Scalloped Potatoes are full of delicious cheese and bacon making for a super satisfying and hearty side dish.
It’s an amazing make-ahead side that reheats beautifully.
Fresh Cranberry Salsa
Fresh Cranberry Salsa is an easy holiday appetizer that is a little sweet, and a little spicy.
It’s easy and perfect for serving at holiday parties all season long, with crisp tortilla chips or crackers!
Brussels Sprout Salad
Brussels Sprout Salad is made with shredded Brussels sprouts, apples, pomegranate, bacon, pecans and feta cheese, all tossed in a sweet and savory dressing.
It’s a light and fresh dish to help balance out traditional Thanksgiving dishes.
Cranberry Cheesecake Brownies
Delicious Cranberry Cheesecake Brownies are the perfect combination of Fudgy Dark Chocolate Brownies and creamy & tangy cranberry cheesecake.
They are extremely easy to make and taste so delicious - truly a showstopper dessert!
Sweet Potato Crunch Casserole
Sweet Potato Crunch Casserole might just become a traditional dish you’ll make for years!
It has perfectly sweetened, creamy sweet potatoes topped with scrumptious brown sugar and pecan crumble that takes it over the top.
Mini Cheese Balls
Mini cheese balls are a bite-sized version of the classic party appetizer - cheese balls!
The cheese balls are served in individual portions rolled in nuts and bacon and topped with salty pretzel sticks!
Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket
Looking for a unique main dish for Thanksgiving? Cranberry Beef Brisket is seriously amazing!
A large brisket with fresh cranberries or cranberry jelly, it has all the flavors of the holiday season, and is the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and savory.
Hearty Warm Roasted Vegetable Salad
This unique leafy green salad is packed with roasted veggies, feta cheese, bacon, and a simple homemade dressing. It's a delicious and unique addition to your menu.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars have layers of graham cracker crust, vanilla cheesecake and pumpkin cheesecake, all baked together to create an impressive dessert.
It’s the perfect alternative to pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving day!
One Pot Gouda and Cream Cheese Corn
One Pot Gouda and Cream Cheese Corn is an extra-special and very delicious side dish!
The combination of gouda, cream cheese and heavy cream gives this cheesy corn casserole recipe a rich taste for a cozy, comforting side dish.
Sweet Potato "Tater Tot" Casserole
Sweet Potato Tater Tot Casserole is made with sweet potato puffs, marshmallows, brown sugar, cinnamon, and crushed pretzels.
It’s a unique side dish that will definitely be devoured!
Loaded Deviled Eggs
Deviled Eggs with Bacon and Chives are a fun, elevated twist on the classic recipe. And I don’t know about you, but deviled eggs are one of my absolute favorite appetizers!
French Onion Stuffing
French Onion Stuffing has all the caramelized onion flavor of a classic French onion soup recipe in stuffing form.
It has fresh herbs like parsley and sage, rich broth, savory, warm bread, and gooey Gruyère cheese.
Butterscotch Pumpkin Pie
Butterscotch Pumpkin Pie is the ultimate upgrade to classic pumpkin pie. It’s super smooth, full of pumpkin spice and baked in a thick graham cracker crust.
The filling is so easy to make and comes together in just one pot!
Roasted Sweet Potato Slices in Garlic Honey Butter
Roasted Sweet Potato Slices in Garlic Honey Butter are a unique and easy side dish to bring to your celebration.
With simple ingredients, these oven baked sweet potato slices are tossed in a delightfully sweet and savory garlic butter glaze!
Best of all, it has quick prep time and can be made ahead!
Butternut Squash au Gratin
Butternut squash Au Gratin is the cheesy delicious side dish your holiday table is missing!
It features velvety butternut squash baked in a gruyere cream sauce and topped with golden, buttery breadcrumbs.
Spinach Artichoke Pinwheels
Spinach Artichoke Puff Pastry Pinwheels have all the delicious flavors of spinach artichoke dip in a fun bite-sized finger food.
You can even make them ahead of time and freeze them to make life easier.
No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars
It takes just 5 simple ingredients to make these No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars.
They are rich, creamy, and delectable, and you don't even need an oven!
Brown Sugar Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Brown Sugar and Bacon are a wonderfully simple but very elegant side dish.
The combination of golden caramelization and crispy edges, they’re sweet and nutty, and not bitter at all.
Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad
Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad is a delightful vegetarian side dish that combines the earthy sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the wholesome goodness of quinoa, and the tart burst of cranberries.
Cheesy Corn Casserole
Cheesy Corn Casserole includes sweet corn, rich cheeses, the perfect amount of seasoning and crispy bacon.
Best of all, it can be assembled up to 3 days before serving!
Nutter Butter Turkey Cupcakes
It doesn’t get much cuter than these Nutter Butter Turkey Cupcakes. They’re a fun project, and will look adorable on your dessert table.
Baked Brie with Fig Jam and Caramelized Onions
Baked Brie with Fig Jam is a phenomenal appetizer or side that has gooey and creamy Brie cheese topped with decadent caramelized onions, sweet fig jam, walnuts, and fresh rosemary.
Minimal effort with maximum payoff!
Vegetable Lasagna with White Sauce
For a totally unexpected Thanksgiving main dish (that everyone will gobble up), try this Vegetable Lasagna with White Sauce.
Roasted butternut squash and red pepper, along with zucchini and basil, are layered in a creamy béchamel sauce. It’s SO delicious and hearty.
Caramelized Onion and Horseradish Mashed Potatoes
Caramelized onion and horseradish mashed potatoes are creamy, tangy, spicy and sweet.
Rich and creamy mashed potatoes paired with spicy horseradish and sweet caramelized onions. It might just be the perfect side dish.
Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Dip
Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Dip is a beyond easy appetizer that is both festive and addicting.
It can be put together in minutes and everyone raves about the depth of flavor. Set it out with some crackers, and wa-la!
No Bake Pumpkin Silk Pie
An amazing combination of French Silk and pumpkin pie, No Bake Pumpkin Silk Pie has the perfect balance of smooth texture, deep flavor, and decadent richness.
Best of all, no oven is required!
Mac and Cheese Bake with Bacon
Step up your Thanksgiving side dish game with this hearty Mac and Cheese Bake with Bacon!
The gooey cheese and crunchy bacon pair perfectly for a rich and flavorful mac and cheese that won’t be forgotten.
Garlic Butter Rolls
Throw out your boring basic dinner roll recipe, because these garlic butter rolls hold a special secret.
Tossed generously in garlic herb butter, then completely covered in fresh parmesan cheese, these garlic rolls are truly mind blowing.
Red Skin Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Red Skin Garlic Mashed Potatoes are fluffy and buttery and made with cream or milk, fresh garlic, a dash of salt and a lot of pepper.
Best of all, they’re made with 3 main ingredients, and no need to peel the potatoes first!
Cranberry Jalapeno Dip
Fun and festive Cranberry Jalapeño Dip is sweet, spicy and oh-so flavorful! It is super easy to make and only takes 5 minutes from start to finish, and will look really pretty on your table.
Bourbon Pecan Pie Brownies
With a bourbon chocolate brownie and gooey pecan pie filling, you will love every sweet and salty bite of these pecan pie brownies.
They are easier than baking a whole pecan pie making them a perfect Thanksgiving dessert!
Pumpkin Rice
Pumpkin Rice is a unique and flavorful recipe, combining the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with aromatic spices.
Sourdough Bacon & Pecan Stuffing
Round out your Thanksgiving potluck menu with Sourdough Bacon & Pecan Stuffing.
Tangy sourdough bread gets a makeover with tender aromatic vegetables, smokey bacon, and the crunch of buttery, earthy pecans.
Salted Caramel Pecan Bars
Featuring a buttery shortbread crust, chewy caramel, and crunchy pecans, there's so much to love about these Salted Caramel Pecan Bars.
Easier to make than pecan pie, you'll love these pecan pie bars for any holiday gathering.
Ranch Cheesy Potatoes
Everyone needs a recipe for cheesy potatoes when a comforting side dish is needed, and these easy Ranch Cheesy Potatoes with Frozen Hash Browns includes Ranch seasoning for a delicious twist on the classic dish.
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pie Dip
Five-ingredient Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pie Dip has the best fall spices in one pot!
The ingredients are minimal and the prep time is super short.
Pumpkin, mixed with pumpkin pie spice, brown sugar, and cream cheese, creates a fluffy pumpkin dip that awaits your favorite dipping crackers or cookies.
Delicious Bloody Mary Deviled Eggs
Bloody Mary deviled eggs take the concept of traditional eggs and add in rich ingredients like slaw dressing, pickle juice, tomato paste, paprika, and more, to make a unique gourmet deviled eggs with a Bloody Mary feel.
Stuffing Balls
Stuffing Balls are the perfect holiday side dish because everyone gets their own serving!
No fussing with large casserole dishes or dealing with dried out turkey stuffing, these vegetarian stuffing balls are easy to make ahead.
And even without sausage, they're not lacking in flavor!
Waldorf Salad
Waldorf Salad is loaded with apples, grapes, celery, dried cranberries, walnuts, and vanilla yogurt.
While it sounds like an unconventional assortment of ingredients, it's a totally delicious timeless recipe that adds a touch of brightness to an otherwise heavy meal.
White Bean Hummus with Cranberries
White Bean Hummus is packed with festive holiday flavors! Loaded with dried cranberries, infused with garlic and rosemary olive oil, and topped with crunchy chopped pecans.
The unique addition of orange juice offers a burst of tart citrus flavor that brings it all together.
Baked Pumpkin Pasta with Zucchini
Delicious Baked Pumpkin Pasta is a rustic Italian dish that captures the essence of Fall’s seasonal ingredients.
It’s creamy and hearty, with the right balance of flavors.
JIffy Corn Casserole
Jiffy Corn Casserole, aka corn casserole, is quick and easy to make, and 100% addicting. It’s holiday comfort food at its finest, and wonderfully budget-friendly.
Easy Olive Salad
This quick 5 minute Olive Salad is packed with flavor and very easy to make. Serve it on top of whipped feta dip with pita chips, alongside a charcuterie board or cheese platter, or on its own.
Pumpkin Fudge Poke Cake
Pumpkin Fudge Poke Cake is a deliciously rich and decadent 9x13 dessert cake.
Simply bake the pumpkin cake, then poke holes all over to create space for hot chocolate fudge sauce to seep through, creating an ultra-moist cake everyone will gobble up.
Sausage Cranberry Brie Bites
Rolled up in puff pastry, Sausage Cranberry Brie Bites just the right amount of savory from the ground sausage, sweetness from the cranberry sauce, and a salty creaminess from the brie.
Plus, they look stunning on a platter.
Easy Baked Cauliflower Gratin
Easy baked Cauliflower Gratin is a classic French side dish that's a great make-ahead recipe then serving a crowd. It's melty, cheesy and perfect for the holidays!
Chicken Apple Sausage Appetizers with Maple Glaze
With only 4 ingredients and 5 minutes of hands-on time, Chicken Apple Sausages make the best party snack!
Start with your favorite chicken apple sausages, cover in a ridiculously delicious maple mustard glaze, then warm in the slow cooker. Serve with toothpicks for an easy finger food.
Pumpkin Fluff
Pumpkin fluff is a tasty appetizer or dessert dip that’s easy to make and doesn’t require any cream cheese! It’s made with just five ingredients and takes less than five minutes to whip up.
Serve it with your favorite dippers such as pretzels, vanilla wafers, or apple slices and watch it disappear fast.
Ready to try some of these fun Thanksgiving potluck recipes?
I hope this list of festive potluck foods has given you lots of ideas for what to bring to Thanksgiving.
From easy make ahead appetizers to desserts, to crowd-pleasing casseroles, there’s truly something for everyone!
You may also like:
57 Easy (But Impressive) Thanksgiving Desserts
15 Hearty Thanksgiving Side Dishes (you can make in your crockpot!)