29 Thanksgiving Potluck Ideas That Have Everyone Asking for the Recipe
Crowded holiday tables always get more fun when the crowd shows up with something new to share. With 29 Thanksgiving potluck recipes in one lineup, there’s no shortage of conversation starters, second helpings, or relatives asking if you’ll “send that over later.” It’s the kind of collection that makes everyone secretly glad they came hungry.

French Onion Casserole

Classic comfort dishes always stand out, especially when someone brings French Onion Casserole to share. The rich, hearty flavor pulls everyone back for seconds. You get all the warmth and cheesiness you expect in every bite. Guests keep asking what goes into it. This one is sure to leave your dish empty by the end of the meal.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole
Maryland Crab Cake

Bring a bit of coastal flavor to the table with a tray of Maryland Crab Cake. Each bite gives a nice balance of crisp and tender texture. These are always a big hit with seafood fans. They make a nice change from the usual spread. Don’t be surprised if everyone asks you to share how you made them.
Get the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cake
Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins

When you want something a little sweet to round out the table, try passing around Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins. The creamy center and fruity burst make each muffin feel special. People enjoy them with coffee or as a quick bite during the party. They’re often the first to disappear from the dessert tray. Friends will definitely ask for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins
Turkey Soup

Leftover turkey gets a fresh start in a warm pot of Turkey Soup. This dish is always welcome when everybody wants something light but filling. Each spoonful brings comfort and a burst of home-style flavor. Bowls get emptied fast with this soup. It’s a simple way to stretch your holiday main course.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Soup
Cabbage Casserole

Potlucks need crowd-pleasers, and Cabbage Casserole hits that mark every time. It brings a hearty flavor and texture that mixes well with any menu. This one works for vegetarians and meat lovers alike. People enjoy the change from the usual potato side. Expect to get plenty of compliments after serving it.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Casserole
Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

A tray of Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls brings a smile to every table. These rolls pair perfectly with coffee or hot drinks during long meals. The soft swirl and light spice tempt folks to come back for more. They fit well with both brunch and dessert spreads. Most will want to grab more than one.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
Mac and Cheese

Kids and adults both light up when someone brings Mac and Cheese to the table. Its creamy texture and familiar flavor make it a true pantry standby. Even picky eaters find something to enjoy here. This dish always seems to be finished off first. There’s no need for fancy extras—just bowl and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese
Pumpkin Bars

Sharing becomes extra easy when Pumpkin Bars are sliced and passed around. These bars hit that sweet spot between cake and cookie. Their mild flavor suits all ages at potlucks. You often see the tray go empty fast. The crowd will remember who brought them and ask for the details.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Bars
Eggplant Casserole

For those looking for something a little different, bring a pan of Eggplant Casserole. Each slice offers a soft, layered experience that surprises guests. It’s a smart option for sharing with vegetarians, too. The mix blends into a comforting main or side. You’ll likely be hearing requests for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole
Apple Cobbler

Everyone finds room for another scoop when Apple Cobbler is on the dessert table. The crumbly topping and sweet filling feel just right after a big meal. It’s easy to dish up for a group. Family and friends appreciate this classic touch. Everybody always looks for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cobbler
Maple Glazed Turkey Breast

Carve something special for the potluck with Maple Glazed Turkey Breast as your main. The glaze brings a sweet edge that makes it stand out from the usual turkey. Slices work well for small plates or sandwiches. It fits nicely among all the sides. Each bite gets high marks for flavor and balance.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Turkey Breast
Funeral Potatoes

Cheesy, creamy sides always have a crowd, so Funeral Potatoes never last long. Every scoop brings back memories for many guests. The texture is soft and easy to eat, which helps during big group meals. It’s a regular hit year after year. Plates come back wiped clean every time.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes
Pumpkin Pie

Celebrate with a slice of Pumpkin Pie to bring smiles to the table. Each piece comes out neat, creamy, and perfect with a cup of coffee after dinner. Everyone expects at least one slice of this classic dessert. You’ll get recipe requests from newcomers. Pie never feels out of place at potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie
Garlic Butter Steak Bites

If you want a dish that’s gone before you know it, put out a platter of Garlic Butter Steak Bites. These are easy to grab and perfect for mingling crowds. The buttery flavor draws folks back for more. It works as a hearty appetizer or a side with other favorites. Friends won’t stop talking about them.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Sheet Pan Pancakes

Try bringing something different for brunch with Sheet Pan Pancakes cut into easy slices. It lets everyone serve themselves without a fuss. These pancakes come out soft and always look good on the potluck table. Toppings can be added to each square to suit different tastes. You’ll want to save the idea for every event.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pancakes
Thanksgiving Casserole

Grab a serving of Thanksgiving Casserole and you get a little bit of everything in one. It mixes flavors and textures in a way that suits everyone. Great for sharing when you can’t decide what to bring. Guests dig in for seconds with no hesitation. The dish often becomes a new holiday favorite.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Casserole
Garlic Knots

Soft, warm Garlic Knots are always gone fast from the bread basket. These bite-sized rolls are easy to pass around and work with any meal. The buttery topping is what people come back for. Kids enjoy them just as much as grown-ups. Your basket will be empty before the main course hits the table.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots
Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Everyone cherishes a dessert that stands out, like Salted Caramel Cheesecake after dinner. A rich and creamy texture with a dash of salt keeps guests reaching for more. It serves well in small slices for larger crowds. Friends always ask for the recipe at the end. Plates are licked clean every time.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Cheesecake
Sausage Balls

Appetizer tables are never complete without Sausage Balls stacked high. These bite-sized snacks are easy to serve and pack just enough flavor. They make a quick hit with both kids and adults. They reach for them before the meal even starts. Plan on making a double batch.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls
Tanghulu

Add some fun and crunch with a platter of Tanghulu for your next gathering. These glossy, fruity bites catch everyone’s eye. People love their crisp snap and sweet finish. It’s a snack that stands out from everything else. You’ll be sharing the recipe all night.
Get the Recipe: Tanghulu
Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board

Everyone loves to nibble, so put out a Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board for easy grazing. The mix of colors and flavors draws a crowd. It’s an easy way to keep guests mingling. People find something for every appetite. The spread looks great and disappears quickly.
Get the Recipe: Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board
Potato Skins

Bring out bold snacks like Potato Skins and watch them vanish. They’re packed with flavor and always get picked first at gatherings. Each skin holds its shape and is easy to eat by hand. These snacks work for both appetizers and sides. Guests are quick to ask for more.
Get the Recipe: Potato Skins
Turkey Sliders

Sharing is simple when you pass a tray of Turkey Sliders around the room. These mini sandwiches are easy to pick up and eat in just a few bites. They go over well with both kids and adults. You’ll see smiles all around after the first round. Expect requests for a repeat performance.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Sliders
Pumpkin Roll

With its swirl and soft bite, Pumpkin Roll always brings something special to dessert time. It slices perfectly for sharing on bigger tables. The creamy center keeps it moist and balanced. Guests are quick to ask how you made it. Pumpkin Roll usually disappears before anything else.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Roll
Stuffed Mushrooms

Small bites like Stuffed Mushrooms always leave an impression. These make a smart starter for the crowd. The filling has enough flavor to get people asking for the recipe. It’s a good option for both vegetarians and meat eaters. Stuffed Mushrooms won’t last long on the platter.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Mushrooms
Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Give everybody a reason to gather by serving Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls with crackers. The hint of jalapeño adds just enough kick to each bite. Easy to grab, these balls work for busy holiday tables. Kids and adults come back for more. It makes a dip that everyone talks about later.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls
Twice Baked Potatoes

Looking for sides that impress? Try setting out Twice Baked Potatoes for your guests. Each one brings a comforting, creamy bite with a crisp edge. The hearty filling means no one leaves hungry. These potatoes become a breakaway favorite at potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potatoes
Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans

Hand out homemade charm with Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans at your potluck. Their soft center and light crunch work for every crowd. The mellow flavor makes them easy to love. You’ll find they disappear quickly. Friends will request the recipe before they go.
Get the Recipe: Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans
Seven Layer Salad

Everyone enjoys grabbing a scoop of Seven Layer Salad from the center of the table. Each layer has its own spot, keeping things neat and colorful. The blend of textures makes it stand out at group meals. It goes well with any main course. Salad bowls empty fast when this is served.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad
About the Author

Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
