49 Thanksgiving Potluck Ideas That Get Passed Around Twice

Thanksgiving potlucks have a way of testing which dishes truly earn a return trip to the buffet line. With 49 potluck ideas packed into one list, there’s something for every type of guest, from the quiet plate-stackers to the bold seconds-grabbers. These dishes don’t linger long on the table, which tells you everything.

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Crowd-pleaser mains make everyone hang around a little longer. Plates scoop up tender bites of Slow Cooker Pot Roast before anyone else can reach the pan. Leftovers vanish into sandwiches for next-day snacks. People always ask what makes it so good. You can count on requests for this recipe every year.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball

Snack tables look brighter when something fun shows up. Spoons and crackers dig into Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball faster than you expect. Photo ops pop up before the first scoop. People circle back for seconds just for the shape. It’s the first thing gone from any appetizer spread.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball

Antipasto Skewers

Potluck plates get extra color with these grab-and-go bites. Picks of Antipasto Skewers fill hands before plates even get passed out. Lines form fast around the appetizer tray. No need for forks—easy snacking works for everyone. These get requested again after the last piece is gone.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Skewers

Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices

Sweet slices bring extra smiles to the dessert end. Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices disappear as guests help themselves. Crunchy layers and warm filling get all the praise. Slices stack up quick on full plates. It becomes a potluck favorite fast.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices

Vegetable Beef Soup

Bowls keep the crowd happy at big tables. Steamy servings of Vegetable Beef Soup go out fast every round. Any leftovers head straight to take-home containers. People ask for seconds before trying dessert. No soup ever makes it home.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Beef Soup

Turkey Chili

Big pots work best for passing bowls and stories at dinner. Turkey Chili fills everyone up in record time. A few toppings change things up and keep the chat going. Last spoonful finds its way into someone’s take-home bowl. Filling enough for every appetite.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili

Pumpkin Roll

Swirled desserts always stand out after a long meal. Slices of Pumpkin Roll get snapped up before dinner’s cleared. Creamy filling makes folks ask for more. Trays empty in minutes at any gathering. One piece is never enough for anyone.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Roll

Roasted Broccoli

Green sides let you feel good about filling your plate. Roasted Broccoli end up gone with zero fuss. Char on the edges brings extra flavor. Plates are cleaned before the main event starts. You’ll hear requests for this at every potluck.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Broccoli

Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins

Dessert trays draw a crowd first when they show up. Soft bites of Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins get passed around twice before dinner ends. Sticky fingers signal a job well done. Leftovers are hard to come by with these. They ease into breakfast if you manage to hide a few.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins

Maryland Crab Cake

Seafood mains hit different when shared with hungry guests. Bites of Maryland Crab Cake go quick before you blink. Crispy outsides get the conversation started. Someone always asks for the secret. These get special attention whenever you bring them in.
Get the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cake

7 Layer Salad

Colorful bowls pack in veggies for everyone to scoop up. Layers in 7 Layer Salad keep forks busy with crunch. Big servings help balance all the rich mains. People ask about the ingredients all night. This gets passed around until the bowl is clean.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad

Cabbage Casserole

Family recipes help keep strangers chatting at dinner. Scoops of Cabbage Casserole fill plates with creamy bites. Guests ask for the recipe after just one taste. Extra servings pack up well for later. It stays in rotation for every big get-together.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Casserole

Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Salad sides wake up any plate in a snap. Bowls of Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing look bright and taste fresh. Guests pile it next to their mains without hesitation. Leftovers work for next-day lunch. It holds its own next to richer sides.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Sweet trays make every party last longer. Swirled Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls go straight from pan to hand. Sticky icing draws smiles across the table. Slices vanish before breakfast is even mentioned. Someone always hugs the baker for making them.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

French Onion Casserole

Melted tops always make everyone grab a serving spoon. Pans of French Onion Casserole draw a crowd while mains are still warming. Crunchy bits get the most love. People come back for seconds while chatting. Leftovers rarely make it past dinner.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole

Stuffed Cabbage

Plates stack up quick when you bring this rolled dinner. Stuffed Cabbage show off hearty filling and keep appetites satisfied. Extra servings save well in lunchboxes. A classic repeat request for big family tables. Chat circles back to the recipe every time.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Cabbage

Beef Stew

Warm bowls comfort a crowd during busy meals. Ladles of Beef Stew fill everyone’s plate multiple times. Broth and chunks work for both dinner and late snacks. Friends compliment the flavor even without fancy extras. Clean bowls mean a winning potluck round.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew

Eggs Benedict Casserole

Brunch sides make an easy move into dinnertime. Eggs Benedict Casserole pile up near the hot plates. People comment on the sauce and grab an extra bite. It’s the first item to run out at breakfast-for-dinner nights. You’ll hear requests to make it again.
Get the Recipe: Eggs Benedict Casserole

Chicken Pot Pie

Hearty mains round out potluck tables every year. Slices from Chicken Pot Pie offer both comfort and something familiar. Plates stack up for seconds before dessert is served. Golden tops get all the praise. Leftover pieces pack up for tomorrow’s lunch.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Sautéed Kale

Lighter sides balance out richer plates in a good spread. Bunches of Sautéed Kale disappear faster than most expect. Crisp warmth brings health and flavor together. Plates clear before questions get asked. Friends often request this one for repeat events.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Kale

Beet Salad

Colorful salads brighten tables and keep plates moving. Beet Salad make meal photos look extra sharp. Crunch and sweetness join up for every serving. Guests scoop up more for late-night snacks. The bowl is empty before dessert hits.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad

Mississippi Mud Pie

Slices for dessert give you reasons to stay at the table longer. Bites of Mississippi Mud Pie have everyone reaching for forks between stories. Layers stand out on the snack tray. Chocolate fans gather near the dessert. No crumbs remain at the end.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Pie

Easy Meatloaf Recipe

Party plates fill up with something simple and hearty. Easy Meatloaf Recipe stay at the top of potluck requests. The leftover pieces are wrapped right away. People comment every time this shows up. You’ll see the pan empty quickly.
Get the Recipe: Easy Meatloaf Recipe

Blueberry Cheesecake

Sweet classics shine on crowded tables. Slices of Blueberry Cheesecake draw happy faces around dessert time. Each piece is gone soon after serving. Requests pop up long after the party ends. People often check for seconds before asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cheesecake

Antipasto Salad

Fresh bowls lighten up any heavy dinner. Antipasto Salad keep guests satisfied and chatting. It works as both a side and a standalone snack. Color grabs attention on buffet lines. Leftovers never last past lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Layers in casseroles make group eating simple and filling. Pans of Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole empty fast with zero complaints. Each scoop offers something different. The dish fits both family and friend gatherings. Extra servings always find a taker.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars

Bars settle dessert tables when folks want something hand-held. Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars combine crunch and sweet for every craving. Trays go back around once dessert starts. Packs up great for lunch the next day. People smile, remembering these treats.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars

Roast Beef Sliders

Buns split the crowd between snack and sandwich. Piles of Roast Beef Sliders get picked up by hands before plates leave the table. Cheesy layers and seasoned meat win everyone over. Leftovers don’t survive past midnight. Guarantee requests for these next year.
Get the Recipe: Roast Beef Sliders

Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Rich sweets close out any main course with a bang. Slices of Salted Caramel Cheesecake move from one plate to another until trays are clean. Savory sweet never gets skipped at dessert time. Friends fight for the last wedge. Many ask for this again.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

Bites fill snack trays and work well for big parties. Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls empty while people talk in line. Cheesy crunch mixes up the menu. Bring more if you want to taste one yourself. Everyone wants a recipe copy by the end.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

Apple Pie

Familiar flavors put smiles on faces no matter how big the group. Apple Pie show up on every dessert plate, often twice. Flaky tops are a must at a potluck. People stack extras on napkins for the trip home. The pie dish is always empty.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie

Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Savory snacks bring crowds before the real meal starts. Trays of Smoky Bacon Pig Shots get snapped up quick. The crispy crunch gives way to smoky centers. Folks reach for more before sitting down. Doubles earn a spot for next party.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Amish Breakfast Casserole

Early starts run on cheesy pans of this classic. Slices of Amish Breakfast Casserole fill plates for both brunch and dinner. Extras pack up for days after. People never get tired of eating it. Trays empty with no leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Amish Breakfast Casserole

Chocolate Cream Pie

Sweets round out potluck plans with rich layers. Slices of Chocolate Cream Pie go despite any full bellies. Whipped topping helps finish strong. It gets smiles every single time. Dessert plates always circle back for more.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cream Pie

Egg Casserole

Hearty trays are a wonderful way to keep everyone satisfied as they wait between courses. One popular dish that moves quickly in buffet lines is Egg Casserole, which tends to disappear rapidly, especially on busy nights. The extras often don’t last long, as guests eagerly scoop them up.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole

Southern Cornbread

Comfort converts any meal with golden squares. Pieces of Southern Cornbread fill out plates any time food is passed out. Crumbly bites work with every dish nearby. It’s gone quick after hungry hands dig in. Round two is never as big as round one.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread

Red Lentil Soup

Light bowls warm up the table without feeling heavy. Red Lentil Soup work as both starter and main dish. Protein-packed bites make plates clear quicker. The pot goes empty at every event. New faces always ask for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Red Lentil Soup

Easy Apple Pie Cupcakes

Hand-held sweets score high marks on every tray. Frosted tops on Easy Apple Pie Cupcakes make quick work of snack lines. People sneak an extra for later. Lunch-packed leftovers get snagged first thing. Always requested for group events.
Get the Recipe: Easy Apple Pie Cupcakes

Turkey Tetrazzini

One-pan mains fix dinner and leftovers with ease. Scoops of Turkey Tetrazzini keep plates packed for round two. Creamy filling feels just right for big crowds. Friends pass extras around after dessert. This one always gets a mention at meetups.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Tetrazzini

Red Velvet Cake

Desserts with color break up the dark trays. Slices from Red Velvet Cake look sharp on party plates and go in minutes. Extra frosting pulls everyone in. Leftover pieces are never found. Cake always earns another round at the next event.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Cake

Loaded Potato Skins

Snack trays thrive with these hot little bites up front. Pieces of Loaded Potato Skins cause extra rounds at appetizer time. Toppings steal the show every time. Sharing turns into competition fast. Leftovers never last beyond the party.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins

Fried Banana

Quick treats grab attention while everyone mingles. Slices of Fried Banana stay warm until the last call. The crunch on the outside makes them unique, while the sweet filling keeps people coming back for more. An extra batch disappears quickly.
Get the Recipe: Fried Banana

Easy Tater Tot Casserole

Big pans please the crowd when you need comfort food. Layers in Easy Tater Tot Casserole fill plates with coziness and crunch. You never get just one bite. It matches with any main on the menu. Never any leftovers for next time.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tater Tot Casserole

Best Chocolate Cake

Group desserts always need a showstopper. Forks dig into Best Chocolate Cake before anything else is served. Soft layers make for easy snacking. Frosting gets all the comments. Empty cake plate means you did dessert right.
Get the Recipe: Best Chocolate Cake

Seven Layer Salad

Big bowls draw eyes when colors stack high. Scoops of Seven Layer Salad mix crunch and cream for the crowd. People pack forks full for extra bite. Makes for a great side at any table. Missing this dish gets comments.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad

Hot Cocoa Cookies

Snack plates go from boring to fun with these sweet rounds. Trays of Hot Cocoa Cookies get grabbed for dessert or with hot drinks. Chewy middles win every time. Second helpings come quick. Cookie crumbs get found long after cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Hot Cocoa Cookies

Pumpkin Soup

Warm starters create a cozy atmosphere for everyone right away. Pumpkin Soup is quickly consumed at any event. Its creamy texture gives the soup a wonderful glow. Some guests return for a third serving. This soup earns a place at every holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup

Potato Skins

Cheesy sides flip any meal into a group snacking fest. Bites from Potato Skins quickly empty out at main events. Extra toppings get recognition. They rank high with any kind of crowd. No leftovers ever happen with these snacks.
Get the Recipe: Potato Skins

Stuffed Mushrooms

Small bites please big crowds at dinner. Trays of Stuffed Mushrooms travel past every plate twice before the end. Filling wins friends fast no matter the combo. They’re a natural match with party plates. Last few get boxed up for lucky guests.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Mushrooms