I Tried 29 Thanksgiving Potluck Recipes and Stuck With These
Trying 29 Thanksgiving potluck recipes sounded like a big commitment, but it turned out to be worth it. Some ideas didn’t make the cut, but the ones that did earned their spot without question. They’re the kind of dishes that get noticed without stealing the whole event. They also handle being transported like pros, which is a must when traveling to a crowded table.

Rotel Dip

Everyone needs an easy option that wins over a crowd during a holiday meal. Rotel Dip is perfect when you need something cheesy and full of flavor. It’s a popular creamy option that balances richness with a bit of spice. This dip quickly becomes a talking point at potlucks because it’s so versatile and simple to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Rotel Dip
Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins

Hosting Thanksgiving means having snacks ready for all-day grazing. Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins combine dessert-worthy sweetness with the comfort of baked goods. They look as good as they taste, making them a hit at any table. Whether for breakfast or an afternoon bite, these muffins always go fast.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins
Million Dollar Casserole

There’s always room on the table for a dish that feels like a warm hug. Million Dollar Casserole gives you layers of rich, creamy goodness that keep everyone going back for seconds. Its crowd-pleasing appeal fits perfectly into the cozy, comforting vibe of Thanksgiving. It’s one of those dishes you’ll see scraped clean every time.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Casserole
Beet Salad

If you’re craving something a bit lighter, don’t skip over salads. Beet Salad brings a fresh note to balance all the heavier dishes at the table. People are drawn to its vibrant colors, but it’s more than just a pretty dish. It’s a refreshing option when you want something unique but not overly complex.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad
Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls

Finger foods work perfectly for a potluck setting, especially when they have a sweet twist. Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls bring that classic fall flavor combo in a neat package. They’re ideal for kids or anyone who loves dessert-like appetizers. These rolls are a balance of soft bread, sweet filling, and sticky goodness.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls
Cabbage Casserole

Some casseroles surprise you in the best way by combining simplicity with big flavor. Cabbage Casserole might not sound flashy, but it’s hearty enough to win over even picky eaters. It pairs well with heavier entrée options and adds to the variety on your table. This dish is proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients to impress.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Casserole
Maryland Crab Cake

Seafood options can stand out beautifully among traditional Thanksgiving dishes. Maryland Crab Cake has a bold, fresh flavor that doesn’t need many extras to be delicious. It’s a dish that feels special while still being accessible. This one always grabs attention, even among all the other classics.
Get the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cake
Amish Breakfast Casserole

Breakfast casseroles aren’t just for mornings; they fit in wonderfully at potlucks. Amish Breakfast Casserole is comforting and hearty, making it a great addition to your spread. Its traditional flavor profile feels perfect for the holiday season. You’ll appreciate the ease of serving and the warmth it brings.
Get the Recipe: Amish Breakfast Casserole
Turkey Pot Pie

Transforming leftovers into something magical is part of the Thanksgiving tradition. Turkey Pot Pie turns simple ingredients into a warm, hearty dish everyone appreciates. It’s a great way to use up extras while still feeling like a fresh meal. The golden crust and savory filling make it a crowd-pleaser every time.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pie
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

Appetizers that double as snacks are always appreciated at a large gathering. Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls pack a lot of flavor into small bites, making them perfect for festive sharing. These are best for nibbling while everyone waits for the main spread. They’re easy to grab and even easier to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
Perfect Spatchcock Turkey

Impressing your guests with the turkey is easier when it turns out perfectly every time. Perfect Spatchcock Turkey promises juicy meat and crispy skin for your main event. Cooking it this way ensures that every bite from the breast to the leg is evenly cooked. It’s an updated twist on tradition that everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Spatchcock Turkey
French Onion Casserole

If you want to bring a twist to the classic flavors people expect, this is a great choice. French Onion Casserole layers deep savory flavor with creamy and crunchy textures. It’s a comforting choice that fits naturally alongside mashed potatoes or turkey. This side dish has a richness that demands a spot at your table.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole
Pork Belly

A less common but unforgettable option for your holiday spread. Pork Belly offers indulgent flavor and a different texture that stands out from more traditional dishes. The crispy exterior and tender inside give you the best of both worlds. It’s a great alternative for those who might not want turkey or ham this year.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Giving a familiar favorite a new twist, this choice combines holiday comfort with creamy layers. Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole hits all the notes of classic chicken dishes but in casserole form. It’s simple to serve and always one of the first dishes to disappear. This is a hearty, flavorful addition that fits any potluck menu.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Potato dishes are always a winner at Thanksgiving, but this one stands out. Mississippi Mud Potatoes are loaded with flavor, ensuring they’re never left untouched. They’re rich and indulgent, complementing everything else on the table. This is one of those go-to dishes that feels familiar yet exciting every time.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Coffee Cake

There are never too many desserts at a Thanksgiving gathering. Coffee Cake brings a comforting, crumbly finish to any meal or stands out as a snack on its own. It’s versatile enough for both morning coffee and after-dinner tea. Guests will appreciate having something simple yet flavorful they can go back to anytime.
Get the Recipe: Coffee Cake
Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies

Cookies make any holiday sweeter, and these are no exception. Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies capture that seasonal vibe everyone loves. The balance of soft cookie and rich topping makes these a can’t-miss item for dessert tables. They’re a sweet option most will grab without hesitation.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies
Sausage Balls

Appetizers don’t need to be complicated to be a hit with your guests. Sausage Balls combine bold flavor and a lovely bite in one small package. They fit in perfectly as finger food for any Thanksgiving gathering. No matter how many you make, they always disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Adding a little heat to the mix can take your appetizer game to the next level. Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers bring a spicy, smoky flavor combo to the table. They’re ideal for balancing out some of the richer, heavier dishes on the menu. Bite-sized and packed with flavor, they’re gone before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Bread Stuffing

Thanksgiving wouldn’t feel complete without a dinner table classic. Bread Stuffing delivers that warm, herby flavor everyone expects from a holiday meal. It’s one of those traditional dishes that ties everything else together. If you’re looking for something timeless, this is always a smart choice.
Get the Recipe: Bread Stuffing
Cherry Cheesecake

A holiday dessert table often feels incomplete without something fruity and creamy. Cherry Cheesecake brings a familiar sweetness to balance the richness of other desserts. It’s an easy favorite that satisfies every crowd, whether served as a slice or tiny bites. This is one of those desserts that hardly needs an introduction.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Cheesecake
Potato Skins

Potatoes in appetizer form are a tradition worth keeping around for any gathering. Potato Skins are loaded with just enough extras to make them impossible to resist. They’re perfect for sharing before the main meal kicks off. Everyone loves going for that perfect mix of crispy and soft in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Potato Skins
Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies

A touch of sweetness can lighten up even the richest meal. Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies take traditional flavors and stack on something extra with their indulgent frosting. They’re a dessert that pairs well with coffee or tea after the main course. These cookies always seem to have a way of disappearing quickly.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies
Fried Banana

Sometimes the simplest things bring the biggest surprises. Fried Banana is a sweet, warm dessert that tastes great alone or paired with ice cream. It’s an easy idea that adds variety without stealing the spotlight. For gatherings, this is a unique option that adds more than just another slice of pie to your table.
Get the Recipe: Fried Banana
Turkey Sliders

Mini-sized creations are always a crowd-pleaser at large meals or parties. Turkey Sliders make it easy to enjoy that holiday turkey flavor without a full plate. They’re fun, shareable, and work great for guests who like to mix and match food options. These sliders bring the holiday essence in just one satisfying bite.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Sliders
German Chocolate Cake

German Chocolate Cake stands out with its layers of rich flavor and gooey toppings. It’s a classic choice that feels extra special at any gathering. From its appearance to its flavor, this one’s usually on everyone’s dessert plate by the end of the night. A dessert table favorite never struggles to find fans.
Get the Recipe: German Chocolate Cake
Seven Layer Salad

A colorful addition can brighten up the look of any Thanksgiving table. Seven Layer Salad is stacked with satisfying textures and brings a fresh mix to heavier dishes. Each layer offers a burst of flavor that guests discover as they dig in. Salads like this remind everyone that healthy options can be just as exciting.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad
Pecan Pie Cobbler

Cobbler dishes always seem to bridge the gap between casual and elegant. Pecan Pie Cobbler takes the beloved pie flavor and transforms it with a slightly different texture. It’s an ideal dessert for sharing, especially if you adore a warm, gooey treat. This cobbler makes everyone feel like they’ve had a little extra dessert-time comfort.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Cobbler
Beef Stew

Comfort foods are a guaranteed success during the holidays. Beef Stew fits right into that lineup with its warm, hearty appeal. It makes for an excellent potluck dish, filling plates with something lovely and familiar. Even surrounded by classics, it holds its ground as a food people turn to for second helpings.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew
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.
