Thanksgiving Potluck Ideas

Invited to a Thanksgiving potluck but not sure what to bring? From classics like pumpkin pie and stuffing to outside of the box dishes like pumpkin dump cake, you’ll find inspiration and no-fail recipes perfect for sharing this turkey day!

Appetizers

1. Sausage Cheese Balls

Sausage cheese balls are super easy to prep thanks to the shortcut ingredients Bisquick, which makes these perfect for taking to hectic Thanksgiving get-togethers. You can even prep them ahead of time and simple reheat before serving or even serve chilled.

2. Pimento Cheese & Crackers

Making pimento cheese from scratch is very easy and tastes so much better than store-bought. You only need a few simple ingredients and they go perfectly with Ritz or Townhouse buttery crackers for an easy appetizer.

3. Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a potluck staple for any occasion, but especially for Thanksgiving. I like to change up the recipe from traditional deviled eggs with these jalapeño popper deviled eggs with bacon or avocado deviled eggs for a little taste of something different. These are also great to prep ahead of time to make Thanksgiving morning a little easier.

4. Spinach Artichoke Dip

It’s doesn’t get much more classic when it comes to appetizers than a nice hot spinach artichoke dip! This easy recipe comes together in minutes and you can always prep it ahead of time and bake right before you leave for the Thanksgiving meal.

No spinach? Try this simple baked artichoke dip instead.

5. Spicy Pecans

These candied pecans are always a hit with their sweet candied extrerior with an unexpected pop of cayenne pepper! This is also a great recipe for gifting if you are prepping Thanksgiving Day favors as well.

6. Maple Bacon Baked Brie

Baked brie is a classic and always elegant appetizer for parties, and this maple bacon baked brie recipe takes it to the next level with its butter puff pastry, salty bacon, and sweet maple syrup drizzle. It’s truly a special dish you’ll get compliments on despite how simple it is to make!

7. Cheese Board

You can’t go wrong with a classic charcuterie board for any potluck. The versatility of a cheese board can’t be beat, simply find some various cheeses and cured meats along with some finger-friendly

8. Boursin and Bacon Bites

Simple puff pastry bites stuffed with herbed Boursin cheese and topped with crumbled bacon look the part of a fancy dinner party but these are seriously SO easy to make! This is my go-to appetizer when you want to look like you spent hours in the kitchen but are short on time.

9. Mini Cheese Balls

Mini cheeseballs take a party favorite and turn it into finger food! The creamy cheese is coated in savory bacon bits and perfect for enjoying on their own or with party crackers.

10. Caprese Skewers

Caprese skewers are another variation that turns a classic party appetizer into convenient finger food. They are also another simple recipe that won’t take forever to make when you’re getting ready for your Thanksgiving potluck dinner.

11. Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo chicken dip is a favorite hearty appetizer that’s perfect for serving whiel those Thanksgiving football games are on! Just be careful not to eat too much so you don’t spoil your appetite for turkey!

12. Spinach Feta Tarts

It’s obviously not a secret that I love puff pastry as a fun shortcut to elegant appetizers. These spinach feta tarts are remanicient of Greek spanikopita but easier and faster to prep.

13. Bacon Cheddar Dip

A hot baked bacon cheddar dip is perfection served up in a bread bowl for dipping. I like to add crackers on the serving platter as well, this dip is always a hit.

14. Caramelized Onion Dip

Take classic French onion dip to the next level by making a caramelized onion dip that has similar flavor without the ultra-processed ready-made soup mix. It can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge until ready to serve with crackers, chips, or crusty bread for dipping.

15. Crockpot Little Smokies

Slow Cooker appetizers are great because they can be kept warm the entire party and they don’t take up space in the oven or stove when you’re busy prepping the Thanksgiving meal. These Mississippi pot roast inspired little smokies are savory and delicious!

16. Whipped Feta Dip

Hop on the viral TikTok trend with easy whipped feta dip. This is a fast and simple appetizer that tastes like you grabbed it from a gourmet shop!

17. Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are perfect for adding sweet maple syrup and savory bacon and packaged in a bite-size package perfect for enjoying before the big meal.

18. Italian Stuffed Mushrooms

Savory Italian sausage stuffed into hearty mushroom caps are another one of our go-to yearly appetizers before our Thanksgiving meal. These go great when you’re prepping the sausage for the stuffing if you make our Italian sausage stuffing too!

19. Jalapeño Popper Wontons

Wonton cups make any appetizer just a little more fun, don’t you think? Make some baked wonton cups then add a creamy cream cheese fililng alond with jalapeños and savory bacon bits! What’s not to love?

20. Garlic Knots

I wasn’t sure if I should list these tasty garlic knots under appetizers or sides because they could go either way but I like them for snacking ahead of the big meal and then serve dinner rolls with the main event, but you can enjoy them anytime you like! They are not difficult to make and everyone will be asking for the recipe!

21. Sausage Rolls

If I’m being honest, these sausage rolls are vastly underrated as a party app or snack. I LOVE them! They aren’t the fanciest looking appetizer but the zesty sausage and buttery puff pastry (there I go again!) are the perfect match and irresistible for snacking!

Sides

22. Italian Sausage Stuffing

Move over Stovetop, there is a better stuffing in town! This incredibly savory and hearty stuffing combines Italian sausage, chopped veggies, and loads of herbs. It’s the perfect side dish for that Thanksgiving turkey!

Ihighly recommend making a double batch of this stuffing and keeping some in the freezer to enjoy throughout the holiday season!

23. Green Bean Casserole

You can go two ways with green bean casserole and I can’t decide which I like more so I’m including them both in my list! This classic green bean casserole is made with cream of mushroom soup and literally tastes like my childhood but I also have a made-from-scratch green bean casserole I love so much as well. You can’t lose with either, so maybe even make one of each and let the party guests decide!

24. Corn Casserole

Cheesy corn casserole is topped with a buttery cracker crumb crust and you can prep it beforehand and bake just before leaving for your potluck to make Thanksgiving morning run a little more smoothly. It’s a hearty side dish perfect for sharing.

25. Sweet Potato Casserole

Southern sweet potato casserole topped with a brown sugar crumble is the BEST of all the Thanksgiving sides in my humble opinion. It’s so indulgent it should almost be classified as a dessert but we’re keeping it in our side dish list so we can enjoy it with our turkey!

26. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Take simple mashed potatoes to the next level with the addition of cheddar cheese and savory chives. With this much flavor you might even pass on the gravy!

27. Baked Mac and Cheese

Creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese is baked to perfection with a buttery crispy topping, just like grandma used to make! This is a classic recipe that everyone always loves but you can also try our slow cooker bacon mac and cheese or even crab mac and cheese to switch up the flavors.

28. Cranberry Relish

Gone are the days of cylindrical jellied cranberry sauce from a can (although I still love it!) This grown-up cranberry relish has only 4 simple ingredients. Mix fresh cranberries in the food processor with Grand Marnier liquour, sugar, and orange juice for a tart and sweet side.

29. Green Beans Almondine

If the typical casseroles are a little heavy for your taste, you might enjoy this light green bean dish with crunchy slivered almonds. It’s an elevated dish that is very simple to make and easy to fit into the Thanksgiving rotation.

30. Bacon Potato Casserole

Want to the be the star of the potluck? Bring this hearty, cheesy bacon potato casserole and sit back and let the compliments pour in! This is literally one of my husband and sons’ favorite dishes and it never lasts long!

31. Vegetable and Herb Stuffing

Looking for a vegetarian alternative to the sausage stuffing we shared above? This vegetable herb stuffing has all of the same flavor without the meat. It’s still hearty and packed with herbs and perfect for pairing with Thanksgiving roast turkey!

32. Candied Yams

I have to admit, as a kid these candied yams were the highlight of my Thanksgiving dinner! I mean, it’s only once a year that marshmallows get served at the dinner table! This is a great alternative to our traditional sweet potato casserole and either choice is bound to be a hit.

33. Sweet Potatoes with Bacon

These sweet and savory sweet potatoes with bacon are another great slow cooker option for Thanksgiving dinner that leave the stovetop and oven open for other dishes. Best of all they take only a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time so you can turn your attention to other holiday activities.

34. Brown Sugar Brussel Sprouts

These brown sugar Brussels sprouts roast up perfectly caramelized with a sweet, golden glaze that balances their natural earthy flavor. Try this dish for Thanksgiving and you’ll find yourself making it all winter long!

35. Whipped Mashed Potatoes

Whipped mashed potatoes are light and fluffy, perfect for topping with turkey gravy. They are easy to make, perfect for beginning cooks, and a true Thanksgiving staple perfect for potlucks.

36. Collard Greens with Bacon

Greens are a go-to during the winter months and these Southern-style collard greens with bacon are a dish I make at least once a month in the cooler part of the year. The bacon lends a nice smoky flavor to the slow-simmered collards and they reheat well for enjoying leftovers (if you have any left!)

37. Creamed Spinach

Creamed spinach is a 15-minute recipe that even picky eaters will enjoy. The cheesy, creamy sauce is the perfect match for the seasoned greens.

38. Soft Dinner Rolls

I used to think soft yeast rolls would be difficult to make, but they aren’t! These rolls are so light, fluffy, and delicious and no Thanksgiving meal would be complete without them!

39. Cornbread Muffins

Cornbread muffins are a great alternative to the yeast rolls above and a bit faster to make (for those of us with little patience!) They still taste delicious sopping up that gravy and are oh-so-good warm with a little spread of butter!

40. Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

While broccoli cheddar orzo isn’t a traditional Thanksgiving side, it fits right in with the rest of the more common dishes. I personally think it is a great side to make if there are kids at the Thanksgiving dinner, as they always enjoy it more than some of the other vegetable dishes commonly served.

41. Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto is another one of those deceptively simple dishes, this one just takes a little bit of patience. The thick, savory sauce and soft risotto is the ultimate in comfort food!

42. Twice Baked Potatoes

You can never have too many variations of potato dishes at a Thanksgiving supper so these twice baked potatoes are a great option to bring to share. They are crispy on the outside, creamy inside, and topped with cheese and bacon.

43. Crispy Roasted Potatoes

Like our twice baked potatoes above, these crispy roasted potatoes are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. They are well-seasoned to compliment the rest of your Thanksgiving meal.

44. Maple Roasted Carrots

Who says veggies can’t be sweet? The sweetness in these roasted carrots is brought out by a caramelized maple sugar glaze. If you’re able to cook at your Thanksgiving host’s home you can pop these in the oven after the turkey is taken out to rest and they will be piping hot and ready just in time for dinner.

45. Turkey Gravy

I’ll admit, I struggled with making gravy when I was younger and still learning to cook. Somehow I couldn’t get it to come out without the lumps! Once I had perfected making Thanksgiving turkey gravy I had to share the recipe so others on the struggle-bus could benefit from this no-fail, delicious gravy recipe!

Desserts

46. Pumpkin Pie

I obviously cannot start a list of potluck desserts for Thanksgiving without begining with a classic pumpkin pie! This is very easy to make and is made ahead of time so perfect for bringing along to a potluck party.

47. Apple Pie

This is my Nana’s apple pie recipe and instead of a pie crust top crust, it’s topped with a delectable brown sugar crumble. It is one of those desserts that looks way more complicated than it actually is, and always gets a ton of compliments!

48. Sweet Potato Pie

Would you be mad if I told you that I actually think I like sweet potato pie MORE than pumpkin pie?? I do! AND you can make it from scratch super easily with no syrup-y canned yams. This recipe is 100% guaranteed to be on my Thanksgiving table every single year, I hope you try it and love it as much as I do!

49. Pecan Pie

I can’t wrap up a Thanksgiving menu article without a classic pecan pie. Sweet and syrup-y and crunchy from all those delicious pecans, this is an easy dessert to make and can even be made a few days ahead of time as it needs time to chill after baking.

50. Chocolate Pecan Pie

How to make pecan pie even sweeter? Add chocolate chips! This chocolate pecan pie is a sweet tooth’s dream dessert! Similar to our Kentucky Derby pie, it combines pecans and chocolate to perfection.

51. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Ready to blow everyone’s socks off without a pie? These make-ahead pumpkin cheesecake bars combine creamy cheesecake flavor with sweet pumpkin and a brown sugar crumble. They are truly indulgent and always a hit at fall get-togethers.

52. Nutter Butter Turkeys

Grab the kids and throw together these adorable little Nutter Butter cookie turkeys that are bound to bring some smiles to the Thanksgiving meal! These cookies are simple to assemble and guaranteed to be a hit.

53. Pumpkin Cheesecake

Fun fact: My husband and I eloped and instead of a wedding cake we ordered a pumpkin cheesecake from one of my favorite Charleston, SC bakeries! Combining cheesecake and sweet pumpkin is a perfect match and yet another dessert that needs time in the fridge, freeing you up to make it ahead of time and turn your attention to other Thanksgiving details on the big day.

54. Coconut Pie

Can you tell I love pies?? This coconut pie is another classic Southern recipe courtesy of my Nana and Grandma’s old cookbooks. It’s a sweet custard pie that has a crispy, caramelized top. This is a classic recipe for anyone looking for something a little different on the thanksgiving dessert table.

55. Pumpkin Dump Cake

As a food publisher, I often make and test and remake seasonal recipes month ahead of time, especially when preparing for the holidays. I vividly remember every single time I made this pumpkin dump cake years and years ago because it was just so absolutely amazing, I could barely stop eating it! Try it and report back, I think you’ll love that creamy pumpkin filling and crisp, buttery crust just as much as I do!

56. Cinnamon Pie

Creamy and perfectly spiced, this cinnamon pie is a wonderful holiday dessert. It also is a make-ahead recipe and saves well so you can enjoy any leftover pie for the rest of the holiday weekend!

57. Sweet Potato Dump Cake

Like my pumpkin dump cake, this sweet potato version is SO delicious! This recipe adds crunchy pecans to the topping for a nice contracts with the smooth, custard-like filling.

58. Cinnamon Apple Cake

Soft and moist apple cake is a nice step away from the pies but what takes this cake over the top is the amazing cinnamon crackle glaze on top. From my grandma’s recipe book to your table, I know you will LOVE this cake recipe!

59. Brownies

Okay, okay, this is the LAST recipe from my grandma, but it’s too good to leave out of any dessert spread. These made-from-scratch brownies are amazing and always one of the first desserts to go. I find the kids at our celebrations tend to head for these brownies before the pies most of the time so they are worth the time to make the day before Thanksgiving.

60. Apple Bread

Finally, while not technically a dessert, my sweet apple bread is this website’s most famous recipe, with over 1.3 million pins on Pinterest and over 800 raving reviews. I make this bread at least twice a month (double batches each time!) and while I think you can enjoy it for breakfast or a snack, it’s definitely sweet enough for dessert as well.

Drinks

61. Iced Tea

Growing up sweet tea was a staple for any gathering and while I’m more of an unsweet tea girl now (Shhh! Don’t yell my Southern counterparts!) I do love trying and sharing flavored teas too. If you’re up for experimenting, try our peach iced tea or strawberry iced tea for your Thanksgiving gathering.

62. Red Wine

A light, fruity red like Pinot Noir is a classic because it won’t overpower the meal, while Beaujolais (especially Beaujolais Nouveau) is another great choice with its juicy, bright flavor. If you prefer something a little bolder, a Malbec, Zinfandel, or Grenache can handle richer sides without being too heavy.

63. White Wine

For whites, you can’t go wrong with Chardonnay, since it’s smooth and buttery without overwhelming the food. Riesling (off-dry or semi-sweet) pairs beautifully with sweet and savory dishes like glazed carrots and cranberry sauce. And if you want something crisp and refreshing, Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio keeps everything light and bright between bites. My personal favorite is the Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc.

64. Sparkling Wine

You can’t go wrong with bubbles! I’m a BIG fan of all sparkling wines and havebeen known to enjoy some bubbles while cooking my Thanksgiving meal, whether that’s with OJ for mimosas, or on their own. My favorite is Brut de Brut but prosecco is a close second.

65. Soda

Of course, sodas are a common drink that are easy to grab and go when you’re in a rush on the way to a potluck.

66. Seltzer

Flavored (and unflavored) seltzers are definitely having a moment lately, making them a trusty option if you’re tasked with bringing drinks to the turkey day festivities. Grab a vareity of flavors so everyone can find their favorite.

67. Sangria

A traditional red wine sangria is the perfect balance of sweet and fruit with a bold rioja wine that pairs well with a wide variety of Thanksgiving dishes. You can make it before you head to the party and it will be ready to serve once you get there!

As an alternative, a sparkling white sangria, sparkling strawberry sangria, or rosé sangria are lighter options that will still be a big hit.

68. Mulled Wine

Mulled wine forever won my heart during our trips to the Christmas markets in England during our year stationed abroad and I gladly keep that tradition each year now that we are back stateside! This is a slow cooker version perfect for keeping at the beverage station during the Thanksgiving gathering where it can stay warm throughout the day.

69. Mulled Cider

Mulled cider is a nonalcoholic option instead of (or in addition to) mulled wine for the meal. (Just make sure they are clearly labelled if serving both!) Again, this is a slow cooekr recipe that will stay perfect warm throughout the Thanksgiving meal.

70. Apple Pie Sangria

Apple Pie sangria combines delicious fruit-filled sangria with the flavors of your favorite apple pie. This is one of my favorite dirnks to serve during any fall gathering, and very easy to pull together.

71. Coffee

Of course, coffee is a wonderful way to finish off the Thanksgiving meal and whether you brew it there at the party or bring a to-go container from your favorite coffeeshop, it’s always appreciated. For fun you can pair it with homemade pumpkin spice creamer to give one last little fall flavor to the day!

72. Port

A ruby port is a crowd-pleaser for Thanksgiving since it’s fruit-forward, smooth, and pairs well with pumpkin or pecan pie. If you want something a little more special, a tawny port offers nutty, caramel notes that taste amazing alongside apple desserts or even after-dinner cheese. When choosing, look for a reputable producer like Graham’s, Taylor Fladgate, or Dow’s, and don’t be afraid to pick up a late bottled vintage (LBV) for a nice balance of quality and affordability.

Don’t forget to download and print the free Thanksgiving Potluck Ideas printable for easy reference as you start your Thanksgiving planning!