65 Best Thanksgiving Potluck Dishes to Share With a Crowd
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Hosting a Thanksgiving potluck is one of the smartest ways to tackle the holiday. Instead of putting the whole feast on your shoulders, you can spread the work around and let everyone show off a favorite recipe to make up the Thanksgiving menu. Turkey might be the centerpiece, but all those sides, casseroles, and desserts take time—and lots of oven space. Asking each guest to bring a dish or two not only lightens your load, it makes the table feel extra festive. This list of Thanksgiving potluck recipes has plenty of crowd-pleasing ideas, whether you're gathering for Friendsgiving or a full family feast. Not sure where to begin? We've got you covered!
Start with a few Thanksgiving appetizers for all to nibble on. Think: a charcuterie board or a cranberry-pecan cheese ball. Then, divvy up Thanksgiving casseroles like classic stuffing, green bean casserole, and sweet potato casserole. And don't be afraid to try out a fresh veggie side dish like shaved Brussels sprouts salad.
Those on duty for Thanksgiving desserts will get plenty of ideas in this roundup, too: Try mini apple pies or pecan pie bars so you don't have to worry about slicing. Or go all-out with a sky-high pumpkin trifle that will have everyone begging for a second scoop. But no matter what you make, just be sure to recruit some help when it comes to the clean-up!
Chocolate Almond Sheet Cake
Sheet cakes were made for potlucks. This one has a rich chocolate base and just enough almond flavor to make people wonder what your secret is.
Get Ree's Chocolate Almond Sheet Cake recipe.
Melting Potatoes
These are basically the potato version of magic—crispy on the outside, soft and buttery inside. They’ll vanish fast, so maybe double the batch if you’re feeding a crowd.
Get the Melting Potatoes recipe.
Roasted Shrimp With Cranberry Cocktail Sauce
Shrimp cocktail feels fancy, but it’s surprisingly easy to tote along. The cranberry twist makes it seasonal, so it doesn’t feel like something pulled from the New Year’s Eve buffet.
Get Ree's Roasted Shrimp With Cranberry Cocktail Sauce recipe.
Baked Orecchiette with Bacon Breadcrumbs
This pasta bakes up creamy and cozy with crunchy bacon breadcrumbs on top. It’s hearty enough to stand in for a main dish if the turkey runs out.
Apple Cider Sangria
Every potluck needs a pitcher drink. This sangria is crisp and refreshing with apple cider as the base. It looks pretty on the table and tastes even better after it’s been chilling a while!
Get Ree's Apple Cider Sangria recipe.
Pumpkin Dip
This is the kind of thing people hover around all night. It’s sweet, silky, and served with graham crackers or apple slices for dipping. No utensils required!
Get the Pumpkin Dip recipe.
Pork, Apple, and Sage Meatballs
These little meatballs are bite-sized and packed with fall flavor. They travel well and reheat beautifully, which makes them ideal for passing around at a party.
Get Ree's Pork, Apple, and Sage Meatballs recipe.
Apple Cider Cookies
The smell alone is worth making these. They’re soft and full of cozy apple spice, and they’ll look right at home piled high on a potluck dessert plate.
Get Ree's Apple Cider Cookies recipe.
Sweet Potato Chili
Thick, hearty, and loaded with sweet potatoes, this chili is the definition of stick-to-your-ribs. Bring it in a slow cooker so it stays warm until the very last bowl.
Get the Sweet Potato Chili recipe.
Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta
Bright orange and silky smooth, this pasta looks as festive as it tastes. It’s rich without being too heavy, which makes it a smart choice when everyone’s sampling a little of everything.
Get the Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta recipe.
Mashed Potato Casserole
Everyone loves mashed potatoes, but just wait until they try this mashed potato casserole! It's loaded with bacon, cheese, crispy fried onions, and potato chips.
Get the Mashed Potato Casserole recipe.
Stuffed Turkey Breast
If you're in charge of the main event, this stuffed turkey breast is sure to be a show-stopper! It's easier to carve but still very impressive.
Get the Stuffed Turkey Breast recipe.
Green Beans Almondine
You can serve these green beans with just about anything which makes them perfect for a holiday potluck. Not to mention they only take 30 minutes.
Get the Green Beans Almondine recipe.
Whipped Goat Cheese
For a starter that's both easy and crowd-pleasing, this creamy whipped goat cheese dip is the way to go. Just keep the crispy pancetta and breadcrumb topping on the side until you're ready to serve.
Get Ree's Whipped Goat Cheese recipe.
Pecan Tassies
This adorable little dessert is like a full pecan pie in bite-sized form! It's a good thing it serves a crowd because it'll be hard to stop at just one.
Get the Pecan Tassies recipe.
Broccoli Wild Rice Casserole
This is how Ree describes her rustic twist on the classic casserole: "It's beautiful, it's tasty, and it really is a cinch to make." Everyone will want a seconds!
Get Ree's Broccoli Wild Rice Casserole recipe.
Pumpkin-Shaped Challah
If you're one of those people who aim to impress at a potluck, this recipe is for you! This bread is almost too cute to eat. But it's so darn tasty, everyone will anyway!
Get the Pumpkin-Shaped Challah recipe.
Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board
Let's face it: These days, it's just not a gathering unless there's a charcuterie board. So if you're assigned an appetizer, then have fun building an impressive platter!
Sweet Potato Pie
Making this pie couldn't be easier. The sweet potatoes are cooked in the microwave and you can even use store-bought pie dough if you prefer it.
Get the Sweet Potato Pie recipe.
Butternut Squash Lasagna
Warm fall flavors, hearty noodles, and lots of cheese—it’s no wonder this dish is always a hit! You can make it as a main course with or without the turkey.
Get the Butternut Squash Lasagna recipe.
Georgia Goode is the Senior Food Editor/Writer at ThePioneerWoman.com. When she’s not editing recipes and sneaking bites from the test kitchen, you can find her scouting out the best eats around town and dreaming up dinner party menus with friends.
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