From mashed potatoes to stuffing to every vegetable imaginable, these tasty Thanksgiving potluck ideas are sure to be a hit at the holiday table.
40 of the Best Thanksgiving Potluck Ideas
Updated on Oct. 05, 2024
Corn Pudding
Cornbread mix and canned corn make this southern corn pudding casserole a snap to prepare. This holy grail comfort food can be modified to your liking.
1/40
2/40
Coconut-Bourbon Sweet Potatoes
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
What is it about sweet potatoes that unnerve some people? For those who firmly state they hate a yam because of the color or texture, the rich addition of coconut, bourbon and spices might just win them over. —Rebecca Anderson, Driftwood, Texas
These dessert-like potatoes are made even sweeter with this addictive coconut-bourbon mix. We’ve all see people top sweet potatoes with marshmallows but how about with raisins and pecans? The Thanksgiving staple is buttery, creamy and just the right amount of crunchy.
3/40
Butternut Squash Dinner Rolls
Total Time
45 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These wholesome rolls are a pleasant addition to any entree. I get so many requests for them at holiday time. I make about 100 dozen in December! —Ula Kessler, Liberty Center, Ohio
These quick and sweet rolls are ready in under an hour. You can make them ahead of time and freeze them for the big day.
4/40
Moist Poultry Dressing
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tasty mushrooms and onions complement the big herb flavor in this amazing stuffing. This dressing stays so moist because it’s made in the slow cooker. —Ruth Ann Stelfox, Raymond, Alberta
This herby stuffing is filled with onions, mushrooms and celery. Since it’s made in a slow cooker, you won’t need to worry about borrowing oven space in your host’s kitchen.
5/40
Honey-Thyme Butternut Squash
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This golden, honey-sweetened squash is just as hearty and comforting as your favorite potato dish. With its bright color, it makes an attractive side for special autumn meals. —Bianca Noiseux, Bristol, Connecticut
This golden, honey squash is as comforting as it is colorful. With its bright color, it makes a gorgeous side for any Thanksgiving table.
6/40
Savory Sausage Stuffing
Total Time
2 hours 30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I used to make the same old dressing every year for Thanksgiving. About 10 years ago, I decided to jazz up my recipe by adding pork sausage. Now everyone requests this dish for all our holiday meals. —Ursula Hernandez, Waltham, Minnesota
This jazzed up dressing has a couple twists. Pork sausage makes it nice and smoky while cranberries add a hint of sweetness.
7/40
Slow-Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sour cream and cream cheese give richness to these smooth make-ahead potatoes. They are wonderful for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner since there's no last-minute mashing required. —Trudy Vincent, Valles Mines, Missouri
Cream cheese and sour cream give richness to these smooth, make-ahead potatoes. They’re not in the slow cooker for long—they’ll be ready in just 2 hours.
8/40
Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sure, it’s simple and healthy but, oh, this roasted broccoli is also delicious. Cutting the stalks into tall trees turns the ordinary veggie into a standout side dish. —Holly Sander, Lake Mary, Florida
This simple broccoli recipe can be doubled—or even tripled—for your next potluck. With a hint of lemon and red pepper flakes, this cheesy broccoli will be a standout side dish.
9/40
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone who has tasted these cheesy mashed potatoes asks how to make them. Since this comforting casserole bakes at the same temperature as my chicken bundles, I get it started in the oven and pop in the entree a little later.
—Brad Moritz, Limerick, Pennsylvania
10/40
Sweet Potato Salad
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tender sweet potatoes are tossed with crunchy nuts and chewy dried cherries for a burst of flavors and textures. —Fran Fehling, Staten Island, New York
11/40
Elegant Green Beans
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mushrooms and water chestnuts give new life to the ordinary green bean casserole. Every time I make it for friends, I'm asked to share the recipe. —Linda Poe, Sandstone, Minnesota
Mushrooms and water chestnuts give new life to the ordinary green bean casserole. It’s elegant in presentation, but also in taste with a hint of hot pepper sauce giving it a nice amount of heat.
12/40
Carrot and Kale Vegetable Saute
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Thanks to fresh veggie dishes like this one, I almost forget I'm wheat- and gluten-free. Bacon adds another layer of flavor and depth to this gorgeous side dish. —Darla Andrews, Schertz, Texas
This fresh veggie saute is sweet and smoky. If you’re new to the world of butternut squash, this is a great first recipe to try.
13/40
Cranberry-Walnut Brussels Sprouts
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Brussels sprouts are one food that picky eaters often resist, but a burst of cranberry flavor may change their minds. You can also add garlic and dried fruits. —Jennifer Armellino, Lake Oswego, Oregon
Brussels sprouts and cranberries are a wonderful sweet and savory combination that you’ll wish you thought of sooner. The resulting dish is bright and colorful, but also has a complex flavor profile that’ll impress guests.
14/40
Candied Yams
Total Time
55 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My town is known as "the yam capital of the United States." This is a simple recipe that goes well with baked ham or roasted turkey. —Essie Nealey, Tabor City, North Carolina
15/40
Dijon Scalloped Potatoes
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves this creamy and colorful recipe for cheesy potatoes. It has both sweet and white potatoes, lots of rich, buttery flavor and a pretty, golden-crumb topping. —Carolyn Putnam, Norwalk, Ohio
This creamy and cheesy recipe has both sweet and white potatoes, lots of rich, buttery flavor and a golden-crumb topping. It’s a fun take on traditional scalloped potatoes.
16/40
Parmesan Risotto
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Risotto is a creamy Italian rice dish. In this version, the rice is briefly sauteed, then slowly cooked in wine and seasonings. Watch for that magic moment when the risotto transforms from just rice in liquid to creamy, tender deliciousness. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
This cheesy risotto embodies comfort and elegance. The star ingredient, Parmesan cheese, adds a rich and nutty flavor, while a touch of butter and seasonings create a harmonious balance.
17/40
Potato Pan Rolls
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves these rolls and requests them often. They don't take long to make because you use quick-rise yeast. —Connie Storckman, Evanston, Wyoming
These rolls don’t take long to make because they use quick-rise yeast. With a mashed potato base, they come together in under an hour and can feed the whole family.
18/40
Potluck Macaroni and Cheese
Total Time
2 hours 25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll always have a winner at the potluck when you bring macaroni and cheese. Here's an extra-rich, creamy version for the slow cooker. —Jennifer Blondek, Chicopee, Massachusetts
You can’t go wrong at a potluck with macaroni and cheese. This slow cooker version is extra-rich and creamy with 3 different types of cheese.
19/40
Traditional Holiday Stuffing
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sausage and sage add a gourmet taste to this stuffing. It's perfect for large family gatherings, but you can also save some for later. —Lorraine Brauckhoff, Zolfo Springs, Florida
Sausage and sage add a gourmet taste to this stuffing. This version is light and perfect for a large Thanksgiving gathering.
20/40
Mushroom and Spinach Saute
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mushrooms and spinach make a super fast combination that’s perfect for two. And it’s easy to double or triple for a crowd. —Pauline Howard, Lago Vista, Texas
This recipe is easy to double or triple for a crowd. Mushrooms and spinach make a super fast and flavorful combination.
21/40
Nanny’s Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandsons rave over these creamy potatoes loaded with Parmesan. That’s all the endorsement I need. Sometimes I use golden or red potatoes, with skins on. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California
These creamy potatoes are loaded with Parmesan and are a nice change of pace from your usual mashed potato recipe. You can use any type of potato you like.
22/40
Special Baked Potatoes
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a nifty way to spice up plain old potatoes, try Tressa Surdick's recipe. To make them, she slices the spuds, then seasons them before baking. "Just before they're done, I sprinkle cheese on top of each potato. Our guest always rave about the," Tressa pens from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. (To make the cutting easier, Tressa share this tip: "Place the handle of a wooden spoon along the bottom of the potato—this will prevent your knife from going all the way through.")
This version of hasselback potatoes is topped with Parmesan and cheddar cheeses. The intricate cut makes them much more aesthetically pleasing than your usual baked potato.
23/40
Cranberry Jello Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Since this tangy salad keeps well, I make it a day ahead for my Christmas menu. It's also a great choice to take to a holiday potluck - even people who aren't fond of cranberries think it's yummy. I got the recipe from a friend at church who likes to cook and bake as much as I do.
-Betty Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania
24/40
Potluck Pan Rolls
Total Time
40 min
Servings
27 rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
The appealing homemade yeast-bread flavor of these golden rolls is unbeatable. Soft and light, they're great alongside any entree. Folks are disappointed if I don't bring them to potluck dinners. —Carol Mead, Los Alamos, New Mexico
These roll are soft, light, and great alongside any entree. Folks will request these every Thanksgiving.
25/40
Cauliflower Gratin
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a lower-carb side dish that pairs well with pork, ham or beef. It's so creamy and delicious! If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle buttered bread crumbs over the top for the last five minutes in the oven. — Mary Zinchiak, Boardman, Ohio
26/40
Festive Fall Tortellini Toss
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings (2/3 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Fall is my favorite season and I love the foods of autumn, such as mushrooms, squash, apples and walnuts. I combined these all with pasta to make a delicious side dish perfect for sharing at a potluck; the recipe can easily be doubled and can be served either warm or at room temperature. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
This potluck recipe is fall in a dish. Mushrooms, squash, apples and walnuts work together to make a memorable sweet and savory meal. Tortellini is the perfect vehicle for adding more cheese to any pasta.
27/40
Creamed Green Beans
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A family favorite for years, this special green bean recipe is a cinch to double and can be assembled ahead of time. When my nephews are coming for dinner, it’s an absolute must! —Betty Shaw, Weirton, West Virginia
This creamy make-ahead recipe is topped with lots of cheese. You can choose Swiss or cheddar, but for a nice orange color you might want to go for the cheddar. The cornflake breading instead of traditional breadcrumbs offers a great crunch to the dish.
28/40
Cheesy Slow-Cooked Corn
Total Time
3 hours 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family really likes this creamy, cheesy side dish—and it's so easy to make. Even those who usually don't eat much corn often ask for a second helping. —Mary Ann Truitt, Wichita, Kansas
This easy creamy corn is made with American cheese. It’s prepped in a cinch and can sit in the slow cooker until you’re ready for dinner.
29/40
Wild Rice and Squash Pilaf
Total Time
35 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This pilaf is fantastic with fish or poultry and especially compatible with turkey. Since it's so colorful, I like to think it makes my turkey dressed for the holidays. —Erica Ollmann, San Diego, California
This colorful pilaf is fantastic with turkey. It combines the earthy flavors of wild rice and roasted squash, resulting in a hearty and flavorful Thanksgiving side dish.
30/40
Holiday Creamed Spinach
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother made a variety of spinach dishes when I was growing up. This rich, delicious creamed version is the only one that stayed with me through the years. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
This simple spinach is good for the whole family. It’ll make a great addition to your Thanksgiving table (and maybe even your Christmas table).
31/40
Special Scalloped Corn
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Carrots and green pepper make this dish colorful, which grabs attention at a potluck. The corn casserole is also a smart idea for when you need to prepare a dish ahead of time—easy baking is all it takes to finish it up. —J. Brown, Fort Dodge, Iowa
Carrots and green pepper make this hearty dish colorful and fun to look at. The rich and cheesy dish goes great with other Thanksgiving offerings and is a nice spin on a traditional corn casserole.
32/40
Tastes Like Thanksgiving Casserole
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty, rich-tasting Thanksgiving casserole is sure to be a hit with your family. It's a delicious way to use up Thanksgiving turkey, and you can substitute 5-1/2 cups of leftover mashed potatoes for the six potatoes. —Mary Lou Timpson, Centennial Park, Arizona
This hearty, rich-tasting Thanksgiving casserole is a delicious way to use up leftover turkey and mashed potatoes. It’s perfect for the day after Thanksgiving or for any Thanksgiving parties leading up to the big day.
33/40
Bacon Collard Greens
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Collard greens are a staple vegetable of southern cuisine. This side dish is often made with smoked or salt-cured meats, such as ham hocks, pork or fatback. —Marsha Ankeney, Niceville, Florida
Collard greens are a staple of southern cuisine and are a great way to have veggies on the table this Thanksgiving. These smoky greens pack just the right amount of heat.
34/40
Slow-Cooked Green Beans
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I spent hours in search of sides for a cooking demo to present to women from my church. These easy green beans became my star attraction. —Alice White, Willow Spring, North Carolina
These easy green beans are ready in just 2 hours. The brown sugar and soy sauce combination gives the dish a sweet and savory taste. It’s great alongside some sweet potatoes.
35/40
Roasted Fall Vegetables
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love serving this tender veggie side dish as part of a comforting dinner on a chilly night. The cayenne pepper lends zippy flavor that's not overpowering. —Juli Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia
Fall veggies like squash, pumpkin and carrots make a comforting side dish worthy of a chilly night. The cayenne pepper lends zippy flavor that’s not overpowering.
36/40
Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With five different dairy products, you know this make-ahead mashed potato casserole is going to be super rich and, of course, delicious. It gets even better topped with onions and bacon! —JoAnn Koerkenmeier, Damiansville, Illinois
37/40
Agave Roasted Parsnips
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Deliciously sweet and aromatic, this side dish of roasted parsnips nicely spices up any traditional meal.—Kathleen Thorson, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
Sweet and aromatic, this side dish of roasted parsnips nicely spices up any traditional meal. Parsnips are the unsung hero of fall veggies, and this recipe will help you see why.
These sweet and tangy meatballs are great if you’re looking for a new side dish. Since they’re made with cranberry sauce, they fit right in with the other traditional Thanksgiving dishes.
39/40
Party Potatoes
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These creamy, tasty potatoes can be made the day before and stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to pop them in the oven (I often do that). The garlic powder and chives add zip, and the shredded cheese adds color. —Sharon Mensing, Greenfield, Iowa
As the name implies, these creamy make-ahead potatoes are a party in and of themselves. The garlic powder and chives add zip, and the shredded cheese adds color.
40/40
Hot Spinach Apple Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With a light sweet-tangy dressing, the spinach doesn’t wilt and the apples retain their crunch. We serve this salad with homemade bread. —Denise Albers, Freeburg, Illinois
With a light sweet-tangy dressing, the spinach doesn’t wilt and the apples retain their crunch. This salad is the perfect prerequisite for a big dinner.
