76 Winter Potluck Recipes

From the Recipe Creator: One of the best things about holiday cooking is the aromas that drift through the whole house! To me, it wouldn't be Christmas without the tang of oranges, cinnamon and cloves in the air-just what you'll smell as this fresh cranberry punch is simmering. To get the brightest red color in your punch, be sure to pick out the reddest of the fresh berries as you clean them.

From the Recipe Creator: The topping on my sister-in-law's peach cobbler was so delicious that I asked for the recipe; then I decided to use that to top a cookie I developed with the flavors of baklava. My adult son tried one and immediately ate two more—which is unusual for him! It's a good recipe to mix up the night before and bake fresh the next day for company. —Sharon Eshelman, Harrington, Delaware

From the Recipe Creator: When it's cold and frosty outside, this meatless chili is sure to warm you up. It's packed with fiber, protein and flavor. Serve it with sliced avocado, or add shredded cheese, corn tortilla chips or a side of your favorite cornbread. —Liz Bellville, Tonasket, Washington

From the Recipe Creator: Cumin and chili powder give extra oomph to the classic homemade nut mix. It's a smart solution for holiday snacking and gift giving. —Delores Hill, Helena, Montana

From the Recipe Creator: I hate being cold, but one of the best remedies for that is warm soup. I took my mother’s water-based vegetable soup recipe and worked with it to make the flavors richer. The meat and veggies in this dish are the perfect cure for a cold night and a hungry family. —Lisa Cooper, Leander, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: When I needed to put some leftover bread dough to good use, I started with a recipe I often use for bubble bread and substituted savory ingredients for the sweet. —Lori McLain, Denton, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: A good friend shared this recipe with me. It is super easy and so delicious. Guests will love it! It's best served with crackers that aren't strongly seasoned. —Linda Alexander, Madison, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: This Italian classic takes on a distinctive Latin American flourish with the addition of chorizo. The sausage adds an extra kick and awesome flavor to a dish that's already a favorite. —Crystal McDuffy, Fairfax, Virginia.

From the Recipe Creator: My family members enjoy my stollen so much and say it’s just too good to be served only on holidays. I created this buttery, less-sweet dinner roll version. —Mindy White, Nashville, Tennessee

From the Recipe Creator: I've had recipes for chocolate chip cookies and pecan meringues in my collection for a number of years—and I combined them to make these bars! They're a lovely addition to any holiday cookie tray. —Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: For big family gatherings, I love to make these mushrooms—everyone always wants to know what the secret ingredient is! They’re a star as a side dish, and leftovers go well with steaks or a roast. —Becky Schmitz, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Herbs lend amazing flavor to these deviled eggs, which truly are the best you can make! The recipe includes tasty variations that feature bacon, chipotle peppers and crab.—Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia

From the Recipe Creator: This recipe has become a regular at our church potlucks. Let's just say I'm in trouble if I show up at a get-together and they don't appear! For a fun dinner spin, try these sausage and kraut sandwiches over mashed potatoes. —Patsy Unruh, Perryton, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: Here's a healthy and delicious addition to any buffet spread. Mushrooms and pearl onions seasoned with herbs, and balsamic vinegar and red wine are terrific on their own or alongside a tenderloin roast. —Courtney Wilson, Fresno, California

From the Recipe Creator: My refreshing side salad is such a nice addition to our calorie-loaded Thanksgiving dinner. Use regular oranges if you can't find blood oranges. Finely chopped walnuts work well in place of the pomegranate seeds, too. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

From the Recipe Creator: I was so excited to bake these with my mom after coming home from studying abroad in Germany. They remind me of the Swabian Alps I could see from my room there. Be careful not to overheat the white chocolate; it’ll lose that attractive shine. —Stephanie Bouley, North Smithfield, Rhode Island

From the Recipe Creator: My grandmother handed down the recipe for these gooey bars that we all love. The candied cherries are a must. —Deborah Pennington, Falkville, Alabama

From the Recipe Creator: This chili recipe is a lifesaver when I'm cooking on the fly. It's loaded with convenience ingredients, but you can pile on the veggies if you're in the mood for a fresh crunch. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: Perhaps the most amazing thing about Ugly Sweater Cookies is how cute they are. Try these classic gingerbreads on for size. —Christy Thelen, Kellogg, Iowa

From the Recipe Creator: Pimiento cheese has long been a favorite in our family, so these bite-sized appetizers are a treat! I add Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce to give them a little kick. Caramelized onions create another layer of flavor. You can make the cheese and onions three to five days in advance; they store well. If you need to save time, you can use premade jalapeno pimiento cheese. —Caitlyn Bunch, Trenton, Georgia

From the Recipe Creator: Fruitcake always looked so festive to me but I did not like the hard citron fruit so I came up with my own recipe using dried fruits and nuts. I place these in Christmas themed petit fours paper cups and give them to neighbors and friends along with the many other cookies and candies I bake. These keep well in the freezer in an airtight container. Just thaw to room temperature and they taste fresh baked and moist. —Lisa McDermith, Highland, California

From the Recipe Creator: When pears are in season, I love to make this family favorite. It's moist and keeps well, and makes a wonderful dessert as well as a breakfast or brunch cake.

From the Recipe Creator: This crowd-pleasing potluck dish packs a little heat, a little sweet and a big-time authentic southwestern flavor. There is no substitute for freshly ground chiles. A small food processor on high speed may be used to grind the chiles and cumin, or use a dedicated coffee grinder for fresh spices. It’s a terrific $15 investment for fresh spices anytime—and your palate will thank you! —Ralph Stamm, Dayton, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: I like to make a simple, hearty slow-cooked recipe at least once a week. You can mix this up the night before and throw it into the crock on your way out the door. Use hotter tomatoes and chiles or salsa if you like more zing. —Laurie Stout-Letz, Bountiful, Utah

From the Recipe Creator: This is my family's absolute favorite dish on my holiday table. What's not to love with the mixed aroma of garlic, onions, bacon, and blue cheese floating through your home? —Jana Gooding, Carlsbad, California

From the Recipe Creator: I created this dish after my father had triple bypass surgery. He loves comfort food and I wanted him to be able to enjoy a rich and tasty dish like mac & cheese without all the fat and butter. It's also a great way to sneak in some veggies for children. —Megan Schwartz, New York, New York

From the Recipe Creator: I dunk pomegranate seeds in chocolate to get these easy little treats friends and family love. —Jim Javorsky, Havre de Grace, Maryland

From the Recipe Creator: The rum, real butter and toffee bits made these cookies my husband’s new favorite. If you’d like them less sweet, skip the frosting and sprinkle the cookies with confectioners’ sugar while still warm. —Cindy Nerat, Menominee, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: When you say "holiday tradition" around our house, this appetizer comes to mind immediately. Every winter, I make lots of cheese logs and freeze them for when I'm expecting company or need to take food to someone's home. The blend of smoked oysters, chili powder, nuts and cream cheese tastes good-even people who don't like oysters may enjoy this interesting appetizer. —William Tracy, Jerseyville, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: My guests like this casserole even if they don't usually like all the ingredients in it! For instance, people who don't care for broccoli don't mind it in this dish. And I like the way it's so easy to make and serve when company comes. —Suzann Verdun, Lisle, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: I remember my mom making these rolls almost every Saturday so they'd be ready to bake on Sunday for company or someone just dropping by. Although they take a little time to prepare, they're really not all that difficult to make. And there's nothing in the stores that can compare to them! —Jean Fox, Welch, Minnesota

From the Recipe Creator: This chocolate pound cake is one of my favorite cakes to bake. A friend of mine gave me this recipe years ago. Somehow it just gets better each time you bake it! —Doris Fletcher, Hendersonville, North Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: I reconstructed this dessert based on an old recipe that had been in the family for years but was never written down. The subtle cinnamon flavor of the zwieback crust and the dense texture of the ricotta cheese are reminiscent of the cheesecake I enjoyed as a child. —Mary Beth Jung, Hendersonville, North Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: This recipe was on a can of Hershey's cocoa way back in 1943. I tried it, my boys liked it, and I've been making it ever since. I make all my cakes from scratch, and this is one of the best! —Betty Follas, Morgan Hill, California

From the Recipe Creator: I took my mother's delicious sweet potato casserole and gave it a new twist by adding the tempting taste of orange—a fruit very abundant in our state. The flavors are wonderful together and make this dish a family favorite. —Norma Poole, Auburndale, Florida

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

From the Recipe Creator: A neighbor gave me this recipe when we first moved to this small town, saying it dated back to the 1800s and everybody in the area made it. I soon discovered why when I took a taste...and I'm not a fruitcake fan! —Lorraine Groh, Ferryville, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: This easy beef stew recipe is my favorite. The rich beef gravy helps the hearty flavor of the potatoes and carrots to come through. It's the perfect homemade dish for a blustery winter day. —Alberta McKay, Bartlesville, Oklahoma

From the Recipe Creator: Apple slab pie is a terrific contribution to a covered-dish supper, picnic or potluck. It’s baked in a large 15x10 baking pan so it’s easy to make and tote, too. But be prepared—people always ask for a copy of the recipe! —Dolores Skrout, Summerhill, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: This fun dip recipe uses ingredients that I always have in the fridge, so it's easy to throw together on short notice. —Cindi DeClue, Anchorage, Alaska

From the Recipe Creator: This is my own fruitcake recipe, and it's a family favorite. I think it has just the right mix of nuts and fruit. —Allene Spence, Delbarton, West Virginia

From the Recipe Creator: This easy-to-make bread goes well with a salad luncheon or a casserole dinner. But I especially like to serve it with spaghetti and pasta dishes. The cheese topping is its crowning glory! —Elaine Mundt, Detroit, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: Once, I asked my mother how to make eggnog, and she showed me this recipe. After just one taste, folks will know this homemade holiday drink came from the kitchen, not from the store. —Pat Waymire, Yellow Springs, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: There's no last-minute rush before the party when you simmer this slow-cooker apple cider. It has all the tantalizing flavors of fall. —Alpha Wilson, Roswell, New Mexico

From the Recipe Creator: This old-fashioned stew has a slightly sweet taste from the addition of canned corn. You can make the stew ahead of time and reheat it for a quick meal later on. - Clair Long, Destrehan, Louisiana

From the Recipe Creator: The rich molasses and spice flavor of this old-time dessert is complemented with a buttery caramel sauce.—Joy Sparks, Muskegon, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: My grandmother always served this sweet potato casserole at Thanksgiving. The puffy marshmallow topping gives the dish a festive look, and spices enhance the sweet potato flavor. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana

From the Recipe Creator: This is a twist on the ordinary potluck meatballs. These are easy, inexpensive and a hit for any occasion. —Terina, Lewis, Decatur, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: My grandmother added bacon to her cheesy lasagna—something she borrowed from carbonara-style pasta. I learned so much by her side. —Cathy McCartney, Davenport, Iowa

From the Recipe Creator: If you want your kids to happily eat their eggplant, serve it in this lovely layered casserole. Our whole family enjoys it. Always a popular potluck item, it's a great company dish, as well. —Carol Mieske, Red Bluff, California

From the Recipe Creator: While everyone is enjoying a bountiful meal, this eye-catching tart can be baking to perfection in the oven. The pretty holiday dessert calls for very few ingredients, and it's a snap to assemble. —Jackie Zack, Riverside, Connecticut

From the Recipe Creator: Ground cumin, chili powder and a can of Mexican diced tomatoes jazz up my goulash recipe. Even the elbow macaroni is prepared in the slow cooker. —Melissa Polk, West Lafayette, Indiana

From the Recipe Creator: This slightly tart apple cider is perfect for a holiday open house. It fills the room with a wonderful aroma. —Cindy Tobin, West Bend, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: This five-ingredient recipe makes serving up treats easy and scrumptious. —Laura Hanks, Harleysville, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: My savory walnut bread filled with bacon bits and blue cheese dressing is complemented by the sweetness of honey-flavored butter. Cut yourself a thick slice, slather on the butter and enjoy!—Pam Ivbuls, Omaha, Nebraska

From the Recipe Creator: Squash was a hard sell with my family until I paired it with pumpkin seeds, cranberries and horseradish. Now they love it! —Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut

From the Recipe Creator: I love chili verde. I order it whenever I can at restaurants, and figured out how to make an easy, tasty version at home. People have the option to eat the chili verde with a fork or in tortillas with a variety of toppings such as cheese, cilantro, minced onions or lime wedges. There are never leftovers at my house. —Julie Rowland, Salt Lake City, Utah

From the Recipe Creator: To give our mac and cheese a Sicilian touch, we mix sausage, basil and fennel with three cheeses for an incredibly comforting casserole. —Michael Cohen, Los Angeles, California

From the Recipe Creator: I cannot throw a party without making this recipe. It's fast and easy, and my kids love it. —Courtney Wilson, Fresno, California

From the Recipe Creator: My husband and I met while working the dinner shift at a homeless shelter that served my chili. I’ve revised the chili using bean veggie burgers. —Marty Nickerson, Ellington, Connecticut

From the Recipe Creator: I had never come across a red velvet spritz recipe, so I decided to create one. The hint of cocoa makes these taste like red velvet cake. Add peppermint flavoring for a little extra kick. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado

From the Recipe Creator: Cranberry wings remind me of all the wonderful celebrations and parties we've had through the years. My daughter’s friends can’t get enough of these wings. —Noreen McCormick Danek, Cromwell, Connecticut

From the Recipe Creator: Our love for Mexican food inspired me to make party mix with taco seasoning. The flavor is so mild that it's even kid friendly. —Elizabeth Wynne, Aztec, New Mexico

From the Recipe Creator: Pigs in a blanket aren’t just for kids! Dijon and Camembert transform this children’s favorite into a version that’s perfect for grown-ups. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado

From the Recipe Creator: A well-made salad has good taste and pleasing crunch. This one with cabbage, apples and pecans gets high marks in both, with extra points for color contrast. —Emily Tyra, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Creamy, cheesy and loaded with bacon, this comforting casserole immediately makes guests feel at home. —Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: For potlucks and tailgates, we slow-cook pork with cider, onions and spices. These tangy sliders make a winning barbecue plate with sweet potato fries. —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia

From the Recipe Creator: With big handfuls of dried apricots and cherries, almonds and pistachios, we make dozens of treats you can take anywhere.—Donna Pochoday-Stelmach, Morristown, New Jersey

From the Recipe Creator: This is an easy, versatile party appetizer that everyone loves. If you can't find chorizo, ground beef or ground chicken are wonderful, too. Top with anything you like! —Connie Krupp, Racine, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: We love big-time-spicy chicken wings. I do a caramel sauce to balance the heat, but you could also glaze the wings with melted brown sugar. —Aaron Salazar, Westminster, Colorado

From the Recipe Creator: My whole family devours this herby cheese spread—even my son, the chef. Serve it with your favorite crackers. —Jane Vince, London, Ontario

From the Recipe Creator: These grain-free, cheesy cauliflower breadsticks are made with vegetables instead of flour. Serve them with your favorite marinara sauce.—Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado

From the Recipe Creator: I learned about corn bread dressing while living in the south for a few years. I decided to combine it with a few of my favorite stuffing ingredients to give it my own spin. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: I created this dip for my daughter's pizza-themed birthday party. It was an instant hit, and I've continued to take it along to other gatherings. Everyone loves it! —Stephanie Gates, Waterloo, Iowa

From the Recipe Creator: I’ve had this recipe for more than 42 years and have updated it from time to time. This is an easy party favorite, and everyone loves the taquito dippers. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas