Giving Thanks In Style: Thanksgiving Potluck Ideas

Check out these thanksgiving potluck ideas that will make your next Thanksgiving even better. We have included the preparation time and the calorie content for every dish.

Quick Table: Thanksgiving Potluck Ideas

Recipes	Calories Per Serving	Preparation Time
One Pot Chicken And Vegetables Skillet	410	25 Minutes
Cheddar Beer Dinner Rolls	130	25 Minutes
Best Ever Cranberry Sauce	65	20 Minutes
Mashed Potatoes With Crispy Crunches	88	40 Minutes
Irish Mashed Potatoes (Colcannon)	380	30 Minutes
Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Warm Honey Glaze	599	30 Minutes
Easy Stuffing Recipe	140	1 Hour 10 Minutes
Butternut Squash Baked Pasta	435	40 Minutes
Campbells Green Bean Casserole	231	50 Minutes
Incredibly Easy French Onion Soup Casserole	497	50 Minutes
Cheesy Corn Casserole	179	40 Minutes
Apple Butternut Squash Casserole	260	50 Minutes
Broccoli Caesar	118	20 Minutes
Brussels Sprouts And Grapes Au Gratin	119	30 Minutes
Texas Roadhouse Rolls	200	2 Hours
Crispy Cream Cheese Wontons	66	20 Minutes
Classic Waldorf Salad	184	10 Minutes
Banana Cream Pie	269	2 Hours 30 Minutes
Bisquick Cornbread	462	40 Minutes
Pineapple Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole	301	45 Minutes
Roasted Butternut Squash Kale Salad With Farro And Goat Cheese	268	45 Minutes
Sweet Potato Bites	110	35 Minutes
Applebees Spinach Artichoke Dip	370	30 Minutes
Veggie Platter	70	15 Minutes
Turkey Pot Pie	360	1 Hour
Whipped Sweet Potatoes	125	25 Minutes
Roast Garlic Turkey Breast	135	40 Minutes
Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese	275	1 Hour 15 Minutes
Pumpkin Pie With Cinnamon Cream Fraiche	379	1 Hour
Broccoli Salad With Grapes And Onions	327	20 Minutes
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies	120	32 Minutes
Loaded Cauliflower Casserole	150	1 Hour
Hasselback Potato Gratin	230	1 Hour 35 Minutes
Onion Bread Recipe With No Yeast Method	159	40 Minutes
Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots	90	55 Minutes
Parmesan And Chive Crisps	60	30 Minutes
Dark Chocolate Pecan Toffee Bark	250	1 Hour
Apple Pie Recipe With The Best Filling	47	2 Hours
Raspberry Pretzel Jello	171	1 Hour
Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Meatballs	107	55 Minutes
Filipino Adobo Chicken	171	1 Hour 5 Minutes
Spinach And Ricotta Rolls	60	45 Minutes

Thanksgiving is a time to come together and celebrate the little pleasures in life with coworkers, friends, and, most importantly, family.

Food is a significant factor that makes it possible to mingle; there is no more fantastic way than using potlucks to share food. 

Many thanksgiving potluck recipes are perfect for bringing to a gathering, making it possible to pick a dish that is undoubtedly your very best.

However, when in doubt about whether to pick a delicious savory dish or a sweet dessert, the answer is to choose a meal that all the guests will appreciate.

If there are no favorites or you have no specialty, below are 41 thanksgiving potluck recipe ideas to try. 

1. One Pot Chicken And Vegetables Skillet 

The one-pot chicken and vegetable skillet recipe is an easy recipe that is delicious and all-around healthy.

The chicken recipe veggie recipe is a low cab dish and an excellent option for those watching their weight.

Although the vegetable combination is left to preference, it’s essential to choose predominantly sweet veggies…trust me, it will affect the overall taste.

Calories Per Serving: 410

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

2. Cheddar Beer Dinner Rolls

The cheddar beer dinner rolls are one of those recipes that utilize what is already present in the kitchen. When making the rolls, it’s important to follow the recipe to come up with the light, fluffy rolls, or they might become fluffy and taste blunt.

The cheddar beer rolls are perfect for breakfast or lunch before Thanksgiving dinner.

Calories Per Serving: 130

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes 

3. Best Ever Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is a favorite thanksgiving potluck recipe that many families love to make as it is sweet and can be used as toppings on the main dishes. The recipe takes about 15 minutes to make, with preparation taking less than five minutes.

To sweeten the sauce, use all the ingredients to add character to the flavor, such as cinnamon or orange juice.

It’s prudent to note that the water used should be drained if the berries used are frozen, as it will make the sauce lighter. When ready, generously use it as a topping for the turkey.

Calories Per Serving: 65 

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes 

4. Mashed Potatoes With Crispy Crunchies

Mashed potatoes are a tricky thanksgiving potluck dish to bring to a host’s thanksgiving dinner.

However, when suitable, the recipe is velvety smooth and silky and will be a favorite for everyone in attendance, making each crispy crunch perfect for one person.

Top with veggies to get a final healthy turn, although to a small extent.

Calories Per Serving: 88

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes 

5. Irish Mashed Potatoes (Colcannon)

Another mashed potato dish to bring to the Thanksgiving dinner is a colcannon. 

Instead of normalized potatoes, the colcannon dish is fluffier and tastier due to its unique ingredients and preparation method. The recipe uses garlic, onion, bacon and at times, cabbage.  

Simple, the dish steers away from the plain Irish potato dish as it is also buttery, fluffy, and led with unique texture and flavor. 

Calories Per Serving: 380

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes 

6. Roasted Brussel Sprouts With Warm Honey Glaze

Brussel sprouts are only tasty when the proper additives are added and only when the individual sprouts are each perfectly roasted. The recipe calls for honey glazing the sprouts after roasting to ensure it gives a sticky yet sweet honey taste. 

The red wine vinegar gives it a dash of tanginess, while the lemon gives it a zest taste. The recipe hits all the right notes.

Use the correct amount of butter with some spicy chili flakes adjusted to preference. The recipe is bold and should only be brought to the table if everyone around is comfortable with its heat. Serve with an assortment of meat.

Calories Per Serving: 599

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes 

7. Easy Stuffing Recipe

The stuffing recipe is a classic recipe that is often served with carved turkey. The filling usually uses several ingredients, from bread, mushrooms, onions and others.

When starting with the bread, start early and pop or throw into the oven until crunchy and golden to get a great base. 

Use dry bread as it will soak up all the great juices making the stuffing nothing short of scrumptious. 

Calories Per Serving: 140

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes 

8. Butternut Squash Baked Pasta

Not many people know how to eat butternut squash, and it is often one of those ingredients pureed and used as kids’ foods as it is highly nutritious.

However, it can also be used to make tasty and creamy butternut squash pasta, as the recipe calls for huge chunks of the butter squash throughout a cheesy pasta dish.

To reduce the cheese punch, it might be necessary to bake the pasta instead of cooking it on top of an open fire. 

Calories Per Serving: 435

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes 

RELATED: 31 Crockpot Thanksgiving Sides To Turn On The Next Day!

9. Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole

Campbell’s green bean casserole is one of those Thanksgiving potluck dishes that can be whipped together at the last minute and is perfectly delicious every time.

The taste is unique as the recipe uses green beans with creamy mushroom soup, making for an exceptionally creamy flavor.

To add some character to the dish, add some fried onion on top for that extra flavor and a whole lot of crunchiness.

Calories Per Serving: 231

Preparation Time: 50 Minutes 

10. Incredibly Easy French Onion Soup Casserole

Although the French onion casserole soup recipe is marketed as a soup, the dish is highly textured and very different from the regular soups often served. The recipe uses crunchy cheesy French bread placed last on sweet onion soup.

The most important ingredient is the beef broth, as using chicken broth will not give its unique deep flavor.

You can make the dish vegetarian by using veggie broth. Be very patient and let the onions caramelize fully before adding them to the broth and the French bread.

Calories Per Serving: 497

Preparation Time: 50 Minutes 

11. Cheesy Corn Casserole

Using corn in a Thanksgiving potluck recipe gives off that holiday vibe. The cheesy corn casserole dish is a perfect side dish for Thanksgiving dinner and is often used as an appetizer.

Season the corn with plenty of salt and a fair amount of pepper to give it some punch.

The cheese should be added last to the corn (full and in plenty, then served with a cold drink to let the flavors come together beautifully)

Calories Per Serving: 179

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes 

12. Apple Butternut Squash Casserole

The apple butter squash casserole is that dish that is everything that Thanksgiving stands for. It is colorful, flavorful, and full of texture, making the meal dance in your mouth.

The soft and tender squash with salty bacon and crispy apple makes every bite explode with flavor. 

Calories Per Serving: 260

Preparation Time: 50 Minutes 

13. Broccoli Caesar

Broccoli takes center stage in the broccoli Caesar dish. The secret is picking it fresh and bright from the market before it is smothered under layers of croutons and ranch.

Lastly, add some fat cheese to the dish and let it broaden your horizon.

Calories Per Serving: 118

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes 

14. Brussels Sprouts And Grapes Au Gratin

Brussel sprouts and grapes Au Gratin seem like an odd combination at first, but that can’t be further from the truth. 

The dish has a unique sweet and salty taste to it, with the cheese taking center stage. The grapes are perfectly sweet and not too much to overload. 

Calories Per Serving:119

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes 

15. Texas Roadhouse Rolls

There is no way you’re going to get it wrong with a Thanksgiving potluck full of Texas roadhouse rolls. 

The fact that they pair with practically everything is the biggest advantage…yes, everything on your Thanksgiving table!

Calories Per Serving: 200

Preparation Time: 2 Hours 

16. Crispy Cream Cheese Wontons

Crispy cream cheese wontons are heavenly, and it hurts that no one barely thinks about baking them. This baked version is creamy, sweet, spicy, and, most importantly, delicious.

Wontons are sold in most food stores, and the dish can be whipped up in a couple of minutes with a simple mixture of cream cheese.

Calories Per Serving: 66

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes 

RELATED: 30 Best Thanksgiving Breakfast Recipes

17. Classic Waldorf Salad

Many kinds of salad are being made – the classic Waldorf salad is undoubtedly the most popular in the food industry. All that is needed is some fresh lettuce, juicy grapes, crispy apples, and some fresh walnuts and celery. 

The salad can be tweaked, and the ingredients swapped at any time.

Calories Per Serving: 184

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes 

18. Banana Cream Pie

Banana cream pie is a great dessert option for Thanksgiving dinner. This recipe utilizes homemade vanilla pudding that is generously poured over ripe banana slices.

The chilling is the most important part – to harden it into something more like ice cream. 

Serve it with some whipped cream on top. Although ingredients like banana and vanilla pudding cannot be swapped, there are additions to add, such as peanuts, according to preference.

Calories Per Serving: 269

Preparation Time: 2 Hours 30 Minutes 

19. Bisquick Cornbread Recipe

Bisquick cornbread recipe is warm, soft, moist, and comforting. When making the dish, it’s important to ensure that the cornbread is incredibly tender by following all the measurements as instructed.

Alternatively, there is the option of using the baking box as everything is measured to perfection.

If there are many guests expected for dinner, why not make two different types of recipes and the other one with cheese, bacon, and jalapenos?

Calories Per Serving: 462

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes 

20. Pineapple-Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole

The pineapple bourbon sweet potato casserole is a dish that is, in all senses, an improved version of the simple sweet potato casserole. 

Starting with already cooked mashed potatoes, sugar is added with bourbon, melted butter, pineapple, pepper, cinnamon, eggs, salt, and pepper, among other spices. 

Do not swap any ingredients as the dish is meant to balance and even off the sweetness and all the spices.

Calories Per Serving: 301

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes 

21. Roasted Butternut Squash Kale Salad With Farro And Goat Cheese

Roasted butternut squash, kale salad, farro, and goat cheese make for a particularly delicious healthy serving of vegetables for dinner. The dish is nutrient-packed and colorful due to the varying colors of the ingredients.

The texture is also a big plus as it offers variety (it has different veggies and dried fruits and is topped off with cream cheese). Although the version utilizes butternut squash, it can be swapped for some pumpkin.

The cheese can also be replaced with feta cheese for those who aren’t goat cheese fans.

Calories Per Serving: 268

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes 

22. Sweet Potato Bites

Sweet potatoes are not as utilized as they should be as a side dish. They are often just made on holidays for large meals. Similar to regular potatoes, they can be cooked in different ways – fried or roasted and there is no way of getting it wrong.

With the proper seasoning, it’s possible to enjoy the bites on various days as a new favorite side dish.

Calories Per Serving: 110

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes 

23. Applebee’s Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

Vegetarians don’t need to feel left out as the Applebee’s spinach artichoke dip recipe is here to save the day.

By using vegetarian broth instead of beef broth, everyone can comfortably share a tasty meal. Use a crockpot to quicken the process.

Calories Per Serving: 370

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes  

24. A Veggie Platter

Veggie platters don’t need to be boring and undoubtedly do not need to be blunt. In order to add color, add a variety of flavors using the rainbow method.

Add different vegetables of different shades and ensure there is every color, plus anything else that catches the eye. Add a variety of seasonings to make the veggies taste even better and have everyone reaching for more.

Calories Per Serving: 70 

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes 

RELATED: 30 Best Thanksgiving Cake Recipes

25. Turkey Pot Pie

Many people seek an entire turkey for Thanksgiving every year, which can be pretty tedious.

The alternative is getting a turkey pot pie. With the turkey pot pie, there will be enough for everyone to eat to their fill and still enjoy leftovers the next day.

Follow the recipe religiously to ensure the turkey is divine.

Calories Per Serving: 360

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 

26. Roast Garlic Turkey Breast

Roasted garlic turkey breast is a main dish that is succulent and tasty. The secret is coating the turkey breast with garlic and herb butter before baking it to golden brown perfection. 

The herbs and seasonings are used to make it savory and an easy option for a holiday thanksgiving dinner. When serving, add a lot of veggies from the local grocery to have an all-rounded complete meal. 

Calories Per Serving: 135 

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes 

27. Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese

Mac and cheese are one of those classic meals that are in every way a comfort meal and a must-have on the Thanksgiving table. It’s an easy thanksgiving potluck recipe the kids will enjoy.

For added nutrition and a different flavor, putting butternut squash into the already blended thick sauce is necessary.  

Calories Per Serving: 275

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 15 Minutes 

28. Pumpkin Pie With Cinnamon Cream Fraiche

Getting a sugar rush from pumpkin pie with cinnamon cream Fraiche is a great Thanksgiving feeling. With most thanksgiving dishes salty, being a little different makes it all worthwhile.

The recipe has a strong spicy and sugary taste to it. The recipe goes well with warm ginger and cinnamon or sweet caramel fluffy toppings.

Calories Per Serving: 379

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 

29. Broccoli Salad With Grapes And Onions

Broccoli salad with grapes and topped off with onions is a great side dish that adds flavor to several types of meals. Although they are usually eaten differently, the dressing comes together beautifully to make a crowd favorite.

Soak the red onions in freezing ice cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove their stingy feel. For added sweetness, sugar, white vinegar, and mayonnaise will do the trick.

Calories Per Serving: 327

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes 

30. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookie lovers have something to celebrate when it comes to Thanksgiving.  

In order to get that delicious final taste, it’s important to bake the chocolate chip cookies until ready to make them both chewy and crunchy at the same time. The cookies are perfect for dessert and always great to go with hot milk.

Calories Per Serving: 120

Preparation Time: 32 Minutes 

31. Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

The loaded cauliflower casserole recipe is a recipe that uses cauliflower but is combined with cheddar, sour cream, bacon, and chives, among other ingredients. Full of cauliflower, it is a low-carb sauce for those watching their weight.

Add the spices as advised to get rid of the garlicky onion taste for everyone to enjoy. To make the meal stand out even further, roast the cauliflower beforehand for a unique flavor.

Calories Per Serving: 150

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 

32. Hasselback Potato Gratin

A Potato gratin side dish is known to make waves like no other. Crispy on the top and creamy and soft in the middle, the Hasselback potato gratin dish has the right kick for Thanksgiving.

Garlicky, yet creamy and cheesy, it is in all senses a comfort food. Additionally, it looks stunning with brown edges and a hard crust, and it tastes just as good.

Calories Per Serving: 230

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 35 Minutes 

RELATED: 18 Friends Thanksgiving Food Ideas

33. Onion Bread Recipe No-Yeast Method

The onion bread recipe is a side dish for soaps, making it worthwhile to have bread on Thanksgiving. 

Without the yeast (and still wanting the bread to rise), the recipe uses baking soda, a starter, and buttermilk. The result is exceptionally dense, like bread.

Add plenty of onion powder to the flour mixture to give it a strong onion taste, perfect for dipping in soup.

Calories Per Serving: 159

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes 

34. Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Baby carrots are tasty and, overall, one of the most delectable side dishes. When glazing the baby carrots, use brown sugar, and add butter and a pinch of salt before coating the carrots in them.

The carrots should be cooked until soft. 

Calories Per Serving: 90

Preparation Time: 55 Minutes 

35. Parmesan And Chive Crisps

The Parmesan and Chive Crisps are cheesy, crispy, and salty. The baking should be done until the chives are golden around the edges and the cheese has fully melted. 

Calories Per Serving: 60 

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

36. Dark Chocolate Pecan Toffee Bark

Finally, lovers of dark chocolate can come to Thanksgiving. Go for chocolate bark and add a fair amount of buttery nuts and sweet toffee.

There is also the option of adding white chocolate or some milk chocolate to make for a sweet topping. 

Calories Per Serving: 250

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 

37. Apple Pie Recipe With The Best Filling 

Apple Pie Recipe with the Best Filling is a predominantly apple recipe, either in big or small portions. The use of spices makes the recipe come up alive. Depending on the cooking method, it’s possible to cook it as a whole or as a mini pie.

Calories Per Serving: 47

Preparation Time: 2 Hours 

38. Raspberry Pretzel Jell-O

Pretzels came to save everyone from the traditional graham cracker crust by adding a little more character and flavor.

The recipe is sweet, a bit salty, and perfectly crunchy. Perfect for a dessert, be ready to say thank you while biting into the sweet dish.

Calories Per Serving: 171

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 

39. Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Meatballs

The Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken meatballs are an Asian-flavored recipe that is easy to make and results in very tender, perfect little balls.

Starting with minced chicken from chicken breast, add all the spices and herbs just as the recipe dictates, with no swaps. 

Use moderate to low heat to brown the meat. Serve with a healthy amount of guacamole on top for that added citrus taste.

Calories Per Serving: 107

Preparation Time: 55 Minutes

40. Filipino Adobo Chicken

Adobo Chicken is a classic Filipino recipe. The dish uses a generous amount of garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, and peppercorns.

When making this Thanksgiving potluck dinner recipe, be sure to cook a full medium-sized chicken to get a perfectly delicious braised chicken.

Calories Per Serving: 171

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 5 Minutes 

41. Spinach And Ricotta Rolls

Spinach and Ricotta rolls are perfect in between meals as they are mostly eaten as snacks. Made of flaky puff pastry, they are easy to prepare and have a long fridge life.  

The rolls are tasty and will be a hit, especially with kids. You can prepare this dish using an oven or an air fryer – the results will be the same.

Calories Per Serving: 60 

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Bring To A Thanksgiving Potluck?

The best answer is anything that almost everyone in the gathering can enjoy. Choose something thoughtful and in line with the spirit of the holiday. It could be an appetizer, a side dish, or even dessert; just don’t go for a whole turkey.

What Are The Least Favorite Side Dishes For Thanksgiving? 

The side dishes that are least popular for Thanksgiving are the ones that take a long time to make and are more difficult to clean up.

Potatoes are a popular side dish that are very difficult to make. They are mashed, boiled, and then peeled. It is a lot of work and can be very messy.

What Is The Best Dish To Bring To Potluck?

A dish is best to bring to a potluck if it is easy to prepare, a favorite of many people, and does not take up a lot of room. One such dish is a grilled cheese sandwich.

The sandwich is made of two pieces of bread, melted cheese, and sometimes bacon or ham. It is a very simple dish that is easy to prepare and everyone will love it.