16 Best Thanksgiving Potluck Ideas

A proper potluck personifies the spirit of the season – a gathering of friends, family, food, and grateful hearts. Indeed, it’s the ultimate celebration where you get to sample a little bit of everything. 

Whether you’re hosting or attending, we hope these potluck ideas will set the stage for a perfect gathering. Here’s a sampling to help you bring something to the table that everyone will love, with ideas ranging from appetizers and side dishes to delectable desserts. Let’s dig in!

Need Potluck Ideas?

One thing you can do is kick off the potluck on a tasty note with some easy-to-make appetizers. The key to these potluck dishes is bold flavors that spark excitement for the main meal that’s yet to come.

Caprese Skewers

Light, fresh, and super simple! Alternate cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves on skewers. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a little extra flavor. Not only do they look colorful and appetizing, but they’re also a breeze to eat and perfect for a summer potluck.

Spinach Artichoke Dip with Chips

This classic, crowd-favorite dip is easy to make and even easier to eat. Make it cheesy and gooey by adding a mix of mozzarella, parmesan, and cream cheese. Serve it hot with tortilla chips, pita bread, or baguette slices, and watch it disappear before the main course arrives.

Mini Meatballs with Marinara

For a heartier appetizer, mini meatballs are always a hit. Prepare them in a flavorful marinara sauce, and keep them warm in a slow cooker so they stay deliciously saucy. Guests can grab them with toothpicks, making them a perfect mess-free option.

Deviled Eggs with a Twist

Why not add some new flavors to your deviled eggs? You can spice them up with a bit of sriracha, mix in bacon bits, or add chives for some color. These little bites are the perfect mix of creamy, tangy, and savory and are guaranteed to go quickly.

Creamy Coleslaw

Next, let’s explore some easy potluck dishes that will complement any spread. This crunchy, refreshing side is especially popular for summer gatherings and complements pretty much everything. Use a creamy dressing for a traditional approach, or add a vinegar-based dressing with apple cider vinegar for a lighter, tangy version.

Roasted Veggie Medley

Roasted vegetables are a healthy and colorful option that looks great on a potluck table. Choose a variety of veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and Brussels sprouts. Season them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them until they’re caramelized. Then, sprinkle it all with fresh herbs for extra flavor and call it a day! 

Loaded Potato Salad

Potato salad is a potluck staple, but you can take it up a notch with a “loaded” version. Add bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of chives. For the dressing, a mix of mayo and sour cream will make it extra creamy, with a hint of Dijon mustard for some kick.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

This is a fan favorite when it comes to potluck recipes. You really can’t go wrong with mac and cheese. Make it extra cheesy by using a blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda. Bake it until golden and bubbly on top – everyone will want a scoop of this comfort food classic.

Pulled Pork Sliders

If it’s Thanksgiving potluck ideas you’re looking for, you can never have too many main dishes. Slow-cooked pulled pork sliders are a fantastic main dish for potlucks. Cook the pork with a flavorful BBQ sauce until it’s tender and juicy. Then, serve it on mini slider buns with a side of pickles and your world-famous coleslaw. They’re small, easy to eat, and absolutely delicious.

Chicken Pasta Salad

For a lighter option, try a pasta salad with grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a zesty Italian dressing. This dish is versatile, travels well, and can be served cold or at room temperature. Plus, you can easily make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken.

Veggie-Loaded Frittata

Egg-based dishes like frittatas are perfect because they can be served warm or at room temperature and packed with nutritious veggies like bell peppers, spinach, and mushrooms. Slice it into squares for easy serving, and you’ve got a colorful, satisfying dish that both vegetarians and meat lovers will enjoy.

Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is filling, delicious, and easy to serve in proper portions. Layer the pasta with ricotta, marinara sauce, and mozzarella. Then, bake it until the cheese is golden. This Italian classic is always a hit, and it’s easy to transport in a casserole dish straight from your oven.

Classic Brownies

When wondering what to bring to a potluck, dessert is never a bad idea. There’s simply something timeless about a good brownie. You can make them fudgy or cakey, with or without nuts, and consider drizzling some melted chocolate on top for added decadence. Brownies are easy to cut into squares and are perfectly portable, making them a potluck no-brainer.

Lemon Bars

Lemon bars are a bright, zesty treat that’s refreshing after a big meal. With a buttery shortbread crust and tangy lemon filling dusted with powdered sugar, these bars are a delightful blend of sweet and tart. They’re also easy to slice and serve.

No-Bake Cheesecake Bites

For a dessert that’s light and creamy, you can also try no-bake cheesecake bites. Top them with a dollop of fruit compote, caramel, or chocolate ganache, and place them in mini cupcake liners for easy serving. These bite-sized treats are smooth, delicious, and disappear quickly.

Fruit Salad with Mint

For a lighter dessert, a fruit salad is both refreshing and beautiful. Use a colorful mix of seasonal fruits. Then, toss them with a squeeze of lime juice and fresh mint. This dessert provides a healthy option that’s very satisfying.

Cheers To You!

With these delicious potluck ideas, you’re sure to wow the crowd at your next gathering. From appetizers to desserts, these dishes offer something for everyone, ensuring a spread that will be full of flavor, variety, and fun. 

Stick with us, all season long. We’re here to help you embrace the spirit of joy, party plan to perfection, and enjoy a wonderful time spent with friends and family. We’ll have plenty more lifestyle articles to help you make the most of it!