I Always Bring These 29 Thanksgiving Potluck Recipes

Every time there’s a potluck sign-up, these 29 end up being the automatic choice. Not because there are rules, but because things went wrong when they didn’t show up. Someone once brought a tray of crackers instead, and let’s just say it didn’t go over well. These recipes aren’t dramatic, but they’ve managed to become a quiet favorite.

Cauliflower Steaks

Whether you’ve tried it or not, this dish is a surprising addition that grabs attention at any Thanksgiving potluck. Cauliflower Steaks bring a hearty bite while offering a unique take on a vegetable alternative. It’s flavorful, versatile, and pairs well with a range of other dishes on the table. This definitely stands out with its simplicity and crowd-pleasing presentation.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Steaks

Chocolate Chip Muffins

There’s usually never enough desserts at a Thanksgiving potluck, which is why Chocolate Chip Muffins are always a hit. They’re small, portable, and easy for everyone to grab and enjoy. Offering a perfect balance of sweetness, they work great with coffee or as an after-dinner treat. Plus, everybody loves a classic that feels homemade and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Muffins

Stuffed Mushrooms

For small bites that pack flavor, Stuffed Mushrooms are a go-to favorite in potluck spreads. They have an incredible way of being a snack or a side that works alongside main courses. Their bite-sized nature makes them easy for guests to grab without piling up their plates. It’s a dish people remember to return to before the night ends.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Mushrooms

Beet Salad

Refreshing yet bold, a well-made Beet Salad is an underrated surprise among usual Thanksgiving dishes. It balances well with heavier dishes, offering a fresh break while packing its own punch. The colors also pop on the table, making it visually inviting. People who try it always appreciate how light yet filling it feels.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad

Roasted Whole Cauliflower

A centerpiece that’s also a conversation starter, Roasted Whole Cauliflower is a visually appealing choice. It looks impressive and doesn’t disappoint in taste either, making it a standout among other veggies. Each bite feels hearty, so it doubles as a side or even a meat alternative. No one expects cauliflower to shine until they’ve had this.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Mac and Cheese

It’s hard to go wrong with a classic potluck favorite like Mac and Cheese. Creamy, comforting, and loaded with flavor, it’s the dish both kids and adults eagerly line up for. It fits in perfectly with nearly every Thanksgiving spread, making it a versatile staple. Even when there’s a lot of competition, it’s usually one of the first foods to vanish.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Vegan Nut Roast

For a hearty option, Vegan Nut Roast offers something filling and unexpected at the potluck table. It’s a unique meatless choice that feels like a main dish rather than a side. Packed with substance, it has a way of making everyone curious enough for a second helping. It’s well-suited for anyone looking for alternatives to traditional dishes.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Nut Roast

Pancake Casserole

If you’re looking to bring something fun and crowd-friendly, Pancake Casserole delivers in a big way. It’s a breakfast-meets-holiday mashup that people don’t see coming but always love. Perfect for feeding a crowd, it’s easy for everyone to spoon up a portion. No matter when it’s served, it’s one of those dishes that stands out.
Get the Recipe: Pancake Casserole

Fried Banana

When it’s time for something simple yet memorable, Fried Banana fits the bill effortlessly. It’s a sweet treat that offers a warm, comforting twist on a common fruit. Guests often appreciate having a dessert option that’s not overly heavy. Once someone tries it, it’s likely that everyone will be asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Fried Banana

Pumpkin Soup

Among the soups at any gathering, Pumpkin Soup has an easy way of impressing with its smooth textures and layered taste. It’s a warm starter that gets people ready for the rest of the meal. This also feels like a comforting nod to traditional holiday flavors without being too obvious. Definitely a solid addition next to heartier offerings on the table.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup

Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Desserts don’t get much more exciting than Salted Caramel Cheesecake at a potluck. That mix of sweet and salty creates a perfect combination everyone at the table loves. Cheesecakes always feel indulgent, but this addition feels just a bit more special. It’s always among the desserts that disappear first, no matter how much is made.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Vegan Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

For a lighter option, Vegan Roasted Pumpkin Hummus brings something flavorful and unexpected to the potluck table. It’s great with crackers, veggies, or bread and works well as a snack before the main meal. Guests love dipping into something with a seasonal spin. This one keeps things fresh and interesting without being too complicated.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

Cherry Cheesecake

Breaking out a classic dessert like Cherry Cheesecake feels like a fail-proof option for Thanksgiving. Its creamy, smooth texture paired with that cherry topping gives it just the right balance. Cheesecake lovers never hesitate to grab a slice, and others are drawn in by how good it looks. It works just as nicely for smaller gatherings as it does for large groups.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Cheesecake

Cinnamon Swirl Bread

For something comforting and nostalgic, Cinnamon Swirl Bread is a versatile addition worth bringing. It works as a snack, part of the bread table, or even a dessert when served with a little something extra. Those swirls in each slice make it fun to serve, and it feels homemade even if it wasn’t. Nobody will say no to trying at least one slice of this.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Hashbrown Casserole

A filling addition at any Thanksgiving potluck, Hashbrown Casserole balances well with the main dishes around the table. It’s warm, hearty, and dependable, offering a familiar comfort everyone can appreciate. This casserole also acts as a great option for kids and adults alike. Once people discover it, there’s never any left by the end of the night.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Homemade Bread Pudding

It brings that old-fashioned comfort in dessert form, and Homemade Bread Pudding is always a crowd pleaser. Its simple appearance doesn’t take away from how tasty and satisfying it can be for everyone. This dessert keeps things classic, while still feeling like a treat. People who’ve never tried it will genuinely be surprised at how good it is.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Bread Pudding

Creamy,Cheesy,Broccoli Soup

A warm choice at the table, Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup is ideal for bringing a dish that’s easy to share. It has a great way of being both filling yet light enough as a starter. Perfect for serving alongside breads or other sides, it often surprises people with its comforting richness. Everyone might return for another ladle without hesitation.
Get the Recipe: Creamy,Cheesy,Broccoli Soup

Dauphinoise Potatoes

As a step above plain potatoes, Dauphinoise Potatoes feel fancy while still keeping things familiar. They’re creamy, layered, and ideal for feeding a group at any Thanksgiving potluck. No one can resist their appeal once they see it served up alongside other dishes. Guests always make room on the plate for this one.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes

Deviled Eggs

Bite-sized and easy to grab, Deviled Eggs are both popular and classic with every generation. They work as an appetizer when people are mingling around before dinner gets started. It’s one of those dependable contributions that never go unnoticed.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs

Coconut Cream Pie

When dessert comes around, Coconut Cream Pie is the light, creamy choice many didn’t know they would appreciate. It might not be the flashiest, but it’s loaded with texture and flavor in every slice. For those looking for something different from chocolate or pumpkin, this fits perfectly. It’s always a nice balance to have something refreshing yet dessert-worthy like this.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Cream Pie

Egg Casserole

A welcome addition at any potluck, Egg Casserole easily becomes a go-to for its versatility. It fits in as either a breakfast-themed side or something hearty to balance the main meal. Guests love how easy it is to dish out a portion and pair it with other plates. Even those unfamiliar with it find themselves reaching for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole

Potato Skins

While often seen as an appetizer, Potato Skins are just as great as a side at a Thanksgiving potluck. They offer a great mix of textures, from the crisp outside to the soft, flavorful inside. People enjoy grabbing one or two as they pile other things onto their plates. It’s perfect for potlucks because they stand up well next to heavier mains.
Get the Recipe: Potato Skins

Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

Combining two iconic desserts, Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake is unquestionably unforgettable. It’s the kind of dessert that grabs attention and has people talking long after the potluck ends. The mix of cheesecake and pie creates something rich but absolutely irresistible. It’s definitely something to bring when you want to stand out.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

Pumpkin Bars

As a dessert that blends simplicity with tradition, Pumpkin Bars fit right in at the potluck table. Their small, hand-held size makes them easy to add without worrying about space. These always work for guests looking for a dessert that isn’t overly sweet. Sharing them at the table is almost too easy since everyone can grab their own piece.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Bars

No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

Sometimes you need a dessert that’s both quick to prepare and loved by most guests, like No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake. It’s a dessert that always looks impressive while feeling effortless. The strawberry topping adds color to any table, drawing curious eyes. This simple yet flavorful dessert always disappears once the dessert round begins.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

7 Layer Salad

Having 7 Layer Salad on the table adds a fun and colorful option to the mix. It’s one of those dishes that looks as good as it tastes, with a layer of flavors and textures in each bite. This is perfect for lighter plates or those needing something fresh to break up heavier dishes. It also doubles as a talking point since people always wonder what’s inside.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad

Pumpkin Cheesecake

When you combine two favorites in one, Pumpkin Cheesecake becomes the dessert everyone lines up for. It’s the perfect mix of two traditional desserts with a creamy finish. It’s unique enough to turn heads while feeling familiar with its seasonal flavor. Guests almost always remember who brought it and ask for the recipe afterward.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cheesecake

Apple Pie

Classic dishes like Apple Pie never fail to deliver, especially during Thanksgiving gatherings. Its warm, rich taste feels like the holiday in dessert form for nearly everyone. People appreciate this crowd favorite, whether warmed up or served cool with a little something extra. Even with so many desserts, there’s never a wrong time for a slice of this pie.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie

Funeral Potatoes

Whether you’re familiar or not, Funeral Potatoes bring old-school comfort to any potluck. It’s creamy, hearty, and works as an excellent side dish next to any entree. Their name might turn heads, but it’s the taste that leaves an impression. People can’t seem to help but ask for second or third helpings of this timeless classic.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes