Thanksgiving potlucks take the pressure off any one host and let everyone contribute their favorite dishes.
Whether you’re attending a work gathering, a friendsgiving celebration, or a casual neighborhood meal, figuring out what to bring can be tricky.
You want something that travels well, feeds a crowd, and ideally won’t clash with the turkey and stuffing already on the table.
The good news? There are plenty of potluck-friendly options that go beyond the usual green bean casserole.
From make-ahead sides to creative desserts and dishes that work for different dietary needs, you have lots of ways to stand out while keeping things simple.
This guide covers solid potluck ideas that’ll actually get eaten—and maybe even earn you a few recipe requests.
Maple Bacon Cheese Ball Appetizer
A creamy, crowd-pleasing cheese ball rolled in crispy bacon and brushed with maple syrup. Sweet, salty, smoky, and totally addictive—it’s the appetizer that vanishes first at every party.
Cranberry Sauce BBQ Meatballs
These sweet and tangy cranberry sauce BBQ meatballs are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer with just 3 ingredients. They’re sticky, savory, and disappear from the plate in minutes.
BBQ Sausage Bites for Potlucks or Picnics
These glazed BBQ sausage bites are the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer for any gathering. Sliced smoked sausage is simmered in a sweet-tangy sauce made with BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and seasonings until thick and caramelized.
Apple Cider Braised Brussels Sprouts
These Apple Cider Braised Brussels Sprouts transform ordinary sprouts into a standout side dish by searing them until caramelized, then simmering in a sweet-tart mixture of apple cider, cider vinegar, and maple syrup.
3-Ingredient Grape Jelly Meatballs
These sweet and tangy meatballs get their irresistible glaze from an unexpected duo: grape jelly and chili sauce that melt into a glossy, caramelized coating.
Turkey and Cranberry Pinwheels
Turkey and Cranberry Pinwheels are easy make-ahead appetizers featuring layers of cream cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, and savory deli turkey rolled up in soft flour tortillas and sliced into beautiful spiral bites.
Cold Italian Pasta Salad
This refreshing cold pasta salad combines tender rotini with crisp vegetables, creamy mozzarella, and briny olives, all tossed in a zesty Italian herb dressing that gets more flavorful as it chills.
Stuffed Acorn Squash With Ground Turkey, Cranberries, And Pecans
This hearty fall dish transforms roasted acorn squash into edible bowls filled with a savory-sweet mixture of lean ground turkey, tart dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans.
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Crispy bacon wraps around creamy cheese-stuffed jalapeños for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. Ready in just 40 minutes with simple ingredients, these restaurant-quality poppers pack the perfect balance of heat, richness, and smoky crunch.
Cold Cranberry Broccoli Salad
This fresh and vibrant cold salad combines crisp broccoli florets with sweet dried cranberries and crunchy sunflower seeds, all tossed in a creamy, lightly sweetened dressing that gets better as it chills.
