If you're invited to a holiday potluck party or are looking for a more relaxed Thanksgiving, consider this type of gathering that allows everyone to contribute their favorite dishes, turning your holiday dinner into a collaborative masterpiece.
This post gets updated every year with new, relevant content.
A potluck is not just about sharing the workload; it's about sharing the joy of good food and company.
So, let's dive into some simple yet scrumptious potluck recipes that will make your Thanksgiving feast unforgettable.
A few things to keep in mind and to let your guests know.
Types of dishes or courses to include
It depends on the size of the gathering, the attendees' preferences, and the event's overall structure. Here are some general guidelines to help you decide.
- Consider the potluck size: For larger parties, include a variety of dishes to cater to different tastes. This could include main dishes, sides, salads, and desserts. For smaller gatherings, you might focus on a well-rounded main course and a couple of complementary sides.
- Keep it manageable: while variety is great, it's also important not to overwhelm yourself. Choose a manageable number of dishes you can prepare and transport without stress if the event is not at your house.
- Include a main dish: a substantial one, whether turkey, ham, a vegetarian option, or another protein, is a must. This forms the meal's centerpiece and provides a filling option for all guests.
- Balance side dishes, salads, appetizers and bread basket: although they're all different courses, they can be used interchangeably. For example, a pumpkin muffin might be a bread or side dish option. So, think of them as one large section or course.
- Is kitchen space limited for reheating? Is there enough space in the fridge for dishes that require chilling? Ask about the available kitchen facilities and equipment. Knowing whether there's limited oven, stove or fridge space can influence your choice of dish, helping you opt for something that won't cause logistical challenges.
- Is there a preference for finger food or will utensils be used? Knowing whether guests will be standing and mingling or sitting at a table can influence your choice of dish. This is also a consideration if hosting the party and considering the utensils, glasses and plates needed to cater to everyone in more than one course.
How many servings should each dish yield?
Consider the final number of people expected, but explain to contributors that not all dishes have to serve all, as there will be other options. If everyone brought a dish large enough to serve everyone, there would be far too much food. Otherwise, you'll be left with an enormous amount of leftovers that won't fit in the fridge and freeze. Trust me on this one.
How to calculate servings of each dish?
- Know the guest count: determine the approximate number of guests attending the potluck. This is the starting point for determining serving sizes.
- Consider dish type: different dishes have varying serving sizes. Main dishes and protein-centric options generally require larger servings than sides or desserts. Aim for about ½ to ¾ pounds of food per person for main courses. Side dishes and desserts typically range from ¼ to ⅓ pound per person.
- Factor in dish variety: You can adjust portion sizes slightly, as people will likely sample multiple items. If it's a smaller gathering with fewer dish options, you might want to provide slightly larger servings.
- Consider side dish ratios: Aim to provide a variety to accommodate different tastes. If there are three or more side dishes, you can plan for smaller portions. You might want to increase the portion size if there are fewer sides. You might also want to include different dishes around the same ingredients, like a sweet potato casserole and candied sweet potatoes. People will probably have one or the other, not both, so you can combine the number of guests, counting both as one.
- Adjust for appetizers and desserts: if your potluck includes them, these can often be smaller portions since they are part of a larger array of options. For desserts, consider that guests might want to sample more than one.
- Drinks: When feeding a large party, consider using a glass drink dispenser or punch bowls to serve drinks, especially fruity drinks like punch and sangria that can be made ahead.
Check for dietary considerations
If you're aware of specific dietary considerations (e.g., vegetarian, gluten-free), consider these preferences when planning your dish. There should be one of each course: side dish, appetizer and dessert and appetizers.
Factor in kids
If children will be attending the potluck, consider their smaller appetites. You may need to adjust portions accordingly. And have some very basic dishes for picky eaters, including a simple dessert that is guaranteed to appeal to them.
Communicate with other contributors
If possible, talk with others, bringing dishes to ensure a diverse spread and avoid duplication. This can also help in planning quantities more accurately. And come up with a plan for leftovers: Will they stay at the host's house, or will participants take doggy bags home?
Use a serving size chart
Online serving size charts can provide general guidelines for various dishes. They consider the type of dish and the number of guests. They're especially good for large gatherings, where it's hard to calculate if you've never hosted a potluck or the host does not calculate servings and just lets contributors take whatever they want.
Our favorite Thanksgiving potluck recipes
There is a wide array of recipes for this type of gathering.
For smaller parties, you can make average sized desserts, like a pumpkin pie. For larger ones, squares and bars (like cheesecake for a crowd) will be easier to manage.
Sweet Potato Cornbread
Moist sweet potato cornbread with buttermilk and cinnamon. A soft, slightly sweet twist on the classic.
Soft Dinner Rolls
These classic rolls can be plain or flavored. They use few ingredients and can be made in advance and frozen.
Pumpkin Corn Muffins
Easy, moist muffin recipe with cornmeal, warm spices, and a wonderful texture. They're quick and ready in 30 minutes, and freeze well.
Parker House Rolls
The easiest Parker House Rolls require no kneading at all, only resting time. They're soft, buttery and freeze very well.
Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread
It's cheesy and spicy, has fresh corn and can be made ahead and frozen.
Cornbread Muffins
Traditional muffins with a hint of sweetness from the honey. They are easy to mix and are ready in 30 minutes.
Apple Cider Sangria
This is a favorite fall cocktail with warm flavors, white wine, apple cider and fruit. It comes together in 10 minutes and lasts for hours.
Cranberry Sangria
This sparkling cranberry sangria takes 10 minutes to prepare and lasts hours. It can be served cold or warm.
Ham Salad or Spread
This is a chop-and-mix recipe, flavorful and versatile and a great one for large gatherings.
Turkey Cran Sandwich
Turkey, cranberry sauce, cheese and a few other ingredients. A sandwich so easy to make, it practically puts itself together.
Sesame Peas and Green Beans
An easy side dish with sesame oil and seeds that comes together in half an hour if you have to cook the beans.
Apple Walnut Salad
A simple crunchy and tangy Fall salad with walnuts and cheese that is ready in 20 minutes.
Baked Beans and Apples
Old-fashioned baked beans with apples, bacon, and molasses: it's smoky, sweet, and tangy. A cozy fall side dish that tastes even better the next day and is perfect for Thanksgiving dinner.
Apple Cranberry Slaw
This creamy coleslaw is a mix of crunchy cabbage, fresh apples and cranberries with a yogurt dressing.
Cranberry Orange Sauce
This homemade recipe is extremely easy to make from scratch, and you can prepare it in advance.
Maple Glazed Carrots
Transform simple carrots into a tasty side dish. They're flavorful, quick and easy to make.
Blue Cheese Mac Cheese
The classic recipe got updated with a creamy sauce with three types of cheese and medium heat from some spice.
Green Bean Casserole
Crunchy green beans, creamy white sauce, gooey cheese, and crispy onions: this classic dish is a must.
Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts
A great sheet-pan side dish for dinner, barbecues, your Thanksgiving menu and Christmas dinner.
Caramelized Onion Dip
With a creamy texture and rich flavor, it's an easy appetizer made with caramelized onions, sour cream, and a few other simple ingredients.
Sweet Potato Casserole
A sweet dish with a creamy filling and a crunchy pecan top. It's quick and easy to assemble and can be made in advance.
Roasted Turkey Thighs
Turkey thighs are a great alternative to a whole roasted turkey if you don't need to feed a big crowd. They're flavorful and juicy, with a delicious, slightly crispy skin.
Easy Roasted Pumpkin
Thick wedges of season pumpkin are baked in the oven with herbs and spices. A great seasonal recipe that lets the vegetable shine!
Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts
It's a flavorful, quick and easy way of transforming plain sprouts into a tasty dish. Crunchy, tender and flavor-packed.
Candied Sweet Potatoes
A classic side dish for Thanksgiving dinner, this sweet potato recipe is simple and easy, with warm spices, brown sugar glaze and crunchy pecans.
Pumpkin Custard Pie
This simple and creamy pie is a mix of sweet custard and soft pumpkin. The result is a fantastic filling and, therefore, pie.
Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies
Soft pumpkin spice crinkle cookies with a chewy texture. The cookie dough can be kept refrigerated for a few days.
Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes
Creamy, baked cheesecake bites with a graham cracker crust and spiced pumpkin filling. Perfectly portioned (made in regular muffin tins) and ideal for Thanksgiving or fall desserts.
Sweet Potato Pie
A gingersnap crust paired with a filling that includes condensed milk and pecans. It can be made in advance.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies
Eye-catching brownies with a wonderful mix of spiced pumpkin and chocolate flavor, easy to make, and oh so fudgy!
Pumpkin Walnut Bread
With a nice dose of healthy pumpkin puree and oil, it comes together quickly, keeps well for days and can be frozen.
Mini Pumpkin Cakes
These mini pumpkin cakes are a cute alternative to slices from a large bundt. They have a finger-licking frosting and a dense spiced crumb.
Buckeye Fudge
An easy peanut butter chocolate fudge recipe. It's a no-bake recipe that uses few ingredients and keeps very well.
Easy Apple Crumb Bars
A great alternative to pie. It's a shortbread base topped by apple slices, and a buttery sweet crumb topping.
Maple Pecan Cheesecake
A very creamy maple cheesecake with a buttery pecan crust, real maple syrup, and pecan topping.
Frosted Pumpkin Cake
An easy pumpkin cake (pumpkin bars or pumpkin squares as it's also called) with fall spices, a moist crumb and soft, luscious cream cheese frosting.
Chocolate Cookies
Fudgy, easy-to-make cookies with a double dose of chocolate that makes them irresistible.
Pumpkin Dump Cake
This is a perfect fall dessert, a crustless creamy pumpkin pie with a crunchy topping made with just 2 ingredients. Simple and delicious.
Chocolate Pecan Pie
A twist on the classic dessert, this pecan pie recipe has chocolate, a splash of bourbon and maple syrup for extra flavor and richness.
Pumpkin Cran Muffins
Moist and easy to make, these pumpkin muffins are spiced and soft, with a tangy bite from the cranberries.
Brown Sugar Cheesecake
Creamy, smooth, with a sour cream topping and the unmistakable caramel flavor that only brown sugar can achieve. It keeps well and can be frozen.
Pumpkin Mousse Pie
This no-bake pie is creamier and less dense than the traditional baked version. It has a lovely, airy texture and a buttery graham cracker crust that doesn't need an oven.
Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
Soft and chewy peanut butter cookies with a chocolate center, these cookies are easy to make and loved by everyone.
Caramel Apple Dump Cake
It's like a sweet casserole dish with a layer of apple pie filling and the easiest 2-ingredient topping. A delicious fall dessert.
Lemon Curd Cookies
These classic cookies are easy to make and burst with fresh lemon flavor, the perfect combination of sweet and tangy.
Easy Pumpkin Pie
A homemade pumpkin pie with a graham cracker crust and simple filling ingredients. It keeps well and disappears quickly.
White Chocolate Vanilla Fudge
A homemade white chocolate treat with an extra dose of vanilla flavor. It's easy to make and creamy.
Enjoy this time celebrating family and friends. May your year be filled with all kinds of joy and love. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being a loyal reader ❤️
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