55 Thanksgiving Potluck Ideas Everyone Will Wish They Brought in 2025

Thanksgiving potlucks are where everyone’s story ends up on the table. Someone brings their grandma’s stuffing, someone else experiments with a new side dish and there’s always at least one person who forgets the serving spoon. It’s the kind of meal that feels like family, no matter who’s there.

According to Innova Market Insights, more people are drawn to food that connects them to where they came from while still leaving room to make it their own. That spirit fits perfectly with a potluck — a mix of old favorites, new ideas and plenty of sharing.

So what food can you take to a Thanksgiving party? What are the top Thanksgiving dishes? We’ve rounded up Thanksgiving food ideas that taste great and actually get people talking, whether you’re heading to the office potluck or a friends-only feast.

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• Thanksgiving Potluck Ideas for Work
• Easy Thanksgiving Potluck Ideas
• Thanksgiving Potluck Side Dishes
• Unique Thanksgiving Potluck Ideas
• Inexpensive Thanksgiving Potluck Ideas

Thanksgiving Potluck Ideas for Work

1. Turkey Cheeseball

It’s not really an office potluck until someone brings a cheese ball. And you can make it even more spectacular by shaping it into a Turkey Day turkey. Simply form a cheese ball with a mix of your favorite ingredients like cream cheese, cheddar and bacon bits. Then add pretzel legs and Ritz crackers to form the tail feathers for an adorable Thanksgiving centerpiece. 

2. Pretzel Turkeys

Turn salty and sweet elements into bite-sized Thanksgiving potluck ideas everyone will love. Place a round chocolate candy like Rolos, Hershey’s Kisses or mini Reeses on a pretzel and soften in the oven on low heat. After several minutes, stick in three candy corn pieces to serve as tail feathers and some candy eyes. It's a mini turkey that looks the part.

3. Chicken & Stuffing Casserole

What can I bring to a potluck at work? Look for Thanksgiving potluck ideas that are easy to transport. Think one-dish wonder, a way to turn a traditional Thanksgiving menu item into a hot dish to go. And it's easier than you might think. Combine turkey, stuffing, potatoes and other veggies in a crockpot for several hours and you’ll get all the expected flavors with a much easier single-pot approach. 

4. Mini Pumpkin Pies

Work potlucks are all about ease, so you need to think through how you will serve and clean up after the event. Mini pies are perfect because there's no slicing and no cleanup. Use pre-made crusts or filo dough to create miniature versions of everyone’s favorite holiday dessert. You can even add tiny dabs of whipped cream on top for a one-bite treat. 

5. Mulled Apple Cider

Don't overlook the power of smell to make a work potluck really feel like Thanksgiving. Hot cider brewing does just that. It smells like fall and Thanksgiving in the best way. Simmer apple cider with cinnamon and cloves, pour into a thermos and let everyone help themselves. 

6. Cranberry Brie Bites

Thinking back on easy to serve, anything pue shaped will work. Add some filo dough to a muffin tin and layer with a chunk of brie and a spoonful of canned cranberries and pop them in the oven for a sweet and savory Thanksgiving appetizer. They're incredibly easy, but really look the part when it comes to Thanksgiving potluck ideas.

7. Trail Mix with Pumpkins

Turn your ordinary party mix into one of the most snackable Thanksgiving potluck ideas for work. Combine Chex Mix, pretzels, Cheese Bits, sesame sticks and nuts, then toss in candy corn or pumpkin candies for a hint of sweet among the crunch. 

8. Turkey Sliders

For a clever handheld way to enjoy traditional Thanksgiving foods, sliced turkey, cheese and cranberry sauce on small rolls, brush with melted butter and bake until the tops glisten. They're perfect for desk dining.

9. Corn Salsa

Yellow corn adds just a little bit of sweetness and extra chunkiness to your chips. Mix up a bowl for one of the easiest, but most crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving potluck ideas. They're moorish and difficult to stop eating. Mix corn, red onion, cilantro, lime and a touch of vinegar. And bring chips, obviously.

10. Thanksgiving Charcuterie

A snack spread that always steals attention. It's snackable but still serves as a solid work lunch. Grab a board and create a Thanksgiving charcuterie board with cheese, sausage, sliced meat, pickles and olives and add some fall ingredients like roasted pumpkin seeds and cranberries. 

Easy Thanksgiving Potluck Ideas

11. Green Bean Casserole

A holiday classic, this mix of canned green beans, cream of mushroom soup and crispy onions makes an easy Thanksgiving potluck idea that is quick to throw together and easy to transport. The crispy onions bring the flavor and give it that crunchy texture that everyone will remember. 

12. Pumpkin Torte

Think pumpkin pie, but less fussy. Use a cream cheese base layered with canned pumpkin and spices to create one of the easiest Thanksgiving potluck ideas that will please even the Thanksgiving traditionalists. Cut it up in squares before and top with whipped cream before you leave the house. 

13. Sausage Stuffing

Everybody loves stuffing, but if you add a protein, you turn it into a Thanksgiving potluck dish that will fill bellies. Blend bread cubes, spices, turkey or chicken broth, along with crumbled sausage for a delicious spin. You can also add cranberries or apples for a hint of sweetness amid the savory. 

14. Mashed Sweet Potatoes

You have to try this sweet, buttery, innovative take on Thanksgiving mashed potatoes to understand how good it is. Blend potatoes with milk, butter and a little bit of maple syrup for extra sweetness and rich flavor. The scent alone makes people hover near the break room door.

15. Spicy Cranberry Meatballs

A tasty twist on slow cooker meatballs, this version swaps grape jelly and ketchup for cranberry sauce. The result’s tangier, just as easy and always a hit among Thanksgiving potluck ideas.

16. Stuffed Acorn Squash

Little round squash make the best edible bowls. Pack them with rice, veggies and a bit of cheese, then bake until bubbling. Simple, cozy and one of the easiest Thanksgiving potluck ideas around. 

17. Sweet Glazed Carrots

Honey-glazed carrots make an easy Thanksgiving potluck idea that you can assemble in minutes. Add a glaze of honey or maple syrup, butter, garlic and olive oil to carrots on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven. They look the part and taste delicious.

18. Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip

What's the easiest thing to bring to a potluck? Pumpkin cheesecake dip, of course. Blend cream cheese, pumpkin puree, sugar and spices, then serve with graham crackers or cookies. It’s everything that's good about cheesecake without the baking.

19. Apple Walnut Salad

For a fresh Thanksgiving potluck idea, mix baby spinach leaves or other greens with bits of apple, blue cheese and candied walnuts with a sweet vinaigrette or poppyseed dressing. After all of the heavy food, a little green never hurt anyone.

20. Mini Caramel Bites

Turn grapes into mini “caramel apples.” Dip them in warm caramel, chill until firm and serve on toothpicks. They’re unexpected and incredibly fun.

Thanksgiving Potluck Side Dishes

21. Mashed Potato Casserole

Potluck guests will love this spin on ordinary mashed potatoes. Combine potatoes with sour cream and chives, then bake with a topping of breadcrumbs and Parmigiano cheese. It's simple, wholesome and oh so delicious.

22. Pumpkin Risotto

Pumpkin stirs right into creamy Parmesan risotto for a fall side that feels like comfort in a bowl. It’s rich, a little earthy and perfect beside the turkey and trimmings.

23. Cranberry Sauce

Whether you love the version made from scratch or the one that comes in a can, cranberry sauce is always one of the most well-known Thanksgiving potluck ideas. Serve the traditional version or add orange zest or maple syrup if you want it to feel fresh again.

24. Stuffing Muffins

It's that beloved Thanksgiving stuffing again, but this time it's travel-ready. Simply press stuffing into a muffin tin and top or fill the center cavity with gravy for one of the most delicious Thanksgiving potluck ideas that's easy to serve.

25. Scalloped Potatoes

These creamy potatoes are a great substitute for traditional mashed potatoes. Just combine milk, flour, potatoes and onion, then top with Gruyere cheese that will form a delightful crust in the oven. Bake in advance and reheat before serving. No one’s ever sad to see another potato dish on the table.

26. Cranberry Green Beans

For an unexpected take on a classic side dish, add feta cheese and cranberries to ordinary green beans for color, flavor and just enough tang to cut through all the other rich Thanksgiving potluck ideas.

27. Fried Apples

For a sweet Thanksgiving side that works wonderfully for a potluck, fry up some sliced or diced apples with a little cinnamon, sugar and butter on the stove until they are thoroughly cooked. Eat them alone as a side or serve with vanilla ice cream as a dessert.

28. Candied Yams

Sweet potatoes get a little holiday glow-up with butter, cinnamon, spice and a splash of orange juice. It’s a fragrant side that serves a holiday favorite with a little more flavor.

29. Brussels Sprout Bake

This spin on plain sprouts mixes cream, bacon and butter and tops it off with gruyere and white cheddar for some fun Thanksgiving potluck ideas that can be served as a side dish. Even people who “don’t like Brussels sprouts” end up eating this one. 

Unique Thanksgiving Potluck Ideas

30. Gnocchi Stuffing

Add some volume and rich texture to your ordinary Thanksgiving stuffing by adding potato gnocchi to the mix for some extra starchiness and structure. 

31. Cranberry Jalapeno Poppers

Sweet meets heat in these little bites. Fill halved jalapeños with cream cheese, bacon and a spoon of cranberry sauce. Bake until the edges start to brown and serve warm.

32. Stuffed Mushroom Caps

Mushroom caps aren’t usually considered a Thanksgiving food, but add a few crumbled pecans on top definitely and they're suddenly ready to stand alongside the turkey. 

33. Turkey Roulade

Skip the whole bird and serve rolled turkey breast instead, stuffed with herbs, onions and garlic. Slice it up ahead of time and serve warm or chilled alongside your other Thanksgiving potluck ideas.

34. Sweet Potato Lasagna

Swap noodles for thin layers of sweet potato in this cozy lasagna-style bake. With marinara, ricotta and plenty of mozzarella, it’s a crowd-pleasing gluten-free and vegetarian option for your Thanksgiving potluck. 

35. Pumpkin Ravioli

Pumpkin puree is the key to this unique Thanksgiving potluck idea. Fill wonton wrappers or homemade pasta sheets with pumpkin puree and spices, boil gently and toss in browned butter with sage. They're a little bit fiddly but well worth the effort.

36. Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw

While coleslaw might feel more like a summertime food, the addition of sweet corn and spicy jalapeño adds life to the classic dish. It’s a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of gravy.

37. Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler

This mix of rich pumpkin, brown sugar and caramel has all the winning flavors of the perfect Thanksgiving potluck dish. Combine flour, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, cloves and other spices to make the base and create a crumbly top with brown sugar and pecans. Spoon it over ice cream if you want to win the table.

38. Spinach Feta Roll-Ups

Try layering filo or pastry dough with a mix of feta and spinach for a classic Greek flavor that pairs perfectly with traditional Thanksgiving dishes. Slice into small pieces and serve with toothpicks for easy sharing.

39. Turkey and Spinach Meatballs

Combine ground turkey with spinach, onions, egg and breadcrumbs with your favorite seasonings and roll into bite-sized balls to create one of the healthiest Thanksgiving potluck ideas. 

40. Fried Zucchini

Fry zucchini slices in vegetable oil and flour for a deliciously simple Thanksgiving potluck idea. Add salt, pepper or grated parmesan for flavor.

Inexpensive Thanksgiving Potluck Ideas

41. Baked Potato Casserole

Another easy casserole and one of the least expensive Thanksgiving potluck ideas you can make combines mashed potatoes with cheese, onion, bacon and sour cream for a loaded baked potato taste in casserole form. Top with potato chips or breadcrumbs and a thick layer of cheddar cheese. 

42. Mac & Cheese

A side dish standard for many meals, macaroni and cheese can be as simple or complex as you like. For an easy recipe, mix a block of Velveeta with milk and macaroni, or create a mix of cheeses like cheddar, gruyere and parmesan to create a baked mac and cheese to die for. 

43. Skillet Cornbread

Cornbread can be a hearty addition to your potluck table. Bake in a cast-iron skillet for extra texture and serve warm with honey butter or an autumnal soup or stew. 

44. Butternut Squash Soup

Oven-roasted squash forms a rich base for one of the easiest and least expensive Thanksgiving potluck ideas. Blend it with garlic, onion, olive oil, spices and a touch of maple syrup for a creamy, cozy soup. 

45. Stuffed Apples

Hollow out an apple and fill with oats, cinnamon, nuts, raisins and sugar for a healthy oven-baked treat that makes a deliciously inexpensive Thanksgiving potluck idea.

46. Broccoli & Wild Rice Casserole

Another easy casserole that contains budget-friendly ingredients, this mix of veggies and wild rice makes for great Thanksgiving potluck ideas that are very simple to create. Just combine the rice and broccoli with heavy cream, onions and flour, and add carrots or mushrooms to diversify the flavors. 

47. Rosemary Roasted Root Vegetables

The simplest way to make vegetables taste special. Toss potatoes, carrots and beets with olive oil and rosemary, then roast until crisp at the edges. A delicious and cost-effective potluck idea.

48. Scalloped Corn

For a tasty, inexpensive Thanksgiving side dish, blend regular and creamed corn together with a mix of eggs, butter and milk and bake in the oven with a dusting of bread crumbs or cornflakes over the top. 

49. Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Add some pumpkin puree and cinnamon to your basic sugar cookie recipe for a delicious Thanksgiving cookie variation that can be made on a budget. You can also add pumpkin to the powdered sugar frosting to top them, or just bring along your leftover Halloween cookies.

50. Thanksgiving Punch

For another one of the least expensive Thanksgiving potluck ideas, serve up this delicious punch that blends orange juice, cranberry juice and pineapple juice with Sprite and a dash of grenadine. Garnish with some raw cranberries or orange slices to look the part.

51. Apple Cinnamon Crumble

This simple crumble combines oats, sugar, cinnamon and apples into a crunchy baked Thanksgiving dessert perfect for serving with caramel or vanilla ice cream. Bring a side of Japanese mochi for Asian potluck food, something a little different from the usual.

52. Cranberry Apple Relish

For a great addition to potluck tables, mix chopped apples and cranberries with scallions and orange juice as a non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe to traditional cranberry sauce. 

53. Thanksgiving Dinner Rolls

The best way to make budget-friendly rolls to accompany your meal is to create them from scratch. An easy recipe for Thanksgiving rolls uses yeast, potato flakes, olive oil and flour to create a delicious dough that rises into fluffy perfection.

54. Party Potatoes

This tasty and inexpensive potato dish is made with shredded or cubed hashbrowns, milk, butter and cheddar cheese. You can make a huge pan on the cheap for a crowd. Top it with breadcrumbs, cornflakes or potato chips for a satisfying crunch.

55. Broccoli Casserole

With a crunchy crust and a creamy, warm middle, this easy dish is a great, inexpensive Thanksgiving potluck idea that can be made with a few simple ingredients. Mix frozen or fresh broccoli with cream of mushroom soup, butter, milk and eggs. Top it with breadcrumbs or cornflakes. 

Potlucks have a way of reminding everyone why food matters. It’s not about who cooked the most or followed the recipe exactly. It’s about showing up with something made to be shared. Sitting around the dinner table, sharing Thanksgiving quotes and stories of gratitude, is all the holiday is about. 

These Thanksgiving potluck ideas are simple, comforting and full of personality, the kind of dishes that make the table feel fuller in every sense. And if you make enough, you’ll have a few Thanksgiving leftovers ideas worth fighting over the next day.

Whether you’re keeping things casual or planning a more formal Thanksgiving menu, it all comes down to the same thing: good food, shared with good people.

For even more fun Thanksgiving ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!