Nobody wants to be remembered for the dish that sat untouched while people politely avoided eye contact. With 29 can’t-miss Thanksgiving favorites, there’s no room for leftovers or awkward silence. The right pick guarantees compliments from relatives who usually say nothing. It’s called potluck, not potluck-and-pray.
Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins
When you want a sweet option that feels special, Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins are always popular at any gathering. These treats mix creamy flavors with fruit in a way everyone seems to love. People reach for them as a quick breakfast or a fun dessert. You’ll see the basket empty out in no time.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins
Twice Baked Potatoes
Holiday tables feel incomplete until someone brings a pan of Twice Baked Potatoes for sharing. Each forkful comes with a creamy smooth filling that keeps people wanting another scoop. Guests talk about adding all sorts of toppings and flavors to try. By the end of dinner, no one can find a single potato left on the tray.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potatoes
Cabbage Casserole
Sharing meals gets a boost with Cabbage Casserole since it is both hearty and versatile. Many folks enjoy it because leftovers are easy to reheat. People seem to like how this dish fits in with so many other sides. Don’t be surprised if someone asks for the recipe before they leave.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Casserole
Turkey Sliders
Finger foods are always fun, making Turkey Sliders a top pick for potlucks. These small sandwiches are easy to grab and work well for kids and adults. If there’s a game on or lots of people milling around, they disappear fast. They’re often the first thing guests ask about at the table.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Sliders
Apple Dump Cake
Those who love easy sweets feel right at home with Apple Dump Cake for dessert. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser thanks to how simple it is to serve. The warm pieces pair well with coffee or a scoop of something cold. After dinner, people are happy when this makes its way up to the table.
Get the Recipe: Apple Dump Cake
Beet Salad
Bringing color to the table, Beet Salad offers something light beside all the heavy dishes. It’s known for being a fresh bite that cuts through the big flavors of the holiday meal. Guests enjoy how it brightens up the spread. People often come back for a second, smaller helping.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad
Perfect Spatchcock Turkey
When you’re looking for even cooking and plenty of juicy meat, Perfect Spatchcock Turkey is the way to go. People love how every slice comes out moist with just the right amount of crispiness on the skin. Serving this bird always gets compliments from both young and older guests. It’s a bit of a showstopper for special dinners.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Spatchcock Turkey
Amish Breakfast Casserole
Kick off the morning with Amish Breakfast Casserole that keeps everyone full through the parade or game. It has layers that hold up well if you need to make it ahead. This is one of those casseroles that gets applause before lunch even hits the table. Folks like it enough to go back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Amish Breakfast Casserole
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
Party tables look better when Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls show up as a warm snack. Each bite is easy to eat with one hand, leaving your other hand free for a drink or plate. Adults and kids eat these so quickly that a second batch is sometimes needed. Bringing them means you’ll always be asked to do it again.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
French Onion Casserole
Serving crowd favorites for Thanksgiving? Add French Onion Casserole for a dish that tastes rich and filling but is easy to serve. The cheese topping brings people together, especially when everyone’s swapping stories. It’s almost always finished before other casseroles on the table.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole
Pork Belly
Even before the meal starts, the sight of Pork Belly sizzling on a platter makes people gather closer. Each crisp slice comes with a little crunch and a lot of boldness in every bite. It’s the sort of thing that turns into the main talk at the table. Everyone starts looking for second helpings right away.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly
Potato Skins
As soon as party trays set out loaded Potato Skins for guests, everyone starts gathering in the kitchen. Families enjoy mixing up toppings or adding their own favorite dips. The best part is grabbing a few with your fingers before they’re all gone. Plates make their way back for seconds in no time at all.
Get the Recipe: Potato Skins
Biscuits and Gravy Casserole
No need for fancy food when Biscuits and Gravy Casserole brings both comfort and flavor. This dish works well for breakfast or as a dinner side. Everyone gathers around when the smell comes out of the oven. After one scoop, most plates are clean in record time.
Get the Recipe: Biscuits and Gravy Casserole
Sheet Pan Pancakes
Group breakfasts are easier when Sheet Pan Pancakes show up on the spread. Instead of flipping stacks, you can cut these into pieces for anyone who walks in hungry. Kids and adults like adding extra toppings to their corners. Cleanup is fast so you can get back to enjoying the holiday.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pancakes
Hashbrown Casserole
Whenever you need something filling, Hashbrown Casserole is a safe bet for big groups. It pairs with almost everything on the potluck table. Guests dig in for a scoop before the main meal begins. Sharing this at Thanksgiving makes people remember your dish for next year.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole
Smoky Bacon Pig Shots
Appetizers get a playful twist when Smoky Bacon Pig Shots hit the buffet. Each bite has a balance of crispy outside and soft center. People tend to grab several without even thinking about it. These are great for mixing up the usual snack options.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots
Turkey Soup
Warming up after a big meal feels good when someone serves Turkey Soup. This dish is perfect for using up leftovers and keeps everyone feeling cozy. It can be the main event for a small crowd or a starter for something bigger. Expect to see empty bowls and smiles at the end of the night.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Soup
Seven Layer Salad
Colorful sides can refresh any potluck and Seven Layer Salad does that well. Each spoonful gets a mix of everything, making it pick-proof for guests. People often ask about how you got all those layers to stand up in the bowl. After everyone tries it, the bowl is usually scraped clean.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad
Gooey Pumpkin S’mores Cookie Cake
Dessert fans rave over Gooey Pumpkin S’mores Cookie Cake because it mixes favorite flavors in every bite. Kids especially enjoy the oozy texture. People pass the plate around until only crumbs are left. This recipe’s a fun break from traditional pie.
Get the Recipe: Gooey Pumpkin S’mores Cookie Cake
Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board
Mix up appetizers with Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board that brings color and options for every taste. Each piece is easy to grab, which keeps things moving at a busy table. Guests keep chatting as they fill their plates. The fun layout also gets a few laughs and photos.
Get the Recipe: Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board
Apple Pie
Holiday gatherings are not complete without Apple Pie on the table. The crust and soft filling bring back memories for many people. It usually gets topped with something cold or creamy for extra sweetness. There’s always someone ready to cut the first slice.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie
Green Bean Casserole
Thanksgiving feels real once big scoops of rich Green Bean Casserole are passed along the table. People compare their favorite versions, swapping secrets for the crispiest topping. Some traditions call for this dish every year without fail. Leftovers disappear almost as soon as dinner ends.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole
Fried Banana
Potluck dessert plates light up when golden Fried Banana is placed between classic pies and cakes. Each bite brings a soft texture that kids and adults both enjoy. Friends try to sneak extras for the road. By the end of the night, platters come back completely empty.
Get the Recipe: Fried Banana
Stuffed Mushrooms
Small bites like Stuffed Mushrooms work well for potluck tables packed with options. Guests enjoy popping a couple as they mingle. The earthy flavor stands out from other sides. Almost no extras are left on the tray when dinner wraps up.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Mushrooms
Fun Rolo Pretzel Thanksgiving Turkeys
Festive treats stay in demand, especially when they look as fun as Fun Rolo Pretzel Thanksgiving Turkeys. Kids get excited making and eating them. Plates clear quickly once everyone realizes how sweet and salty each bite can be. It’s easy to bring a smile with these little snacks.
Get the Recipe: Fun Rolo Pretzel Thanksgiving Turkeys
Thanksgiving Casserole
Hearty casserole bakes are the star of the potluck when bold Thanksgiving Casserole is served for everyone. It mixes up holiday leftovers in a way that feels both new and familiar. Friends go back for seconds since each bite brings something a little different. By the end of the meal, people are talking about making it at home.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Casserole
Pumpkin Bars
Light snacks are important after a big meal, so Pumpkin Bars show up on dessert plates. People enjoy that they’re easy to grab and just sweet enough. Kids often go back to the tray for another piece. These are popular when you don’t want a full slice of cake or pie.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Bars
Eggplant Casserole
Meatless eaters and curious guests both line up for gooey Eggplant Casserole at community dinners. Its stacked layers and rich bite are perfect for cozy gatherings with family and friends. Questions about making it always come up after just a few bites. Someone will always ask for seconds before it’s gone.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole
Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls
Kids and grown-ups rush for a chance at sticky Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls each time they arrive at a meal. The sweet pull-apart rolls make everyone smile and reach for another. Sticky hands and happy faces show just how good they are. With rolls this popular, leftovers do not last long at all.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls
