23 Easy Thanksgiving Potluck Dishes for Work, Church, or Family
This is a collection of easy Thanksgiving potluck dishes for work, church, or family, from classic sides to a few new recipes. Turkey gets center stage on Thanksgiving, but the dishes people carry in are the comfort food everyone talks about.
All these classic dishes will remind you of home and the holidays with your parents and grandparents. If you are hosting for the first time, or bringing a dish to a potluck, you will find an old family favorite here. It is all the best Thanksgiving recipes in one place, so you never have to search the house for them.
While these recipes are Thanksgiving staples, they are simple enough for beginners. Some are make ahead, so when your family arrives you have time to enjoy the big day too.
Traditional Green Bean Casserole Recipe
In our house, the classic green bean casserole with cream of mushroom soup is a must for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. It’s creamy, crunchy, and packed with comforting green bean flavor, and the best part is, you can mix it all together the day before.
This post contains some affiliate links, for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, I will earn a small commission, which helps keep my blog up and running, but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
Cornbread Stuffing – Copycat Liberty Tree Tavern Recipe
If you’ve ever eaten at Liberty Tree Tavern in Disney World, then you know how amazing their cornbread stuffing is. It quickly became a family favorite and is now a must-have Thanksgiving side dish at our house. This delicious recipe is our daughter’s favorite and has become one of our most cherished holiday traditions. Porcelain Rectangular Baking Dish Set of 2, Casserole Dish for all your casseroles.
Baked Mac and Cheese for Thanksgiving
Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese, my mother in law’s creamy cheddar mac and cheese with a crunchy panko top. You can make the sauce ahead and freeze it.
Instant Pot German Red Cabbage with Apple
German red cabbage, also known as Rotkohl or braised red cabbage, is a traditional side dish that brings old-world flavor to our Thanksgiving table. I use a modern twist by making it in the Instant Pot, and it always turns out tender and perfectly seasoned. This easy side dish has become a surprising favorite with the whole family.
Old-Fashioned Candied Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows
When I think of classic Thanksgiving sides, old-fashioned candied sweet potatoes with marshmallows always come to mind. This nostalgic dish brings back cherished memories of holidays spent with loved ones. Sweet potato recipes have come a long way, but this one stands out for its timeless flavor and cozy charm. Autumn Plates set of 4, you may like.
Easy Corn Bake Casserole Recipe with Jiffy Mix
Corn bake casserole is a quick and easy holiday side that you can mix together the day before and pop in the fridge. It’s fluffy, creamy, and full of sweet corn flavor, always a hit with the kids. This comforting dish is a close second to green bean casserole on our family’s list of favorites.
How to Bake Acorn Squash with Butter and Brown Sugar
The easiest way to make baked acorn squash is to simply cut it in half and roast it in the oven. It’s quick to prepare and turns out sweet, tender, and perfect alongside any fall or winter meal. The naturally rich flavor gets even better with a touch of butter and a sprinkle of seasoning.
Homemade Fresh Cranberry Relish Sauce
Homemade cranberry sauce is a classic side dish that always makes our list of favorite Thanksgiving side dishes. Sweet, tangy, and made with fresh or frozen cranberries, it adds a burst of color and flavor to any holiday dinner. We love making this cranberry relish year-round—it’s too good to save just for the holidays.
Easy Crispy Parmesan Smashed Brussels Sprouts
Smashed Brussels sprouts with grated parmesan cheese turn crispy and golden in the oven, making them one of our favorite Thanksgiving side dishes. Even if you’re not usually a fan of holiday Brussels sprouts, this recipe just might change your mind. The crispy edges and savory flavor make these a must-try at any holiday dinner.
Simple Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Handmade mashed potatoes are a classic Thanksgiving side dish, just as essential as turkey and stuffing. I’ve made them so many ways over the years, but the Instant Pot version is my go-to for perfect results every time. From retro family dinners to holiday meals, creamy mashed potatoes always bring comfort to the table.
Sweet Moist Cornbread -Traditional Recipe or Quick Mix
Sweet, moist cornbread is one of those traditional Thanksgiving side dishes that never goes out of style. Whether I make it from scratch or use a quick mix, it always turns out soft, golden, and full of flavor. It’s the perfect companion to turkey, stuffing, and all the cozy holiday favorites.
Cheesy hash brown potato casserole is a recipe I got from a friend after a cozy dinner party at her house. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with cheesy goodness. This easy, make-ahead dish has been a go-to for our holiday dinners ever since.
Potluck Appetizers and Dips
Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs (Easy 5 Ingredient Appetizer)
These crockpot cranberry meatballs need just 5 ingredients. They stay warm right in the slow cooker, so plug it in at the party and let people serve themselves.
Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce
These sweet and sour meatballs use only 3 ingredients and cook in the crockpot. It is the dish everyone remembers from church suppers and family parties.
Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts with Pre-Cooked Bacon (Rumaki)
Pre-cooked bacon keeps the prep quick for these bacon wrapped water chestnuts. They are easy finger food for a big crowd.
Knorr Vegetable Spinach Dip In A Classic Bread Bowl
This cold spinach dip in a bread bowl is a retro party favorite. Mix it ahead, chill it, and set it out with crackers and carrots.
Hot Artichoke Dip Recipe with Mayo and Parmesan
This hot artichoke dip with mayo and Parmesan is ready in about 40 minutes. Mix it, bake it, and serve it warm with crackers.
Cranberry Jello Salad Mold, a Thanksgiving Potluck Favorite
This cranberry jello salad mold is a vintage recipe passed down from my mother-in-law and loved by our whole family. It’s pretty, it chills ahead of time, and it fits any Thanksgiving or Christmas table. This classic jello salad is a fun and colorful family favori
Easy Watergate Salad Recipe with Pistachio Pudding
This fluffy pistachio Watergate salad is a retro favorite that goes fast at a potluck. Make it ahead and keep it chilled until you leave.
Easy Creamy Pumpkin Hummus
This easy homemade pumpkin hummus is a fun and flavorful twist on traditional hummus for the fall season. Made with savory spices, it’s creamy, nutritious, and packed with fiber—perfect for a healthy Thanksgiving side or appetizer. We love serving this smooth and slightly spicy hummus as a festive fall treat everyone enjoys
Irresistible Classic Scalloped Potatoes Casserole with Bacon
Homemade scalloped potatoes are a creamy and comforting side dish that fits right in on the Thanksgiving table. Made with just six ingredients, these thinly sliced potatoes bake in a rich white sauce and get perfectly crispy on top. This classic recipe, topped with bacon, is always a holiday dinner favorite.
Easy 6-Ingredient Crockpot Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Crockpot broccoli rice casserole is one of our favorite cheesy side dishes to serve at Thanksgiving. It’s warm, comforting, and so easy to make in the slow cooker, which saves precious oven space. Topped with extra cheese, this delicious recipe is always a hit at our holiday dinner table.
Saltine Cracker Turkey Stuffing Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving
Saltine cracker stuffing is a retro holiday tradition in our family—moist, savory, and so simple to make. We stuff the cracker mixture right into the turkey cavity, then bake any extra as a cozy casserole side that everyone loves.
