Top 10 Easy Thanksgiving Potluck Recipes

Making a multi-course Thanksgiving meal can definitely be intimidating. Unless, that is, everyone pitches in! Whether you're seeking Thanksgiving potluck ideas for home, work, or Friendsgiving, we’ve pulled together 10 easy Thanksgiving potluck recipes - from appetizers to desserts - that are portable and guaranteed to please a crowd.

What To Bring To A Thanksgiving Potluck

When it comes to a menu item for a Thanksgiving potluck, the options are endless. Discuss with your friends or family members on what they plan to bring to help narrow down your dish for the potluck. Decide on if you want to make a large sharing dish like a casserole or small appetizer plate like stuffed mashed potato tots. You could bring classic sides like glazed Brussel sprouts, rosemary and thyme green beans or ginger spiced mashed sweet potatoes. Consider the amount of time you have to cook and planning for ingredients. It is really up to you on what you contribute to the Thanksgiving menu. Just remember to have fun!

Thanksgiving Potluck Ideas For Work

An office Thanksgiving potluck or “Worksgiving” is a great way to create office engagement and a chance to thank the team on all their hard work throughout the year. We recommend creating a signup sheet with a list of general Thanksgiving potluck food ideas for coworkers to bring like an appetizer, side dish, beverage or dessert. Managers or team leads can handle the turkey or ham. This will help organize the Thanksgiving menu and so that no one is bringing the same dish or beverage. Similar for all Thanksgiving potlucks, try to be creative and make enough for everyone to sample.

Easy Thanksgiving Potluck Ideas 

1. Cranberry Deviled Eggs

This party favorite isn’t only for Easter or summer. Deviled eggs actually make for one of our favorite easy Thanksgiving potluck ideas, especially when seasoned with ground mustard and fragrant sage and topped with festive dollops of cranberry sauce. 

It's easy to make, super tasty and a low-hassle way to contribute to a Thanksgiving potluck at work. Just pop in the refrigerator until they're ready to serve.

2. Baked Brie with Cranberry Chutney

Instead of putting out your basic cheese board, be the star of your Thanksgiving potluck with this ooey-gooey potluck appetizer: a wheel of spicy berry-crowned baked brie, baked until melted in a pillowy puff pastry. 

Seasoned with ground cinnamon, ginger, and cloves and served with your favorite fruit or crackers, this sweet yet tart delight is a potluck treat that'll delight your guests.

3. Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

In charge of the main event, but don’t have the energy — or the oven space — to roast an entire bird? This slow cooker recipe will streamline your Thanksgiving party prep and get the turkey on the table in about 8 hours. 

If you do want to learn more on how to cook a turkey, check out our Thanksgiving turkey guide.

4. Turkey Pot Pie

Cover your Thanksgiving potluck bases with this unconventional holiday idea, showcasing both turkey and pie in one swoop! 

Just grab a couple of packages of turkey gravy mix, a bit of poultry seasoning, mixed vegetables and a few cups of already cooked turkey for a creamy yet crunchy take on this holiday dinner classic.

5. Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole

Thanksgiving can definitely be a tricky holiday for anyone with diet restrictions. Not only is creamy green bean casserole the king of easy potluck dishes, it can easily be made gluten-free, without sacrificing even a tiny bit of flavor.

With caramelized mushrooms and onions, a dash of onion salt and basil leaves for taste, this green bean casserole recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

6. Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Crunch

No wonder this is one of the most popular Thanksgiving potluck side dishes. It’s practically as indulgent as dessert! Our roasted sweet potato recipe, featuring vanilla extract and ground cinnamon and ginger, fully embraces the concept of sweet n' savory, with a pecan pie-inspired topping.

7. Spiced Caramel Apple Cider

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with Spiced Caramel Apple Cider—a delightful beverage that brings the essence of a coffeehouse favorite right to your kitchen. This comforting drink combines the sweetness of caramel with the warmth of McCormick® Apple Pie Spice, creating the perfect treat for the holidays.

8. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic mashed potatoes—a must-have side dish for any holiday gathering or Thanksgiving potluck. Made with creamy Yukon Gold potatoes, butter, milk, and McCormick® Garlic Powder, this easy mashed potatoes recipe delivers smooth, garlicky goodness in every spoonful.

9. Cinnamon Apple Crisp

We’re willing to bet this will become one of your go-to Thanksgiving potluck ideas for years to come. This apple crisp recipe tastes exactly like the beloved apple pie, but will save you the headache of dealing with double crusts.

Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a crowd-pleasing finish

10. Slow Cooker Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

Bring creamy, cheesy comfort to the Thanksgiving table with this slow cooker casserole. Simply toss everything into your slow cooker and let it do the work—no oven needed! This cheesy broccoli casserole is a family favorite that’s great for potlucks, Thanksgiving, or any meal that needs a little extra comfort.