From savory stuffing and mashed potatoes to hearty casseroles and vegetable-forward dishes, these Thanksgiving potluck ideas bring flavor, tradition and variety to the holiday table.
1/40
Corn Pudding
From the Recipe Creator:
Cornbread mix and canned corn make this southern corn pudding casserole a snap to prepare. Now, this is real comfort food! —P. Lauren Fay-Neri, Syracuse, New York
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 435 calories, 22g fat (12g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 700mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
This holy grail comfort food can be modified to your liking.
2/40
Coconut-Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
What is it about sweet potatoes that unnerve some people? For those who firmly state they hate a yam because of the color or texture, the rich addition of coconut, bourbon and spices might just win them over. —Rebecca Anderson, Driftwood, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 444 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 167mg sodium, 73g carbohydrate (42g sugars, 6g fiber), 6g protein.
These dessert-like potatoes are made even sweeter with this coconut-bourbon mix. We’ve all see people top sweet potatoes with marshmallows, but how about with raisins and pecans? The Thanksgiving staple is buttery, creamy and just the right amount of crunchy.
3/40
Butternut Squash Dinner Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
These wholesome rolls are a pleasant addition to any entree. I get so many requests for them at holiday time. I make about 100 dozen in December! —Ula Kessler, Liberty Center, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 107 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 88mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
These quick and sweet rolls are ready in under an hour. You can make them ahead of time and freeze them for the big day.
4/40
Sausage Stuffing
From the Recipe Creator:
Every family seems to have their own favorite dressing recipe that becomes a tradition, and this is ours. It came from Grandma, who passed it down to my mother. Now our children have carried it into their kitchens. This is truly a good old-fashioned recipe. —Norma Howland, Joliet, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 352 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 826mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
Sausage, celery and parsley add a gourmet taste to this stuffing. This version is chock-full of nostalgia and perfect for a large Thanksgiving gathering.
5/40
Green Bean Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
Mushrooms and water chestnuts give new life to the ordinary green bean casserole. Every time I make it for friends, I'm asked to share the recipe. —Linda Poe, Sandstone, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 218 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 392mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
This recipe is elegant in presentation but also in taste, with a hint of hot pepper sauce giving it a nice amount of heat.
6/40
Honey-Thyme Butternut Squash
From the Recipe Creator:
This golden, honey-sweetened squash is just as hearty and comforting as your favorite potato dish. With its bright color, it makes an attractive side for special autumn meals. —Bianca Noiseux, Bristol, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 145 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 161mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
This golden squash is as comforting as it is colorful. With its bright color, it makes a gorgeous side for any Thanksgiving table.
7/40
Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
Sour cream and cream cheese give richness to these smooth make-ahead potatoes. They are wonderful for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner since there's no last-minute mashing required. —Trudy Vincent, Valles Mines, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 210 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 670mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein.
These smooth make-ahead potatoes are not in the slow cooker for long—they’ll be ready in just two hours.
8/40
Garlic Broccoli
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids love broccoli, especially with lots of garlic. This recipe is wonderful for a special occasion, but it’s so quick that I usually fix it once a week in our home. Everyone gobbles it up. —Caramia Sommers, Oswego, New York
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 53 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
This simple broccoli recipe can be doubled—or even tripled—for your next potluck. With a hint of garlic and Italian seasoning, this broccoli will be a standout side dish.
9/40
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone who has tasted these cheesy mashed potatoes asks how to make them. Since this comforting casserole bakes at the same temperature as my chicken bundles, I get it started in the oven and pop in the entree a little later.
—Brad Moritz, Limerick, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 328 calories, 14g fat (9g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 633mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 10g protein.
10/40
Sweet Potato Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Tender sweet potatoes are tossed with crunchy nuts and chewy dried cherries for a burst of flavors and textures. —Fran Fehling, Staten Island, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 211 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 189mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
11/40
Savory Sausage Stuffing
From the Recipe Creator:
I used to make the same old dressing every year for Thanksgiving. Some years ago, I decided to jazz up my recipe by adding pork sausage. Now everyone requests this dish for all our holiday meals. —Ursula Hernandez, Waltham, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 261 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 446mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
This jazzed-up dressing has a couple of twists. Pork sausage makes it nice and smoky while cranberries add a hint of sweetness.
12/40
Carrot and Kale Vegetable Saute
From the Recipe Creator:
Thanks to fresh veggie dishes like this one, I almost forget I'm wheat- and gluten-free. Bacon adds another layer of flavor and depth to this gorgeous side dish. —Darla Andrews, Schertz, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 101 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 251mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
This fresh veggie saute is sweet and smoky. If you’re new to the world of butternut squash, this is a great first recipe to try.
13/40
Cranberry-Walnut Brussels Sprouts
From the Recipe Creator:
Brussels sprouts are one food that picky eaters often resist, but a burst of cranberry flavor may change their minds. You can also add garlic and dried fruits. —Jennifer Armellino, Lake Oswego, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 281 calories, 20g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 26mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 5g fiber), 5g protein.
Brussels sprouts and cranberries are a wonderful sweet and savory combination that you’ll wish you thought of sooner. The resulting dish is bright and colorful but also has a complex flavor profile that’ll impress guests.
14/40
Candied Yams
From the Recipe Creator:
My town is known as "the yam capital of the United States." This is a simple recipe that goes well with baked ham or roasted turkey. —Essie Nealey, Tabor City, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 248 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 59mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein.
15/40
Dijon Scalloped Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves this creamy and colorful recipe for cheesy potatoes. It has both sweet and white potatoes, lots of rich buttery flavor and a pretty golden-crumb topping. —Carolyn Putnam, Norwalk, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 293 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 524mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
This creamy and cheesy recipe is a fun take on traditional scalloped potatoes.
16/40
Parmesan Risotto
From the Recipe Creator:
Risotto is a creamy Italian rice dish. In this version, the rice is briefly sauteed, then slowly cooked in wine and seasonings. Watch for that magic moment when the risotto transforms from just rice in liquid to creamy, tender deliciousness. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 260 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 728mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
This cheesy risotto embodies comfort and elegance. The star ingredient, Parmesan cheese, adds a rich and nutty flavor, while a touch of butter and seasonings create a harmonious balance.
17/40
Potato Pan Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves these rolls and requests them often. They don't take long to make because you use quick-rise yeast. —Connie Storckman, Evanston, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 163 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 239mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
With a mashed potato base, these rolls come together in under an hour and can feed the whole family.
18/40
Potluck Mac and Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll always have a winner at the potluck when you bring macaroni and cheese. Here's an extra-rich, creamy version for the slow cooker. —Jennifer Blondek, Chicopee, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 388 calories, 28g fat (17g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 652mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 17g protein.
You can’t go wrong with macaroni and cheese at a potluck. This slow-cooker version is extra-rich and creamy with three different types of cheese.
19/40
Vegetarian Stuffing
From the Recipe Creator:
Tasty mushrooms and onions complement the big herb flavor in this amazing stuffing. This dressing stays so moist because it’s made in the slow cooker. —Ruth Ann Stelfox, Raymond, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 212 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 694mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
This herby stuffing is filled with onions, mushrooms and celery. Since it’s made in a slow cooker, you won’t need to worry about borrowing oven space in your host’s kitchen.
20/40
Sauteed Spinach and Mushrooms
From the Recipe Creator:
Mushrooms and spinach make a super fast combination that’s perfect for two. And it’s easy to double or triple for a crowd. —Pauline Howard, Lago Vista, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 76 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0mg cholesterol, 208mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
21/40
Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandsons rave over these creamy potatoes loaded with Parmesan. That’s all the endorsement I need. Sometimes I use golden or red potatoes, with skins on. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 264 calories, 15g fat (10g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 456mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
These creamy potatoes are loaded with Parmesan and are a nice change of pace from your usual mashed potato recipe. You can use any type of potato you like.
22/40
Cheesy Broccoli au Gratin
From the Recipe Creator:
Even the pickiest eaters will enjoy this comforting broccoli dish. Covered in a blend of sharp cheddar cheese and Parmesan, it also gets extra flavor from onions, ground mustard and cayenne pepper. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 215 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 588mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
This version of au gratin is topped with Parmesan and bread crumbs. The broccoli is a fun take on your usual potatoes au gratin.
23/40
Cranberry Jello Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Since this tangy salad keeps well, I make it a day ahead for my Christmas menu. It's also a great choice to take to a holiday potluck—even people who aren't fond of cranberries think it's yummy. I got the recipe from a friend at church who likes to cook and bake as much as I do. —Betty Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 141 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 119mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
24/40
Potluck Pan Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
The appealing homemade yeast-bread flavor of these golden rolls is unbeatable. Soft and light, they're great alongside any entree. Folks are disappointed if I don't bring them to potluck dinners. —Carol Mead, Los Alamos, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 141 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 158mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
25/40
Cauliflower Gratin
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a lower-carb side dish that pairs well with pork, ham or beef. It's so creamy and delicious! If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle buttered bread crumbs over the top for the last five minutes in the oven. —Mary Zinchiak, Boardman, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 196 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 291mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
26/40
Festive Fall Tortellini Toss
From the Recipe Creator:
Fall is my favorite season and I love the foods of autumn, such as mushrooms, squash, apples and walnuts. I combined these all with pasta to make a delicious side dish perfect for sharing at a potluck; the recipe can easily be doubled and can be served either warm or at room temperature. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 148 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 109mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 medium-fat meat.
This potluck recipe is fall in a dish. Mushrooms, squash, apples and walnuts work together to make a memorable sweet and savory meal. Tortellini is the perfect vehicle for adding more cheese to any pasta.
27/40
Creamed Green Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
A family favorite for years, this special green bean recipe is a cinch to double and can be assembled ahead of time. When my nephews are coming for dinner, it’s an absolute must! —Betty Shaw, Weirton, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 191 calories, 13g fat (9g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 646mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
This creamy make-ahead recipe is topped with lots of cheese. You can choose Swiss or cheddar, but for a nice orange color, you might want to go for the cheddar. The cornflake breading instead of traditional bread crumbs offers a great crunch to the dish.
28/40
Slow-Cooker Cheesy Corn
From the Recipe Creator:
My family really likes this creamy, cheesy side dish—and it's so easy to make. Even those who usually don't eat much corn often ask for a second helping. —Mary Ann Truitt, Wichita, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 265 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 227mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
This easy creamy corn is made with American cheese. It is prepped in a cinch and can sit in the slow cooker until you’re ready for dinner.
29/40
Wild Rice and Squash Pilaf
From the Recipe Creator:
This pilaf is fantastic with fish or poultry and especially compatible with turkey. Since it's so colorful, I like to think it makes my turkey dressed for the holidays. —Erica Ollmann, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 118 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 114mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
This colorful pilaf is fantastic with turkey. It combines the earthy flavors of wild rice and roasted squash, resulting in a hearty and flavorful Thanksgiving side dish.
30/40
Creamed Spinach
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother made a variety of spinach dishes when I was growing up. This rich, delicious creamed version is the only one that stayed with me through the years. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 129 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
This simple spinach is good for the whole family. It’ll make a great addition to your Thanksgiving table (and maybe even your Christmas table).
31/40
Special Scalloped Corn
From the Recipe Creator:
Carrots and green pepper make this dish colorful, which grabs attention at a potluck. The corn casserole is also a smart idea for when you need to prepare a dish ahead of time—easy baking is all it takes to finish it up. —J. Brown, Fort Dodge, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 322 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 157mg cholesterol, 941mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
Carrots and green pepper make this hearty dish colorful and fun to look at. The rich and cheesy dish goes great with other Thanksgiving offerings and is a nice spin on a traditional corn casserole.
32/40
Thanksgiving Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty, rich-tasting Thanksgiving casserole is sure to be a hit with your family. It's a delicious way to use up Thanksgiving turkey, and you can substitute 5-1/2 cups of leftover mashed potatoes for the six potatoes. —Mary Lou Timpson, Centennial Park, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 572 calories, 30g fat (15g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 1142mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein.
This Thanksgiving casserole is a delicious way to use up leftover turkey and mashed potatoes. It’s perfect for the day after Thanksgiving or for any Thanksgiving parties leading up to the big day.
33/40
Collard Greens with Bacon
From the Recipe Creator:
Collard greens are a staple vegetable of southern cuisine. This side dish is often made with smoked or salt-cured meats, such as ham hocks, pork or fatback. —Marsha Ankeney, Niceville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 157 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 651mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein.
Collard greens are a staple of southern cuisine and are a great way to have veggies on the table this Thanksgiving. These smoky greens pack just the right amount of heat.
34/40
Slow-Cooker Green Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
I spent hours in search of sides for a cooking demo to present to women from my church. These easy green beans became my star attraction. —Alice White, Willow Spring, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 143 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 320mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein.
These easy green beans are ready in just two hours. The brown sugar and soy sauce combination gives the dish a sweet and savory taste. It’s great alongside some sweet potatoes.
35/40
Roasted Fall Vegetables
From the Recipe Creator:
I love serving this tender veggie side dish as part of a comforting dinner on a chilly night. The cayenne pepper lends zippy flavor that's not overpowering. —Juli Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 110 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 384mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
Fall veggies like squash, pumpkin and carrots make a comforting side dish worthy of a chilly night.
36/40
Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
With five different dairy products, you know this make-ahead mashed potato casserole is going to be super rich and, of course, delicious. It gets even better topped with onions and bacon! —JoAnn Koerkenmeier, Damiansville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 354 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 400mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein.
37/40
Agave Roasted Parsnips
From the Recipe Creator:
Deliciously sweet and aromatic, this side dish of roasted parsnips nicely spices up any traditional meal. —Kathleen Thorson, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 187 calories, 4g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 60mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 7g fiber), 3g protein.
Parsnips are the unsung hero of fall veggies, and this recipe will help you see why.
38/40
Cranberry Appetizer Meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
My family members were so accustomed to typical beef burgers that they were hesitant to try these when I first made them. Any skepticism disappeared after just one bite. —Kim Stoller, Smithville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 39 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 124mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
These sweet and tangy meatballs are great if you’re looking for a new side dish. Since they’re made with cranberry sauce, they fit right in with the other traditional Thanksgiving dishes.
39/40
Party Mashed Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
These creamy, tasty potatoes can be made the day before and stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to pop them in the oven (I often do that). The garlic powder and chives add zip, and the shredded cheese adds color. —Sharon Mensing, Greenfield, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 207 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 305mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
As the name implies, these creamy make-ahead potatoes are a party in and of themselves.
40/40
Hot Spinach Apple Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
With a light sweet-tangy dressing, the spinach doesn’t wilt and the apples retain their crunch. We serve this salad with homemade bread. —Denise Albers, Freeburg, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 117 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 135mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
This salad is the perfect prerequisite for a big dinner.
Thanksgiving Potluck Ideas FAQ
What should I bring to a Thanksgiving potluck?
You can bring shareables to a Thanksgiving potluck, such as meaty casseroles, creamy mashed potato dishes or potluck salads. For something sweet, fall pies or other baked goods add seasonal flair.
What are some easy Thanksgiving potluck dishes that I can make ahead?
Make-ahead Thanksgiving potluck dishes include soft dinner rolls, the classic green bean casserole, savory stuffing and even indulgent pies, all of which travel well and can be prepared in advance.
How do you keep food warm at a Thanksgiving potluck?
Serve your potluck dishes in oven-safe containers on a low heat setting to keep them warm until serving. Alternatively, you can use the Crockpot to make slow-cooker potluck recipes to keep the food warm for a long time. These recipes are ideal for holiday gatherings.
