Would you be interested in some potluck ideas for the coming Thanksgiving gathering?
Thanksgiving, most of the time, is filled with a lot of stress and a lot of mess, and this mostly comes from preparing lots of meals.
Unless the idea of standing over the cooker for hours on end is what you consider a fun time, then host a Thanksgiving potluck instead.
And since Thanksgiving usually brings about lots of people, friends, and family alike coming together to show gratitude and give thanks for many things, a lot of meals are required to be prepared, but with a potluck, you can have enough meals with less stress, mess, and hassle.
One of the best ways to host a successful and stress-free Thanksgiving celebration is by hosting a potluck, having friends and family come along with different dishes to the party, but they have to make sure each dish is enough to share among a significant number of people at the party.
Thanksgiving Potluck Ideas
1. Glazed Carrot
Glazed carrots are a classic side dish typically served at Thanksgiving celebrations.
It is made with a sweet and savory glaze which consists of brown sugar, butter or honey, along with pepper, salt, and herbs.
The carrots are cooked till they become tender, and then the glaze is added.
2. Corn On The Cob
This is a culinary dish of sweet corn that is boiled, grilled, or steamed while it’s still on the cob.
The corn is usually served with ingredients like salt, butter, and other seasonings.
This particular corn on the cob has melted cheese and herbs on top for added flavor.
3. Hasselbeck Potatoes
When making Hasselbeck potatoes, the potatoes are left attached at the bottom while also being sliced tingly.
They are then baked until they become crispy, and then finished with melted cheese, sliced green onions, sour cream, and chopped bacon.
That’s usually served as an appetizer or a side dish at parties or gatherings.
4. Green Bean Casserole
An American side dish that is a classic meal that’s served during the Thanksgiving celebration.
This casserole usually has ingredients like tender green beans, creamy sauce, and crunchy onion toppings.
There are different types of this casserole, which have different creamy soups, bacon, or cheese.
5. Baked Herbs Dinner Rolls
These are soft, small loaves of bread that are usually served as a side dish at a gathering or party.
Being buttery, soft, and fluffy are what it is known for.
They are either used to make small sandwiches, or they are served plain, or served with butter; they can sometimes be served as an appetizer if need be.
6. Pigs In A Blanket
A mini take on the full-sized pigs in a blanket, which is usually an appetizer served at parties and gatherings.
It usually has dough wrapped around hot dogs or sausages, then it is baked till it becomes golden brown.
Then they are arranged around a dipping sauce that’s usually ketchup or mustard.
7. Thanksgiving Cheese Ball
An appetizer that’s popular for being served during the holiday season.
They are usually made from a base of cream cheese and match with other seasonings, toppings, and cheeses.
They are shipped in a ball and then rolled into herbs and nuts.
They are often served with pretzels, vegetables, or crackers.
8. Gratin Dauphinois
A Classic French dish that has become an easy go-to when hosting a potluck.
This potato dish is creamy, rich, and baked either with or without cheese, with cream, cheese, and milk.
The top of this potato dish is tender, golden brown, and bubbly from being heavily baked.
9. Sweet Potato Casserole
This dish is a classic in the United States; it is served as a side dish or dessert at Thanksgiving.
This potato dish has a sweet potato base, with marshmallows that are golden brown marshmallows.
It is made with mashed sweet potatoes, spices, sugar, and butter.
When baked, the marshmallow on top becomes caramelized.
10. Sweet Potato Bites
It is made from sliced potatoes with pecan and marshmallow on top.
The potatoes are sliced and typically roasted, and made with other ingredients.
Some like to coat this dish in a sweet glaze like syrup, brown sugar, or maple.
11. Pumpkin Pie Cookie
Pumpkin pie cookies are usually linked with crumbl cookies; they are cake-like and soft with a pumpkin base.
Creamy frosting and toasted marshmallow are placed on top; it also has pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon.
This is often served as a dessert or an appetizer during the Thanksgiving celebration.
12. Roasted Garlic Potatoes
The potatoes are roasted and filled with parsley and fresh rosemary.
The potatoes are roasted till they become golden brown and have tender centers with crispy edges.
Garlic, rosemary, olive oil, pepper, and salt are common ingredients found in this dish.
The dish is easy to make, and it’s often a crowd-pleaser.
13. Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Board
A pumpkin-shaped cheese board is a popular appetizer that’s served during the Thanksgiving celebration.
The pumpkin itself is made from cheese and arranged to look like a pumpkin; it is topped with rosemary to act as a stem and leaves.
The board also has grapes, cubed cheese, salami, and crackers.
This board is a good way to serve snacks at a Thanksgiving celebration.
14. Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
A popular dessert and appetizer that’s often served at a Thanksgiving or Christmas potluck.
It is made with vanilla extract, cream cheese, and sugar; it often has a whole berry cranberry sauce topping.
Chopped nuts are often added on top of it as well; they are best served warm or at room temperature.
15. Caramel Apple Grapes
Caramel apple grapes are finger foods that are served at parties as appetizers or dessert.
The main pieces are green grapes, caramel coating, and peanuts.
Toothpicks are put into the grapes and then dipped in melted caramel, then rolled in the peanut topping.
Other Posts You'll Love:
- 15 Easy Thanksgiving Finger Food Ideas Everyone Will Love
- 8 Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipes Your Guests Will Love
- The Tastiest 15 Thanksgiving Veggie Trays (No Baking Required)
- 13+ Thanksgiving Cocktail Recipes You’ll Love
Conclusion
It is important to note that not all kinds of meals can be brought to a potluck party; it is better to go for easy-to-prepare meals, meals that can be easily shared among different people, and meals that everyone can equally enjoy.
As the host of the Thanksgiving potluck party, it’s your job to prepare the turkey, some of the appetizers or side dishes, and of course, whatever decorations that would be needed at the venue for the celebration.
With our list of crowd-pleasing, easy-to-share potluck meals, you can successfully have a Thanksgiving party that’s filled with enough tasty foods, while you avoid the stress, mess, and hassle that comes with fully hosting a Thanksgiving celebration.
Happy Thanksgiving!