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What to make for Thanksgiving Potluck

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If you’re searching for what to make for Thanksgiving potluck, you can’t go wrong with a memorable side dish that everyone will be talking about long after dinner.

Side dishes are often the first to disappear from the table, and they’re the easiest way to show up with something homemade, comforting, and shareable.

In this collection, you’ll find  easy recipes for Thanksgiving that travel well, stay warm, and pair perfectly with turkey and all the holiday favorites.

What to make for Thanksgiving Potluck

Potluck Recipes At a Glance

  • What It Is: A collection of Thanksgiving side dish recipes that are perfect for sharing at potlucks and family gatherings
  • Flavors & Ingredients: Seasonal herbs, potatoes, stuffing, vegetables, and classic holiday flavors
  • Why You’ll Love It: Budget-friendly, shareable, and always a hit at holiday gatherings
  • Shortcut/Pro Tip: Prep sides the day before and reheat before serving to save time on Thanksgiving Day

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Table of Contents

More Thanksgiving Recipes to Complete Your Menu

Once you’ve chosen the perfect side dish for your potluck, you may want a few more ideas to round out your holiday table. Here are a few delicious options your guests will love:

These recipes pair beautifully with the side dishes in this collection and make holiday menu planning even easier.

What to make for Thanksgiving Potluck

Thanksgiving Potluck Essentials

Make traveling with your dish easier by using a few helpful tools that keep food secure, warm, and ready to serve at your Thanksgiving potluck:

Insulated Casserole Carrier – keeps hot dishes warm (or cold dishes chilled) while traveling to the potluck.

9×13 Baking Dish with Lid – perfect for transporting casseroles, stuffing, potatoes, and sides without spills.

Portable Slow Cooker with Locking Lid – great for warm dips, mashed potatoes, or hot appetizers on the go.

Disposable Aluminum Pans with Lids – ideal for easy cleanup and leaving leftovers behind without losing your dishes.

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iffy Cornbread Pudding Casserole

The Jiffy Cornbread Pudding Casserole is a creamy, comforting side dish that blends sweet corn with a soft, cornbread-like base. It's an easy, dump-and-bake recipe ideal for holidays and potlucks. This Southern favorite offers a lightly sweet, savory balance that pairs perfectly with traditional mains.
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Jiffy Corn Bread Pudding Casserole served on a white dish with the rest in the baking dish in the background.

Crock Pot Stuffing

The Crock Pot Stuffing recipe is a time-saving twist on a classic, freeing up oven space while delivering rich, herby flavors. With its soft interior and golden edges, it’s a reliable choice for busy holiday kitchens. This slow cooker version still offers the traditional comfort of baked stuffing with less fuss.
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4.41 from 42 votes
Crock pot stuffing served.

Company Mashed Potatoes

These Prep Ahead Company Mashed Potatoes are designed with convenience in mind, allowing you to prepare them in advance without sacrificing taste. Rich, creamy, and baked with a buttery topping, they’re a crowd-pleasing option for gatherings. Ideal for stress-free entertaining.
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5 from 2 votes
potatoes done perfect company.

Company's Coming Sweet Potato Casserole

The Company’s Coming Sweet Potato Casserole brings a velvety sweet potato base topped with a pecan-studded, brown sugar crumble. It’s a classic holiday side that balances sweetness and texture beautifully. Perfect for festive meals with guests.
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sweet potato casserole with marshmallows and pecans in small white bowl.

Candied Sweet Potatoes

These Candied Sweet Potatoes are glazed in a buttery, cinnamon-spiced syrup, making them a nostalgic and cozy addition to any holiday spread. The recipe is straightforward and delivers a caramelized finish. A timeless, sweet side dish that complements savory mains.
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Candied Sweet Potatoes baked in dish with serving spoon from Walking on Sunshine Recipes

Roasted Acorn Squash Thanksgiving

The Roasted Acorn Squash is a simple yet elegant dish, roasted to bring out its natural sweetness with a tender, golden finish. It's seasoned for depth without overpowering the squash’s flavor. A visually appealing and nutritious option for fall meals.
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roasted acorn squash for Thanksgiving

Sweet Potato & Granny Smith Apple (Sheet Pan Recipe)

This Sweet Potato and Granny Smith Apple Sheet Pan recipe is a colorful, one-pan side dish that blends sweet, tart, and earthy flavors. Roasting brings out caramelization, making it both healthy and festive. Great for easy prep and minimal cleanup.
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Photo credit: https://homemadeheather.com/sweet-potato-granny-smith-apple-sheet-pan-recipe/

Thanksgiving Sausage Stuffing

The Thanksgiving Sausage Stuffing elevates the classic side with the savory richness of sausage, herbs, and hearty bread. It’s baked until crisp on top and tender inside. A flavorful, satisfying option that doubles as a main dish for leftovers.
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Photo credit: https://homemadeheather.com/thanksgiving-sausage-stuffing-recipe/
Thanksgiving Sausage Stuffing

Homemade Jellied Cranberry Sauce

This Jellied Cranberry Sauce recipe offers a homemade twist on the traditional canned version, with fresh cranberries and a smooth, sliceable texture. It's a tart-sweet complement to richer dishes. Easy to make ahead and visually striking on the table.
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Photo credit: https://recipeideashop.com/jellied-cranberry-sauce/
Homemade Jellied Cranberry Sauce

Broccoli Pomegranate Salad.

The Broccoli Pomegranate Salad is a refreshing, crunchy side that combines vibrant broccoli, juicy pomegranate seeds, and a tangy dressing. It’s a bright, nutrient-packed addition to heavier meals. Perfect for adding color and contrast to a holiday plate.
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Photo credit: https://heavenlyspiced.com/broccoli-pomegranate-salad/
Broccoli Pomegranate Salad.

Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole

The Candied Sweet Potato Casserole blends buttery mashed sweet potatoes with a gooey marshmallow and pecan topping. It’s indulgent and classic, ideal for those who love dessert-like sides. A surefire favorite at Thanksgiving dinners.
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Photo credit: https://thecookinchicks.com/candied-sweet-potato-casserole/
Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole

Roasted Sweet Potato Recipe With Brussels Sprouts

This Roasted Sweet Potato recipe keeps things simple with olive oil and seasoning, letting the natural flavors shine through. It’s an easy and healthy side that complements both traditional and modern Thanksgiving spreads. Crisp edges and soft centers make it crowd-friendly.
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Photo credit: https://www.tonyastaab.com/thanksgiving-side-dish-roasted-sweet-potato-recipe/
Roasted Sweet Potato Recipe With Brussels Sprouts

marinated-brussels-sprouts

The Marinated Brussels Sprouts bring a tangy twist to the table with a vinegar-based marinade that softens and flavors the veggies. Served cold or room temperature, they’re ideal for make-ahead prep. A zesty alternative to roasted versions.
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Photo credit: https://routetolongevity.com/marinated-brussels-sprouts/
Roasted Marinated Brussels Sprouts

Slow Cooker Creamed Corn with Bacon

The Slow Cooker Creamed Corn is rich, buttery, and effortless—made entirely in a crockpot. It features sweet corn in a creamy, cheesy base that’s indulgent yet simple. A no-fuss side dish perfect for feeding a crowd.
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Photo credit: https://www.thebensonstreet.com/slow-cooker-creamed-corn/
Slow Cooker Creamed Corn with Bacon

Southern Green Beans and Potatoes

The Southern Green Beans and Potatoes is a down-home classic, slow-cooked with savory flavors until the vegetables are tender. It’s a hearty side that feels like comfort in a bowl. Great for family dinners or traditional holiday meals.
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Photo credit: https://wellfedbaker.com/southern-green-beans-and-potatoes/
Southern Green Beans and Potatoes

Cornbread Dressing

The Cornbread Dressing from The Forked Spoon combines crumbly cornbread with herbs and broth for a moist, savory side. Baked to golden perfection, it offers a Southern-style take on stuffing. It’s a standout option for cornbread lovers.
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Photo credit: https://theforkedspoon.com/cornbread-dressing/
Cornbread Dressing

Stuffing with Sausage and Apples

The Sausage and Apple Stuffing masterfully balances sweet and savory with chunks of apple, sausage, and aromatic herbs. It’s hearty, flavorful, and textured with toasted bread cubes. A gourmet-level addition to your holiday table.
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Photo credit: https://www.chewoutloud.com/sausage-and-apple-stuffing-4/
Stuffing with Sausage and Apples

Recipe FAQ's

To view the answers, simply click on the down arrow (⬇) next to each question. If you have any other questions not answered here, please leave a comment!

How do I keep my dish warm while traveling?

Transport your dish in an insulated casserole carrier to help maintain its temperature, and cover it tightly with foil or a secure lid before placing it inside. If the recipe is in a slow cooker, use one with a locking lid and transport it on the warm setting until serving time. For longer trips, wrap the dish in clean kitchen towels for extra insulation and keep it in a padded box or carrier to help hold in the heat until you arrive.

Which casseroles or sides travel best without getting soggy?

The best dishes for traveling are casseroles and sides with sturdy ingredients such as potatoes, stuffing, mac and cheese, roasted vegetables, and baked pasta dishes. These hold their texture well and don’t rely on crispy toppings to stay delicious. If your recipe does include breadcrumbs, fried onions, or cheese on top, pack those separately and add them just before serving to keep everything fresh and prevent sogginess.

About Lois

Originally from Queens, NY, Lois is the voice behind Walking on Sunshine Recipes, where she shares easy, family-friendly meals made with simple ingredients. She believes dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious and offers practical recipes, monthly meal plans, and free printables to help busy families cook with less stress and more joy. When she’s not in the kitchen, Lois enjoys time with her family, gardening and sharing inspiration from her home in rural Pennsylvania.

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