40 Best Potluck Ideas

These tried-and-true recipes are perfect for any gathering—from a casual party to a Thanksgiving feast. From fall appetizers, easy main dishes, cozy crock pot favorites, and festive autumn desserts, these recipes will help you create easy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dishes.

Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board by No. 2 Pencil
This colorful appetizer spread is perfect for holiday entertaining. It features seasonal fruits like apple slices, grapes, and figs. Various cheeses, cured meats, and nuts in this tray provide something for everyone. Presented beautifully with autumnal colors and decorative items like mini pumpkins, this one is sure to impress everyone at your potluck.

Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna by Julia's Album
This vegetarian lasagna layers creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses with sweet butternut squash puree and fresh spinach, creating a rich and cozy dish. It's a hearty, meatless option that's both comforting and festive, making it perfect for autumn and winter potlucks.

Thanksgiving Punch Recipe by Thyme and Joy
This punch is made with apple cider, gently spiced with pumpkin pie spice, and bulked up with ginger ale for bubbles. It’s festive-looking in a glass jar loaded with sliced apples, oranges, cranberries, and cinnamon sticks. Just whisk, chill for a couple of hours, and serve up cozy autumn flavors in style. It's a great make‑ahead option that stays fresh in the fridge for 3–4 days.

Apple Slab Pie by Smells Like Home
This pie is designed to feed a crowd, with tender, cinnamon-spiced apple chunks tucked between two golden layers of ultra-flaky homemade butter crust. Baked in a jelly roll pan and cut into generous squares, it’s the ultimate party pie—perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or any festive fall gathering.

Butternut Squash Pasta Salad with Brussels Sprouts, Pecans, and Cranberries by Julia's Album
This hearty and colorful pasta salad is perfect for autumn parties and potlucks. Roasted butternut squash and Brussels sprouts are mixed with farfalle pasta, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries, all tossed in a light maple-cinnamon dressing.

Pumpkin Cheeseball by The Country Cook
This cheeseball is packed with creamy ranch‑seasoned cheese and hidden little bursts of green onion and red pepper, but with zero pumpkin taste, just a pumpkin look! It’s rolled in sharp cheddar, then shaped with plastic wrap and rubber bands into plump ridges, and topped with the red pepper stem for that all‑natural pumpkin stem effect.

Ultimate Cheesy Squash Casserole by The Southern Bite
This cheesy casserole is fall comfort food at its finest. Layers of tender yellow squash and onions are combined with a creamy blend of sour cream and condensed soup, then topped with sharp cheddar cheese and buttery cracker crumbs. Baked until golden and bubbly, this Southern classic is a must-have for any holiday potluck.

Bacon Wr d Green Bean Bundles by Spend with Pennies
These green bean bundles are the fall side dish of your dreams—tender-blanched green beans wrapped in smoky bacon, brushed with a hint of brown-sugar glaze, then roasted or air-fried to delicious golden perfection. A trick with baking soda in the blanching water keeps the beans beautifully vibrant and crisp, while pre-cooking the bacon ensures a crunchy, flavorful outer layer without overcooking the veggies.

Pumpkin Cupcakes by Lil' Luna
This cupcake recipe has a moist and fluffy pumpkin-flavored base. Made with simple ingredients like pumpkin puree, autumn spices, and a touch of vanilla, they capture the essence of autumn in every bite. The cupcakes are topped with a luscious cinnamon cream cheese frosting, adding a creamy and slightly tangy finish that perfectly complements the spiced pumpkin.

Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider by The Recipe Rebel
This cider is a warm, holiday hug in a mug—blending unsweetened apple, cranberry, and orange juices with just a touch of sugar for customizable sweetness, plus fragrant cinnamon sticks and a hint of ground cloves to spice up any potluck. It’s one of those easy recipes that takes just five minutes to prep, then simmers for a few hours to fill your home with a delicious autumn aroma . Serving’s a breeze—keep it warm right in the crockpot, and let guests help themselves during your festivities.

Roasted Cranberry Chicken Recipe by Cotter Crunch
Elevate your dinner with this elegant yet simple dish featuring succulent chicken thighs roasted alongside fresh cranberries in a tangy balsamic-maple glaze. The recipe is a sweet and savory masterpiece that's both festive and flavorful. Ideal for Thanksgiving or a holiday potluck, it can be prepared in the oven or air fryer with minimal fuss. Pair it with your favorite fall side dishes for a complete, cozy meal.

Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip by Sparrows and Lily
This dip layers tart, chopped cranberries mixed with jalapeños, green onion (and optional cilantro), sweetened with sugar and brightened with lemon juice—then chilled overnight to marry the flavor before spreading atop a fluffy cream cheese base . The result is a delicious and colorful holiday dip that delivers a zesty, sweet-and-spicy punch in every bite, backed by cool cream cheese for the ideal balance. It’s as effortless as it is show-stopping. 

Turkey Pot Pie by Spend with Pennies
This pot pie transforms your Thanksgiving favorites into a heartwarming casserole, with tender turkey and frozen veggies nestled in a creamy, seasoned sauce beneath a flaky double crust. The recipe keeps things easy with a simple onion-flour roux, milk and broth base, and pantry spices like poultry seasoning and thyme to round out the savory flavor . Best part? You can bake it fresh or freeze it—just wrap it up, and when you’re ready, pop it into the oven straight from the freezer (baking time around 80–90 minutes) for a hands-off main entree.

Fluffy Pumpkin Dinner Rolls by Li'l Vienna
This is a twist on classic dinner rolls that incorporates pumpkin purée into the dough. These soft, golden rolls boast a subtle sweetness and a beautiful hue, making them a festive addition to any fall gathering. Whether served alongside a hearty stew or as part of a holiday spread, they're sure to impress.

Spiral Sweet Potato Bake by Recipe Tin Eats
This bake is a visual showstopper—sweet potato slices arranged in circles that look like a cozy fall wreath, yet it’s simple to make . It's sprinkled with rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper to ensure each slice has a savory flavor. It's baked low and slow under foil to soften, then uncovered with a drizzle of oil to get those beautifully bronzed tops and slightly chewy, caramelized edges . Best of all, it’s elegant enough for special occasions but cheap and easy to make.

Cranberry Brie Bites by The Country Cook
These bites feature crescent roll squares cradling a melting cube of creamy brie, topped with whole‑berry cranberry sauce and finished with a sprig of rosemary for that perfect festive flourish .

They bake up in just 15 minutes at 375°F until the pastry is golden and the cheese gooey, making them a perfect quick-prep fall appetizer for entertaining. Elegant, yet effortless, you can even swap in puff pastry for the crescent dough if you prefer, and easily freeze and reheat them later . These bites are poppable, crowd-pleasing, and sure to be a hit at your potluck this autumn.

Caramel Apple Cider Punch by The Carefree Kitchen
This festive punch combines crisp apple cider, fizzy ginger ale, silky caramel sauce, and a pinch of pumpkin‑pie spice for a nostalgic, retro autumn drink. Vibrant garnishes of sliced red and green apples and fresh cranberries make it as pretty as it is delicious. It’s especially handy because it comes together in just about 10 minutes—ideal for busy hosts. Want a warm version? Heat everything together and ladle into mugs for sip‑worthy coziness.

Creamy Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Pasta by Half Baked Harvest
This pasta dish is fall comfort food perfected — butternut squash and garlic roast together on a sheet pan with thyme and rosemary, while prosciutto crisps right alongside. Everything gets blended into a velvety sauce with ricotta, then tossed with your favorite pasta, a pat of butter melted with sage, and a sprinkle of Gouda and Parmesan for extra ooey‑gooey richness . The final flourish — crispy prosciutto and fresh sage added on top — gives every twirl a delicious salty‑savory crunch that keeps your guests going back for more.

Nantucket Corn Pudding by A Family Feast
This creamy corn pudding brings a taste of New England tradition to your table. Made with sweet corn kernels and topped with a buttery, cheesy cracker crust, this dish offers a delicious contrast of textures. Whether using fresh, canned, or frozen corn, it's a versatile side that's perfect for Thanksgiving and fall parties.

Roasted Carrot Recipe by Carlsbad Cravings
These carrots are tender, sweet, and savory, thanks to a dreamy combo of honey, garlic, apricot preserves, olive oil, butter, and balsamic that glazes every carrot to caramelized perfection. With under 10 minutes of prep, you simply toss thin, young carrots in this rich, multi-dimensional sauce, then roast until they're fork‑tender, with edges turning irresistibly golden. They are sure to disappear from the table like candy. Elegant enough for holiday spreads yet simple enough to make last minute, this recipe steals the show and keeps your party guests reaching for more.

Slow Cooker Apple Cider Maple Meatballs by Mom on Timeout
These meatballs feature juicy frozen meatballs bathed in a cozy mix of apple cider, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar, with chopped apples tucked on top for a sweet, rustic finish . The prep is wonderfully simple—dump everything into the crockpot, turn it to low, and let it work its magic for 4 to 8 hours, or even longer on “warm,” while the cider-maple glaze reduces. Whether you're entertaining or just want a fuss-free fall snack, these meatballs deliver comforting, finger-licking flavor straight from the crockpot.

Turkey Cranberry Sliders by Blackberry Babe
These sliders have fluffy Hawaiian rolls layered with turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melty Swiss cheese, all topped with a seasoned butter drizzle and poppyseed. With just five minutes of prep and a quick bake, they transform into a gooey, savory‑sweet sandwich that’s as festive as it is effortless. The recipe is flexible—swap in deli turkey, switch cheeses (hello, cheddar or Havarti). They will vanish faster than you can say “seconds, please,” especially when you pull off the foil for a crisp‑top finish.

Easy Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Cinnamon Frosting by The Novice Chef
This is a quick and easy dessert that captures the essence of fall in every bite! The moist and soft cake is infused with pumpkin puree and warm spices, creating a great autumn flavor profile. It's topped with a sweet and creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting that melts into the cake as it cools. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a simple fall treat.

Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup by Gimme Some Oven
This hearty soup is brimming with wild rice, sweet potatoes, kale, mushrooms, and a medley of seasonal veggies, all swimming in a creamy, zesty broth. Whether you opt for coconut milk or cream, the result is a luscious, comforting experience that warms you from the inside out. It's versatile too—make it on the stovetop or in your Instant Pot, and feel free to add shredded chicken for extra protein. This recipe is a true autumn favorite that's both nourishing and satisfying.

Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels by Mom on Timeout
These pinwheels feature tangy dried cranberries, a creamy chive-spiked cream cheese, tender turkey, mild Havarti cheese, and crisp lettuce. Rolled up tight and chilled till firm, they slice into pretty pinwheels that are ready to steal the appetizer spotlight at any gathering. The combo of creamy, sweet, savory, and crunchy is irresistibly balanced, without any cooking required. Light, elegant, and crowd-pleasing, these wraps are your go-to for a refreshing and fuss-free fall nibble that disappears fast.

Broccoli Casserole Recipe by Tastes Better From Scratch
This casserole has fresh (or frozen!) broccoli that is coated in a creamy combo of mushroom soup, mayo, a touch of onion, and sharp cheddar cheese. Topped with a crunchy blanket of crushed cheese crackers, it bakes until bubbly and golden. It’s perfect for making ahead—just stash the casserole minus the cracker topping in the fridge for easy prep. This cheesy, crowd-pleasing side will steal the center stage at your fall potluck!

Thanksgiving Fruit Salad by Foxes Love Lemons
This fruit salad is a vibrant, no‑cook showstopper—juicy apple, pear, kiwi, grapes, mandarin oranges, and tart cranberries get a seasonal upgrade with sweet pomegranate and crunch from pecans. Everything is drizzled with a bright, maple-honey-orange dressing dusted with pumpkin‑pie spice for that autumn flair. Light, colorful, and customizable, it balances out richer dishes at potlucks.

Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Dip by A Night Owl Blog
This party dip blends creamy cheesecake comfort with cozy fall flavor in a flash. It features cream cheese whipped with sugar, pumpkin‑spiced instant pudding, and International Delight Pumpkin Pie Spice Creamer, all folded into fluffy whipped topping. The result is indulgent yet airy, tasting like pumpkin pie in dip form. It’s a no-fuss potluck appetizer that comes together in just about 10 minutes with minimal cleanup. Sweet, spiced, and perfectly scoopable—this dip is a crowd-pleasing fall dessert shortcut.

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies by Mom on Timeout
These combine the classic buttery texture of shortbread with the zesty flavors of orange and the tartness of cranberries. The dough, made with almond extract and fresh orange zest, is mixed with finely chopped dried cranberries. After shaping the dough into logs and chilling, the cookies are sliced, coated in sugar, and baked to perfection. They make a bright and refreshing twist on the traditional shortbread cookie.

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese by Platings and Pairings
This Mac and Cheese recipe combines the creaminess of traditional mac and cheese with the rich flavor of pumpkin. The recipe uses evaporated milk to ensure a velvety texture, along with a delicious blend of sharp cheddar and parmesan cheeses. Mustard and nutmeg add depth of flavor and warmth to the dish. Perfectly cooked pasta shells absorb this luscious sauce, creating a comforting autumn side or main. You can garnish with chives or customize with additions like bacon or sage for extra flavor.

Maple Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Fall Veggies by Jam Jar Kitchen
This one-pan main entree features pork tenderloin marinated in a maple-mustard glaze, roasted alongside Brussels sprouts, apples, and onions. The combination of sweet and savory flavors captures the essence of autumn in every bite. A final drizzle of pan sauce enhances the dish. It's an excellent choice for a festive dinner or a potluck.

Potatoes au Gratin by Recipe Tin Eats
This casserole is the pinnacle of potato comfort, built layer by gorgeous layer with velvety cream, garlic-flavored butter, thyme, and melty cheese woven between ultra-thin, starchy potato slices. It’s baked low and slow, gently covered and then uncovered just long enough to develop a golden, bubbly crust. Rich, flavorful, and indulgent, this potato bake is a fall must-have that elevates any potluck into a festival of creamy, cheesy warmth.

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