23 Thanksgiving Potluck Ideas That Make for the Easiest Turkey Day Ever
Say goodbye to 4am wake up calls.
This year’s Thanksgiving dinner might mean you’ve invited a more intimate crowd, but you’ll still want to make it as special as ever, complete with a show-stopping main dish, gravy, potatoes and all the veggies. And dessert, of course!
But unless laboring over the stove for hours on end is your idea of a good time, consider hosting a Thanksgiving potluck. It will make it easier for you as the host to enjoy the day (fewer dishes mean less stress and less mess), and you can concentrate on the things you love doing the most, whether it’s mastering perfectly brined turkey or setting a beautiful fall table (see these easy Thanksgiving decorations).
The best way to host a top-notch Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving potluck is to divide and conquer. If you're the host, you should create a list of dishes you want to have on the table for the most important meal of the year, and then assign tasks to each of your friends and family.
Stuffed Turkey Breast
It doesn't get any more elegant than this turkey breast stuffed with herbs and citrus, perfect for smaller gatherings.
Get the recipe for Stuffed Turkey Breast »
RELATED: 24 Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes That Will Wow Your Guests
Fresh Green Bean Casserole
You can prep this updated take on the retro casserole ahead, but top with the fresh bread crumbs and Parm and bake until crusty right before serving.
Creamy Roasted Squash Puree
Roasting winter squash with thyme and shallots brings out its sweetness. Pureeing it makes for a flavorful side that just happens to be super portable!
Get the recipe for Creamy Roasted Squash Puree »
RELATED: 85 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes That Will Steal the Show
Lemony Brussels Sprout Salad
Instead of roasting sprouts, thinly slice and serve raw for a super simple fresh salad.
Vegetarian Chili Macaroni
Every potluck needs a vegetarian-friendly main — enter this hearty one-pot dish, packed with flavor.
Get the recipe for Vegetarian Chili Macaroni »
RELATED: 20 Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes That Will Make You Forget About Turkey
Croissant Mushroom Stuffing
This decadent vegetarian dressing goes out to all the breakfast lovers.
Goat Cheese Log With Cranberries, Chives and Black Pepper
Coat store-bought goat cheese in nutty homemade granola, or buy your favorite and make the easiest-ever no cook appetizer.
Get the recipe for Goat Cheese Log with Cranberries, Chives, and Black Pepper »
RELATED: 19 Cranberry Sauce Recipes That'll Convince You to Ditch the Can Opener
Creamed Kale and Gruyere Gratin
Meet creamed spinach 2.0: Adding gruyere to sautéed kale elevates a classic side dish.
Roast Turkey Breast
So you've been put in charge of the turkey, but don't be scared. This one-dish feast takes the stress (and the washing up) out of Thanksgiving.
Roasted Sweet and Sour Brussels Sprouts
Add balsamic vinegar to your Brussels sprouts and every guest will gobble them up.
Get the recipe for Roasted Sweet and Sour Brussels Sprouts »
RELATED: 45 Easy Thanksgiving Vegetables You'll Want to Make This Year
Green Bean and Cheddar Casserole
Add a little extra cheese to this classic turkey day side and you'll be the winner of the potluck.
Roasted Olives With Lemon, Garlic and Herbs
This easy app can be prepared up to 5 days in advance, but it's sure to impress with its flavor.
Get the recipe for Roasted Olives with Lemon, Garlic, and Herbs »
Spice Roasted Carrots
Spice up this classic Thanksgiving side with paprika and nutmeg.
Spice Roasted Butternut Squash With Cider Vinaigrette
This sweet and salty squash may be the new star of Thanksgiving with its flavor-packed apple cider dressing.
Get the recipe for Spice Roasted Butternut Squash with Cider Vinaigrette »
Scalloped Hasselback Potatoes With Cheddar
Impress all of your friends with this easy, cheesy layered potato casserole.
Get the recipe for Scalloped Hasselback Potatoes with Cheddar »
Butternut Squash and Feta Tartlets
Make the filling and the crust at home, and simply arrange when you get to your destination.
Cherry Tomato Confit
With only four ingredients, it's possible you already have everything you need at home to make this delicious appetizer.
Pumpkin Spice Mousse
Pumpkin spice will never get old, especially when served as a creamy, single-serve dessert.
Brown Butter Pear & Cranberry Cobbler
Skip apples and bring this fruity dessert to the Thanksgiving Potluck instead!
Gluten-Free Chocolate Ganache Tart
Pretzels and coconut add a salty-sweet crunch to the base of this gluten-free (and vegan!) dessert.
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