40 of the Best Thanksgiving Potluck Ideas

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40 of the Best Thanksgiving Potluck Ideas2/40 Coconut-Bourbon Sweet Potatoes 6 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved JIM WIELAND FOR TASTE OF HOME Total Time 1 hour Servings 14 servings Go to Recipe 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 These dessert-like potatoes are made even sweeter with this addictive coconut-bourbon mix. We’ve all see people top sweet potatoes with marshmallows but how

about with raisins and pecans?

about with raisins and pecans? The Thanksgiving staple is buttery, creamy and just the right amount of crunchy. 3/40 Butternut Squash Dinner Rolls 6 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Butternut Squash Dinner Rolls Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 45 min Servings 5 dozen Go to Recipe 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 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

them ahead of time and freeze them for the big day. 4/40 Moist Poultry Dressing 6 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Vegetarian Stuffing Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 4 hours 20 min Servings 16 servings Go to Recipe 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 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

in your host’s kitchen. 5/40 Honey-Thyme Butternut Squash 22 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Honey-Thyme Butternut Squash Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 10 servings Go to Recipe 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 This golden, honey squash is as comforting as it is colorful. With its bright color, it makes a gorgeous side for any Thanksgiving table. 6/40 Savory Sausage Stuffing 4 Reviews Test Kitchen

About 10 years ago, I decided to jazz up my recipe by adding pork sausage

Approved Total Time 2 hours 30 min Servings 16 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I used to make the same old dressing every year for Thanksgiving. About 10 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 This jazzed up dressing has a couple twists. Pork sausage makes it nice and smoky while cranberries add a hint of sweetness. 7/40 Slow-Cooker Mashed Potatoes 29 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total

Time 2 hours 20 min Servings 10 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator:

Time 2 hours 20 min Servings 10 servings Go to Recipe 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 Cream cheese and sour cream give richness to these smooth, make-ahead potatoes. They’re not in the slow cooker for long—they’ll be ready in just 2 hours. 8/40 Parmesan Roasted Broccoli 16 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Parmesan-Roasted Broccoli Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 4 servings Go to

Recipe From the Recipe Creator:

Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Sure, it’s simple and healthy but, oh, this roasted broccoli is also delicious. Cutting the stalks into tall trees turns the ordinary veggie into a standout side dish. —Holly Sander, Lake Mary, Florida This simple broccoli recipe can be doubled—or even tripled—for your next potluck. With a hint of lemon and red pepper flakes, this cheesy broccoli will be a standout side dish. 9/40 Cheesy Mashed Potatoes 14 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved SARAH TRAMONTE FOR TASTE OF HOME Total Time 1 hour 20 min Servings 10 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Everyone

who has tasted these cheesy mashed potatoes asks how to make them

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 10/40 Sweet Potato Salad 3 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved TASTE OF HOME Total Time 50 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe 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 11/40 Elegant Green Beans 16

Every time I make it for friends, I’m asked to share the recipe

Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Elegant Green Beans Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour 10 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe 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 Mushrooms and water chestnuts give new life to the ordinary green bean casserole. It’s elegant in presentation, but also in taste with a hint of hot pepper sauce giving it a nice amount of heat. 12/40 Carrot and Kale Vegetable Saute

Bacon adds another layer of flavor and depth to this gorgeous side dish

2 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Carrot and Kale Vegetable Saute Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 35 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe 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 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 15 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved GRACE NATOLI

You can also add garlic and dried fruits

SHELDON FOR TASTE OF HOME Total Time 20 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe 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 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 4 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Candied Sweet Potatoes

My town is known as “the yam capital of the United States.”

Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 55 min Servings 10 servings Go to Recipe 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 15/40 Dijon Scalloped Potatoes 23 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 1 hour 15 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe 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

buttery flavor and a pretty, golden-crumb topping. —Carolyn Putnam, Norwalk, Ohio This creamy and cheesy recipe has both sweet and white potatoes, lots of rich, buttery flavor and a golden-crumb topping. It’s a fun take on traditional scalloped potatoes. 16/40 Parmesan Risotto 14 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Parmesan Risotto Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 45 min Servings 12 servings Go to Recipe 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

from just rice in liquid to creamy, tender deliciousness. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen 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 5 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 35 min Servings 16 rolls Go to Recipe 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 These rolls don’t take long to make because they use

quick-rise yeast

quick-rise yeast. With a mashed potato base, they come together in under an hour and can feed the whole family. 18/40 Potluck Macaroni and Cheese 103 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved JIM WIELAND FOR TASTE OF HOME Total Time 2 hours 25 min Servings 16 servings Go to Recipe 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 You can’t go wrong at a potluck with macaroni and cheese. This slow cooker version is extra-rich and creamy with 3

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⭐ Expert Tips

• Include seasonal or trendy variations to keep your meals exciting.

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✅ Key Takeaways

• These dinner ideas are perfect for impressing guests or enjoying special occasions.

• Choose recipes that match your skill level and available kitchen tools.

• Presentation and taste both contribute to a memorable dining experience.

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