Skip to content

Top Navigation

Midwest Living Midwest Living
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Home
  • Garden
  • Holidays
  • Videos
  • current issue
  • Sweepstakes
  • Road Rally

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Win Your Dream Getaway!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Magazine Issues
  • Destinations
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Midwest Living

Midwest Living Midwest Living
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 12 One-of-a-Kind Museums You Can Only Find in the Midwest

      12 One-of-a-Kind Museums You Can Only Find in the Midwest

      Spend the day interacting with paintings, pioneers and a U.S. president at these enlightening—and occasionally unconventional—stops. Read More
    • Out Now: Best of the Midwest 2022

      Out Now: Best of the Midwest 2022

      Find your summer adventure with our new bookazine, available now in the magazine store! Read More
    • This Family's Garden Farm is a Nature-Filled Paradise

      This Family's Garden Farm is a Nature-Filled Paradise

      On land passed down through generations, a Wisconsin family experiences—and shares—the glory of gardening. Read More
  • Travel

    Travel

    See All Travel
    Urban-Pop Art, a New Boutique Hotel and More—Here's What to See and Do in Fort Wayne Right Now

    Urban-Pop Art, a New Boutique Hotel and More—Here's What to See and Do in Fort Wayne Right Now

    On a trip to Fort Wayne, Indiana, catch a colorful wave of fresh development, plus a new hotel from the cofounder of Vera Bradley.
    • Weekend Getaways
    • Family Travel
    • Around the Region
    • Beyond the Region
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Iowa
    • Kansas
    • Michigan
    • Minnesota
    • Missouri
    • Nebraska
    • North Dakota
    • Ohio
    • South Dakota
    • Wisconsin
    • Free Travel Info
  • Food

    Food

    See All Food
    Mango Toast with Prosciutto

    Mango Toast with Prosciutto

    • Comfort Foods
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Breakfast
    • Quick & Easy
    • Chicken
    • Soups & Stews
    • Midwest Favorites
    • Fruits & Vegetables
    • Fish
    • Grilling
  • Home

    Home

    See All Home
    5 Clever Tips for Repurposing a Potting Bench as a Bar Cart

    5 Clever Tips for Repurposing a Potting Bench as a Bar Cart

    With smart accessorizing, a potting bench becomes a celebration station for summer soirees.
    • Quick Decorating
    • Featured Homes
    • Organizing & Storage
    • Outdoor Living
    • Seasonal Decorating
    • Room Decorating
  • Garden

    Garden

    See All Garden
    Expert Tips for Growing a Window Box Garden

    Expert Tips for Growing a Window Box Garden

    Casey Lawrence’s lush window boxes were a revelation to her online followers. Use her tips to grow your own.
    • Container Gardens
    • Flowers
    • Featured Gardens
    • Midwest Gardening Calendar
    • Garden Ideas & Inspiration
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays
    30 No-Cook Potluck and Picnic Recipes

    30 No-Cook Potluck and Picnic Recipes

    Assemble these recipes—great for potlucks, picnics or light family dinners—without turning on the oven or range. They are the perfect way to help you keep your cool.
    • Easter
    • July 4th
    • Thanksgiving
    • Halloween
    • Christmas
    • Valentine's Day
  • Videos

    Videos

    See All Videos
    These DIY Orange Beeswax Candles Will Make Your Home Smell Amazing

    These DIY Orange Beeswax Candles Will Make Your Home Smell Amazing

    Don't toss those orange peels! Instead, use them as vessels for our super-simple and fragrant candles.
    • Brighten Your Front Door with This Colorful Easter Egg Wreath
    • These DIY Orange Beeswax Candles Will Make Your Home Smell Amazing
    • Ring in the New Year with This Glam Star Garland
    • How to Make a Modern Fruit Cake Box
    • An Eye-Catching Oval Treat Box You Can Make
    • Make a Colorful Paper Raffia Wreath to Welcome Fall
    • How to Make a Dried Floral Arrangement
    • How to Make an Easy Pina Colada
    • How to Make an Amazing Pavlova
    • How to Make Pumpkin-Spice Icebox Cake
    • How to Make an All-Butter Pie Crust
  • current issue

    current issue

    See All current issue
    About Us

    About Us

    • March/April 2022 Issue
    • January/February 2022 Issue
    • November/December 2021 Issue
    • September/October 2021 Issue
    • July/August 2021 Issue
    • May/June 2021 Issue
    • Summer 2022 Issue
  • Sweepstakes
  • Road Rally

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Win Your Dream Getaway!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Magazine Issues
  • Destinations
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Midwest Living
  2. Holidays & Entertaining
  3. Thanksgiving
  4. 40 Crowd-Pleasing Potluck Recipes

40 Crowd-Pleasing Potluck Recipes

By The editors of MidwestLiving.com Updated August 22, 2020
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Candied Yams
Credit: Adam Albright

Take a crowd-pleasing vegetable, dessert, salad, appetizer or stuffing to your holiday potluck dinner with any of our recipes.

Start Slideshow

1 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Candied Yams

Candied Yams
Credit: Adam Albright
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A use-what-you-have cook, Gerard Klass's mom always put SunnyD in her yams. So, the chef and co-owner of Soul Bowl in Minneapolis does, too--along with plenty of butter, brown sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon.

1 of 40

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lemony Green Beans

Lemony Green Beans
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Garlic, shallots and lemon brighten crisp-tender beans. Save time by parboiling the green beans a day early.

2 of 40

3 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

Creamy Scalloped Potatoes
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This easy-to-make layered cheesy potato dish pairs well with pork chops or ham.

3 of 40

Advertisement

4 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweet Potatoes with Goat Cheese "Mallows"

Sweet Potatoes with Goat Cheese "Mallows"
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Laced with garlic and rosemary and topped with pecans and goat cheese, this easy casserole gives a savory wink to the traditional sweet-on-sweet Turkey Day staple.

4 of 40

5 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Parsley-Herb Rice with Cranberries

Parsley-Herb Rice with Cranberries
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This colorful rice makes the perfect side dish for any meal. Stir in fresh basil and parsley just before serving.

5 of 40

6 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Maple Mascarpone Cheesecake

Maple Mascarpone Cheesecake
Credit: Brie Passano
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

With a maple-scented, butter-smooth filling and nutty graham cracker crust, this cheesecake leans toward more adult palates. Top it with drifts of whipped cream and a crown of walnut brittle.

6 of 40

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mashed Sweet Potato with Melted Leeks

Mashed Sweet Potato with Melted Leeks
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Luxuriously silky leeks-slow-cooked in butter and seasoned with lemon juice and thyme-ripple through sweet potatoes. Feel free to substitute ordinary potatoes if you prefer.

7 of 40

8 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cherry Crumble Pie Bars

Cherry Crumble Pie Bars
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Zesty lemon peel adds zing to this fruit bar cookie; almond extract and brown sugar give it extra sweetness.

8 of 40

9 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Apple, Bacon and Onion Stuffing Muffins

Apple, Bacon and Onion Stuffing Muffins
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These easy-to-transport muffins are a fun, creative twist on traditional Thanksgiving stuffing.

9 of 40

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Can-Don't Green Bean Casserole

Can-Don't Green Bean Casserole
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Is our all-natural, totally homemade version of the iconic Thanksgiving side more work than the one made with canned stuff? Well, yes. But wow, is it good.

10 of 40

11 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Boozy Jellied Cranberries

Boozy Jellied Cranberries
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Flavored with port wine, orange juice, cloves and cinnamon, our real-fruit mold packs holiday spice and a jiggly punch of throwback glamour. (And don't worry; the alcohol cooks off, so it's actually family-friendly.)

11 of 40

12 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cranberry Chutney

Cranberry Chutney
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Cranberries and apple simmer with red onion, ginger and mustard seeds for a spiced variation on traditional sauce. Try it on a sandwich with leftover turkey.

12 of 40

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweet Potatoes with Toasted Pecans

Sweet Potatoes with Toasted Pecans
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Toasted pecans and melty marshmallows top whipped sweet potatoes in this classic special-occasion side dish.

13 of 40

14 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sunny Broccoli Salad

Sunny Broccoli Salad
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A Cleveland reader makes this potluck salad the day ahead and refrigerates the dressing and vegetables separately. When it's time to serve it, she tosses everything together. Bacon, sunflower kernels and raisins make a crunchy and flavorful side dish.

14 of 40

15 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Orange-Sage Sweet Potatoes with Bacon

Orange-Sage Sweet Potatoes with Bacon
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Orange juice concentrate brings out the sweet flavor while crumbled bacon adds a warm smokiness to this sweet potato side dish made in the slow cooker. Try it with roasted pork loin or turkey breast.

15 of 40

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pumpkin Chiffon Pie

Pumpkin Chiffon Pie
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A whipped-cream-based spiced filling creates a lighter-tasting version of traditional pumpkin pie; the gingersnap crust adds more kick than classic crusts. "This is a fantastic recipe," writes one of our website reviewers. "You get the wonderful pumpkin in a light chiffon pie! A holiday must!"

16 of 40

17 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lemon-Nut Rice Stuffing

Lemon-Nut Rice Stuffing
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Mix crumbled bacon, nuts and fresh veggies with long grain rice for this stuffing, which can be chilled up to 24 hours before baking.

17 of 40

18 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Caramel Heavenlies

Caramel Heavenlies
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Graham crackers form the base for this bar cookie with layers of marshmallows, brown sugar, almonds and coconut. "I've made these cookies each Christmas since 1984," says Georgine Simmonds of Genesee, Michigan. "They're one of my family's favorites."

18 of 40

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Maple-Butternut Puree

Maple-Butternut Puree
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Roasting brings out squash's natural sugars. Blending with maple syrup, butter and nutmeg makes it utterly addictive. Bonus: This dish reheats beautifully.

19 of 40

20 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Iron Range Pasties

Iron Range Pasties
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These mini meat- and vegetable-filled turnovers are equally good warm from the oven or at room temperature. The recipe comes from the Chowgirls Killer Catering cookbook.

20 of 40

21 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fresh Citrus and Cranberry Salad

Fresh Citrus and Cranberry Salad
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Mint and ginger add kick to an arugula salad topped with chopped fresh cranberries.

21 of 40

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cauliflower Gratin

Cauliflower Gratin
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Tossing cauliflower with bread crumbs, Dijon, cheddar, herbs and almonds makes this humble veg holiday-special.

22 of 40

23 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Caramel-Pecan French Silk Pie

Caramel-Pecan French Silk Pie
Credit: Mark Thomas
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Caramel and pecans form a gooey base for this chocolate dream pie. Make this decadent pie at least a day ahead so it has plenty of time to chill before guests arrive.

23 of 40

24 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Cranberry relish, dried cranberries and walnut pieces add zest to a holiday favorite.

24 of 40

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pepper Jack Corn Casserole

Pepper Jack Corn Casserole
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This dead-simple and totally delicious casserole is a homey addition to any weekend meal, potluck or even a holiday spread.

25 of 40

26 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pappa's Pear Stuffing

Pappa’s Pear Stuffing
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

You can serve this hearty, fruit-studded dressing with roasted or grilled pork, poultry or ham. The recipe comes from the historical Story Inn in Nashville, Indiana.

26 of 40

27 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Coconut Pie

Old-Fashioned Buttermilk-Coconut Pie
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This classic pie recipe comes from Miss Aimee B's Tea Room in St. Charles, Missouri.

27 of 40

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cranberry-Apple Sweet Potatoes

Cranberry-Apple Sweet Potatoes
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Mix pantry ingredients-canned apple pie filling, canned sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, apricot preserves, orange marmalade and chopped pecans-for a quick and easy side dish with a crunchy nut topping.

28 of 40

29 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Butternut Squash Bake

Butternut Squash Bake
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This creamy squash casserole calls for mascarpone-a mild, soft, butterlike cheese-as well as Parmesan. You can substitute softened cream cheese for the mascarpone if you prefer. Time-saver: Look for precut squash in your supermarket. (You can also bake the squash in your oven first to make it easier to peel and cut.)

29 of 40

30 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Holiday Seven-Layer Bars

Holiday Seven-Layer Bars
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Chocolate, nuts, coconut and more fill our easy-to-make bar cookies. Mixed dried fruit bits and candy-coated milk chocolate pieces are among the layers that make this bar cookie distinctive.

30 of 40

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

No-Bake Harvest Stuffing

No-Bake Harvest Stuffing
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

We added walnuts, cranberries and seedy bread to classic sage-and-onion turkey dressing-and we did it in a slow cooker. The lidded appliance keeps the stuffing perfectly moist and, of course, frees up the oven for another pie.

31 of 40

32 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Triple Peanut Butter Streusel Bars

Triple Peanut Butter Streusel Bars
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Dry-roasted peanuts, peanut butter-flavored pieces and peanut butter bring triple flavor to this make-ahead bar cookie.

32 of 40

33 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Wild Mushroom Hotdish

Wild Mushroom Hotdish
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Spoon these indulgently saucy mushrooms (inspired by classic Midwest casseroles) over baguette slices or crostini. The recipe comes from the Chowgirls Killer Catering cookbook. To serve the dish skillet-style, start the recipe off in a 10-inch oven-going skillet.

33 of 40

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

34 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Parmesan Cheese and Italian Sausage Stuffing

Parmesan Cheese and Italian Sausage Stuffing
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This stuffing highlights the flavors of shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, Italian sausage and dried currants, all mixed with seasonings, chopped vegetables and bite-size pieces of ciabatta bread.

34 of 40

35 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bacon-Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Bacon-Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Tangy blue cheese and salty bacon make traditional mashed potatoes even more indulgent.

35 of 40

36 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chili Pecans

Chili Pecans
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A coating of spicy and sweet turns toasted pecans into a great party snack. Make these ahead of time-just store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 1 month.

36 of 40

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

37 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Calico Corn Bread Dressing

Calico Corn Bread Dressing
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Homey corn bread meets woodsy sage, thyme and shitake mushrooms. Carrots and apricots add color and sweetness.

37 of 40

38 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Hash Brown Casserole

Hash Brown Casserole
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Here's a somewhat lightened version of a popular potato casserole recipe that's great for brunch, dinner or a potluck.

38 of 40

39 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Gingered Fruit Compote

Gingered Fruit Compote
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Prep time is just 15 minutes for this colorful salad; make it in the morning and store in the fridge for a holiday potluck dinner. 

39 of 40

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

40 of 40

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Holiday Cranberry-Orange Slices

Holiday Cranberry-Orange Slices
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This slice-and-bake cookie recipe brings several favorite holiday flavors to the cookie tray. Beverly Olson of Marshfield, Wisconsin, added cranberries and orange peel to her butter cookies along with pecans. Finely chop these additions so they won't get in the way when you slice the dough.

40 of 40

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By The editors of MidwestLiving.com

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 40 Candied Yams
    2 of 40 Lemony Green Beans
    3 of 40 Creamy Scalloped Potatoes
    4 of 40 Sweet Potatoes with Goat Cheese "Mallows"
    5 of 40 Parsley-Herb Rice with Cranberries
    6 of 40 Maple Mascarpone Cheesecake
    7 of 40 Mashed Sweet Potato with Melted Leeks
    8 of 40 Cherry Crumble Pie Bars
    9 of 40 Apple, Bacon and Onion Stuffing Muffins
    10 of 40 Can-Don't Green Bean Casserole
    11 of 40 Boozy Jellied Cranberries
    12 of 40 Cranberry Chutney
    13 of 40 Sweet Potatoes with Toasted Pecans
    14 of 40 Sunny Broccoli Salad
    15 of 40 Orange-Sage Sweet Potatoes with Bacon
    16 of 40 Pumpkin Chiffon Pie
    17 of 40 Lemon-Nut Rice Stuffing
    18 of 40 Caramel Heavenlies
    19 of 40 Maple-Butternut Puree
    20 of 40 Iron Range Pasties
    21 of 40 Fresh Citrus and Cranberry Salad
    22 of 40 Cauliflower Gratin
    23 of 40 Caramel-Pecan French Silk Pie
    24 of 40 Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
    25 of 40 Pepper Jack Corn Casserole
    26 of 40 Pappa's Pear Stuffing
    27 of 40 Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Coconut Pie
    28 of 40 Cranberry-Apple Sweet Potatoes
    29 of 40 Butternut Squash Bake
    30 of 40 Holiday Seven-Layer Bars
    31 of 40 No-Bake Harvest Stuffing
    32 of 40 Triple Peanut Butter Streusel Bars
    33 of 40 Wild Mushroom Hotdish
    34 of 40 Parmesan Cheese and Italian Sausage Stuffing
    35 of 40 Bacon-Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes
    36 of 40 Chili Pecans
    37 of 40 Calico Corn Bread Dressing
    38 of 40 Hash Brown Casserole
    39 of 40 Gingered Fruit Compote
    40 of 40 Holiday Cranberry-Orange Slices

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Midwest Living

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Help
    • Free Newsletters this link opens in a new tab
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
    • Renew this link opens in a new tab
    • Advertise this link opens in a new tab
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • Affiliate Program
    • Free Travel Info this link opens in a new tab
    • Special Promotions this link opens in a new tab
    • Sweepstakes this link opens in a new tab
    • Video
    • Home Advisor this link opens in a new tab
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMidwest Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Midwest Living. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.midwestliving.com

    Sign in

    View image

    40 Crowd-Pleasing Potluck Recipes
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.