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25 Holiday Potluck Recipes That Make Get-Togethers Easy

November 04, 2025
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These recipes travel well, are tasty — and totally ready to rule the potluck table.

Photo: Matt Armendariz
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Our Best Ideas for a Holiday Potluck

Between holiday dinners, family parties, and neighborhood gatherings, December can feel get hectic quickly. When you need something easy to make to bring to a potluck, we have recipes of all kinds to the rescue. From savory, rich main courses to light, portable appetizers, there’s a dish for any occasion, including festive desserts. Whatever kind of event you’re attending, you’ll be sure to find a recipe on this list that looks as good as it tastes.

An abundant cheese board can always bring the fun to a holiday gathering. Mix and match seasonal fruits, cheeses and cured meats to create an effortlessly elegant display, using this recipe as a guide. It’s portable, customizable and guaranteed to please a hungry crowd.

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Autumn Potato Gratin

Rich, creamy and layered with golden potatoes, this gratin is pure comfort food. The dish can be assembled ahead and baked right before serving, so it’s ideal for traveling to your holiday host’s house. Plus, it pairs with just about any dish on the table.

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Tortellini Skewers

Colorful and fun, these skewers utilize green spinach tortellinis, creamy white mozzarella and fresh red cherry tomatoes to create a fun holiday motif. A drizzle of pesto over the top adds an extra pop of color to these tasty skewers. Assemble ahead and serve chilled or at room temperature.

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Muffin Tin Latkes

These perfectly portioned latkes bake up crisp on the outside and tender inside. The muffin-tin method means no messy frying and they travel easily. Serve them with sour cream or applesauce for a classic Hanukkah touch.

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Christmas Tree Antipasto Salad

Turn your appetizer into a festive centerpiece with this clever antipasto plate. Stacked layers of cured meats, cheese and veggies arranged into the shape of a Christmas tree bring the holiday spirit to any table. Keep the dressing on the side until you arrive to save the lettuce from wilting.

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Photo: Matt Armendariz
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Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

A warm tray of Mac and cheese will be a hit on any potluck table. It takes just a few minutes to put together and can be made ahead and reheated just before serving. Put it out and watch it disappear in seconds.

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Balsamic Roast Pork Tenderloins

Tender, juicy pork tenderloin coated in a sweet-tangy balsamic glaze is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Slice it before traveling and drizzle with extra sauce for a glossy finish when you arrive. It’s elegant enough for a formal party but simple enough for any casual weeknight gathering.

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Photo: Matt Armendariz
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Gelt Peanut Butter Blossoms

A Hanukkah twist on a classic cookie, these peanut butter blossoms get topped with chocolate gelt coins. They’re easy pack up in tins for gifting or sharing. A final sprinkle of blue and white sprinkles rolled onto the dough balls before baking adds a pleasant crunch as you sink your teeth into the gooey chocolate center.

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Photo: Kate Mathis
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Christmas Salad

Bursting with color and wintery flavors, this salad mixes pomegranate seeds, crisp greens and sweet orange segments. A pop of salty feta cheese and a handful of pecans tossed in pumpkin pie spice ensure this salad has tons of textures and enough variety to wake up your taste buds.

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Photo: Teri Lyn Fisher
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Cranberry-Brie Knots

Flaky pastry, melty brie and tart cranberries could never go wrong. These little bites pack big flavor and look gorgeous on a holiday platter. Make them ahead and reheat just before serving for instant cheer.

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Deviled Cucumbers

This fresh, bite-sized appetizer is as light as it is easy to make. A simple smoked salmon dip filing nestles into the hollowed-out center of halved mini cucumbers. Use a piping bag to make filling quick and easy, then sprinkle with chopped chives to finish.

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Spinach and Feta Noodle Kugel

This savory take on the traditional noodle kugel adds a Mediterranean twist by incorporating spinach and feta. It can be baked the day before and served warm or at room temperature. Perfect for Hanukkah gatherings or any potluck that could use a dose of comfort food.

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Sweet Potato Pie with Candied Pecans and Coconut

This pie combines silky sweet potatoes with nutty, crunchy topping for ultimate holiday comfort. It gets a southern twist from a candied pecan and shredded coconut topping that also adds a nice texture contrast. Bright orange garnet yams are the spud of choice for this pie, though any kind of sweet potato will work fine.

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Cupcake Christmas Tree

Bring the ‘wow’ factor with this adorable cupcake display that looks far more impressive than its easy assembly. Once the chocolate cupcakes are baked, frosted and topped with greens sprinkles, affix them to a styrofoam cone with simple toothpicks. For easier transport, trim the tree with candy, ribbon and sugar 'snow' once you reach your potluck destination.

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Photo: Matt Armendariz ©
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Turkey and Stuffing Casserole

This clever casserole packs all your favorite feast flavors into one travel-friendly dish. A moist ground turkey layer covered by an apple-studded stuffing layer bakes until golden brown and delicious. Serve it as-is or with your favorite gravy.

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Horseradish-Crusted Brisket With Carrots

Tender, slow-cooked brisket gets a zippy lift from a horseradish crust. This rich and satisfying main gets even better after resting overnight, making it ideal for a make-ahead option. Just reheat gently and let the fragrant sauce work its magic.

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White Chocolate Holiday Bark

A sheet pan, some melted chocolate, and your favorite toppings are all you need to make this fun treat. It’s endlessly versatile and the final product is perfect for gifting or sharing. Snap it into pieces, pack it up and spread the holiday cheer.

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Good Deeds Greens

Collard greens braised with smoky flavors and a hint of sweetness make this dish a soulful addition to any Kwanzaa feast. It holds beautifully and tastes even better reheated. It’s a nourishing, crowd-pleasing classic that honors tradition.

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Moroccan Couscous

Fluffy couscous cooked with a rich, warming spice blend feels festive and global all at once. It’s great warm or at room temperature and works when paired with all kinds of other dishes. Bring it to any Kwanzaa or Christmas buffet as a simple, versatile side.

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Roast Prime Rib with Thyme Au Jus

Need an impressive main that isn’t fussy? This surprisingly low-maintenance prime rib roasts in the oven without the need for constant monitoring. Once it’s done, whip up the quick pan sauce with fresh thyme and a splash of red wine.

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Zesty Herb Dip

If the hectic holiday season has you overloaded and you need a potluck dish with minimal effort, whip up this zesty herb dip. Mix together sour cream, spices and chopped fresh herbs and the dish is done in less than 10 minutes. Swing by the store for a bag of chips or a box of crackers on your way to the party and you’ll be good to go.

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Bread Pudding Cups with Bourbon Sauce

Warm, custardy bread pudding meets buttery bourbon sauce in single-serve cups. A muffin tin and some paper liners makes assembly and serving simple. As soon as they come out of the oven, poke a few holes in the top and pour in the apple-bourbon sauce so it can soak into every bite.

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Photo: Marcus Nilsson ©
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Slow-Roasted Pork with Citrus and Garlic

Bright citrus and fragrant garlic transform slow-roasted pork into a stunning main dish. It’s very forgiving to being made ahead and transports well. Braise it in a Dutch oven and bring the whole dish to the party for simple serving.

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Photo: Matt Armendariz ©
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Winter Kale Salad

Hearty kale won’t wilt quickly if you take this salad on the road. Tossed with seasonal fruit and toasted pecans, it’s a refreshing contrast to the heavier dishes of the season. Transport it in layers, then toss with dressing just before serving.

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Photo: Con Poulos
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Cassoulet With Sausage

This French-inspired casserole of beans, sausage, and herbs is hearty enough to heat a crowd even if the other dishes are somewhat lacking. Instead of duck, this version uses lamb or pork to fill the dish with rich, braised meat. All the components can be prepped ahead of time and combined for a faster day-of prep load.

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