25+ Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Potluck Side Dish Ideas

Sweet potato casserole is a MUST that everyone loves! I've made this recipe 10+ times and that brown sugar topping is everything. Even if someone is bringing sweet potatoes in another form, you gotta have this casserole.

- from Pinch of Yum

If your potluck doesn't have mashed potatoes on the menu, I will either a) bring some; or b) not come to your potluck. Okay but really though, someone better be making mashed potatoes. Here are some super classic ones that can be made on the stovetop or in your Instant Pot.

This from-scratch recipe for Green Bean Casserole is creamy, crispy, and SUCH a classic, and I love this healthier version! Make at home and reheat in the oven while the turkey is being carved.

- from Gimme Some Oven

Soft, perfectly fluffy, and completely effortless to make. This is literally the easiest recipe for bread rolls in the world and it's a Turkey Day staple. Don't buy at the store! Make these dinner rolls and impress everyone.

- from Recipe Tin Eats

Stuffing is a requirement. So why not do all the prep work ahead of time with this delicious classic Thanksgiving stuffing recipe!? It's super easy to customize with your favorite stuffing ingredients!

- from Sweet Peas and Saffron

I love cranberry sauce but I don't particularly love the amount of sugar that usually goes into it. Next time I make homemade cranberry sauce, I'm going to give this version a try. This is another one of those dishes that someone better be making from scratch for a legit potluck!

- from Cookie and Kate

I'll admit I'm not the biggest fan of cooked brussels sprouts, but I can agree they're a Thanksgiving staple. In a world of carbs, bring some veggies to the table! Some people are obsessed with good brussels sprouts. You will be their friend if you bring these to the potluck.

- from Minimalist Baker

A classic, cheesy, buttery dish that just pairs perfectly with the holidays! This Easy Corn Pudding Casserole is indulgent and creamy, making it the perfect contrast to those brussels sprouts above!

- from I Wash You Dry

If you're trying to stick with the holiday flavors but also trying to keep the bread away, give this No Bread Holiday Stuffing a try. This dish could easily be made ahead and reheated in the oven while the turkey is being carved.

- from Meal Plan Addict

These creamy dreamy mashed sweet potatoes are super easy to whip up and can be made ahead and reheated. They still deserve a spot on the table even if mashed potatoes are present!

- from Sweet Peas and Saffron

This beautiful winter slaw makes use of colorful produce available during cooler months and is simple to throw together. It'll hold up during during transportation to your next potluck.

- from Fed & Fit

If you're not so into the classic roasted brussels sprouts like me, you should definitely give raw brussels sprouts a try. They taste completely different and go great with flavors like the tart cherries and smoky bacon in this salad.

- from The Real Food Dietitians

Some version of a broccoli salad always appears on our potluck table! I love the holiday colors of this one - plus it's kid approved! Broccoli holds up really well, so this is a great salad to make ahead of time.

- from Super Healthy Kids

Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or just because you’re a fruit salad enthusiast, this Quinoa Mint Fruit Salad is filled with a delicious rainbow of berries, kiwi, banana, and mandarins. The quinoa and fresh fruit are tossed with a honey lime mint dressing for a simple refreshing salad all will enjoy!

This is one of those salads I've eat 20+ times but never made in my lifetime because someone always brings it to the potluck. YOU could be that person! This recipe looks doable for anyone and it is fan-flipping-tastic.

- from Table for Two Blog

This side dish gets extra points for tasting better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours! The flavors in this Cinnamon Raisin Carrot Salad make it taste like dessert, but it's actually not too bad for you. Perfect to serve chilled or at room temperature, and I bet no one at the potluck is already bringing this one!

This cold wild rice salad is bursting will Fall flavors and is perfect to make for a Thanksgiving potluck. Completely prep ahead and then set it out to be enjoyed. I love the combination of crisp apples, walnuts, and sweet cranberries!

- from Detoxinista

Full of fall colors and flavors, this Radicchio & Roasted Squash Salad is a hearty addition to your Thanksgiving dinner menu that won’t take up valuable oven space! Easily prep the ingredients ahead of time and toss together before serving for a simple and elegant holiday salad.

This classic Midwestern fruit salad is full of fruit and marshmallows with a delicious lemon custard sauce. Make it the night before and pull it straight from the fridge to serve. Most fruits are canned and should be easy to find year round.

- from Culinary Hill

Deviled eggs are honestly required at Thanksgiving and Easter, so make sure those are covered. This is my buffalo version, but just omit the buffalo sauce for delicious classic deviled eggs.

These are the easiest appetizer EVER - just let your slow cooker do the work on this crowd pleasing appetizer that's a potluck staple! And you won't bother anyone by trying to take up the oven.

- from The Salty Marshmallow

These spinach and artichoke stuffed mushrooms are perfect to serve to a crowd or take to a potluck. Bonus points: these things are paleo and nobody would know the difference!

- from PaleOMG

This dip was made to be prepped ahead! Make a double batch for a potluck and serve with crackers or a giant veggie tray. My mom told me she could eat this dip with a spoon!!

This Starbucks copycat is everything and MORE. I've made these bars an uncountable number of times and I always get asked for the recipe. They're perhaps even better than the Starbucks version. These are absolutely delicious and look gorgeous on the potluck table.

- from Skinnytaste

If you've never had this "salad", you're missing out, PLAIN & SIMPLE. Essentially, it's pudding and cool whip with chopped candy bars. Plus apples! Very Fall, very dessert, and very potluck.

- from Spicy Southern Kitchen

The ultimate Fall dessert combo - cheesecake and pumpkin pie. In bar form! AKA perfect for serving at a potluck or Friendsgiving event. The gingersnap crust is calling my name.

- from Fit Foodie Finds