46 Amazing Recipes For Thanksgiving Potluck In Office
The first image that comes to mind when we think of Thanksgiving is of a delicious, comforting, and (sometimes) extravagant feast. A full table laden with several courses of delicious delicacies with the turkey at its center. For a holiday centered around food, what better way to celebrate this day than by hosting a Thanksgiving potluck at the workplace?
But first:
When Is Thanksgiving 2022?
Thanksgiving is a national holiday in the United States and is always celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. This year it will be observed on November 24th. Now that we have established the date, let's talk about the most important thing in this holiday- Food!
"Food brings people together on many different levels. It's nourishment of the soul and body; it's truly love."
– Giada De Laurentiis
Looking at the traditional Thanksgiving dinner menu, you will realize that turkey is always there. The main reason behind this concept of eating turkey on Thanksgiving is that this bird is quite large, which makes it easier to feed larger families. Also, turkey is very common to find in the state of Massachusetts, where this festival was first celebrated. Thus, roasted turkey was considered one of the traditional dishes for Thanksgiving dinner.
Similarly, the pumpkin pie made on this day is also a symbol of the land as Americans grow squashes and pumpkins in abundance. This vegetable is also considered affordable for most people.
With such great significance placed on the menu of Thanksgiving that correlates heavily with the country's history, it is no wonder that it serves as a common ground for most people. The food brings people together in their love of gastronomic experiences and their shared history.
This makes office potluck an ideal team-building activity to celebrate this holiday, which also drives employee engagement. Co-workers can bond over shared recipes and their love for food.
Let's look at a few Thanksgiving potluck ideas for your office that will wow your colleagues and have them asking for the recipe.
45 Thanksgiving Potluck Ideas That Will Bring In The Festive Cheer To Your Office
We have you covered from pies covered in whipped cream to Thanksgiving stuffing cooked in a slow cooker. Here is a list of 44 amazing Thanksgiving potluck recipes you would not want to miss.
Appetizers
Appetizers are important to any meal as they set the tone for what is to come. Let's look at a few easy-to-prepare appetizer recipes for your thanksgiving potluck.
1. Stuffed Mushrooms
This is a versatile recipe that you can adapt to your requirements and cooking proficiency. There are several options to choose from. From vegan options to meat variants, everything fits the different pallets.
2. Pumpkin Dip
Now I know it may not seem like much of a dish; however, consider having an exclusive dip that gives off the perfect thanksgiving feel. When we think of fall, we cannot miss out on Pumpkins. Why not make this exclusive dip a pumpkin dip to keep up the festive feel?
Check out the recipe for this easy-to-make dip.
3. Cheese Ball
Cheese and crackers have always been a simple crowd-pleaser. Adding pecans to this makes it perfect for the season. Have fun with the recipe and present it like a turkey to add a dash of festivity.
Get the recipe for Turkey Cheese Ball here.
4. Southern Sausage Balls
With turkey being the meal's highlight, a simple sausage recipe can be a nice change of pace. Check out this classic southern recipe that can be made with four common pantry ingredients making it perfect for an office potluck.
5. Sweet Potato Bites
Sweet potato casserole is a staple for the Thanksgiving table. But why wait to enjoy them until the main course is served? Check out this recipe that serves this classic as an appetizer.
6. Cranberry Brie Bites
They are perfectly bite-sized and combine the holiday staples of cranberries, pecans, and brie. This is just the thing for those of your colleagues who don't want to eat too much or want to sample a little of everything.
Get the recipe for these easy-to-make bites here, and customize it according to your fancy.
7. Sweet Potato Fries
Who doesn't love fries? With sweet potatoes being the staple for Thanksgiving, why not have them as tasty fries?
8. Stuffed Sweet Potato
This recipe is not for the novice, but once you behold the final results, you will not regret putting in the effort. It is versatile and easily modified to any pallet.
Mashed Potatoes
If the turkey is the centerpiece of a Thanksgiving dinner, mashed potatoes are the perfect accompaniment. Let's check out the different varieties of mashed potatoes. After all, you can never have enough of this easily made-Thanksgiving staple.
9. Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Let's start with the simplest, most basic, unforgettable mashed potato. This recipe is guaranteed to give you the creamiest mashed potatoes.
Check it out here.
10. Roasted Garlic Mashed potatoes
Elevate your traditional Mashed Potato with roasted garlic. This is sure to give you and your guest garlic breath but isn't that what mints are for?
Get the recipe for roasted garlic mashed potatoes here.
11. Mashed Potatoes With Greens
After garlic, let's give the traditional mash a veggie twist. You can use any winter greens, such as kale, collards, or cabbage — get creative!
Get the recipe here.
12. Baked Mashed Potato With Parmesan Cheese
Mashed potatoes are one thing. Baked mashed potatoes are basically on a whole other level. These mashed potatoes are easy to pack, so you can easily get them to the office.
Get the recipe here.
13. Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Use sweet potatoes in place of regular potatoes to spice up the otherwise classic recipe. It is simple to prepare and will give the traditional mash a refreshing flavor boost.
Check out how to get the best mashed sweet potato.
14. Perfect Gravy
Where there are mashed potatoes, there will be gravy, a Thanksgiving staple. Since it is such an important part of the Thanksgiving meal, check out this recipe for the perfect gravy.
15. Gravy without Drippings
Do you need to make gravy but don't have drippings?
Maybe you're deep frying a turkey this year or want to make gravy the day before Thanksgiving to free up space on the stove.
Don't worry! You can make a great-tasting gravy without drippings. Plus, this gravy is easy to make ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze until the big day.
16. Cranberry Sauce
This is the perfect recipe for lazy souls to bring to an office potluck. You could easily pick up some store-bought cranberry sauce or give it a go at making it since all the time it takes is a measly 15 minutes.
Get the recipe for Holiday Cranberry Sauce here.
17. Cranberry Relish With Pears And Walnuts
This pickle-y version of an old favorite balances savory and slightly sweet flavors. The tartness of vinegar makes this relish a bit savory, which is good not only with turkey but also with a sandwich.
Learn how to make this pickle-y version here.
Casserole
Easy-to-share and carry recipes are a perennial favorite to a potluck. Casseroles are one of the most convenient dishes to share and pack, making them a hit for potlucks. Let's look at different casserole recipes you can try to wow your colleagues.
18. Sweet Potato Casserole
No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without at least one sweet potato casserole. The dish is so delicious; it's almost a dessert, not a side dish.
Not only is it delicious, but also very easy to make. Let's check out the recipe and get started.
19. Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallow
Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is a nice change of pace from the savory casseroles. This is a delicious, creamy, toasty recipe and a great family favorite.
Check out the recipe and get baking.
20. Corn Casserole
It is a cross between corn soufflé and a slightly sweet corn pudding. Delicious and easy to make.
Check out the recipe and get started to wow your colleagues.
21. Green Bean Casserole
This is another classic holiday recipe that serves up your daily dose of veggies with enough cheese to make it an all-time favorite.
Get the recipe for Green Bean Casserole here.
Stuffing
Stuffing or filling is usually made of herbs, onions, and bread cubes. As the name suggests is made to fill a cavity (usually turkey). However, when the stuffing is delicious in itself, there is no harm in having it by itself. Check out a few stuffing recipes that will make you forget the turkey.
22. Cauliflower Stuffing
This low-carb cauliflower stuffing proves that you don't necessarily need bread to make an amazing stuffing. However, suppose the group you're feeding on Thanksgiving Day is gluten-free or following a special low-carb diet. In that case, this is the only stuffing recipe you'll need.
Get the recipe here.
23. Easy Cranberry Stuffing
You don't need meat to make stuffing that everyone loves. This simple choice bursts with everyone's favorite Thanksgiving flavors, including sage, thyme, apples, and cranberries.
Check out how to make this delicious stuffing here.
24. Sausage, Cranberry, And Apple Stuffing
This extra fancy but not extra difficult stuffing is so delicious that you could polish off a serving on its own and forget about actually stuffing the turkey. It is fresh and bursting with flavor, and replacing the usual pork sausage with turkey makes it much healthier.
Most of your time will be spent chopping the ingredients, but trust me, it will be worth all the effort.
Get the recipe here.
25. Classic Stuffing
When discussing all the fancy stuffing options, let us not discard the old classic stuffing. This can again be bought at your nearest grocery store but assembling it by hand has its charm.
Learn how to make the classic stuffing here.
26. Cornbread Dressing
Let us not just focus on the stuffing but also talk a little about this easy-to-make dressing. Use your favorite cornbread mix to make a batch of cornbread, and then crumble it in this family-favorite recipe.
Pie
What Thanksgiving dinner would be complete without pie? It is the classic Thanksgiving dessert and comes in various fillings, from meat to fruits, to suit vegans and meat eaters.
27. Pecan Pie
With a homemade crust and a sweet pecan filling, this is THE pecan pie for your Thanksgiving table! Get the recipe for this Thanksgiving staple pie here.
28. Easy Pumpkin Pie
Thanksgiving wouldn't be Thanksgiving without a slice of pumpkin pie. So pick one up or bake one yourself. There are tons of easy recipes out there.
Get the recipe here.
29. Apple Pie
A slice of apple pie is a classic fall favorite. Again, there are tons of recipes for easy apple pies, though you can also pick one up at the local bakery or grocery store.
Check out the recipe.
30. Sweet Potato Pie
As I have mentioned before, sweet potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple. So how can we not have them in pies? This creamy sweet potato pie is subtly spiced and slices beautifully! We suggest baking up a few sweet potato pies around the holidays to give to friends and family.
31. Cranberry-Lime Pie
The spirit of a Key Lime Pie in the guise of a luscious cranberry curd. The contrast between this recipe's short press-in crust and the tart filling is pure genius and a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving dinner.
Get the recipe here.
32. Bourbon Bacon Pecan Pie
This is a pie strictly for meat eaters. It will give you the ideal salty-sweet mouthful with layers of pecans and bacon bits every time.
Get the recipe for this sweet-salty delicacy here.
33. Turkey Pot Pie
Because it uses leftover turkey, this is more of a post-Thanksgiving dinner pie. But who says we can't include it in this list as long as it keeps the Thanksgiving spirit alive?
Check out the recipe here to make use of all that leftover turkey.
Veggies
Veggies with your meat are advisable to make your meal more nutritionally balanced. But no one said you cannot add flavor to your vegetables.
34. Balsamic Roasted Baby Carrots
These Balsamic Roasted Baby Carrots drizzled in balsamic vinegar and then roasted to perfection in the oven are easy to make. Try out the recipe now.
35. Holiday Roasted Vegetables
Amidst all the casserole, mashed potatoes, and turkey, people usually end up craving some no-fuss roasted vegetables. You can include any vegetables here or follow the recipe directly.
36. Honey Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Like sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts can also be considered a Thanksgiving staple. These sweet, glazed sprouts are, however, an absolute game-changer. It is the perfect quick side as it lends a sweet, savory, and crispy element to the meal.
Check out the recipe here.
37. Creamed Brussels Sprouts
Let's look at a different way of making your brussels sprouts tastier. This time instead of crispy, let's try creamy with a mix of yogurt, mayonnaise, cream cheese, and parmesan cheese.
This new take on Brussel sprouts is a tasty alternative that will make even those not fond of sprouts enjoy the dish. It is not necessary to strictly follow the recipe. Go ahead and find the alternative that works better for you.
Get the recipe for this Creamed Brussels Sprouts here.
38. Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Keep the green on the table with this broccoli recipe that everyone will enjoy. This perfect Thanksgiving side dish will help maintain some semblance of healthy eating at the party. If you are not too fond of parmesan, you could always try cheddar cheese.
Get the recipe here.
39. Lemony Brussel Sprout Salad
Who could say "no" to a simple salad after all the other heavy foods on the table? Fresh and crunchy is what you should aim for with this Brussels sprout salad.
Check out the recipe here.
40. Brussel Sprouts With Bacon
If you are looking for an easy side dish, you need not look any further. This two-ingredient side dish is all you will need to impress your colleagues.
Find the recipe here.
41. Turmeric Roasted Beets With Orange Bell Pepper Romesco
Brussels sprouts, baby carrots, and broccoli can become monotonous. Why not change it up with beets and bell peppers instead? The turmeric in this recipe adds an extra earthiness to this side dish.
Check out the recipe here.
42. Green Bean With Walnuts
This is another two ingredients recipe that is an all-time favorite. All it takes is 15 minutes to wow your colleagues.
Find the recipe here.
43. Roasted Beet And Carrot Salad
Surprise the taste buds of your colleagues with this roasted beet and carrot salad. It is sweet and salty and pairs well with any entree.
Check out the recipe here.
44. Roasted Vegetable Salad With Apple Cider Vinaigrette
With all the cupcakes, cookies, and pie, the party is going to need some more vegetables. This roasted vegetable salad is a great potluck side because it can be made in advance and reheated very well. This version is topped with a tangy cider vinaigrette.
Get the recipe here.
45. Artichoke Granata
Artichoke gratinata might sound fancy, but this side dish consists only of artichokes baked with breadcrumbs and a melted grated cheese topping. This means that it's easy to make and easy to eat. It's a perfect snack or appetizer for any Thanksgiving meal.
Get the recipe here
46. Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese
This healthier mac and cheese option is made with a lot of squash that is very good for you but does not take away from the taste of mac and cheese. It is cozy, creamy, delicious, and the perfect dish for Thanksgiving.
Follow the recipe and get cooking.
Wrapping It Up
Be the star of your Thanksgiving office potluck with the extensive list of recipes we have curated for you. What are you waiting for? Get cooking and bask in the praises of all your co-workers.
Thanksgiving Potluck FAQs
Q: What to bring to a Thanksgiving potluck in the office?
A: Go for simple and easy to make recipes that are also convenient to share and carry like casseroles, salads, pies, dips or stuffings.
Q: How to host a Thanksgiving potluck?
A: Keep in mind the following steps to organize a successful potluck in office-
- Ask management if they are willing to cover the cost of turkey, if not ask everyone to chip in for the turkey.
- Pick a date.
- Be clear on who is bringing what.
- And finally do not forget about the cleanup.
Q: How to plan a Thanksgiving potluck menu?
A: A classic Thanksgiving meal is fairly predictable but keeping a little wiggle room to accommodate different cultures is necessary in a diverse workplace. Also keep in mind the allergies and sensitivities of your colleagues while preparing the menu.
Q: What to bring to a Thanksgiving potluck without cooking?
A: For those that can’t cook but want to be a part of the potluck there are several store bought options like chips and dips, cheese and crackers, cranberry sauce, or simple bread rolls.
A dreamer and an idealist in a long-term relationship with food and sleep, Lopamudra is more than thrilled to be part of the marketing team at Vantage Circle. When she is not in the vicinity or thinking about food, you can find her curled up in a corner with a good book and music. For any related queries, contact editor@vantagecircle.com.
