Christmas Potluck Ideas: 42 Dishes to Bring to the Party

Sharing food is half the fun of any holiday gathering, and a potluck makes it even easier for friends and family to pitch in. The trick is choosing dishes that travel well, reheat without fuss, and appeal to a broad crowd. Below you’ll find 42 reliable ideas—from appetizers and mains to sweets and sips—that fit neatly onto a buffet table or kitchen counter. Mix, match, and get ready to watch the serving platters empty in record time.

1. Cranberry Brie Bites

Mini puff-pastry shells cradle creamy Brie and tart cranberry sauce for a bite that’s as photogenic as it is tasty. They bake in about 12 minutes, so you can assemble on site if there’s an oven free. Fresh thyme or rosemary adds a whisper of holiday aroma. Serve them slightly warm so the cheese stays gooey.

2. Honey-Glazed Cocktail Meatballs

These beef or turkey meatballs simmer in a sweet-savory sauce of honey, soy, and garlic. Transport them in a slow cooker set to “warm” to keep them juicy for hours. A sprinkle of sesame seeds offers crunch and contrast. Toothpicks nearby encourage easy grab-and-go nibbling.

3. Deviled Eggs with Chives

Hard-boiled eggs get filled with a creamy mix of yolk, mayo, Dijon, and a hint of smoked paprika. Finely chopped chives lend color and mild onion flavor. Prep the filling ahead and pipe on site to keep things tidy. Chill packs in your carrier keep the halves perfectly cool in transit.

4. Spinach & Artichoke Dip

This classic dip marries cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan with spinach and marinated artichokes. Bake until the edges brown and the center is molten. It reheats beautifully in a microwave if oven space is scarce. Serve with pita chips, baguette slices, or sturdy veggie sticks.

5. Pigs in a Blanket

Little smoked sausages wrapped in buttery puff pastry disappear in minutes at any party. Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with everything-bagel seasoning for extra sparkle. They can be baked earlier in the day and reheated for five minutes to restore crispness. Offer mustard and ketchup for dipping variety.

6. Shrimp Cocktail Platter

Poach shrimp in lightly seasoned water, then shock them in ice to lock in tenderness. Arrange on a bed of crushed ice or chilled greens for safe serving. Homemade cocktail sauce—ketchup, horseradish, lemon, and Worcestershire—beats any bottled version. Keep the platter on a cold pack if it’ll sit out longer than an hour.

7. Caprese Skewers with Pesto Drizzle

All the flavors of Caprese salad, minus the mess. Skewers make them easy to grab and mingle with other buffet fare. A quick drizzle of store-bought or homemade pesto adds an herbaceous punch. They stay bright and fresh for several hours, making them ideal for early arrivals.

8. Maple-Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges

Sliced sweet potatoes roast with olive oil, maple syrup, and a pinch of cayenne for balance. The sugars create a sticky glaze that clings to every wedge. Serve them straight on the baking sheet or transfer to a warming tray. A dash of sea salt just before serving sharpens the flavors.

9. Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread

Pre-cut biscuit dough or bread dough balls bake together into a shareable loaf. Garlic butter seeps between the pieces, while grated Parmesan forms a crispy crown. Wrap the skillet in foil for transport to keep it warm. Guests simply tear off pieces—no knife needed.

10. Stuffed Mushrooms with Sausage

Button mushroom caps hold a savory filling of sausage, cream cheese, and herbs. A quick broil creates a crunchy topping while keeping the centers tender. They reheat well in a toaster oven if they cool down. Sprinkle fresh parsley for color just before setting them out.

11. Classic Green Bean Casserole

Canned or blanched green beans mix with a mushroom cream sauce and bake under a crunchy onion layer. It’s nostalgic, yet still hits the spot with modern palates. Bake in a shallow dish so everyone gets some of the golden topping. Quick stir before serving keeps the sauce silky.

12. Macaroni & Cheese Bake

Elbow macaroni swims in a béchamel enriched with sharp cheddar and Gruyère. A breadcrumb sprinkle ensures a crunchy lid. It travels well wrapped in towels to hold heat. If the top dries slightly, a splash of warm milk revives it.

13. Slow-Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

Pork shoulder cooks low and slow until it falls apart with gentle prodding. Mix in your favorite barbecue sauce right at the end to keep flavors bright. Bring small brioche buns so guests can build sliders. Leftovers freeze nicely for mid-January sandwiches.

14. Sheet Pan Lemon-Herb Chicken

Chicken thighs roast alongside potatoes, carrots, and onions, all flavored by the same marinade of olive oil, lemon zest, and rosemary. The result is a complete meal on one pan, perfect for potlucks with limited counter space. It reheats gently without drying out. Serve directly from the pan for rustic appeal.

15. Turkey & Cranberry Sliders

Think post-Thanksgiving sandwich, shrunk to palm size. Warm deli turkey pairs with tangy cranberry relish and a thin layer of cheese for cohesion. Brush the tops with butter and pop in the oven for a few minutes so everything melds. They’re best slightly warm but stay tasty at room temperature.

16. Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze

A spiral-cut ham baked in a glaze of brown sugar, Dijon, and a splash of orange juice feels indulgent without requiring much work. Because it’s already cooked, you’re mostly reheating and caramelizing the exterior. Bring a small jar of extra glaze for drizzling. Thin slices stretch the serving count effortlessly.

17. Vegetarian Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

Hearty lentils stand in for meat, stewed with carrots, onions, and peas in a tomato-rich gravy. Fluffy mashed potatoes seal the top and bake to a light crust. The dish is sturdy and doesn’t slosh during transport. Offer a sprinkle of fresh thyme for aroma when serving.

18. Butternut Squash Risotto

Roasted squash purée lends color and natural sweetness to classic Arborio rice. Stir in vegetable broth gradually to achieve a silky consistency. A thermos or insulated container keeps it hot and prevents over-thickening. Finish with extra Parmesan just before diners dig in.

19. Citrus & Pomegranate Salad

This vibrant salad cuts richness on the buffet with refreshing acidity. A light vinaigrette of olive oil and honey ties the fruit and greens together. Keep dressing in a mason jar and toss at the last minute so the greens stay crisp. Feta crumbles offer optional saltiness.

20. Winter Kale Caesar Salad

Sturdy kale leaves stand up to dressing far longer than romaine, making this salad potluck-friendly. Massage the greens with a touch of olive oil to soften their bite. A classic anchovy-laced Caesar dressing adds depth. Add the croutons just before serving to keep them crunchy.

21. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Trimmed sprouts roast until their edges char and interiors turn sweet. Bacon bits add smoky richness and a hit of salt. A splash of balsamic at the end brightens everything. They reheat quickly under a broiler if needed.

22. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Russet potatoes whipped with warm cream and butter create a classic side everyone expects. Keep them in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting to hold texture. A garnish of chives or parsley dresses them up. Carry an extra pitcher of warm gravy for those who need it.

23. Scalloped Potatoes au Gratin

Thin potato slices bake in a creamy sauce of garlic, Gruyère, and a pinch of nutmeg. The top turns golden and irresistibly crispy. Let the dish rest 15 minutes before transport so the layers set. Reheat covered with foil to maintain moisture.

24. Savory Cornbread Dressing

Day-old cornbread cubes soak up a seasoned stock with onions, celery, and poultry herbs. Bake until the top forms crunchy peaks while the interior remains moist. It complements turkey, ham, and vegetarian mains alike. A drizzle of turkey drippings on site boosts flavor even more.

25. Cranberry Orange Relish

Fresh cranberries pulse with whole orange—including peel—for a bright, uncooked relish. A bit of sugar tempers the tartness while keeping flavors lively. It takes five minutes in a food processor and tastes better after a few hours. The jewel-toned spread perks up turkey sliders and cheese boards.

26. Homemade Dinner Rolls

Soft, pillowy rolls made with milk and a touch of honey feel special yet familiar. Bake them close together so the sides stay tender. Transport in the same basket wrapped in a towel to keep them warm. Offer softened butter or jam nearby.

27. Sparkling Pomegranate Punch

Pomegranate juice, ginger ale, and a dash of lime create a fizzy, jewel-toned drink that looks great on any table. Make an ice ring with cranberries and mint leaves to keep it cold without dilution. The recipe scales easily for a large crowd. Offer sparkling water on the side for those who prefer a lighter pour.

28. Gingerbread Cookies

Molasses and warming spices give these cookies their signature snap and deep flavor. Cut into festive shapes and decorate with royal icing once cooled. Package extras in cellophane bags for guests to take home. They stay crisp for days, making them perfect for advance baking.

29. Sugar Cookie Decorating Tray

A DIY decorating station doubles as dessert and entertainment. Bake sturdy sugar cookies in basic shapes, then set out frosting, sprinkles, and small offset spatulas. Kids and adults alike will crowd around to create edible art. Any leftovers can be packed up as parting gifts.

30. Peppermint Brownies

Rich chocolate brownies gain holiday flair from peppermint extract and a topping of crushed candy canes. The mint balances the deep cocoa flavor without overpowering it. Line the pan with parchment for easy removal and clean edges. They freeze well, so make them days ahead if needed.

31. Eggnog Cheesecake Bars

Classic cheesecake gets a seasonal twist with eggnog in the batter and nutmeg on top. Baking in a sheet pan means easy slicing into portable portions. Chill thoroughly so bars hold their shape during transport. A drizzle of caramel sauce right before serving adds a sweet finish.

32. Red Velvet Cupcakes

Cocoa and buttermilk lend these cupcakes their signature flavor and hue. Cream cheese frosting complements the cake without being cloying. Bake the night before and frost the morning of the event. Compact cupcake carriers keep them upright in the car.

33. Sticky Toffee Pudding

Warm date-laden sponge cake soaked in toffee sauce is pure comfort on a winter night. Bake in individual ramekins or one large dish for scooping. Reheat gently so the sauce stays glossy. A dollop of whipped cream or ice cream cools each bite.

34. Chocolate Yule Log

Light chocolate sponge rolls around whipped cream, then wears a ganache “bark” coat. It slices neatly into spiraled portions that look impressive on the dessert table. Chill to set the frosting, but let it sit out 15 minutes for easier cutting. A sprinkle of powdered sugar resembles fresh snow.

35. Classic Fruitcake Mini Loaves

Soaked dried fruit and nuts bake into rich, spiced batter that only improves over time. Mini loaf pans create shareable sizes perfect for gifting. Brush with a warm jam glaze for shine. Slice thinly; the flavors are bold and satisfying.

36. Rum Balls

Crushed cookies, cocoa, and a splash of dark rum combine into no-bake truffles. Rolling them in cocoa, chopped nuts, or coconut offers variety. Store in the refrigerator so they firm up and flavors meld. They’re bite-sized, so a little goes a long way after a full meal.

37. Cinnamon Monkey Bread

Dough balls coated in cinnamon sugar bake into a pull-apart ring that smells like a holiday morning. A simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk adds shine. Serve it warm; the pieces release easily with gentle tugs. Leftovers make a decadent next-day breakfast.

38. Panettone Bread Pudding

Leftover panettone soaks up a vanilla custard, turning the Italian sweet bread into a luxurious dessert. Baking it until just set keeps the center creamy. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm. A spoonful of mascarpone cream on top never hurts.

39. White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge

Sweet white chocolate balances tart dried cranberries, while pistachios bring crunch and color. The microwave method means the fudge sets in under an hour. Cut into small squares—they’re rich. Arrange in mini cupcake liners for tidy serving.

40. Candy Cane Bark

Layers of dark and white chocolate swirl together under a snowfall of peppermint candy. Once hardened, snap into shards for an easy, gluten-free treat. Store in a cool tin to prevent melting during transit. It doubles as a take-home favor when packed in parchment bags.

41. Spiced Nuts Mix

Almonds, pecans, and cashews roast with maple syrup, cayenne, and rosemary for a sweet-savory snack. They cool into clusters that are easy to munch while socializing. Portion into bowls around the room to prevent traffic jams. Any leftovers keep well for a week in an airtight container.

42. Hot Cocoa Gift Jar

Bring a basket of homemade hot cocoa mix jars so guests can take warmth home with them. Each jar includes cocoa powder, powdered milk, sugar, and a crown of marshmallows. Attach a tag with mixing instructions if you like. It’s an easy, thoughtful parting gesture that stretches the holiday cheer beyond the evening.