49 Thanksgiving Potluck Ideas for Work That Keep It Simple

Every invite at work gets easier with 49 sweet and savory Thanksgiving potluck favorites like this. I find coworkers smile when these show up on the office table. Sweet treats, hearty mains, and more; all simple to make and easy to transport. These recipes make potluck planning for Thanksgiving at work completely stress-free.

Banana pudding in a bowl with whipped cream and bananas. — Easy Banana Pudding. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Moist Pumpkin Cake

Close-up of sliced pumpkin cake topped with cream cheese frosting and a dusting of cinnamon, with plates in the background. — Moist Pumpkin Cake. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Dessert lovers gather around the table a little faster whenever I share Moist Pumpkin Cake. Fall spices seem to warm the whole room and draw in compliments every single time. Slices disappear before lunch is over at nearly every workplace gathering. It’s that moist bite that wins people over year after year.
Get the Recipe: Moist Pumpkin Cake

Crispy Pork Belly

Sliced roast pork with crispy, golden-brown skin on a wooden surface. — Crispy Pork Belly. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Work potlucks take a savory turn once I bring Crispy Pork Belly into the mix. Crunchy, golden texture always stands out on a fall buffet table. Sparked conversations and curious glances seem to follow every platter. Someone asks for the recipe nearly every Thanksgiving at the office.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Pork Belly

Savory Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

A plate of golden-brown, cheesy sausage balls stacked on top of each other, with one ball partially broken to show the inside texture. — Savory Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Bite-sized options like Savory Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls get people reaching back for seconds. Office parties with these on the tray just feel more festive. Savory flavors blend in each warm bite, making this a requested classic. Even coworkers unsure about sausage balls end up taking a few extra.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake

Close-up of a Pumpkin Dump Cake, a baked dessert topped with chopped pecans and drizzled with caramel sauce, served in a white dish on a wooden surface. — Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cutting into Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake brings out the comforting scents of autumn desserts. Everyone enjoys how quickly it comes together, especially when time is tight. Layers create the perfect sweet ending for busy Thanksgiving potlucks. Folks are always surprised by how homemade it tastes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake

Savory French Onion Casserole

A baked casserole dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with a golden-brown breadcrumb crust and garnished with fresh herbs. — Savory French Onion Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Caramelized depth makes Savory French Onion Casserole a main event at any fall gathering. Colleagues spot this bubbling dish and comment on the aroma immediately. Each serving pairs well with the rest of the spread. I’m always asked if there will be leftovers to take home.
Get the Recipe: Savory French Onion Casserole

Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Twice-baked potatoes topped with melted cheese and chopped green onions on a baking sheet. — Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Warm, filled potatoes always brighten up a holiday lunchroom. Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes get high marks for presentation and comfort. People recognize the golden tops and join the line for a second helping. I make sure to bake a few extra since they’re so popular.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Spicy Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

A plate of bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers filled with cheese, secured with toothpicks, next to a small dish of dipping sauce. — Spicy Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Unexpected heat turns Spicy Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers into a conversation starter. A bit of smoky bacon steals attention next to all the classics. One crunchy bite always wakes up the palate during heavy Thanksgiving menus. People who claim they don’t like spice will still go back for more.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

Hearty Turkey Chili

A close-up of a pot of chili with beans, avocado slices, red onion, sour cream, and garnished with chopped cilantro. — Hearty Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Steaming bowls of Hearty Turkey Chili bring everyone together in colder fall weather. A robust, cozy option like this always helps break the ice at larger work events. Ladling out chili brings coworkers to the same table. Leftovers vanish long before anyone’s ready for dessert.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Turkey Chili

Matcha Tiramisu

A close-up of a slice of tiramisu topped with green matcha powder, served on a ceramic plate. — Matcha Tiramisu. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Green layers in Matcha Tiramisu add a unique twist and a moment of surprise. Rich, creamy texture contrasts everything else on a classic Thanksgiving table. People remember this dessert long after the party’s over. You’ll end up sharing the origin of this treat more than you think.
Get the Recipe: Matcha Tiramisu

Sweet Maple Glazed Turkey Breast

Close-up of sliced glazed turkey breast with visible seasoning. — Sweet Maple Glazed Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Office gatherings get a fragrant boost with Sweet Maple Glazed Turkey Breast as the centerpiece. Maple glaze draws out fall aromas that make people linger a bit longer. Carving into this brings smiles to those wishing for something other than whole turkey. Just a few slices bring warmth to the entire meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Maple Glazed Turkey Breast

Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

A plate of golden-brown gnocchi garnished with rosemary, served with a black fork. — Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pillowy bites of Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi brighten up any shared table. Subtle sweetness and a gentle texture pair beautifully with fall flavors. Colleagues ask questions about how you made it possible. I always notice how quickly they vanish from the serving platter.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies

A close-up of a chocolate cookie with chocolate chips and small white marshmallows on top. — Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Holiday lunches fill with chocolate aroma when Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies are on the tray. Soft, decadent, and festive—these make anyone feel like a kid after one bite. People talk about these for weeks after potluck day. I tuck a few aside for myself whenever I bring them in.
Get the Recipe: Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies

Turkey Bolognese

A plate of spaghetti topped with meat sauce, grated cheese, and chopped herbs, with a fork resting on the plate. — Turkey Bolognese. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Pasta dishes like Turkey Bolognese bring home-style comfort into the office setting. Everyone recognizes the inviting tomato-rich color. Autumn lunches feel heartier with a scoop of this on your plate. I’m always giving colleagues ideas for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Bolognese

Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites

A tray of cranberry brie bites with walnut topping. — Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

The combo in Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites creates instant appeal on any Thanksgiving snack platter. Melty, fruity, and bite-sized, these never last long at the potluck table. Friends at work often ask if I have more in the kitchen. Bright cranberry makes even non-cheese lovers join in.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites

Tender Turkey Meatballs

Close-up of meatballs covered in gravy, topped with chopped parsley, resting on mashed potatoes. — Tender Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

People seek out Tender Turkey Meatballs whenever I set them down among the appetizers. Their juicy interior helps these become a favorite year after year. Saucy portions delight both kids and adults. The comment I hear most: “Are these really turkey?”
Get the Recipe: Tender Turkey Meatballs

Warm Apple Fritters

Close-up of freshly baked apple cookies drizzled with icing, resting on parchment paper with part of a bowl visible to the right. — Warm Apple Fritters. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Apple scent from Warm Apple Fritters floats through the lunchroom before the platter is even set down. Warm, pillowy bites make everyone pause for a treat. These get snapped up long before lunchtime wraps up. Several people always request the details after their first taste.
Get the Recipe: Warm Apple Fritters

Tender Roasted Broccoli

A bowl of roasted broccoli topped with grated cheese and seasoning. — Tender Roasted Broccoli. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Just-roasted flavor brings out the best in Tender Roasted Broccoli. Even people who claim they aren’t broccoli fans try more than one floret. Roasty edges tempt guests skipping heavier fare. Autumn office tables simply look brighter with these greens.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roasted Broccoli

Warm Apple Cobbler

A baked apple cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, partially served in a dish. — Warm Apple Cobbler. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Crumbly topping and baked fruit combine in Warm Apple Cobbler to make conversations linger. The golden brown finish stands out at any Thanksgiving meal. Walking by, coworkers ask what smells so enticing. Generous helpings nearly always run out.
Get the Recipe: Warm Apple Cobbler

Savory Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Close-up of cooked beef chunks garnished with chopped herbs on a plate with a spoon nearby. — Savory Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sizzling platters of Savory Garlic Butter Steak Bites command attention right away. Seasoned to perfection, every bite feels like a special treat. Holiday lunches feel more memorable with steak on the menu. Even non-steak lovers change their tune after these.
Get the Recipe: Savory Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Warm Apple Crisp

Close-up of apple crumble with oats and brown sugar topping. A spoon is partially visible on the left. — Warm Apple Crisp. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Aromatic spices swirl from Warm Apple Crisp as forks dig in. Each bite balances sweetness and crunch better than most autumn desserts. Staying warm on the buffet keeps people coming back. Several ask for the recipe card before the meal ends.
Get the Recipe: Warm Apple Crisp

Mashed Potato Casserole

A baked casserole topped with crispy fried onions and sliced green onions, served in a white oval dish on a tiled surface with a beige cloth nearby. — Mashed Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Layers of smooth and fluffy texture make Mashed Potato Casserole an office comfort staple. After the first scoop, coworkers immediately eye a second helping. Office chatter always picks up near this creamy side. I recommend saving some for your own lunch.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Casserole

Savory Roast Beef Sliders

Close-up of a fork lifting a beef sandwich topped with sesame seeds on a soft bun, with more sandwiches in the background. — Savory Roast Beef Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Small sandwiches like Savory Roast Beef Sliders pile up on plates fast. Cheesy, beefy goodness fits perfectly in one hand. Arguments break out over who gets the last one. Someone always urges me to bring them again next time.
Get the Recipe: Savory Roast Beef Sliders

Spiced Pumpkin Cupcakes

Two cupcakes with light brown frosting are shown on a white surface, each in a beige paper liner. — Spiced Pumpkin Cupcakes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Craving sweet flavors in the middle of fall? Spiced Pumpkin Cupcakes nail it every time. Moist crumb and fragrant icing get rave reviews during lunch breaks. Compliments on how “seasonal” they taste keep coming all day.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pumpkin Cupcakes

Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole

A golden brown Thanksgiving casserole of baked stuffing garnished with fresh herbs. — Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Stacked layers inside Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole create a full holiday meal in every scoop. Forks dig deep to get a taste of everything. After one helping, people ask how it all fits together. The way fall flavors mix makes this an instant classic.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole

Savory Bread Stuffing

A close-up of a casserole dish filled with stuffing made of bread cubes, cranberries, chopped herbs, and celery. — Savory Bread Stuffing. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Herby aroma from Savory Bread Stuffing is what autumn is all about. Holiday traditions center on sides like this one at every work potluck. Even those who skip turkey come by for a generous portion. I rarely leave with leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Savory Bread Stuffing

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Hints of earthiness in Mashed Sweet Potatoes call people over from across the room. Silky and sweet, they smoothly complete any holiday feast. Around the table, coworkers love how simple and nostalgic it feels. Just a taste brings back memories of home.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Rich Homemade Bread Pudding

A close-up of decadent bread pudding, topped with creamy vanilla sauce, is being lifted from a serving plate. — Rich Homemade Bread Pudding. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Hearty and homey, Rich Homemade Bread Pudding makes busy workdays feel slower for a moment. Each spoonful brings warmth to the breakroom. Vanilla aroma gets people looking up from their laptops. I notice even self-declared “cake only” folks sampled more than once.
Get the Recipe: Rich Homemade Bread Pudding

Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup

A bowl of beef stew with chunks of meat, potatoes, carrots, and peas in a brown broth, garnished with chopped parsley. — Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Cool, crisp weather inside or out calls for Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup. Brothy goodness fills bowls and conversation follows in minutes. People appreciate a filling, hot option on the potluck line. Someone always asks for a container to take home.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup

Rich Peanut Butter Cake

Close-up of frosted square cake pieces with a light brown crust on parchment paper. — Rich Peanut Butter Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Creamy, nutty flavors steal attention when Rich Peanut Butter Cake arrives. Sweet richness makes it a hit even among fans of traditional pies. Slices go quickly with requests for second helpings coming fast. A personal top pick for almost any seasonal dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Rich Peanut Butter Cake

Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Close-up of a flavorful chicken salad with diced chicken, green onions, chopped pecans, and raisins, all served on a bed of fresh spinach leaves. — Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Hearty salads like Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad balance out heavier Thanksgiving dishes. Tangy cranberry and crunchy pecan textures liven up any lunch spread. People thank me for bringing something fresh and light. It’s often the first salad to disappear.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Moist Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

A group of pumpkin bars with icing on top. — Moist Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sheets of Moist Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting signal the arrival of autumn sweets. Silky frosting and spiced cake layer together perfectly. Tins return empty even at the biggest work parties. Someone always mentions how this tastes “just like Thanksgiving.”
Get the Recipe: Moist Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

Hearty Stuffed Cabbage

Close-up of stuffed cabbage rolls filled with rice and ground meat, topped with tomato sauce and garnished with chopped herbs. — Hearty Stuffed Cabbage. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Rolls of Hearty Stuffed Cabbage offer comforting bites to balance all the richness of the holiday. Warm fillings fill up hungry coworkers, quietly impressing every crowd. After a few servings, people ask how I keep them so tender. They feel timeless and new all at once.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Stuffed Cabbage

Sweet Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

A slice of apple cinnamon roll on a plate. — Sweet Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Two fall classics meet in Sweet Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie. Swirled crust with a gooey apple filling always gets conversations started. Slices showcase layers that catch everyone’s eye. Thanksgiving tables just feel complete with this on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

Hearty Turkey Sausage Patties

Four browned sausage patties garnished with chopped herbs on a plate, with a fork breaking one open to show the inside. — Hearty Turkey Sausage Patties. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sausage patties crafted for Thanksgiving make Hearty Turkey Sausage Patties a standout among appetizers. Satisfyingly dense, these last minutes on any buffet. I’ve found their flavor works both as a breakfast treat and potluck sharing plate. People keep talking about these after their first taste.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Turkey Sausage Patties

Moist Pumpkin Muffins

A stack of pumpkin muffins in paper liners is arranged on a light surface, with small decorative pumpkins in the background. — Moist Pumpkin Muffins. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Unwrapping Moist Pumpkin Muffins brings out the deep scents of autumn all morning. Fluffy texture and gentle spice fill each bite. Early arrivals notice when these show up first at the office potluck. None of the muffins ever make it back home.
Get the Recipe: Moist Pumpkin Muffins

Juicy Turkey Burger

A close-up of a chicken burger with lettuce, tomato, and a creamy sauce in a toasted bun. — Juicy Turkey Burger. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

More than just a meat option, Juicy Turkey Burger wins fans with every bite. Juiciness stands out against traditional patties. These keep conversations moving during any Thanksgiving lunch break. Requests for the recipe roll in whenever they’re served.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Turkey Burger

Moist Red Velvet Cake

Red Velvet Cake with whipped cream swirls on a cakestand. — Moist Red Velvet Cake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Holiday gatherings gain a splash of color with a tray of Moist Red Velvet Cake. Luscious crumb and classic flavor appeal to a wide audience. People linger over slices longer than usual. A touch of red turns a simple work event festive.
Get the Recipe: Moist Red Velvet Cake

Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

A serving of tater tot casserole on a spoon. — Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Lively, cheesy comfort comes alive in Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole. Golden brown toppings always get noticed as the first dish people pick up. Passersby lean in for a closer look at each hearty scoop. Conversations about how easy it is to make pop up throughout the meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

Homemade Chocolate Truffles

Chocolate truffles on a plate with a chocolatey spoon resting on the plate. — Homemade Chocolate Truffles. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Gifts for the senses, Homemade Chocolate Truffles instantly raise hands for dessert. Boozy, nutty, or just plain dark—everyone finds something to love. These disappear from trays before the main course ends. Colleagues reminisce about these into December.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Chocolate Truffles

Easy Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner

Sheet pan meal with sliced roasted chicken breast, brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, pecans, and pomegranate seeds, garnished with herbs. — Easy Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Complete meals happen in one go with Easy Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner. Every component comes together with barely any fuss. I bring this when work events need quick, delicious variety. People comment on how everything tastes homemade.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner

Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes

A baked dish with melted cheese, diced pineapples, browned bacon, and chopped green onions on top. — Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

The visual appeal of Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes always launches recipe questions. Cheesy layers and savory toppings draw people closer right away. Potluck lines move faster when these show up since everyone wants some. The last serving is usually spoken for early.
Get the Recipe: Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Crispy Candied Tanghulu

Skewers of grapes and strawberries coated in a shiny glaze are arranged on a light surface with loose fruit pieces nearby. — Crispy Candied Tanghulu. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bright, candy-coated fruit makes Crispy Candied Tanghulu stand out in a sea of fall desserts. Shiny shells appeal to anyone needing a little sweet break. First bites bring a pleasant crunch that lingers. Coworkers snap photos before dare taking the first taste.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Candied Tanghulu

Festive Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball

Cheese ball shaped like a pumpkin with a green stem, coated in crumbled topping, surrounded by herbs and decorative pumpkins on a wooden surface. — Festive Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Cheese boards level up with Festive Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball at the center. Bright orange, fun, and inviting—everyone wants to cut the first slice. Almost too cute to eat, but always finished anyway. Office parties get a creative spark from this appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Festive Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Several smashed, roasted baby potatoes garnished with herbs and grated cheese are arranged on a baking sheet. — Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Seasoned and golden, Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes earn repeated compliments. Their texture blends crunch and fluff without fail. Savory scents have people lining up for seconds. Every tray disappears faster at work than any other starchy side.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Savory Cornbread Stuffing

A metal spatula lifts a serving of baked stuffing topped with chopped parsley from a white casserole dish. — Savory Cornbread Stuffing. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Stuffing lovers recognize Savory Cornbread Stuffing immediately on the buffet line. Touches of fall flavor transform each bite. Comments about how moist and flavorful it is come from new fans every year. No Thanksgiving table at work should go without it.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cornbread Stuffing

Crispy Maryland Crab Cake

Close-up of golden-brown Maryland crab cakes garnished with herbs on a white plate, complemented by a fresh parsley garnish. — Crispy Maryland Crab Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bringing a touch of coastal flavor, Crispy Maryland Crab Cake wakes up even classic Thanksgiving lunches. Crunchy on the outside and super moist inside, they’re a welcome surprise at traditional spreads. Curiosity gets everyone trying at least one. I hear praise for these for weeks after.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Maryland Crab Cake

Easy Cornbread Casserole

A portion of a cheesy, golden-brown savory cornbread casserole is being lifted from the dish, showing its flaky crust and gooey cheese filling. — Easy Cornbread Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Simplicity meets old-fashioned charm in Easy Cornbread Casserole. Each scoop feels both new and familiar for Thanksgiving potlucks. People love the subtle sweetness next to savory main dishes. The tray empties before you can blink.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cornbread Casserole

Creamy, Cheesy Broccoli Soup

A close-up of a bowl of broccoli cheddar soup garnished with croutons, a sprig of mint, and grated cheese. — Creamy, Cheesy Broccoli Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Soup containers vanish from the table seconds after Creamy, Cheesy Broccoli Soup is poured. Smooth texture combines with rich flavor in every spoonful. Cold weather plus this soup always means clean bowls. Everyone agrees it’s pure comfort in a cup.
Get the Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy Broccoli Soup

Easy Banana Pudding

Crowd-pleasing charm defines Easy Banana Pudding at potlucks. Creamy layers and a gentle banana flavor draw even non-dessert fans. Nostalgic aroma creates instant warmth in a workplace setting. Most people surprised by its simplicity ask for all the details.
Get the Recipe: Easy Banana Pudding