33 Christmas Potluck Recipe Ideas That Can Make Your Guests Smile

I’ve gathered 33 options that suit the moments when a Christmas potluck needs something comforting, colorful, or simply easy to pass around. The season has a way of making shared dishes feel more special. People tend to linger longer when there’s good food nearby. This lineup leans into that warm, welcoming spirit.

Close-up of baked puff pastry pinwheels filled with cheese, herbs, and finely chopped toppings, garnished with sliced green onions. — Chicken Pinwheels. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Classic Amish Breakfast Casserole

A close-up of a serving of savory bread pudding with bacon and herbs being lifted from a white baking dish. — Classic Amish Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Few dishes bring forth holiday warmth like this Classic Amish Breakfast Casserole. Its hearty flavors set the tone for a cozy Christmas morning or potluck gathering. It’s the type of dish everyone enjoys sharing, adding an inviting touch to festive celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Classic Amish Breakfast Casserole

Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

A close-up of a slice of potato casserole with layers of potatoes, ham, and creamy sauce, garnished with chopped parsley on a plate. — Scalloped Potatoes and Ham. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

With layers of creamy potatoes and savory ham, this Scalloped Potatoes and Ham is always a crowd-pleaser. Perfectly suited for Christmas tables, this classic dish feels timeless and gratifying. Guests will surely return for seconds, and maybe thirds!
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Mini Cheesecakes

Charming and bite-sized, these Mini Cheesecakes bring elegance to any holiday dessert spread. They’re easy to serve, perfectly indulgent, and loved by guests of all ages. Their flavor and presentation make them an unforgettable addition to the festivities.
Get the Recipe: Mini Cheesecakes

Fresh Beet Salad

A close-up of a salad featuring chopped beets, cucumber, feta cheese, walnuts, and fresh herbs on a white plate. — Fresh Beet Salad. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

This Fresh Beet Salad is an ideal dish when you need something light but celebratory. Its bright, crisp flavors complement heavier Christmas dishes beautifully, and the vibrant colors make it stand out. Guests will appreciate having this fresh option on the table.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Beet Salad

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.

Bold and comforting, this Savory French Onion Casserole adds warmth to your holiday spread. Its rich flavor and gratifying texture make it a true standout among potluck favorites. Prepare for rave reviews and quick empty servings whenever this dish is shared.
Get the Recipe: Savory French Onion Casserole

Adorable Snowman Cookies

Christmas cookies with cherries and icing on a baking sheet. — Adorable Snowman Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

These Adorable Snowman Cookies promise smiles and excitement from the moment they hit the dessert table. Perfectly festive and fun to eat, they’re a holiday treat that’s as wonderfully enjoyable to look at as they are to enjoy. No one can resist their cheerful charm.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Snowman Cookies

Rich Eggs Benedict Casserole

A serving of bread pudding with a creamy sauce and chopped herbs is lifted from a baking dish. — Rich Eggs Benedict Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

This Rich Eggs Benedict Casserole brings together cozy breakfast vibes and seasonal flair. Perfect for holiday brunch gatherings, it’s the type of dish guests always compliment. Every bite adds to the festive cheer, making it a standout option for special celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Rich Eggs Benedict Casserole

Savory Beef and Broccoli

A plate of beef and broccoli stir-fry garnished with sesame seeds, featuring glazed beef strips and broccoli florets. — Savory Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Add variety to your Christmas potluck with Savory Beef and Broccoli. Its bold flavors are a welcome departure from heavy holiday classics, offering guests something unexpected and exciting. A guaranteed conversational piece, it’s sure to leave a lasting impression at the table.
Get the Recipe: Savory Beef and Broccoli

Ginger Bread House

Edible holiday creativity takes center stage with this charming build-as-you-go treat. This Ginger Bread House becomes both a display and a dessert, inviting smiles long before anyone takes a bite. I like making it when I want something that feels playful to assemble and share. Guests enjoy its nostalgic character and all the sweet details that come with it.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Bread House

Sourdough Stuffing

A close-up of a serving of bread stuffing with chopped herbs, lifted from a baking dish. — Sourdough Stuffing. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A must-have on holiday tables, this Sourdough Stuffing delivers classic flavors with rustic charm. Its hearty texture and rich taste pair perfectly with turkey or ham, making it a favorite among guests. This traditional dish always disappears faster than expected!
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Stuffing

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.

Light but satisfying, these Hearty Turkey Sausage Patties fit seamlessly within holiday brunch menus or dinner spreads. Each bite is packed with flavor, offering a simple yet memorable addition to festive gatherings. They’re perfect for guests of all ages to enjoy together.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Turkey Sausage Patties

Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

A close-up of several chocolate chip cookies on parchment paper, with one cookie broken in half to show the chocolate chips inside. — Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

These Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate comfort dessert for holiday gatherings. Packed with cozy seasonal flavors, they deliver on warmth and nostalgia. Guests will love enjoying them over coffee or cocoa, and they’ll never stop reaching for more!
Get the Recipe: Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Comforting Chicken and Biscuits

A close-up of a baked chicken pot pie topped with six round biscuits and garnished with chopped parsley. — Comforting Chicken and Biscuits. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Festive tables shine with dishes like these Comforting Chicken and Biscuits. This combination of tender chicken and flaky biscuits feels perfect for chilly holiday evenings. It’s a dish that brings cozy satisfaction to every guest gathered around.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Chicken and Biscuits

Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies

Green cookies topped with powdered sugar and red, green, and white candy shapes resembling trees and candy canes. — Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Playful and vibrant, these Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies add a burst of fun to Christmas dessert spreads. Kids and adults alike love their whimsical style and sweet flavors. This cheery treat always stands out as a crowd favorite during the holidays!
Get the Recipe: Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

A plate of roasted Brussels sprouts topped with pine nuts on parchment paper. — Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sweet, savory, and irresistibly crunchy, these Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze are a surprising star of holiday tables. They offer a veggie option that even non-veggie fans can’t ignore. Count on this dish to spark smiles and plenty of compliments!
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies

Three Santa Claus whoopie pies on a baking sheet. — Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

These Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies add charm and cheer to any holiday dessert lineup. Encased in soft perfection, their creamy filling makes them hard to resist. Guests always enjoy their festive presentation, elevating the spirit of any Christmas celebration.
Get the Recipe: Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies

Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

A bowl of white bean soup with pieces of ham, garnished with chopped parsley, and a spoon resting in the bowl. — Hearty Ham and Bean Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Nothing warms guests quite like this Hearty Ham and Bean Soup, offering all the comfort you need during the holiday season. Simple yet filling, it’s a recipe designed to impress with each spoonful. This dish will easily be the centerpiece of cozy winter gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

Candy Cane Cookies

Bursting with festive flair, these Candy Cane Cookies are a must-have treat that embodies the Christmas spirit. Their colorful charm and sweet flavors are perfect for delighting guests of any age. These cookies always leave smiles in their wake wherever they’re served.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cane 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.

Full of comforting holiday flavors, this Turkey Bolognese adds a warm and hearty touch to any potluck table. It’s a dish guests won’t expect but will quickly love. Serve this up when you want something just as festive but refreshingly unique for the winter season.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Bolognese

Amish Cinnamon Cake

Three pieces of crumbly coffee cake with a cinnamon swirl are stacked on a plate, with two white mugs partially visible around them. — Amish Cinnamon Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

At any point during the holidays, this Amish Cinnamon Cake is perfect for pairing with a cup of coffee. Its warmth and nostalgic sweetness create a cozy atmosphere wherever served. Guests will remember the delicate spice with each bite alongside loved ones.
Get the Recipe: Amish Cinnamon Cake

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.

Perfectly soft and indulgent, this Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi makes a seasonal statement at any gathering. Rich in texture and flavor, it’s an option guests truly relish. A dish that highlights comfort and holiday cheer, it might just be the night’s favorite conversation starter!
Get the Recipe: Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Rich Tiramisu Cheesecake

A close-up of a slice of layered tiramisu cake with cream, coffee-soaked sponge, and dusted cocoa powder on top, served on a white plate. — Rich Tiramisu Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For dessert lovers who crave decadence, this Rich Tiramisu Cheesecake takes celebrations to a whole new level. Combining two timeless favorites, it guarantees praise from the first slice. This standout dessert will have everyone talking long after the evening ends.
Get the Recipe: Rich Tiramisu Cheesecake

Roasted Turkey Legs

Three cooked turkey legs with herbs and chopped onions are arranged on a white oval platter, garnished with a sprig of parsley. — Roasted Turkey Legs. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Simplify holiday meals with these Roasted Turkey Legs, a recipe that makes classic flavors accessible and stress-free. Moist and tender, they’re perfect for celebrations where individual servings shine. Guests love how festive yet casual this dish feels on Christmas tables.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Turkey Legs

Colorful Caprese Skewers

Caprese skewers on a serving dish with balsamic glaze drizzled over. — Colorful Caprese Skewers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Whether served as appetizers or light sides, these Colorful Caprese Skewers bring vibrant charm to holiday spreads. Bright, fresh flavors complement heavier dishes beautifully. Skip the complicated prep and enjoy watching these skewers disappear in no time at all.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Caprese Skewers

Reindeer Mini Cheese Balls

Cheese balls coated with chopped nuts, topped with cranberries and pretzels, arranged on a white plate near a small artificial pine tree. — Reindeer Mini Cheese Balls. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

These adorable Reindeer Mini Cheese Balls are as much fun to serve as they are to eat. Light appetizers with playful designs like this always add extra holiday cheer. They’re guaranteed to get the table talking and keep guests coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Reindeer Mini Cheese Balls

Crockpot Turkey Breast

Sliced roasted turkey breast topped with a fruit-based sauce, being drizzled with additional sauce from a spoon. — Crockpot Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For holiday gatherings where simplicity still shines, this Crockpot Turkey Breast delivers incredible flavor with minimal stress. Perfectly moist and tender, this recipe feels timeless and effortless at once. Everyone loves how this dish fits beautifully into joyful festivities.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Turkey Breast

Chewy Pecan Pie Brownies

Close-up of pecan-topped brownies on parchment paper, showing their dense chocolate base and nutty topping. — Chewy Pecan Pie Brownies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Combine seasonal classics into one irresistible dessert with these Chewy Pecan Pie Brownies. Their rich, nutty flavor and soft, gooey texture make each bite unforgettable. Guests always rave about this holiday twist on traditional favorites, making them a surefire hit!
Get the Recipe: Chewy Pecan Pie Brownies

Elegant Mushroom Wellington

Mushroom wellington on a white serving plate. — Elegant Mushroom Wellington. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This Elegant Mushroom Wellington delivers a vegetarian option that feels special enough to stand among holiday classics. With rich flavors and a flaky exterior, it adds sophistication to festive spreads. Guests will love how unique this dish feels without intimidating anyone at all.
Get the Recipe: Elegant Mushroom Wellington

Burnt Basque Cheesecake

A close-up of several slices of a dense, golden-brown custard or cheesecake on parchment paper. — Burnt Basque Cheesecake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Add flair to your dessert spread with this Burnt Basque Cheesecake, a recipe with irresistible caramelization and creamy depth. The layered flavors take your holiday lineup to the next level while sparking conversations among dessert fans. It’s indulgent without losing its charm.
Get the Recipe: Burnt Basque Cheesecake

Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board

A charcuterie board arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree with cheese stars, meats, olives, tomatoes, grapes, and breadsticks on a wooden board, garnished with rosemary. — Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

A Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board isn’t just food; it’s edible holiday artwork that guests can graze on while exchanging laughs and conversation. Perfect for appetizers, its festive display impresses crowds and disappears quickly, a true showstopper in any celebration.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board

Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes

Breaded and fried patties garnished with chopped parsley are arranged on a plate next to a bowl of creamy dipping sauce with herbs. — Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crisp, golden perfection takes the spotlight in these Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes, making it hard for anyone to resist. These crunchy bites suit both casual gatherings and elegant spreads. Once served, you’ll see plates empty faster than you can refill them!
Get the Recipe: Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes

Creamy Beer Cheese Dip

A hand dips a tortilla chip into creamy cheese dip sprinkled with paprika and black pepper. — Creamy Beer Cheese Dip. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Warm, bold, and endlessly dippable, this Creamy Beer Cheese Dip makes every appetizer feel better. Guests love how it pairs perfectly with holiday classics, creating a festive snacking experience. Its crowd-pleasing flavors always keep people reaching for more!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Beer Cheese Dip

Chicken Pinwheels

Perfectly rolled and packed with flavor, these Chicken Pinwheels bring style and substance to appetizer spreads. Their bright presentation fits seamlessly into holiday gatherings, winning guests over instantly. Count on plates emptying quickly with these on the menu!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pinwheels