35 Christmas Potluck Ideas With Serious Holiday-Table Charm

Nobody wants last-minute stress, so these 35 Christmas potluck ideas offer plenty of great options for any holiday get-together. The variety means everyone can contribute, no matter their kitchen skills. Mixing things up each year helps keep tradition fresh. Holiday tables deserve a little charm, and these recipes are always crowd-pleasers.

Three chocolate cake pops shaped like reindeer, with pretzel antlers and red candy noses, on wooden sticks. — Adorable Reindeer Cake Pops. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

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.

A spot on the holiday table seems reserved for this Savory French Onion Casserole every year. With comforting warmth in every bite, folks keep coming back for seconds. Gooey layers and a golden top stir up cozy memories. Temptation sometimes hits before the crowd arrives for the first serving.
Get the Recipe: Savory French Onion Casserole

Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

A hand holding a chocolate chip cookie on a cooling rack. — Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bakers know a batch of these Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies disappears in record time. Some desserts just have a way of stirring up festive cheer. The familiar smell puts everyone in a good mood, making them impossible to resist. People always hope that extras are tucked away for later.
Get the Recipe: Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes

An oven dish with baked dauphinoise potatoes in it. — Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Hints of rich cream and tender potatoes make this Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes recipe a showstopper at any Christmas gathering. There’s something comforting about familiar favorites made special. The first spoonful is velvety and memorable. Guests often linger by the serving dish, hoping for a second taste.
Get the Recipe: Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes

Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake

A slice of pineapple cake topped with fresh raspberries on a white surface. — Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Few desserts spark nostalgia more than this Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake. Its festive look grabs everyone’s attention, promising something sweet and unique. Caramelized fruit and soft cake blend into a perfect holiday treat. Bringing it to a potluck often leads to cheerful conversations about Christmases past.
Get the Recipe: Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Sweet French Toast Casserole

A person taking a portion of French toast casserole. — Sweet French Toast Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Holiday brunches become unforgettable when this Sweet French Toast Casserole appears. Layers of bread and subtle sweetness blend into a warm, inviting bite. The aroma seems to draw people close before the meal begins. Those enjoying it always ask for the secret behind its irresistible flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sweet French Toast Casserole

Soft Lemon Cookies

A stack of lemon cookies on a cooling rack. — Soft Lemon Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bright flavors make these Soft Lemon Cookies a welcome surprise among richer treats. Their delicate texture and gentle tang offer a refreshing break from standard holiday sweets. Curious guests are drawn to the new taste. Trays empty quickly when these cookies are around, especially with cocoa or eggnog nearby.
Get the Recipe: Soft Lemon Cookies

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.

Passing a platter of Savory Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls around sparks smiles and excitement. With just the right kick, these bites offer fun and flavor with every grab. Warm from the oven, they become immediate favorites. Extra servings are often wished for, especially by those sampling one for the first time.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Close-up of sliced crumbly cakes topped with white icing. One piece is positioned vertically to show its texture. — Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

It’s hard to resist sharing Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies at year-end gatherings. The blend of spices fills rooms with cozy warmth. Bars on the platter usually draw a second helping from those nearby. Guests trade stories about dessert traditions with each new serving.
Get the Recipe: Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make

Waldorf salad on a bed of lettuce, with salad servers resting on top. — Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Serving the Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make brings classic nostalgia to holiday tables everywhere. Crisp apples and crunchy walnuts mix up flavors in a refreshing way. Lighter bites stand out among heavier dishes. Sweet notes and creamy dressing encourage potluck guests to return for more.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make

Adorable Snowman Cookies

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

Frosty faces on these Adorable Snowman Cookies call out to everyone at the table. Kids and adults alike love grabbing a sweet snowman or two. Their cheerful designs match up perfectly with Christmas magic. After tasting one, many wonder if it’s possible to keep them from disappearing.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Snowman Cookies

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy potato casserole in a white dish with a fork. — Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Layers of tender potato and melty cheese fill these Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with holiday comfort. The golden top draws crowds even before the meal begins. Leftovers rarely make the trip home. Cozy sides like this always hit the spot on cold winter nights.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Copycat Starbucks Red Velvet Loaf

A slice of Copycat Starbucks Red Velvet Loaf brings buzz and excitement to potluck dessert spreads. Rich flavor and bright color attract curious taste testers every time. Many guests smile at the familiar look. Holiday tables look just a bit merrier with this festive loaf around.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Starbucks Red Velvet Loaf

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

A bubbling dish of Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole brings warmth and a bit of cheer to gatherings. Creamy centers with crisp toppings offer a tasty twist on classic veggies. Even those usually wary of vegetables find themselves reaching for a scoop. Happy faces often result from new favorites discovered.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Christmas tree shaped cookies on a baking sheet. — Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Every bite of these Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies brings sparkle to dessert spreads and makes the table pop. Bright colors and playful shapes turn every plate festive. Curious samplers enjoy them just as much as the organizers. Decorating and sharing these cookies is a tradition worth repeating.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Rich Blueberry Cheesecake

A slice of cheesecake topped with glossy blueberry sauce on a white plate, with two black spoons beside it. — Rich Blueberry Cheesecake. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Beautiful and memorable, Rich Blueberry Cheesecake fills winter gatherings with sweetness. Its creamy texture stands out, paired with the burst of berries in every bite. Slices go quickly once dessert time arrives. Many still wish for an extra piece even after the last one vanishes.
Get the Recipe: Rich Blueberry Cheesecake

Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

A close-up of a spoonful of chicken stuffing, showcasing croutons, shredded chicken, peas, carrots, and sprinkled herbs. — Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Inviting scents drift through the room as this Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is served. It’s a dish that warms hearts and brings guests together. Comforting blends of flavor become holiday staples. Second helpings are a sure sign of a crowd pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops

Reindeer cookie pops in a cup. — Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Spotting Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops on a dessert table adds a fun twist to any potluck. Whimsical shapes with sweet finishes spark conversation. Kids light up in delight while adults sneak a treat alongside them. Sharing these cookie pops always creates extra holiday smiles.
Get the Recipe: Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops

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.

Holiday mornings brighten when Rich Eggs Benedict Casserole is part of the lineup. Layers of creamy breakfast favorites stand out on winter brunch tables. Each bite feels extra special for Christmas gatherings. Guests linger, hoping for one last helping before the pan empties.
Get the Recipe: Rich Eggs Benedict Casserole

Sweet Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham

Glazed ham layered with pineapple slices and a hint of brown sugar, garnished with rosemary sprigs. — Sweet Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Setting out this Sweet Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham anchors the entire potluck spread. Aromas rise, tempting everyone near the serving dishes. The mix of holiday spices and fruit transforms the buffet into something festive. Memories are made and shared over the very first slice.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham

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.

Bright colors from this Fresh Beet Salad catch eyes at crowded gatherings. Crisp crunch and refreshing flavors add balance to heavy holiday plates. Those seeking lighter options fill up their plates right away. Salad lovers chat about discovering a new favorite among so many rich recipes.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Beet Salad

Boozy Eggnog Pudding Shots

Plastic cups filled with creamy yellow eggnog pudding shots are topped with whipped cream, star anise, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. — Boozy Eggnog Pudding Shots. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

With a batch of Boozy Eggnog Pudding Shots, laughter and excitement fill the room for grown-ups. Creamy texture and festive taste combine in each tiny cup. These shots always seem to disappear faster than expected. Fans eagerly ask if any extras remain in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Boozy Eggnog Pudding Shots

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.

Hints of spice and pockets of chocolate set these Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies apart. Their soft texture and festive flavor feel just right for cold evenings. Cookie fans sneak a second before trays clear. Multiple batches might be the only way to keep up with demand.
Get the Recipe: Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Loaded Million Dollar Casserole

A serving spoon lifts a portion of creamy, baked casserole with a crunchy topping, revealing melted cheese. — Loaded Million Dollar Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

One bite of this Loaded Million Dollar Casserole explains why it’s the talk of any potluck. Generous flavors with hearty layers capture the holiday spirit in every serving. Seconds tend to go fast at festive gatherings. Guests wonder what makes it so memorable, but the secret is always safe.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Million Dollar Casserole

Sweet Candy Cane Fudge

Two pieces of vanilla and red swirled candy cane fudge stacked, with a sprinkle of crushed peppermint on top. Greenery in the background. — Sweet Candy Cane Fudge. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bringing Sweet Candy Cane Fudge guarantees smiles for chocolate lovers and those wanting to try something new. Creamy centers with crunchy surprises make each piece unique. Swirls of red and white bring sparkle to dessert tables. When the last piece vanishes, friendly races start for hidden batches.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Candy Cane Fudge

Copycat Honey Baked Ham

Close-up of seasoned and roasted meat with crispy edges. — Copycat Honey Baked Ham. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Serving Copycat Honey Baked Ham sparks memories of big holiday feasts. Glossy finishes and rich aromas fill the air, inviting everyone near. Slices are requested even before carving is complete. The perfect blend of savory and sweet offers what people crave during Christmas.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Honey Baked Ham

Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Close-up of bacon-wrapped scallops secured with toothpicks, seasoned with spices, and cooked until golden and crispy. — Smoky Bacon Pig Shots. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

No potluck seems totally complete without Smoky Bacon Pig Shots on the buffet. Their bite-sized fun grabs attention immediately. Gentle smokiness pairs well with many other dishes served. Supply never seems to meet hungry demand during lively holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Candy Cane Cookies

Cheerful stripes on Candy Cane Cookies brighten after-dinner treats for guests of all ages. Crunchy and colorful, they rest beautifully beside cocoa or eggnog mugs. Friends enjoy decorating competitions over the best candy cane-shaped cookies. Leftovers from these sweet snacks rarely survive the night.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cane Cookies

Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Slow cooker pot roast with mushrooms and carrots garnished with fresh rosemary. — Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Few main courses welcome crowds like this Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast at holiday events. Gentle aromas fill the room, making guests feel at home. Savory juices lead to second helpings throughout the meal. Stress-free yet festive, this classic always finds a way onto Christmas tables.
Get the Recipe: Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Boston Cream Pie

Creamy custard and rich chocolate layers make Boston Cream Pie a distinctive dessert for gatherings. The first slice frequently sparks conversations among dessert lovers. Guests linger by the table, hoping for the final bite. Bringing an extra special treat like this turns dessert hour into a highlight.
Get the Recipe: Boston Cream Pie

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.

Colder nights pair perfectly with a potluck serving of Hearty Turkey Chili. Each spoonful adds deep flavor and a bit of spice to the holiday spread. Refills are frequent, thanks to its warmth and rich taste. The comfort in every bowl helps bring people together during the season.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Turkey Chili

Easy Christmas Dump Cake

A plate of fruit crumble topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, accompanied by a spoon. — Easy Christmas Dump Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Dessert is simple and memorable with this Easy Christmas Dump Cake. Straightforward steps and bold flavors make for unpredictable holiday cheer. The first slice leaves people guessing at familiar notes hidden inside. New fans request the recipe soon after trying it and hope it will return year after year.
Get the Recipe: Easy Christmas Dump Cake

Colorful 7 Layer Salad

A salad bowl filled with vegetables and peas. — Colorful 7 Layer Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crisp veggies and festive toppings create a centerpiece with this Colorful 7 Layer Salad. Bright layers contrast the heavier holiday fare on plates. Crunch seekers quickly add generous helpings. Simple ingredients combine in ways that surprise and delight well after dinner ends.
Get the Recipe: Colorful 7 Layer Salad

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.

A playful green hue makes these Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies pop on dessert trays. Guests lean in, asking about secret flavors after the first bite. Crackled tops hide soft sweetness underneath for a welcome surprise. Sharing them leads to even more laughter and holiday fun.
Get the Recipe: Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies

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.

Digging into Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes means comfort and just a touch of indulgence at the table. Layers and creamy notes fit perfectly with wintry flavors. Requests for seconds arrive fast when these are served. Some recipes simply belong at holiday gatherings like this one.
Get the Recipe: Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Adorable Reindeer Cake Pops

Decorations on these Adorable Reindeer Cake Pops steal the spotlight every Christmas. Tiny antlers and sweet faces bring joy along with flavor. The plate empties almost immediately as guests reach for their favorite treat. Serving them turns dessert time into a celebration worthy of the season.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Reindeer Cake Pops