40 Christmas Potluck Ideas to Bring to the Feast

For bite-size ease and full-size joy, it just doesn't get much better than these.

Get the recipe for Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms.

Only three steps are needed to make these rich truffles filled with Speculoos cookies; the fourth step is eating them!

Get the recipe for White Chocolate Truffles.

Show up with a slow-cooker filled to the brim with this, and you'll be the hero of the party!

Get the recipe for Easy Mulled Red Wine.

One of the best (and smartest) things to bring to a potluck is, of course, a casserole. This stick-to-your-ribs side is a mix of baked polenta and three kinds of cheese. You might want to make extra.

Get the recipe for Gorgonzola Baked Polenta.

When everyone else is bringing casseroles, however, you get extra points with the host for adding some color to the table. This crunchy salad offers plenty of flavor (pickled onions!) and holiday sweetness (orange vinaigrette!) to ensure it's well loved, and well eaten.

Get the recipe for Escarole Salad with Oranges, Pistachios, and Pickled Onions.

This simple side dish has it all: it's easy to make, is surprisingly elegant, and you can make it ahead. Just bake it off the day before, then warm it up just before serving.

Get the recipe for Roasted Grapes and Delicata Squash Rings.

Though it needs a little prep time, this Dutch-oven delight makes for a great potluck dish! It can be kept warm, or warmed back up before serving, makes a hearty main, and pairs with practically anything.

Get the recipe for Red Wine Braised Short Ribs.

If you're tapped to bring dessert, you could do a whole lot worse than this delicious, dense, flourless cake.

Get the recipe for Amaro-Chocolate Cloud Cake.

Topped with shredded coconut "snow," these Frosty-themed frosted cupcakes are sure to delight.

Get the recipe for Snowman Cupcakes.

Everyone will love these festive cookies, from the Whos down in Whoville, to the Grinch on the hill!

Get the recipe for Grinch Cookies.

The main meal is important, but a great potluck has a few appetizers for folks to nibble on as they put the final touches on their dishes. This red, white, and green salsa comes paired with easy-to-make holiday-themed tortilla chips. All you need is your cookie cutters!

Get the recipe for Holiday Salsa with Festive Tortilla Chips.

Another easy to make pre-meal holiday treat is roasted pecans. This yummy snack is hard to stop eating!

Get the recipe for Grandsue’s Sweet-and-Spicy Roasted Pecans.

One way to make the ham more portable is to pop it between pillowy biscuits for easy-to-eat sandwiches.

Get the recipe for Ham Biscuit Sandwiches with Apricot Mustard.

Want something lighter than ham or beef? This fillet of fish is both incredibly elegant and simple to make. It can be prepped ahead, and cooked when you arrive, or carried warm in an insulated box or cooler.

Get the recipe for Citrus-Roasted Salmon.

Pair that salmon with these zesty, creamy potatoes. To make them even creamier, use a potato ricer. Traveling far? Warm the dish back up by placing it, covered, in a 375°F oven for up to 30 minutes.

Get the recipe for Horseradish–Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes.

This is the classic fruit and nut salad you grew up with—but rethought to appeal to choosy eaters. Guests can select what they love, and leave the rest.

Get the recipe for Composed Waldorf Salad.

Let the sweet balsamic dressing tame the bold flavors of this mix of bitter radicchio and earthy mushrooms while the dish sits—then garnish with parsley just before serving.

Get the recipe for Roasted Mushrooms and Radicchio.

Here's a dish you can easily prep in advance. If there's space, you can try broiling the meringue when you arrive, but it doesn't lose much being baked ahead of time.

Get the recipe for Sweet Potato Casserole.