25 Delicious Thanksgiving Potluck Ideas for the Office
Thanksgiving is around the corner, which means that many workplaces are hosting potluck dinners among colleagues. And, of course, that means you may need to cook or pick up a dish, drink or snack for the get-together.
We've come up with some Thanksgiving potluck ideas for work that are sure to satiate all your coworkers' appetites. There's something for everyone, from traditional Thanksgiving dishes for those who like to cook, to delicious drinks for the mixologists at heart, to simple snacks and easy treats you can pick up for those who didn't quite catch the memo. So check out these office thanksgiving potluck ideas for about $20 or less.
1. Baked Apple Pear Stuffing
Thanksgiving stuffing is a staple and, though making it can feel like a tall order, there are tons of recipes out there that are easy to follow. Stuffing is an easily shareable dish that only needs to be warmed up once you get to the office! This one has apples and pears baked into it for a festive touch. Get the recipe here.
Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
2. Roasted Beet & Carrot Salad
A warm salad isn't a typical Thanksgiving tradition, but this roasted beet and carrot salad is sure to surprise your colleagues and feed them well. Besides, every Thanksgiving meal needs some vegetables. And because other people will surely bring veggie platters, you might as well try something a little different. Get the recipe here.
Time: 35 minutes
3. Mashed Potatoes with Greens
Take the usual mashed potato dish up a notch with a veggie twist. You'll add some sautéed greens to this classic side that no one can resist on Thanksgiving. You can use any winter greens such as kale, collards or cabbage — get creative! Get the recipe here.
Time: 9 hours, 30 minutes
4. Cranberry Relish with Pears and Walnuts
Cranberry sauce is another traditional Thanksgiving side. That said, most of your coworkers will probably think to bring it (probably canned!). Be a little adventurous and make your own. This version strikes a balance between sweet and savory for every palette. Get the recipe here.
Time: 40 minutes
5. Apple Toddy
If your office is allowing alcohol at this Thanksgiving potluck, you might want to consider bringing a festive Apple Toddy to the table. This is nothing more than a simple cider-based toddy boosted with brandy, cinnamon sticks and clove-studded orange wedges to make it extra appropriate for the season. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream, and your coworkers will love it. Get the recipe here.
Time: 15 minutes
6. Sweet Potato Fries with Brown-Butter Marshmallow Sauce
Who doesn't love sweet potato fries? This casual side is the perfect addition to any office potluck — especially during Thanksgiving time with sweet potato-everything is all the rage. Get the recipe here.
Time: 45 minutes
7. Hot Mulled Cider
Warm, mulled cider with cinnamon sticks for garnish practically screams Thanksgiving. Prepare this mulled cider to keep your colleagues warm (and probably extra social!) during the office potluck if alcohol is allowed. This one will go quickly. Get the recipe here.
Time: 20 minutes
8. Hot Buttered Rum
Again, if alcohol is allowed at your potluck in the office, try something different with some hot buttered rum. This rich, warm drink is made with rum, nutmeg, milk, brown sugar and a pat of butter. It'll pair nicely with Thanksgiving desserts. Get the recipe here.
Time: 15 minutes
9. Baked Mashed Potatoes With Parmesan Cheese
Mashed potatoes are one thing. Baked mashed potatoes are another thing entirely. These mashed potatoes travel well so you can get them to the office with ease. Get the recipe here.
Time: 55 minutes
10. Thanksgiving-Themed Cookies
Thanksgiving-themed cookies will be everywhere around the holidays. Think: pumpkins, apples, turkeys and more. They're an easy treat you can bring to any potluck. Pick them up in any local bakery or grocery store.
Time: NA
11. Spiced Cabernet
Spice up a Cabernet by warming it with cinnamon, cloves and navel orange slices. Serve it hot by the mug. If alcohol is allowed at your office potluck, this will surely be a hit. Get the recipe here.
Time: 35 minutes
12. Chips & Salsa
No party is complete without chips and salsa. You can grab any kind of chips or dip, for that matter. Just be sure to bring a serving dish and bowl for them. Pick up the chips and salsa (or any kind of dip!) at any of your local grocery stores.
Time: NA
13. Thanksgiving-Themed Cupcakes
Like Thanksgiving-themed cookies, cupcakes will be everywhere around the holidays. Bakers get creative with turkey and pumpkin cupcakes, especially, and they may even be pumpkin flavored. These will be a fun treat your coworkers can take home if they don't have any room left in their stomachs after their meals. Pick up Thanksgiving-themed cupcakes at any of your local bakers or grocery stores.
Time: NA
14. Sweet Potato Casserole
How about a crunchy brown sugar streusel-topped sweet potato casserole? This dessert will go quickly at any potluck. And you can show off your baking skills! Get the recipe here.
Time: 2 hours
15. Easy Butter Rolls
Freshly-baked rolls are always a welcome addition to any meal. They're easy to pick up and bring to your office, too. And, chances are, everyone will indulge. Find them at your local bakery or even any grocery store (though freshly baked ones are always better!).
Time: NA
16. Cheddar-Corn Spoon Bread
Cheddar-corn spoon bread is a Southern classic. It's an airy pudding thickened with cornmeal and eggs. This one is great for sharing at a potluck. Get the recipe here.
Time: 50 minutes
17. Roasted Vegetable Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
With all the cupcakes, cookies and pie, the party is going to need some more vegatables. This roasted vegetable salad is a great potluck side because it can be made in advance and reheat very well. This version is topped with a tangy cider vinaigrette. Get the recipe here.
Time: 3 hours, 15 minutes
18. Hoppin' Hot Scotch
If you're allowed to bring alcohol to your office potluck, turn basic hot chocolate into a hoppin' hot Scotch with butterscotch Schnapps and amaretto. Your colleagues will love you for taking them back to their childhoods with an adult version of a holiday-time classic. Don't forget the whipped cream and marshmallows. Get the recipe here.
Time: 5 minutes
19. Wild-Rice Pilaf with Cranberries and Pecans
Toss some toasted pecans, dried cranberries and raisins with chewy, nutty wild rice for a festive Thanksgiving pilaf side dish. You can serve the rice pilaf warm or at room temperature, which makes it an easy potluck option. It also looks beautiful on the table. Get the recipe here.
Time: 1 hour
20. Artichoke Gratinata
OK, artichoke gratinata sounds fancy, but this side dish consists only of artichokes baked with breadcrumbs and a melted grated cheese topping. This means that it's easy to make and easy to eat. It's a perfect snack or appetizer for any Thanksgiving meal. Get the recipe here.
Time: 25 minutes
21. Corn Pudding
Corn pudding is a classic for many around Thanksgiving time. This silky, soufflé-like corn pudding is an ideal option for anyone looking to make something is under an hour that can be easily transported to the office. It's one of the most popular potluck recipes ever for that reason. Get the recipe here.
Time: 50 minutes
22. Salted Caramel-Chocolate Pecan Pie
If you're a more experienced baker, you might want to take a crack at a chocolate peacan pie dessert topped with homemade salted caramel and toasted pecans. There can never be too much pie at Thanksgiving. And you'll one-up all the pumpkin and apple pies. Get the recipe here.
Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
23. Pumpkin Pie
Thanksgiving wouldn't be Thanksgiving without a slice pumpkin pie. So pick one up or bake one yourself. There are tons of easy recipes out there. Get a recipe here.
Time: 7 hours, 25 minutes
24. Apple Pie
Thanksgiving also wouldn't be Thanksgiving without a slice of apple pie. It's a classic fall favorite. Again, there are tons of recipes out there for easy apple pies, though you can also pick one up at the local bakery or grocery store. Get a recipe here.
Time: 6 hours
25. Salted Caramel Bread Pudding With Caramelized Apples
Bread pudding and caramelized apples are staples in fall potlucks. This salted caramel bread pudding topped with caramelized apples can be served at room temperature or easily reheated, which makes it another easy potluck option. If you can get it to the office without melting, you may even want to service ice cream with it. Get the recipe here.
Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes
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AnnaMarie Houlis is a feminist, a freelance journalist and an adventure aficionado with an affinity for impulsive solo travel. She spends her days writing about women’s empowerment from around the world. You can follow her work on her blog, HerReport.org, and follow her journeys on Instagram @her_report, Twitter @ herreport and Facebook .
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