35 Best Christmas Potluck Recipes and Ideas

Make the holidays extra special with these easy, festive, and delicious Christmas potluck recipes.

From sweet to savory, I know you’ll love them all!

30+ Easy Christmas Potluck Ideas and Holiday Recipes

Whether you’re on the hunt for something bite-sized and savory or sweet and easy to mingle with, you’ll find a recipe here.

And even though they’re all super festive, they’re so tasty, I have a feeling you’ll want to make them all year round!

So make one or make them all! Just make sure you have these Christmas potluck recipes handy – because all your friends will want them too.

1. Cranberry Brie Bites

Flaky, buttery puff pastry, tart cranberries, and gooey brie? Sign me up!

You need premade puff pastry dough, a wheel of brie, and fresh cranberry sauce.

Each pastry bite is stuffed with tangy cheese, tart fruit, and rosemary baked to golden perfection. 

The result is sweet and savory and wonderfully indulgent.

2. Christmas Coffee Cake

Even if your holiday potluck isn’t in the morning, this Christmas coffee cake is a must-make.

It’s light and buttery with plenty of cinnamony goodness. And that crunchy pecan crumble top is heaven-sent.

Dust some powdered sugar over the top and get ready for the compliments to roll in.

3. Grape Jelly Meatballs

Sweet, sticky, and wonderfully meaty, these grape jelly meatballs are the ideal appetizer for a potluck.

They’re quick to make, easy to serve with toothpicks, and they taste great with pretty much anything.

4. Hoisin Mushroom Phyllo Cups

I like to bring finger foods to potluck. That way, people can enjoy little bites of lots of things.

And these scrumptious mushroom cups are some of my faves.

Sweet, salty, savory, and incredibly rich, each bite is a total umami bomb. 

That’s thanks to the glaze of hoisin, soy sauce, agave nectar, and a garlic chili sauce. Doesn’t that sound fabulous? 

5. Cheesy Potato Casserole

If you prefer the more retro potluck casserole dish, try this one!

It’s rich and creamy with plenty of tender spuds and lots of gooey cheese. Add a crunchy top, and it’s ready to be devoured.

This will pair well with meats, seafood, and even those meatballs above!

6. Bacon, Blue Cheese, and Cranberry Cheese Ball with Pecans

As the title suggests, this cheeseball is loaded with robust flavors and festive cheer. 

Blue cheese and cranberries play really well with each other. And they’re holiday faves in my house!

Add some salty bacon, buttery pecans, and creamy cheese, and this one will disappear fast.

7. Tater Tot Casserole

Here’s another terrific casserole – and it’s one the kids will want, too.

It’s like a lazy version of Shepherd’s pie, and I’m here for it. 

Between the ground beef, mixed veggies, and cream of mushroom soup, it’s beyond flavorful. And the tater tots and cheese are just the cherries on top!

8. Christmas Seven-Layer Magic Bars

The magic of these bars is watching them disappear right before your eyes.

They’re essentially traditional seven-layer magic bars, plus a bit of festive fun. So, really they’re eight-layer bars, I suppose. 

Whatever you call them, you’ll need Graham Crackers, butter, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, sweetened condensed milk, and walnuts. 

Add red and green M&Ms for the holiday cheer, and you’re all set.

9. Cranberry Jalapeño Hot Pepper Jelly

First of all, how stunningly vibrant is this recipe? That bright color from the cranberry sauce just screams Christmas!

As for the flavors, you’ll get some familiar holiday vibes – but with a spicy twist.

Serve it with crackers or over baked Brie, and everyone will want the recipe.

10. Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

If you’re hoping to impress, you really can’t go wrong with stuffed mushrooms. Especially these crab-stuffed mushrooms!

The filling is a mix of crabmeat, green onions, thyme, oregano, mayonnaise, and Parmesan cheese.

Fill the mushroom cups, then top them with more Parmesan and paprika. Delish!

11. Tamale Pie

When you need something hearty to feed a hungry crowd, this tamale pie is here to save the day.

There’s a thick layer of ground beef with enchilada sauce, green chilies, and corn.

Over that, you’ll add a fluffy layer of cornbread. Delish!

12. Apple Strudel

I know this one looks complicated, but I promise it’s easier than you think!

The trick is to make the pastry nice and thin and then wrap and roll the filling into the middle.

That’s how you get the fun layers!

13. Swedish Butter Cookies

Buttery, sweet, and a breeze to make in bulk, these Swedish butter cookies are stunning!

They’re like the most tender shortbread/sugar cookie you’ve ever eaten. In fact, they basically melt on your tongue!

14. Cranberry Salsa

If you love the freshness of pico de gallo, you’ll love this holiday salsa.

It’s incredibly fresh, a bit sweet, a little spicy, and wonderfully savory. 

Made with apples, cranberries, green onions, cilantro, and jalapeños, it’s a lot like the jam above – only this one is chunkier!

15. Cinnamon Roll Dutch Apple Pie

What could be better than a batch of fresh cinnamon rolls?

Cinnamon rolls as pastry for this gorgeous apple pie! There’s a layer on the bottom and a layer on the top with plenty of fruit filling in the middle.

Slather over a sweet glaze, and people might just fight for seconds!

16. Crock Pot Ham with Brown Sugar

Who knew you could make a perfect Christmas ham with so little effort?

That’s why this is ideal for potlucks! You can pop it in the slow cooker and leave it to cook while you get the rest of the food ready.

And let’s be honest, every potluck needs some tasty protein!

17. Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole

No matter what you serve sweet potato casserole with, everyone will love it.

It’s soft, sweet, savory, spiced, and smothered in gooey marshmallows for good measure.

And it’ll pair well with turkey, chicken, pork, or ham.

18. King Ranch Chicken Casserole

These are like white chicken enchiladas with a Midwestern twist. (Because in the Midwest, we put ranch on everything.)

Oh, and as the kids say, they’re absolute FIRE. 

That means they’re really, really good. 

They’re cheesy, full of juicy chicken, and seriously creamy. And the flavors? Try it and see for yourself!

19. Christmas Salad

Between the cheesy casseroles and tasty desserts, you really need something light and bright on your potluck table.

And this Christmas salad is just the thing!

It’s loaded with greens, crunchy almonds, salty feta, orange slices, pomegranate arils, and more.

The colors are festive, the flavors are fresh, and it’ll please anyone who takes a bite.

20. Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole

Corn casserole is a Southern classic. And, of course, Paula Deen’s version is utterly indulgent.

It’s buttery, creamy, and cheesy, with just a bit of sweetness from the corn. 

The best part is you can make it in the oven or a slow cooker. So it’s nice and easy too.

21. Christmas Cookie Fudge

When you have to travel to a potluck, it’s tough to bring something warm or complicated.

After all, it’ll be cold when you arrive or won’t look as good as it did at home.

But do you know what travels well and tastes just as good after hours in the car? Fudge!

22. Spritz Cookies

Spritz cookies are as yummy as they are simple to make. I mean, who doesn’t like a sweet, buttery cookie? 

The dough is straightforward, and they’re easy to shape with a cookie press.

Better yet, you can make all different shapes out of one dough! Perfect for a holiday spread. 

23. Pumpkin Crunch Cake

I love cakes in all shapes, sizes, flavors, and textures. But this is one of my go-to’s for the holidays.

It’s overflowing with yummy pumpkin spice and has a delectable layer of crunch on top.

Feel free to add a few chocolate chips. But really, it’s perfect as is.

24. Spinach Quiche

Spinach quiche may not be the sexiest recipe on this list. But do you know anyone who’ll turn down a slice?

It’s got a buttery, flaky crust and a nice, cheesy filling with plenty of greens. And it can be served hot or cold.

Make it for your next holiday potluck, and I guarantee you won’t have leftovers.

25. Texas Pecan Pie

If your favorite desserts are as rich as Jeff Bezos, you’ll love this one.

It’s chock-full of ooey-gooey goodness and sweet, nutty, caramelly indulgence. You can’t beat that. 

26. No-Bake Berry Cheesecake

This is probably the easiest dessert on this list.

It’s made with a premade Graham Cracker crust and canned cherry pie filling. You only need to whip up the filling and let it set. 

And that red finish is wonderfully festive, don’t you think?

27. German Potato Salad

What makes this German potato salad recipe so special?

It’s served warm with crunchy bacon bits, that’s what!

Instead of mushy potatoes in a heavy mayo dressing, this one has chunks of skin-on spuds coated in a light mustardy vinaigrette.

Trust me, you’ll never go back once you get a taste of this.

28. Easy Strawberry Pretzel Salad

I’ve never really understood why this is called a salad.

Really, it’s a no-bake cheesecake made in a casserole dish. But at least its name means I can pretend it’s healthy. 

From the pretzel crust to the cream cheese and whipped cream filling, it’s light and salty-sweet.

Then there’s the yummy strawberry jello top! Who could say no?

29. Pigs in a Blanket (with Cheese!)

Pigs in a blanket are a staple at potlucks and parties. They’re simple, tasty, and loved by kids and adults alike.

You can have a big batch ready for the oven in minutes. And thanks to the can of crescent rolls, they’re perfect every time.

30. Christmas Reindeer Crack

Reindeer Crack falls under the “chow” umbrella. You know, Puppy Chow, Muddy Buddies, etc.

It’s sweet, salty, and totally snackable. Plus, it’s make-ahead-friendly and so easy to make festive.

Just add red and green M&Ms to the mini pretzels, salted peanuts, and Chex, then coat it all in white chocolate. Easy peasy.

31. Watergate Salad

Dessert ‘salads’ are another potluck mainstay. And this green pistachio recipe is just what your Christmas table ordered.

Add a little extra green to make it a Grinch salad. Or throw in some red berries or candies to give it a more festive finish.

32. Rum Balls

Finger food and mingle-friendly, these rum balls are a terrific way to offer dessert that won’t weigh your guests down.

I’m sure after a couple of hours, everyone will have had their fill of dips and casseroles.

So why not give them a little something sweet to cap off the night? They could even be packed in bags as take-home treats!

33. Hot Reuben Dip

Speaking of dips: there’s nothing like this Reuben-inspired masterpiece.

It’s hot, tangy, cheesy, and wonderfully meaty. And it’s baked until bubbly and hot.

You’ll need zippy sauerkraut followed by a layer of salty corned beef. Then comes the mayonnaise mixed with Thousand Island dressing.

Top with lots of Swiss cheese, and get ready to drool.

34. Hanky Panky

Make this hanky panky recipe, and it’ll start conversations all around the food table.

And luckily, it tastes delicious, so everyone will want seconds.

Meaty, cheesy, and loaded with onion, these mini open-faced sandwiches are easier to make than they look.

35. Mini Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Recipe

As much as I love big, over-the-top cheese balls, they’re not exactly covid friendly.

So if you want the same great taste and texture without the worry your sniffly cousin will double-dip, check out these minis!

Sure, they take a bit longer to prep. But how cute do they look with the edible pretzel sticks?