When it comes to the holidays, we’re all about staying on-theme with our recipes. Christmas potlucks are the perfect opportunity to add festive flare to your favorite dishes. Whether you go all out or keep it simple, there’s no wrong way to spread the holiday cheer (just don’t show up empty-handed). If you’re looking to add seasonal charm to your dishes, we’ve got you covered with inspiration. Here are 12 holiday-themed potluck recipes perfect for making spirits bright.
01 of 12
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Kathleen Varner
Want to make your favorite potluck dish more festive? Swap out the usual grape jelly and chili sauce for jellied cranberry sauce and hot jalapeño pepper jelly. Your guests will thank you.
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02 of 12
Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Audrey Davis
Everyone’s going to bring food to the potluck, so why not stand out with this classic Christmas beverage? This rich and creamy eggnog, spiced with ground nutmeg, makes the perfect companion to the holiday spread. Just remember that it needs at least 8 hours to chill, so be sure to whip it up the night before.
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03 of 12
Emily Laurae/Southern Living
Combining everything we love about buttermilk biscuits and Parker House rolls, these angel biscuits are a heavenly addition to the holiday table.
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04 of 12
Atonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer
Two types of potatoes come together to create the fluffiest, dreamiest mashed potato casserole of all time, and it comes together in just 35 minutes. Browned butter adds a hint of nuttiness, and the broiled top has an almost cheesy, crispy texture. Though it’s quick to prepare, it can also be prepped a day ahead and reheated in the oven.
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05 of 12
Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Tami Hardeman
Want to keep your contribution simple? These bacon-wrapped presents take just 10 minutes to prepare, then you can sit back (for 1 hour and 30 minutes) and let your oven handle the rest. The result is a mouthwateringly crispy treat everyone is sure to love. The fact that each bite-sized snack looks like a little wrapped present is just the bow on top.
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06 of 12
Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke
This holiday season, swap out the usual cheese and crackers for these fun, flavor-packed bites. Not only do they look elegant, but they are remarkably simple to prepare. Talk about a win-win.
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07 of 12
David Malosh; Prop Styling: Robyn Glaser; Food Styling: Maggie Ruggiero
These creamy, sweet desserts are perfect for meeting your holiday cranberry quota. With cheesecake filling, cranberry compote, and gingersnap crusts, they make any holiday spread look oh-so festive.
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08 of 12
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
If you have leftover bread in your pantry, don’t let it go to waste. Instead, make this aromatic rum bread pudding. “I made this for Christmas dinner, and it was a huge hit,” says one five-star reviewer. If you prefer to omit the alcohol, you can substitute 1/4 cup maple syrup for 1 cup of rum.
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09 of 12
If you’re the type of party guest who strives for show-stopping presentation, this appetizer is for you. With a cream cheese-based filling, pesto, mozzarella, and a garlic-butter glaze, this tree-shaped pull-apart bread is both delicious and impressive to look at.
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10 of 12
Antonis Achilleos
A savory, cheesy pie at the potluck? Yes, please! A trifecta of cheeses (Gruyere, extra-sharp white Cheddar, and fontina) and fresh thyme are responsible for its incredible flavor and irresistible creaminess.
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11 of 12
Photo: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer
No-cook recipes are a lifesaver during the busy holiday season. Combine your favorite dips and spreads with meats, cheese, fruits, and vegetables to create a stunning Christmas charcuterie board.
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12 of 12
Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke
This smoked fish dip is prepared almost entirely in only one bowl, and it comes together in just 20 minutes. Need we say more?
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Dining and Cooking