The Best Thanksgiving Potluck Dishes and My Favorite Traditional Meals

Thanksgiving is a time when families and friends gather to enjoy a hearty, traditional feast. Over the years, I have come to appreciate different approaches to the holiday, whether it's hosting a classic American dinner or participating in a delicious potluck. Join me as I explore some of the best potluck dishes, along with my personal favorites for a memorable Thanksgiving experience.

Popular Potluck Dishes

When it comes to a potluck, the key is to offer a dish that is not only homemade from scratch but also represents a unique twist on a classic meal. Here are some of the most cherished dishes in my collection:

Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie, and Lemon Tart

Pumpkin pie and pecan pie are staples of any Thanksgiving celebration. Making a tender and flaky pie dough from scratch adds a level of expertise that is always appreciated. For a refreshing twist, consider a Shaker Lemon Tart. Using a can of real-cream whipped cream adds a luxurious touch to any pie or tart.

Mac and Cheese Corn Casserole

A personal favorite for both Thanksgiving and family gatherings is the Mac and Cheese Corn Casserole. This casserole combines the richness of creamed corn with the creamy texture of macaroni and cheese. It’s a nod to family traditions and is always a crowd-pleaser. The recipe involves combining a can of creamed corn, a can of Mexican corn or plain corn (optional peppers), a can of cream of chicken soup with herbs, half and half, diced Velveeta cheese, butter, uncooked elbow macaroni, and a chicken bouillon cube. All ingredients are mixed in a slow cooker and cooked until the pasta is tender.

Traditional Thanksgiving Dishes

Thanksgiving is also a time to honor classic American dishes, which I prepare throughout the year. Hence, I am often free to focus on new and exciting recipes for the holiday. This year, I made brisket—a World-class blue-ribbon kosher beef brisket—and it was perfection.

Mincemeat Pie

Another standout dish is the mincemeat pie. My mother used to make it every Christmas, and I’ve inherited the tradition, making it months in advance and keeping it in the fridge with enough rum to "keep it happy." My recipe is flexible and can be adapted each year with different fruits and spices. The addition of freshly grated nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, powdered ginger, and butter makes it a winter holiday dish that warms the heart and bloodstream.

My Thanksgiving Experience

Unlike potlucks, where everyone brings a dish, my Thanksgiving is a hosted affair for all our French, Belgian, and other international friends and neighbors. I and my husband take the lead in preparing a classic American Thanksgiving dinner, a tradition that is cherished by everyone present. No one here would have a clue what to make or bring, making it pointless to conduct a potluck.

This year, the menu was centered around a world-class beef brisket, emphasizing the importance of high-quality ingredients and traditional methods to achieve a perfect dish. Thanksgiving is not just about the meal; it’s about the joy of sharing a meaningful experience with loved ones.

Conclusion

Whether you're hosting a potluck or preparing a classic American Thanksgiving dinner, there are numerous ways to make the experience delightful.