Below 1 Hour: 19 Easy Christmas Potluck Recipe Ideas

“What should I bring?” The question that’s likely on your mind when a potluck party is fast approaching. Not a seasoned cook, or simply out of ideas? Don’t worry. Here’s a list of Christmas potluck ideas that take only 45 minutes to prepare and cook! Each recipe uses simple ingredients easily found at your local supermarket and requires minimal effort or culinary skills. These dishes are so easy, anyone can pull them off this festive season — no MasterChef skills required!

Easy Christmas potluck ideas: Appetisers

1. Stuffed mushrooms 

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes 

Served as an appetiser or a main dish, these stuffed mushrooms can be made in under an hour and a personal holiday favourite for easy Christmas potluck ideas. This recipe calls for baby bella mushrooms and crunchy baked pecans to top, packing a mature and nutty punch. Plus, they are vegetarian-friendly too!

2. Charcuterie board 

Preparation time: 10 minutes

If you want to save on dish washing, charcuterie boards are one of the most fuss-free Christmas potluck ideas for get-togethers. An authentic cheese board typically includes a variety of cheeses, cured meats like salami and prosciutto, complemented with crackers. Get creative with your presentation — try cutting your cheeses into Christmas trees or gingerbread men for a holiday twist!

3. Cocktail meatball with cranberry sauce

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes

Traditionally covered in grape jelly and chilli sauce, cocktail meatballs are vital at any Christmas meal. Cocktail meatballs are one of the quickest Christmas potluck recipe ideas for spontaneous parties— taking as little as 15 minutes to make! A tip, jazz up your IKEA frozen meatballs with Kaleb Wyse’s “cranberry sauce” that comprises barbeque sauce, marmalade and cranberries.

4. Pigs in a blanket

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes

Meat wrapped in more meat? This one’s for the meat lovers. The British twist on pigs in a blanket features cocktail sausages wrapped in crispy bacon. For an extra kick, I recommend mixing some honey with Lao Gan Ma to create a hot honey sauce. This savoury, one-bite treat is undoubtedly one of the easiest Christmas potluck recipe ideas. 

5. Bacon and balsamic brussels sprouts

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes

Few vegetables stir as much debate as brussels sprouts. But even if you’re not a fan of these mini cabbages, it’s hard to deny that no Christmas roast feels complete without them. Yes, be the friend who brings the healthier dish to the potluck and everyone will appreciate it — whether they realise it or not.

6. Deviled eggs

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Assembly time: 15 minutes

I’ve made deviled eggs countless times, and this festive season they will definitely be making a reappearance at my potluck party. Stacey’s instant recipe calls for green food dye to turn the creamed yolks into little wreath-lookalikes. But I prefer using natural dyes like pandan or spinach powder for a healthier touch. Best served with a tangy mustard or a smoky paprika garnish, this is one of the easiest Christmas potluck ideas. Just be sure to keep them chilled until serving!

7. Corn ribs 

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes

In a culinary world of oxymorons, these corn ribs that “fall off the bone” are a true BBQ roast in disguise. The perfectly curled corn mimics the shape of ribs, allowing for even seasoning on every kernel. I like to finish with some parmesan cheese, served alongside Sriracha Mayo or hummus to dip. Fun to eat and a unique twist on the traditional corn on the cob, this is one of the best Christmas potluck ideas!

Side note: The cobs (or “bones” of the corn ribs) are inedible. So just like traditional ribs, toss them out after enjoying the corn kernels. 

Easy Christmas potluck ideas: Mains

8. Turkey and cheese sliders 

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes

Is it truly Christmas without a turkey? Sandwiched between slices of toasted garlicky Hawaiian bread, these turkey and cheese sliders fit the bill as the ultimate comfort food to have during the holidays. Though, the term sliders may be deceiving. Just one of these bad boys will fill you up — which is why I consider them to be a main. Alternatively, you can add in some Christmas ham for a smokier punch! 

9. Skillet lasagna  

Preparation + cook time: 30 minutes

Lasagna, a beloved dish often shared during the holidays, is a true symbol of union — nothing more fitting for a Christmas potluck, in my opinion! Traditional lasagna can take up to 4 hours to prepare, but this skillet lasagna recipe simplifies the process by combining all the ingredients in one pan. Just layer the ingredients and cook everything in 30 minutes for a hassle-free meal. Quick, delicious, and ideal for holiday gatherings, this skillet lasagna is the ultimate Christmas potluck idea for parties.

10. Mac and cheese 

Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes

After testing countless recipes, Cara’s mac and cheese is one I trust. Her classic take on this popular potluck dish focuses on elevating the essentials, guiding you through each step to ensure a silky-smooth, perfectly baked result. Cara grates her own cheese, as pre-shredded varieties often contain cellulose, which can make your mac and cheese grainy. Make sure to use a mix of sharp cheddar, mozzarella and pepper jack cheese for a more dynamic flavour. 

11. Garlic butter shrimp scampi

Preparation + cook time: 15 minutes

Simple yet elegant, this shrimp scampi recipe from The New York Times Cooking is a winner. Ready in just 15 minutes, shrimp lovers will appreciate these tender crustaceans bathed in a rich, buttery garlic sauce. Be sure to bring along a loaf of crusty white bread or a baguette so your friends and family can soak up every last drop of that delicious sauce!

Easy Christmas potluck ideas: Desserts

12. Mince pies

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes

Mince pies, a Yuletide treat dating back centuries, make a regular appearance on Christmas. As these little treats are a rare sight in Asia, why not attempt a homemade version that is also one of the easiest Christmas potluck ideas. Filled with a spiced fruit mixture that screams Christmas, turning up with these will make you the star of your potluck party.

13. Christmas chocolate truffles 

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Chill time: 2 – 3 hours

Simple and aesthetically pleasing? These no-bake chocolate truffles are one of the easiest Christmas dessert potluck ideas. While they do need some time to chill in the fridge, they can be made in five easy steps with only three ingredients — chocolate, milk, and cocoa powder. While the truffles are chilling, why not concoct other dishes for your potluck! The real fun, though, is in the decoration. Turn these chocolate truffles into festive Christmas ornaments by drawing with icing and adding sprinkles!

14. Christmas apple crumble

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes

A warm crumble fresh out of the oven is the ultimate comfort dessert among my favourite Christmas potluck recipe ideas to make. Follow Jamie Oliver’s fail-safe Christmas crumble recipe for a nostalgic potluck dish that everyone will enjoy. I usually go for a mix of honeycrisp apples and Asian pears, topped with a buttery, crunchy layer of oats and cinnamon. 

15. Snowman cupcakes 

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes 

Christmas cupcakes that are almost too cute to eat! I’d start with a trusty Betty Crocker cake mix and transform them into little snowmen using marshmallows and icing — they always become a fantastic talking point at parties. Adding a bit of whimsy to desserts is my favourite way to elevate Christmas potluck ideas.

16. Gingerbread cookies

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes

Gingerbread cookies are an essential for the festive season. Decorating them with royal icing can be both therapeutic and a great activity at potluck parties — especially for families with kids! For a bit of a challenge, try Natasha Kravchuk’s simple recipe, which walks you through making gingerbread cookies from scratch in under an hour!

17. Butter board

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Butter boards are the newest potluck trend, and I’m all in for it. Spread softened butter on a board, drizzle honey and nuts, and serve with fresh bread. Alternatively, top with fruits and jam for a sweeter alternative. Simple yet versatile, this is an easy Christmas potluck idea foodies will rave about.

18. Hot cocoa bombs

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 2 minutes
Chill time: 20 minutes

Pour hot milk over these magical hot cocoa bombs and watch as the chocolate shell melts away to reveal a burst of cocoa and marshmallows. While they’re highly customizable and a creative treat, making them can be a bit tricky. You’ll need silicone moulds to shape the chocolate domes, which you can find at RedMan or any baking supply store. To ensure your chocolate is tempered perfectly, I recommend using a candy thermometer to avoid overheating or burning the chocolate.

19. Mulled wine 

Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 – 20 minutes

I can’t wrap up a list of Christmas potluck ideas without including mulled wine — an absolute holiday essential. But don’t worry, despite how intimidating it may sound, this mulled wine recipe is simple enough for anyone who enjoys a good drink. Ready in under 30 minutes, the blend of spices and fruits will not only soothe full bellies but also warm your heart.

Please the crowd with these Christmas potluck ideas

Have multiple potlucks to attend this December? There’s no shortage of what you can bring to the table (literally) with this list of Christmas potluck ideas— 19, to be exact. Not in the mood to cook? No worries. Pick up the best Christmas hams or choose from a variety of affordable Christmas dinner deliveries. And if your party includes a secret santa gift exchange, these Christmas gift ideas will come in handy too.