30 Potluck Recipes for Cozy Winter Gatherings
30 Potluck Recipes for Cozy Winter Gatherings
Rily's winter potluck recipes feature appetizers, desserts, and delightful mains, perfect for cozy gatherings.
As winter settles in, potluck gatherings offer a warm, shared celebration of the season. Rily's collection of 15 Potluck Recipes for Cozy Winter Gatherings features soul-warming dishes, from comforting soups and slow-cooked stews to vibrant salads and indulgent desserts.
These recipes bring joy and flavour to any table, whether indoors or outdoors, creating moments of connection and shared culinary delight. Perfect for all skill levels, they embody the essence of winter's coziness and togetherness.
Here are 30 of our favourite recipes from the Rily Kitchen that are perfect for upcoming holiday potluck parties.
Orange & Fennel Winter Kale Salad
Recipe by Megan Horsley
Packed with texture and flavour, this Orange & Fennel Winter Kale Salad is a colourful addition to your winter meals. Fresh fennel, tender kale, and radicchio are tossed with roasted chickpeas, pomegranate arils, and crunchy pecans for a satisfying bite. With the zesty citrus dressing and a sprinkle of Parmesan, this salad can be served warm or chilled, making it a versatile choice for holiday dinners or a cozy weeknight meal.
Sausage Stuffed Fried Olives
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
These sausage-stuffed fried olives are an irresistible appetizer for your next gathering. Castelvetrano olives are stuffed with savoury Italian sausage, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried to crispy perfection. Served with lemon zest for a fresh finish, they're easy to prep and can be enjoyed on their own or with a dipping sauce. They're a fun and flavourful addition to your holiday spread.
Grain-Free Tomato Tart
Recipe by Julia Gibson
Celebrate ripe summer tomatoes with this Grain-Free Tomato Tart, featuring a nutty, crispy almond flour crust filled with caramelized heirloom tomatoes, crumbled goat feta, and fresh basil. This dish offers a perfect balance of savoury and fresh flavours, ideal for a light lunch or dinner. It's surprisingly easy to make and will quickly become a go-to for tomato lovers.
Smoked Salmon Wreath
Recipe by Megan Horsley
This Smoked Salmon Wreath is a simple yet stunning appetizer for any gathering. Fresh cucumber ribbons, smoky salmon, pickled onions, and capers come together in a beautiful wreath shape. Topped with pomegranate seeds and served with sliced bagels, it's a delicious way to enjoy a classic combination with a festive twist.
Brown Butter Smashed Sweet Potatoes
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Try these Brown Butter Smashed Sweet Potatoes for a unique spin on traditional mashed potatoes. Brown butter, fresh sage, and toasted walnuts enhance the crispy skin and fluffy interior, creating a savoury and satisfying side dish. These potatoes are perfect for your holiday table or any weeknight dinner.
Stuffed Pasta Shells
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
These vegetarian Stuffed Pasta Shells, filled with a blend of ricotta and spinach, are a comforting and flavourful dish perfect for cozy nights in. Topped with marinara sauce and fresh mozzarella, they're baked to perfection for a cheesy, satisfying meal. Simple, quick, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Easy Stuffing Muffin Cups
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
For a fun and portable twist on classic stuffing, these Easy Stuffing Muffin Cups are perfect for any holiday spread. Made with sourdough, Italian sausage, and fresh herbs, they bake into individual servings that are crispy and tender on the inside. Feel free to make them vegetarian or add your favourite mix-ins.
Sweet Potato Stacks with Miso Sauce
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
These Sweet Potato Stacks with Miso Sauce are a holiday side dish that's as visually stunning as delicious. Thin slices of sweet potato are stacked in a muffin tin and browned to crispy perfection, then topped with a miso butter sauce, pecans, and fresh rosemary. It's a unique and flavourful addition to your holiday meals.
Spicy Gochujang Chicken Wings
Recipe by Fran Allen
Rily's Spicy Gochujang Chicken Wings are a crowd-pleasing addition to winter potlucks. These delectable wings blend Korean flavours of Gochujang, ginger, and Gochugaru, offering a perfect balance of sticky sweetness and spice. Packed with protein and seasoned with garlic, these wings tantalize taste buds without compromising on health. Quick to prepare, they are a perfect choice for parties or game nights, impressing guests with their bold flavours and impressive presentation. Add these wings to your potluck menu, elevating the coziness of winter gatherings with their spicy allure.
Mushroom Puff Pastry Rolls
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Indulge in Rily's Mushroom Puff Pastry Rolls, a meat-free twist on classic sausage rolls, perfect for winter potlucks. Sautéed cremini mushrooms, rich in antioxidants, join walnuts, a source of heart-healthy fats, and sun-dried tomatoes, packed with vitamins, creating a flavourful, filling appetizer. Loaded with nutritional yeast for a savoury kick and tamari for depth, these rolls offer a cozy blend of flavours. This vegetarian delight, wrapped in puff pastry, has a delightful crunch and warmth—ideal for sharing during chilly gatherings. Step-up your potluck spread with this wholesome, hearty recipe for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Bacon Wrapped Green Beans
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
Rily's Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans is a simple yet impressive appetizer or side for cozy winter potlucks. Loaded with nutrients like vitamin C and K from fresh green beans, this dish offers a delicious blend of crispness and savoury goodness. Drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with garlic, sea salt, and black pepper, these bundles of flavour are easy to prepare and sure to impress. The bacon adds a comforting touch while baking, creating a delightful aroma. Wow your guests with this effortless recipe that brings warmth and a touch of elegance to your potluck table, earning nods of approval from family and friends alike.
Roasted Grape & Goat Cheese Crostini
Recipe by Fran Allen
Rily's Roasted Grape & Goat Cheese Crostini is a delightful winter potluck appetizer that's both impressive and effortlessly prepared. De-stemmed seedless grapes, roasted with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and rosemary, provide a burst of antioxidants. Paired with walnuts for added texture and nutrition, this dish elevates the humble baguette slice. Topped with creamy goat cheese and a drizzle of raw honey, it's a harmonious blend of sweet and savoury. Quick to prepare in just 20 minutes, these elegant crostini promise to captivate taste buds at potlucks, presenting a delectable fusion of flavours that embodies the warmth and coziness of winter gatherings.
Beef Short Rib Stew
Recipe by Fran Allen
Rily's Beef Short Rib Stew is a comforting winter potluck staple that's both nourishing and flavour-packed. Prepared with beef short ribs, this hearty stew boasts rich nutrients like collagen, iron, and fibre, aiding digestion and offering a dose of vitamin A. Simmered slowly with carrots, potatoes, and peas in a blend of red wine and beef stock, it's a wholesome delight perfect for chilly days. Its long simmering time not only enhances its taste but also aids those with digestion issues. Ideal for meal prepping or freezing, this stew matures in flavor over time, ensuring a satisfying potluck dish embodying the coziness of winter gatherings.
Hot Apple Cider
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Savour Rily's Hot Apple Cider, a soul-warming winter treat perfect for potluck gatherings. Crafted with fresh apples, oranges, and an aromatic blend of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, this recipe radiates comfort. Loaded with antioxidants from apples and vitamin C from oranges, it offers a healthy, fragrant delight. Embrace the season with this cozy beverage, filling your home with its delightful aroma while keeping you warm. Sweetened lightly with maple syrup, it's a guilt-free indulgence bursting with seasonal flavours. Share this heartening concoction at potlucks for a deliciously aromatic experience that embodies the essence of winter gatherings.
Goat Cheese Pomegranate Crostini
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
Rily's Goat Cheese Pomegranate Crostini is a tantalizing winter potluck delight bursting with vibrant flavours. Crafted with a sourdough baguette and adorned with creamy goat cheese, this appetizer offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes. Pomegranate seeds, rich in antioxidants, paired with pistachios, a source of healthy fats, add a crunchy, nutritious twist. Drizzled with lemon zest and raw honey for a zesty-sweet kick, each bite delivers a burst of party-worthy flavours. Sprinkled with flaky sea salt, these crostini are an irresistible addition to your potluck spread, offering a harmony of tastes that embody the cozy essence of winter gatherings.
Cranberry Ginger Bubbly Mocktail
Recipe by Megan Horsley
Rily's Cranberry Ginger Bubbly Mocktail is a delightfully refreshing, festive concoction perfect for winter potlucks and holiday celebrations. Crafted with 100 per cent cranberry juice and fresh ginger, this mocktail offers a burst of seasonal flavours. Sweetened with maple syrup and brightened with lime juice, it's a guilt-free delight. The effervescent fizz adds a celebratory touch, ideal for festive gatherings. Garnished with ginger slices and cranberries, this mocktail embodies the joy of the holiday season. Raise a glass to this bubbly concoction, sharing its festive cheer and vibrant flavours during cozy winter gatherings and joyful festivities.
Tahini Maple Roasted Carrots
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
Enjoy Rily's Tahini Maple Roasted Carrots, a visually stunning yet straightforward dish, perfect for winter potlucks. These vibrant heirloom carrots, rich in nutrients and a boon for hormone and overall health, receive a delightful makeover. Glazed with a blend of tahini, maple syrup, and a hint of cinnamon, they boast a symphony of flavours. This nutrient powerhouse, prepared with unsalted butter and minced garlic for added richness, brings both visual appeal and health benefits to the table. Impress guests at family gatherings or Thanksgiving with these delectable roasted carrots, embodying both elegance and wholesomeness for the cozy winter gatherings.
Cherry Chocolate Buckwheat Muffins
Recipe by Megan Horsley
Rily's Cherry Chocolate Buckwheat Muffins are a wholesome, unique treat ideal for cozy winter potlucks. Crafted with nutrient-rich buckwheat flour, these muffins offer a distinctive earthy flavour complemented by the sweetness of pitted cherries and the richness of dark chocolate. Packed with antioxidants and fibre, cherries provide a health boost while dark chocolate offers a dose of indulgence. Free from refined sugars, these muffins use coconut sugar for a touch of sweetness. Embrace the decadence and uniqueness of these muffins, perfect for adding a twist to your potluck spread while embodying the warmth and comfort of winter gatherings.
Grain-Free Vegan Mince Pies
Recipe by Julia Gibson
These Grain-Free Vegan Mince Pies are packed with warm spices, dried fruit, and orange zest, all encased in a simple almond flour crust. They offer a fresh take on a holiday classic, perfect for those following a grain-free or vegan diet. The rich filling and flaky crust make these mince pies a festive favourite.
Gluten-Free Cinnamon Raisin Loaf
Recipe by Julia Gibson
Rily's Gluten-Free Cinnamon Raisin Loaf is a gut-friendly, vegan delight perfect for cozy winter potlucks. Crafted with a blend of wholesome flours like brown rice, millet, and sorghum, this loaf offers a burst of plant-based goodness. Packed with raisins rich in antioxidants, it ensures both flavour and health benefits. Enhanced with cinnamon, this bread exudes warmth and comfort. Featuring psyllium husk and flax for a gut-friendly touch, it's sweetened naturally with raw honey. Enjoy a slice, toasted and buttered, for a comforting and guilt-free treat that adds a wholesome touch to winter gatherings.
Southwest Veggie Chili
Recipe by Kelsey Russell-Murray
Rily's Southwest Veggie Chili is an easy, hearty vegan dish ideal for winter potlucks. Packed with fibre-rich ingredients like black beans, veggies, and tomatoes, it's a gut-health superstar offering plant-based protein for lasting satisfaction. With aromatic spices like chili powder and cumin, this comforting 1-pot wonder bursts with flavour and nutrition. Perfect for chilly evenings, it’s a meal prep champ, staying fresh in the fridge all week and freezing beautifully. This chili not only warms you up but also fuels you with wholesome goodness, making it a go-to option for cozy gatherings and busy days throughout the winter season.
Orange Olive Oil Cake
Recipe by Megan Horsley
Rily's Orange Olive Oil Cake is a gluten-free, moist dessert ideal for cozy winter potlucks. Infused with citrusy zest from navel oranges or vibrant blood oranges, this cake sings with flavour. Crafted with almond flour and heart-healthy extra-virgin olive oil, it's a treat rich in antioxidants and healthy fats. Packed with vitamin C, this festive dessert offers a burst of freshness. Topped with a dusting of icing sugar, it's an elegant delight for the holidays. With its moist texture and stunning appearance from blood oranges, this cake promises to be a showstopper at potluck gatherings, embodying the warmth and festivity of winter
Kale, Lentil & Spiced Walnut Salad
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Rily's Kale, Lentil & Spiced Walnut Salad is a flavourful, nutrient-packed dish perfect for winter potlucks. Whole spices and olive oil transform walnuts into a flavourful dressing, enriching this salad with taste and healthy fats. Black lentils, brimming with plant-based protein and fibre, elevate its nutritional value. Combined with radishes, olives, and feta, this salad offers a medley of textures and tastes. The lemon juice and zest add brightness, enhancing its freshness. With a blend of hearty ingredients and a spice-infused walnut dressing, this salad isn't just a dish—it's a wholesome delight, embodying both warmth and health for cozy winter gatherings.
Gingerbread Loaf
Recipe by Megan Horsley
Rily's Gingerbread Loaf offers a gluten-free, flavour-rich addition to winter potlucks. Crafted with fine oat flour, cinnamon, and ginger, this loaf offers deep, satisfying taste along with blood sugar balancing properties. With a dense texture and a mix of healthy ingredients like avocado oil and cashews, it's a guilt-free indulgence. Enriched with the anti-inflammatory benefits of ginger, it's a festive treat for holiday gatherings. Bursting with the richness of molasses and spices, it brings warmth to winter festivities. Share this nutrient-packed delight for both its flavour and health benefits, making it a must-have at cozy seasonal celebrations.
Turkey & Sundried Tomato Ziti
Recipe by Megan Horsley
Try Rily's Turkey & Sundried Tomato Ziti for a comforting, one-pot meal perfect for winter gatherings. Featuring lean ground turkey, it’s a great source of protein and mood-boosting tryptophan. Brown rice ziti and kale provide fibre for blood-sugar balance. This creamy baked pasta, rich with sundried tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella, pleases even picky eaters. Embrace the wholesome blend of flavours and nutrients in this dish—a perfect addition to cozy potlucks, offering both comfort and health benefits.
Stovetop Green Bean Casserole
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Experience Rily's Stovetop Green Bean Casserole, a crispy twist perfect for winter potlucks. This skillet-cooked recipe features green beans, shiitake mushrooms, and crunchy almonds, offering a creamy, dairy-free delight without compromising on crunchiness. With no cream or milk, it's a healthier version, boasting a crispy texture and bold flavours. Prepared with vegan parmesan, this casserole is ideal for those craving a crunchy delight. Enjoy this twist on a classic casserole—a delightful addition to cozy gatherings, offering a healthier, crunchier take on a beloved dish without sacrificing taste or texture.
##Spicy Chickpea Minestrone Recipe by Fran Allen
Rily's Spicy Chickpea Minestrone is a comforting, veggie-loaded soup ideal for cozy winter gatherings. Packed with carrots, celery, and kale, it offers warmth and nutrients. With a handful of simple ingredients, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, providing both convenience and taste. The addition of chickpeas and fresh herbs like thyme and oregano enhances its flavour and nutritional value. Quick to prepare and offering delightful leftovers, this soup is a go-to option for hearty, comforting meals, embodying both simplicity and wholesomeness for cozy potlucks and weeknight warmth during the winter season.
Gingersnap Pumpkin Pie
Recipe by Julia Gibson
A plant-based marvel, Rily's Gingersnap Pumpkin Pie is perfect for winter gatherings. This grain-free dessert boasts a gingersnap cookie crust filled with a lush, vegan pumpkin blend. Loaded with aromatic spices like ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, it's a flavoursome treat highlighting the essence of pumpkin spice. With coconut sugar for sweetness and pumpkin puree for richness, this pie offers a healthier twist. Ideal for spice enthusiasts, it delivers a taste that's both comforting and wholesome. Share this delightful, plant-based creation at potlucks, showcasing a delectable blend of spices that define the heart of a perfect pumpkin pie.
Beet & Arugula Salad
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Rily's Beet & Arugula Salad is a winter gem packed with nutritious elements. Featuring roasted beets, spicy arugula, and toasted walnuts, it boasts a delightful blend of flavours and textures. Dressed in a simple lemon vinaigrette with a touch of raw honey, it offers a tangy zest. This salad is a nutrient powerhouse, with beets rich in antioxidants and arugula providing a peppery bite packed with vitamins. Topped with goat cheese for creaminess, it's a cozy, healthful addition to winter gatherings. Embrace this vibrant, nutrient-rich salad, a refreshing and flavourful dish perfect for potlucks and winter gatherings.
Caramelized Onion, Date & Goat Cheese Dip
Recipe by Megan Horsley
This Caramelized Onion, Date & Goat Cheese Dip blends sweet and savoury flavours in a delightful appetizer. Slow-cooked onions, dates, and tangy goat cheese are paired with fresh parsley and crunchy toasted sourdough for a perfect dip. Serve warm or chilled—it's sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
