20 Easy Office Thanksgiving Recipes

As the holiday season comes, workplaces in the United States are getting into the Thanksgiving spirit. They have potlucks and share meals. A recent survey found that over 60% of employees love celebrating holidays at work. Food is a big part of these celebrations.

It can be hard to make tasty dishes for the office. This guide has simple yet impressive recipes. They solve common office problems like no reheating and easy transport.

Key Takeaways

• Practical recipes for office Thanksgiving celebrations
• Dishes that are easy to transport and reheat
• Ideas for appetizers, main courses, and desserts
• Tips for maintaining productivity during holiday celebrations
• Recipes that combine traditional flavors with workplace considerations

Bringing Thanksgiving to the Workplace

Office Thanksgiving celebrations mix work and personal traditions. They help teams bond and learn about different cultures. But, planning is key to keep the holiday spirit alive without slowing work down.

When to have the celebration is very important. Pick a time like lunch or the day before Thanksgiving. This way, everyone can join in without missing important work.

Getting the details right is crucial for a great event. Make sure there’s enough room for tables and food. Also, think about how to keep food safe and make sure everyone can eat something they like.

With careful planning, an office Thanksgiving can be fun. It can also make teams stronger and give everyone a break from the busy season.

Quick and Delicious Thanksgiving Appetizers

Make your office Thanksgiving party special with these four quick and tasty appetizers. They are easy to make and pack, and they will impress your coworkers. These dishes are perfect for busy people because they can be made ahead of time.

1. Cranberry Brie Bites

Cranberry Brie Bites mix creamy brie cheese with tangy cranberry sauce in flaky pastry cups. They are yummy and look great, making them perfect for your office party.

Ingredients

• 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1 wheel of brie cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup of cranberry sauce
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry and cut into small squares.
3. Place a small amount of brie cheese in the center of each square.
4. Top with a dollop of cranberry sauce.
5. Fold the pastry into triangles and seal with an egg wash.
6. Bake until golden brown.

Office Transport Tips

To transport, place the Cranberry Brie Bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover with plastic wrap. This keeps them fresh and prevents damage during transport.

2. Mini Pumpkin Soup Shooters

Mini Pumpkin Soup Shooters are a fancy and warm start to your Thanksgiving. They are tasty, easy to carry, and serve.

Ingredients

• 1 can of pumpkin puree
• 2 cups of chicken broth
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream
• 1 tsp of nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Steps

1. In a pot, combine pumpkin puree, chicken broth, and spices.
2. Bring to a simmer and cook until heated through.
3. Stir in heavy cream.
4. Pour into shot glasses or small cups.

Office Transport Tips

Transport the soup in a thermos to keep it warm. Pour into shot glasses just before serving to ensure they are hot and fresh.

3. Turkey Pinwheels

Turkey Pinwheels are elegant and simple to make. They turn leftover or deli turkey into a beautiful spiral sandwich. They’re great for Thanksgiving at work because they don’t need to be reheated and stay fresh.

Ingredients

• 1 large flour tortilla
• 2 tbsp of cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup of chopped cranberries
• 2 oz of sliced turkey breast
• Lettuce leaves

Preparation Steps

1. Spread cream cheese on the tortilla.
2. Layer with turkey, cranberries, and lettuce.
3. Roll up tightly and slice into pinwheels.

Office Transport Tips

Wrap the pinwheels tightly in plastic wrap to keep fresh. Transport in a covered container to prevent drying out.

4. Sweet Potato Bites with Marshmallow

Sweet Potato Bites with Marshmallow make the sweet potato casserole into a finger food. They stay good even at room temperature, perfect for Thanksgiving at work.

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
• 1/4 cup of brown sugar
• 1/4 cup of marshmallow creme
• 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed

Preparation Steps

1. Mix mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar.
2. Roll out puff pastry and cut into squares.
3. Place a spoonful of sweet potato mixture in the center.
4. Top with marshmallow creme.
5. Fold pastry into triangles and seal.

Office Transport Tips

Transport the Sweet Potato Bites in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, covered with plastic wrap. This prevents them from getting damaged.

Simple Thanksgiving Side Dishes for Office Sharing

Choosing side dishes for office Thanksgiving is key. They must be easy to carry and reheat. This section offers four easy ways to make classic sides perfect for work.

Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving must. But, they can get gluey or dry when reheated. Our recipe keeps them creamy, even in the office microwave.

Ingredients

• 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup milk or half-and-half
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: garlic powder, grated cheese

Preparation Steps

1. Boil the chopped potatoes until tender.
2. Mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
3. Cool completely, then refrigerate up to 3 days.
4. Reheat in the office microwave, adding more milk if needed to achieve desired consistency.

Office Transport Tips

Put cooled mashed potatoes in a microwave-safe container with a lid. Pack a small container with extra butter or cream for reheating.

Reheating Tip:Cover the container with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.

Slow Cooker Stuffing

Stuffing is a Thanksgiving favorite. But, it’s hard to make in an office. A slow cooker solves this problem, keeping the stuffing warm.

Ingredients

• 4 cups cubed bread (white or whole wheat)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth

Preparation Steps

1. Sauté the chopped onion and celery in butter until softened.
2. Mix with bread, seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Add broth and mix until bread is evenly moistened.
4. Transfer to a slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours.

Office Transport Tips

Pack the slow cooker securely, ensuring it’s plugged in and set to “warm” during the office celebration. Bring a serving spoon and consider labeling the dish for others.

“The best way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” – Walt Disney

Green Bean Casserole Cups

Green Bean Casserole in muffin tins is a great idea. It solves serving problems and keeps the onion topping crispy.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed
• 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 1/2 cups French-fried onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Steam green beans until tender.
3. Mix cooked green beans with soup, milk, and garlic powder.
4. Divide mixture among muffin tin cups, top with onions, and bake until golden.

Office Transport Tips

Take the cooled casserole cups in a covered container. This keeps them crispy. Bring extra onions for more topping.

Maple Roasted Carrots

Maple Roasted Carrots are colorful and tasty. They’re great at room temperature, so they’re easy to transport.

Ingredients

• 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme)

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss carrot slices with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast in the oven until tender and caramelized.
4. Cool completely before transporting.

Office Transport Tips

Pack the cooled carrots in a sealed container. Sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving for color and freshness.

20 Easy Office Thanksgiving Recipes Everyone Will Love

To make Thanksgiving special in the office, pick dishes that are easy to eat and serve. These four main dishes are great alternatives to turkey. They bring Thanksgiving flavors in easy formats.

9. Turkey and Cranberry Sliders

These sliders mix roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing in small sandwiches. You can make them ahead and serve them at room temperature or warm them up.

Ingredients

• 1 pound deli turkey or leftover roasted turkey
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• 1/4 cup stuffing
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise or aioli
• 4-6 mini sandwich buns

Preparation Steps

1. Slice the turkey into thin strips.
2. Assemble the sliders by layering turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing on the buns.
3. Refrigerate or keep at room temperature until serving.

Office Transport Tips

Use a covered container to transport the sliders. This keeps them fresh and prevents drying out. If you need to keep them warm, use a thermally insulated bag.

10. Thanksgiving Pasta Salad

This pasta salad has holiday ingredients like dried cranberries and roasted butternut squash. It gets better with time.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta of your choice
• 1 cup roasted butternut squash
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
• 1/2 cup vinaigrette dressing

Preparation Steps

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. Toss the cooked pasta with roasted squash, cranberries, and sage.
3. Drizzle with vinaigrette dressing and refrigerate until serving.

Office Transport Tips

Put the pasta salad in a sealed container to avoid spills. Keep it cold until you serve it.

11. Harvest Grain Bowl

This dish layers Thanksgiving flavors over grains. It uses separate packaging to keep textures right.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked grains (quinoa, brown rice, etc.)
• 1 cup roasted vegetables (sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, etc.)
• 1/2 cup cooked turkey or chickpeas
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts or seeds
• 2 tbsp olive oil and lemon juice dressing

Preparation Steps

1. Cook the grains according to package instructions.
2. Roast the vegetables with olive oil and seasoning.
3. Assemble the grain bowls by layering grains, roasted vegetables, and protein.

Office Transport Tips

Pack the parts separately to keep them fresh and textured. Use containers that are easy to open and close.

12. Thanksgiving Wraps

These wraps turn holiday leftovers or fresh ingredients into easy-to-eat meals. They don’t need utensils.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked turkey or leftover filling
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce or chutney
• 1/4 cup stuffing or grain
• 1 large tortilla or wrap

Preparation Steps

1. Fill the tortilla with turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing.
2. Roll the wrap tightly and slice in half.
3. Serve immediately or wrap individually for later.

Office Transport Tips

Wrap each wrap in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for easy transport. Use a container to keep them upright and prevent leakage.

Festive Salads and Vegetable Dishes

A great office Thanksgiving potluck has both old favorites and new, healthy dishes. Adding seasonal fruits and veggies makes the celebration better. It’s a nice change from the usual heavy foods.

13. Autumn Chopped Salad

This salad is full of fall tastes. It has crisp apples, pears, and pecans with strong greens. It’s easy to make ahead because of its sturdy ingredients.

Ingredients

• 4 cups mixed greens
• 1 large apple, diced
• 1 large pear, diced
• 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinaigrette (packaged separately)

Preparation Steps

1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, apple, pear, pecans, and cranberries.
2. Toss gently to mix.
3. Pack the vinaigrette separately to dress just before serving.

Office Transport Tips

Take the salad in a big, covered container to stay fresh. Dress it just before serving to avoid it getting soggy.

14. Butternut Squash and Quinoa Salad

This salad is great for office parties. It’s good at room temperature and gets better with time.

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup quinoa, cooked
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Steps

1. Roast the butternut squash until tender.
2. Mix with cooked quinoa, parsley, mint, olive oil, and lemon juice.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Office Transport Tips

Make the salad a day early. This lets the flavors mix well. Carry it in a covered container.

15. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries

This side dish is full of nutrients. It stays crunchy even when made ahead and reheated a bit.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Steps

1. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Roast until tender and caramelized.
3. Mix with cranberries and pecans.

Office Transport Tips

Roast the Brussels sprouts a day early. Reheat briefly at the office. Mix with cranberries and pecans right before serving.

16. Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole

This dish is a healthier choice instead of the usual marshmallow-topped ones. It has a crunchy topping.

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
• 1 large apple, sliced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts
• 2 tbsp butter

Preparation Steps

1. Layer sweet potatoes and apple slices in a baking dish.
2. Mix brown sugar, oats, and nuts for the topping.
3. Dot with butter.
4. Bake until the topping is crisp.

Office Transport Tips

Make the casserole a day early, but add the topping just before baking. This keeps it crunchy. Reheat at the office.

Thanksgiving Desserts That Travel Well

It’s hard to move desserts to the office for Thanksgiving. But, the right recipes make it easy. The trick is to keep them fresh and tasty while moving.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are a fun twist on pumpkin pie. They’re great for sharing at the office.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 pounds cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Make the crust with graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.
3. Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, eggs, pumpkin, and vanilla.
4. Pour the mix over the crust and bake for 35-40 minutes.
5. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Office Transport Tips

To move, put bars in a covered container. Use parchment paper between layers. This stops them from sticking.

Apple Pie Cookies

Apple Pie Cookies turn the classic dessert into easy-to-eat bites. They’re perfect for the office.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup apple filling
• 1 egg, beaten

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Stir in apple filling.
4. Scoop dough into balls and bake for 12-15 minutes.

Office Transport Tips

Put cookies in a single layer in an airtight container. Use parchment paper to separate layers. This keeps them fresh and prevents breakage.

Pecan Pie Bites

Pecan Pie Bites are small versions of the classic pecan pie. They’re perfect for the office.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pecan halves
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pie crust, pre-made

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Roll out pie crust and cut into squares.
3. Mix pecans, corn syrup, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
4. Place a spoonful of the mix on each square, then fold into triangles.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Office Transport Tips

Move Pecan Pie Bites in a single layer in a covered container. Use parchment paper to separate layers if stacking.

Cranberry Orange Bread

Cranberry Orange Bread is moist and flavorful. It’s also great for breakfast.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 teaspoon orange zest

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix dry ingredients, then stir in melted butter, orange juice, cranberries, and orange zest.
3. Pour batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes.

Office Transport Tips

Wrap Cranberry Orange Bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place in a covered container to keep fresh during transport.

Accommodating Dietary Restrictions

It’s important to make sure everyone can enjoy Thanksgiving at work. You need to think about what each person can eat. This way, everyone feels welcome.

There are many diets to consider. Some people eat gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan. Others might have nut allergies. Knowing this helps you make food that everyone can eat.

Gluten-Free Options

Some dishes are naturally gluten-free, like Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Maple Roasted Carrots. For dishes with gluten, like Stuffing or Turkey Pinwheels, you can change them. Use gluten-free bread and check labels to avoid gluten.

• Use gluten-free all-purpose flour blends for baking.
• Choose gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for savory dishes.
• Opt for gluten-free oats for oatmeal or oat-based recipes.

Vegetarian and Vegan Alternatives

For those who don’t eat meat, you can offer other choices. Use tofu or tempeh instead of turkey. For creamy dishes, pick dairy-free milk or vegan cream cheese.

1. Replace turkey with marinated and roasted tofu or tempeh.
2. Use vegan mayonnaise or vegan sour cream in salads and dips.
3. Choose plant-based milk for creamy soups and sauces.

Nut-Free Selections

For those with nut allergies, pick recipes without nuts. Many salads and vegetable dishes are safe, like Autumn Chopped Salad and Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole. If a recipe has nuts, use seeds instead.

• Replace nuts with seeds in baked goods and salads.
• Be cautious of hidden nuts in ingredients like granola or trail mix.
• Clearly label dishes that are nut-free to ensure safety.

By thinking about dietary needs, you can make Thanksgiving at work special for everyone. Make sure to label food clearly. This way, everyone feels included and happy.

Tips for Transporting and Serving at the Office

It can be hard to take Thanksgiving food to work. But, with smart planning, your meal will arrive well and look good. Whether it’s the main dish, a side, or dessert, planning is key.

Packaging Solutions

Good packaging is key when taking food to work. Use insulated carriers to keep food warm or cold. Containers with different parts help keep things fresh.

Stackable containers save space in your bag or fridge. They are very useful.

• Use leak-proof containers to prevent spills during transport.
• Wrap fragile items like glass jars or delicate pastries in bubble wrap or cloth to prevent breakage.
• Label your containers with the dish name and any relevant reheating instructions.

Reheating Guidelines

Reheating food at work can be tricky. Use a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to cover your dish. Heat it in short intervals, checking the temperature each time.

If there’s no microwave, use a thermos or electric lunch box instead.

1. Check the office microwave’s power level and adjust reheating time accordingly.
2. Stir your dish between reheating intervals to ensure even heating.
3. For dishes that don’t require reheating, such as salads or cold desserts, keep them cool with ice packs if necessary.

Presentation Ideas

How you present your dish can make it special. Add simple decorations like disposable table runners or battery-operated tea lights. Use creative serving ideas like mason jars or ramekins for dishes to be served.

“The way we eat is a reflection of our culture and values. Making an effort to present our dishes attractively can bring people together and create a more enjoyable dining experience.”

By following these tips, your Thanksgiving dish will arrive safely, be reheated right, and look great. This will make your office potluck a hit.

Conclusion

Bringing Thanksgiving to work helps teams bond and feel appreciated. The 20 easy recipes in this article mix tradition with office ease. They’re perfect for work.

These recipes travel well, need little heating, and are easy to eat at work. They turn a normal day into a special moment for everyone.

Looking to celebrate or show thanks to your coworkers? These recipes are a great place to start. Start simple and grow your celebration each year.

Sharing a meal and saying thanks can make work better. Try these ideas and make your celebration a hit.