Potlucks bring people together, creating an opportunity to share delicious food and make memories. Finding the perfect side dish that travels well and pleases a crowd can be tricky.
These twenty sides are guaranteed winners for your next gathering – they’re easy to prepare, transport beautifully, and will have everyone asking for your recipe.
1. Classic Deviled Eggs
Creamy yolk filling piped into perfectly boiled egg whites creates an irresistible two-bite treat. The secret to exceptional deviled eggs lies in not overcooking the eggs and adding just the right amount of tang.
My grandmother’s trick was adding a tiny splash of pickle juice to the filling. For potlucks, prepare these up to a day ahead and transport them in specialized carriers to prevent sliding.
2. Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
Velvety cheese sauce coating tender elbow macaroni creates the ultimate comfort food side dish. The combination of sharp cheddar and creamy American cheese delivers that perfect stretchy texture when served hot.
Adding a breadcrumb topping gives a delightful textural contrast that guests can’t resist. For potlucks, bake this in a disposable aluminum pan for easy transport and cleanup.
3. Loaded Baked Potato Salad
Chunks of tender potato tossed with sour cream, bacon bits, chives, and cheddar create a mashup of two beloved classics. The combination delivers all the flavors of a loaded baked potato in a portable, room-temperature friendly format.
Red potatoes work best because they hold their shape after cooking. Cook them with the skin on, then cool completely before mixing with other ingredients to prevent a mushy texture.
4. Southern-Style Coleslaw
Crisp shredded cabbage tossed in a tangy-sweet dressing creates the perfect cool contrast to rich potluck fare. Unlike creamy versions, Southern slaw features a vinegar-based dressing that stays fresh longer without wilting.
The secret is salting your cabbage first, then draining it before adding dressing. This removes excess moisture and seasons the vegetables perfectly.
5. Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Tender rice and bright green broccoli florets bathed in creamy cheese sauce make this casserole irresistible to veggie-avoiders and vegetable lovers alike. The contrast between the slightly crisp broccoli and soft rice creates a satisfying texture experience.
Use pre-cooked rice to speed up preparation, while fresh broccoli provides better texture than frozen. For potlucks, this dish retains heat remarkably well in an insulated carrier.
6. Sweet Cornbread with Honey Butter
Golden, cake-like cornbread with a hint of sweetness paired with honey-infused butter creates an unforgettable combination. The slightly crisp edges give way to a tender, moist interior that crumbles just enough without falling apart.
Baking in a preheated cast iron skillet creates that coveted crispy crust. For potlucks, bake in disposable aluminum pans and cut into squares before arriving to simplify serving.
7. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
Crispy-edged potato chunks coated in garlic, herbs, and nutty Parmesan cheese create an addictive side that disappears quickly. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and fluffy interior makes these irresistible.
Yukon Gold potatoes provide the perfect balance of starch and moisture. The key technique is parboiling the potatoes first, then roughing up the edges before roasting to maximize crispiness.
8. Tangy Cucumber and Onion Salad
Paper-thin cucumber and onion slices marinated in a sweet-tangy vinegar dressing create a refreshing counterpoint to heavier potluck fare. The vibrant colors and crisp textures make this simple salad visually appealing and palate-cleansing.
You shoul use a mandoline to ensure uniform, ultra-thin slices that properly absorb the dressing. English cucumbers work best as they have fewer seeds and thinner skin.
9. Baked Beans with Brown Sugar and Bacon
Rich, smoky beans in a sweet-savory sauce topped with crispy bacon create a potluck classic that spans generations. The slow-baked texture allows the beans to absorb all the flavors while maintaining their shape.
Starting with canned beans saves time without sacrificing quality. The magic happens when they slowly bake, allowing the sauce to thicken and caramelize around the edges of the dish.
10. Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Colorful spiral pasta tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta creates a vibrant side that’s both beautiful and satisfying. The combination of textures and Mediterranean flavors makes this an elevated alternative to traditional pasta salad.
Using pasta with ridges or spirals helps the dressing cling better. The simple red wine vinaigrette brings everything together without overwhelming the fresh ingredients.
11. Homemade Dinner Rolls
Pillowy soft rolls with golden tops and tender, pull-apart centers make store-bought bread pale in comparison. The yeasty aroma alone makes these worth the effort, creating an irresistible invitation to the potluck table.
Brushing with butter before and after baking gives them their signature shine and flavor. For potlucks, bake these in disposable aluminum pans for easy transport.
12. Fresh Fruit Salad With Citrus Dressing
Jewel-toned chunks of seasonal fruits glistening with light citrus dressing create a refreshing counterpoint to savory potluck offerings. The variety of colors, textures, and natural sweetness makes this healthy option surprisingly popular.
A mix of tropical and seasonal fruits provides the most interesting flavor profile. The simple dressing of citrus juice, honey, and a hint of mint enhances without masking the fruits’ natural flavors.
13. Zesty Black Bean And Corn Salad
Vibrant corn kernels, black beans, and red peppers tossed in a lime-cumin dressing create a Southwestern-inspired side that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. The contrasting textures and colors make this an eye-catching addition to any potluck spread.
Fresh corn cut from the cob will provide the sweetest flavor, though frozen corn works well in a pinch. The key is allowing time for the flavors to meld in the refrigerator.
14. Green Bean Almondine
Vibrantly green beans with just the right amount of crispness, tossed with toasted almonds and a light butter sauce create an elevated version of a vegetable classic. The contrast between the tender-crisp beans and crunchy nuts makes this dish texturally interesting.
Blanching and shocking the beans in ice water is the secret to preserving their bright color and perfect texture. For potlucks, you can prepare everything ahead and quickly reheat or serve at room temperature.
15. Caprese Skewers With Balsamic Glaze
Colorful skewers threaded with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil create an elegant handheld version of the classic Italian salad. The drizzle of thick balsamic glaze adds a sweet-tangy finish that elevates these simple ingredients.
Try utilizing cocktail picks or small skewers makes these perfect finger food. For maximum visual impact, alternate the red tomatoes, white cheese, and green basil to showcase the Italian flag colors.
16. Herb Butter Roasted Carrots
Sweet, caramelized carrots glistening with herb-infused butter create a surprisingly sophisticated side from humble ingredients. The roasting process intensifies the natural sweetness while adding depth of flavor not found in steamed or boiled carrots.
Rainbow carrots offer stunning visual appeal, but orange ones taste just as delicious. Leaving a bit of the green tops attached creates a rustic, farmers’ market presentation that elevates the entire potluck table.
17. Classic Ambrosia Salad
Fluffy clouds of whipped cream folded with marshmallows, coconut, and juicy fruit create a nostalgic dessert-like side that bridges generations. The combination of textures and sweet flavors makes this a potluck favorite that disappears quickly.
Choose fresh oranges rather than canned mandarin segments to elevate the flavor profile. Sour cream mixed with the whipped topping adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness well.
18. Spinach and Artichoke Dip With Crackers
Creamy, cheesy dip loaded with spinach and artichoke hearts creates an addictive starter that straddles the line between side dish and appetizer. The combination of melted cheeses with tender vegetables makes this impossible to resist.
Frozen spinach (thoroughly drained) provides better texture than fresh in this application. The key to perfect consistency is a mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise as the base.
19. Buttery Noodles with Garlic and Herbs
Simple egg noodles tossed with butter, garlic, and fresh herbs create a comforting side that pairs with virtually anything. The unpretentious nature of this dish belies its addictive quality and universal appeal.
For potlucks, this dish can be quickly reheated with a splash of chicken broth to refresh the sauce. The simplicity makes it particularly appealing to children and picky eaters, while the fresh herbs and garlic satisfy more sophisticated palates – truly a crowd-pleaser that bridges generations.
20. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Maple Glaze
Caramelized, crispy-edged Brussels sprouts coated in a sweet-savory maple glaze convert even the most dedicated vegetable skeptics. The roasting process transforms these often-maligned vegetables into nutty, sweet morsels that disappear quickly.
Halving the sprouts before roasting creates more surface area for caramelization. The maple syrup added during the final minutes of cooking creates a delectable glaze without burning.