When it comes to potlucks, side dishes can make all the difference. These unsung heroes transform a simple meal into a memorable feast. The best potluck sides dishes are easy to make and transport, perfect for neighborhood parties, church socials, or family reunions.
They complement the main dishes and add variety to the spread, ensuring everyone finds something they enjoy. From creamy salads to savory bakes, these crowd-pleasers deserve a spot at your next potluck. Let's explore some simple, tasty options!
This focaccia bread is a perfect side dish for potlucks. To make it, start by mixing flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and thyme in a bowl. Add water and oil, then let the dough rise for 12-18 hours.
Next, spread the dough on an oiled baking sheet, make dimples with your fingers, and let it rise again for 1.5 hours. For the topping, mix tomatoes with garlic, red pepper flakes, oil, thyme, and salt, then spread it over the dough.
Bake at 500°F for 16-18 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool for about 20 minutes before serving. This delicious focaccia can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it an ideal choice for sharing at gatherings.
2. Mushroom-Bacon Galette
This recipe offers a delicious potluck side dish ideas: a savory galette filled with mushrooms, bacon, and cheese. Start by making a buttery dough in a food processor, then chill it for at least 2 hours.
For the filling, cook crispy bacon, then sauté mushrooms, leeks (or onions), and garlic in the bacon fat. Add wine and cream, then mix in the bacon, walnuts, cheese, and thyme. Roll out the chilled dough, spread the filling in the center, and fold the edges over to create a rustic tart.
Bake until golden brown, then sprinkle with more cheese. This impressive galette is best served within a few hours of baking, making it perfect for bringing to a potluck.
To begin making this side dish potluck, preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Cook bacon in a Dutch oven until it's browned and some fat is rendered. While the bacon cooks, prepare the bean mixture.
In a large bowl, combine maple syrup, mustard, ketchup, brown sugar, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic. Add beans to this mixture and season with salt and pepper. Pour the bean mixture into the Dutch oven, then top it with the cooked bacon and some fresh thyme.
Bake the dish covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and continue baking for about 40 minutes more. This allows the liquid to thicken and the bacon to brown nicely. After baking, let the dish sit for 5 minutes before mixing well and serving.
4. Potato and Green Bean Salad
A refreshing green bean and potato salad is an excellent side dish for a potluck. Begin by briefly cooking green beans in salted water until they're tender-crisp and vibrant. Quickly cool them in an ice bath to preserve their color and texture.
Next, cook halved potatoes in the same pot until tender. While the vegetables cool, prepare a simple vinaigrette by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, and thyme in a large bowl. Gently toss the cooled potatoes and green beans with thinly sliced red onion in the vinaigrette.
Season the salad with salt to taste. This light, flavorful salad combines the satisfying texture of potatoes with the crispness of green beans, making it a perfect complement to heavier potluck dishes.
To make this cheesy side dish recipes for potluck, start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and buttering a 2-quart baking dish. In a skillet, caramelize onions and peppers in butter, then add garlic and chipotle for extra flavor.
Transfer this mixture to a bowl to cool. Next, puree most of the corn and combine it with the onion mixture, cornmeal, whole corn kernels, and cheese. In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, cream, and eggs, then fold this into the corn mixture.
Pour the batter into your prepared dish and bake for about 45-50 minutes until puffed and golden. Let it cool briefly before serving. This creamy, slightly spicy corn pudding is an excellent potluck option, easily transportable and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with salsa, cilantro, and sour cream for added flavor and presentation.
6. Grilled Asparagus and Farro Salad
When searching for perfect side dishes for potlucks, this grilled asparagus and farro salad is a standout choice. Begin by preheating your grill to high heat. While it warms up, combine almonds, lemon zest, dill, and scallions in a large bowl, creating a flavorful base.
Lightly coat asparagus spears with extra-virgin olive oil, season with salt and pepper, then grill them to tender perfection, about 4 to 6 minutes. Once cooled, chop the grilled asparagus into bite-sized pieces and toss them into the bowl with the almond mixture.
Add cooked farro, olive oil, and a splash of lemon juice to bring everything together. A final touch of crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy, tangy element that makes this dish irresistible at any gathering.
This panzanella salad is perfect when thinking about side dishes for potluck events or gatherings and will look very colourful on the dinner table. First, prepare thinly julienne onions and place them in the ice water for 10 minutes to soften their flavor and then rinse them under running water and dry.
For the dressing, peel fresh garlic and chop it as finely as possible in a small bowl and mix it with Dijon mustard and vinegar. Gradually pour oil in, stirring constantly to form an emulsion, and add salt and pepper to taste. Nest the tomatoes and the bell peppers on one side of the platter and place the cucumbers in the other.
Drizzle some olive oil over it and bake it in a over for about 10-15 minutes until it turns crispy, cool it down and then cut into half-inch cubes, scatter these homemade croutons over the vegetables. Pour a little more of the zesty vinaigrette to blend all the tastes together, and enjoy the fruits of your labor in this tasty panzanella, fit for any potluck side dishes.
8. Potato Salad
Looking for an easy side dish for potluck gatherings? This classic potato salad fits the bill perfectly. Begin by peeling and cubing potatoes into uniform 1-inch pieces. Boil them in generously salted water until tender, about 8 to 9 minutes, then drain and toss with a splash of vinegar while still warm.
As the potatoes cool, whip up a creamy dressing by combining mayonnaise, mustard, and more vinegar. Fold in crisp celery, tangy cornichons, and fresh scallions for added texture and flavor.
Gently mix this dressing with the cooled potatoes, seasoning to taste with salt and pepper. This easy side dish for potluck events can be served immediately or refrigerated for up to a day, making it a convenient make-ahead option.
9. Black Bean, Cucumber, and Feta Salad
When it comes to easy potluck side dishes, this vibrant bean salad is a fantastic option that's sure to impress. In a large bowl, combine cooked beans (your choice of variety) with crisp, diced cucumber for a refreshing crunch. Crumble in some tangy feta cheese to add a creamy, salty element that complements the beans perfectly.
Fresh cilantro and sliced scallions bring a burst of color and herbaceous flavor to the mix. Dress the salad with a simple combination of oil and lime juice, which brightens the dish and ties all the flavors together. Season with salt and pepper, then give everything a good toss to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
If you’re in the lookout for good potluck side dishes, this homemade dish of macaroni and cheese with broiled tomatoes will definitely be memorable. To start, arrange thick tomato slices on a hot broiler until they are golden brown, which gives the dish class.
The essence of this recipe is its sumptuous cheese sauce: American cheese, sharp cheddar, and nutty Parmesan come through loud and clear. The base of al dente pasta is fully smothered in this creamy sauce for a truly indulgent dish.
The mac and cheese is then garnished with the broiled tomatoes and a topping of panko breadcrumbs, butter, and more cheese before being grilled until crispy and golden brown.
11. Mediterranean Three-Bean Salad
Looking for tasty side dishes for parties? Try this easy three-bean salad. Mix white, pink, and green beans with celery, onion, and bell peppers. Toss with a quick dressing of vinegar, oil, oregano, and salt. Add fresh parsley for color. This salad can be made ahead and tastes great at room temperature, making it perfect for any party.
It's colorful, flavorful, and sure to please a crowd. Plus, it's a healthier option that still packs a lot of flavor. Whether you're hosting a casual get-together or a big celebration, this bean salad is a convenient and delicious choice for your party spread.
Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add rice, onion, carrots, and raisins. Cook until the onion is soft. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Pour in broth and add onion salt. Bring it to a boil. Then lower the heat and cover the pot.
Let it simmer until the rice is cooked and the liquid is gone. This takes about 20 minutes. Now add peas, wild rice, and cashews. Heat everything through. If you like, sprinkle some green onions on top before you serve it.
13. Apple-Membrillo Tart
Heat your oven to 400 degrees. Roll out the dough until it's 1/4-inch thick. Put it in a tart pan and trim the edges. Poke the dough lightly with a fork. Freeze it for 15 minutes to make it firm.
Set aside 1 tablespoon of membrillo. Mix the rest with 1 teaspoon of water until it's easy to spread. Spread this evenly over the dough in the pan. Arrange apple slices on top, overlapping them. Brush the apples with 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle sugar over everything.
Bake for about 1 hour. The pastry should be golden, and the apples should be brown and soft. While it's baking, make a sauce. In a small pot, heat the reserved membrillo with 1 tablespoon of water and 1 tablespoon of butter. Stir often until it's smooth.
Turn on your oven to 425 degrees. Heat some oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook onion and garlic until they're lightly brown, about 5 to 8 minutes. Add spinach to the pot in two batches. Let the first batch shrink before adding the second.
Cook until all the spinach is wilted, about 5 to 8 minutes. Put the spinach in a colander and press out all the extra liquid. In the same pot, heat milk. Add cream cheese and stir until it melts, about 3 minutes. Put the spinach back in. Add Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese. Mix it all together. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Pour this mixture into a lightly oiled baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella on top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until it's bubbly and golden brown. Serve it hot with any sides you like.
15. Spinach-Feta Pizza Slab Pie
Cook spinach in a big pot with the lid on until it shrinks, about 3 minutes. Put it in a strainer. When it's cool, squeeze out the water and chop it up. Heat your oven to 425 degrees. Oil a large baking sheet. Roll out one piece of dough on a floured surface into a thin rectangle. Put it on the baking sheet.
Spread mozzarella cheese on the dough, leaving space around the edges. Add the spinach on top, then sprinkle with feta cheese. Add salt and red pepper flakes. Roll out the other piece of dough. Put it on top of the filling. Pinch the edges to seal. Cut a few small holes in the top.
Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until it's golden brown and bubbling. Slide it onto a wire rack to cool. Cut into squares before serving.
Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy, about 6 to 8 minutes. Put it on paper towels to drain. Boil corn in salted water for about 2 minutes. Drain and let it cool. Then cut the kernels off the cobs. In a food processor, chop scallions, garlic, anchovies, and basil.
Add mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, water, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. Pour this dressing into a large bowl. Add avocados to the dressing and mix well. Put corn and radishes on top. Then add lettuce and bacon. Cover the bowl and chill for up to 8 hours. Just before serving, mix everything together so it's all coated with dressing.
17. Fruit Platter With Whipped Ricotta
Poached Peaches: Mix peaches, sugar, lemon juice, and water in a small pot. Heat until it simmers. Then lower the heat, cover, and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring gently. The peaches should be just soft. Put the peaches in a container. Pour the syrup over them. Let it cool. You can keep this in the fridge for up to a week.
Whipped Ricotta: Blend ricotta cheese, vanilla, and maple syrup until smooth. You can keep this in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Fruit Platter: Put all the fresh fruits on a platter. Serve with the poached peaches, whipped ricotta, and digestive biscuits.
In a small bowl mix olive oil, mustard, apple cider vinegar and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. To this, add the chopped kale, shredded cabbage, grated carrot, chopped fresh parsley, and sliced red onion and mix in the sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and hemp seeds, leaving a pinch of the last three for later use.
Sprinkle the salad with salt and pepper, pour the dressing over it, and mix until well coated. Lastly, the remaining seeds must be scattered on top before serving the meal.
19. Marinated and Grilled Zucchini and Summer Squash
Put the grill on medium heat. In a large bowl, combine the zucchini, squash, oil, vinegar, and oregano, and then sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Some of the vegetables may not fit the grill at once, so grill the vegetables in batches if needed, and all at once and with the lid on for 6-8 minutes, flipping once until the vegetables are tender.
To store, keep the vegetables and marinade in separate containers in the refrigerator for up to one day. Finally, right before serving, dress the grilled vegetables with the extra marinade.
20. Melon and Cucumber Salad
Place the slices of the melons and cucumber on a serving dish. It is preferable to season them with salt and pepper to popularize the dish. Pour eye pleasing portion of oil over the fruits and vegetables arranged and create an interesting interplay.
Finally, garnish with freshly chopped mint and serve to give your guests the much-needed refreshing feel.
Author
Editor
Ashish Poudel
Ashish Poudel is someone who genuinely loves all things kitchen. Whether it’s sharing simple cooking tips, reviewing must-have gadgets, or helping you find the best tools for your space, he’s all about making life in the kitchen easier and more fun. Through his writing, Ashish brings a friendly, down-to-earth approach that feels like advice from a good friend who knows his way around the stove.
