Potluck Sides That Ensure The Dish Always Comes Home Empty

Potlucks are a great way to share food and connect with others, and the right side dish can steal the spotlight. The best ones are easy to make, travel well, and appeal to a crowd. A good side doesn’t have to be fancy—it just has to taste good and disappear fast.

From creamy pasta salads to roasted vegetables and cheesy bakes, the options are endless. These kinds of sides strike a balance between familiar and flavorful, often becoming the first dish to go. They’re easy to scale up and usually don’t need much last-minute prep.

Whether you’re heading to a picnic, family gathering, or office lunch, having a go-to side makes things easier. These dishes are dependable, well-loved, and always leave an empty dish behind. They’re simple, crowd-pleasing choices that work every time.

Cucumber Onion Salad

Light and refreshing, this salad pairs crisp cucumbers with thinly sliced onions in a slightly tangy dressing. It’s perfect for warm weather or as a crunchy side to heavier dishes. Chill it before serving to bring out the best texture and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Onion Salad

Slow Cooker Boston Baked Beans

This version lets the slow cooker do the work, giving you tender beans with rich, slightly sweet flavor. Molasses and brown sugar bring depth, while a hint of mustard balances everything out. It’s great for cookouts or as a hearty side for grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Boston Baked Beans

Potato Casserole

Creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection—this dish is a crowd favorite. It’s often the first thing to disappear at potlucks. Add a crispy topping for a little texture contrast, and you’ve got a real comfort food classic.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole

Authentic Mexican Cabbage Slaw Recipe

This slaw brings bold, fresh flavor with crunchy cabbage, a splash of lime, and just the right amount of heat. It’s ideal as a taco topper or a light, crisp side dish. Simple ingredients, big flavor.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Mexican Cabbage Slaw Recipe

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

All the fixings of a deli-style grinder sandwich come together in pasta salad form. Think salami, pepperoni, olives, and a tangy dressing—all tossed with pasta for something hearty yet fresh. Great for lunches, picnics, or no-fuss dinners.
Get the Recipe: Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes

Swapping in browned butter adds a deep, nutty flavor to classic mashed potatoes. It’s a small tweak that makes a big difference. Creamy, smooth, and rich—perfect for holiday tables or weeknight comfort.
Get the Recipe: Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes

Orange Fluff Salad

Sweet, creamy, and packed with little bursts of citrus—this nostalgic salad blends whipped topping, mandarin oranges, and marshmallows. It’s light enough for dessert but right at home on the side of a BBQ plate too. A fun, throwback favorite.
Get the Recipe: Orange Fluff Salad

Smashed Potatoes

Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside—these are a simple twist on regular boiled potatoes. A quick smash before roasting gives them more surface area to crisp up beautifully. They’re a great side with just a sprinkle of herbs and salt.
Get the Recipe: Smashed Potatoes

Garlic Knots

Soft, buttery, and loaded with garlic—these are hard to resist straight from the oven. Whether served with pasta or enjoyed on their own, they’re a go-to for garlic bread fans. A brush of parsley and parmesan finishes them off just right.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

This dish makes use of summer zucchini in a way that’s creamy, cheesy, and super comforting. It’s one of those side dishes that pairs easily with almost anything. Even picky eaters usually go back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Air fryer Green Bean Casserole

A quicker take on the classic, this version uses the air fryer to crisp up the green beans and topping in record time. Creamy inside with that classic crunchy finish—it’s perfect for holidays or easy weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Air fryer Green Bean Casserole

Blackstone Corn on the Cob

Grilled on a flat top, this corn gets a slight char and rich flavor without needing much fuss. A brush of butter, a sprinkle of seasoning, and it’s ready to go. Super easy and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Corn on the Cob

Slow Cooker Corn Pudding

Soft, spoonable, and slightly sweet—this dish blends corn kernels into a cozy, almost custard-like bake. The slow cooker makes it hands-off, and the end result works with anything from ham to fried chicken.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Corn Pudding

Apple Cranberry Salad

This salad mixes crisp apples and tart cranberries for a refreshing blend of sweet and tangy. Tossed with greens and a simple vinaigrette, it’s a great balance to richer mains. Add nuts or cheese for extra texture.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cranberry Salad

Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad

More robust than your average version, this one has a creamy mustard-based dressing and often includes eggs for richness. It’s a staple in Pennsylvania Dutch cooking and holds up well for picnics or make-ahead meals.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad

Green Jacket Salad Recipe

Inspired by a restaurant favorite, this salad combines fresh greens with a slightly sweet vinaigrette and crunchy toppings. It’s simple but full of texture and flavor. A great choice when you want something light but not boring.
Get the Recipe: Green Jacket Salad Recipe

BLT Pasta Salad

Think of everything you love in a BLT sandwich—then add pasta. Crisp bacon, juicy tomatoes, and chopped lettuce get tossed with a creamy dressing. It’s a fun, filling side that works well for cookouts or lunchboxes.
Get the Recipe: BLT Pasta Salad

Vegan Ratatouille

This plant-based dish is loaded with tender veggies like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers. Simmered together in a rich tomato base, it’s a warm and rustic option that feels both wholesome and comforting. Great as a main or side.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ratatouille

Jamie Oliver’s Mothership Tomato Salad

A fresh tomato salad that goes beyond just slicing and serving. With a mix of tomato varieties and a punchy dressing, it’s layered with flavor. It really shows how much variety you can get from a single ingredient.
Get the Recipe: Jamie Oliver’s Mothership Tomato Salad

Bourbon Baked Beans Recipe

These beans bring a smoky sweetness, thanks to a splash of bourbon and slow-cooked depth. They’re a step up from the canned stuff, with rich flavor that sticks with you. Perfect for BBQs or cold-weather meals.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Baked Beans Recipe

Spicy Jalapeño Macaroni and Cheese

Classic mac with a bold twist—chopped jalapeños bring the heat without overpowering the creamy cheese base. It’s got a little kick, but still totally comforting. Ideal for those who like their comfort food with a bit more punch.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Jalapeño Macaroni and Cheese