23 Sides That Made the Potluck Crowd Ask if You Cater Now

byRenee N Gardner posted
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Some side dishes are good. Others make people stop mid-bite and ask who made them. These are the ones that had folks checking for a catering business card. Here are 23 sides that made the potluck crowd ask if you cater now.

A bowl of chopped salad with red cabbage, green bell peppers, white beans, and herbs sits on a napkin with wooden salad servers and parsley—one of those crowd-pleasing sides perfect for potluck gatherings.
White Bean Apple Cabbage Slaw. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Easy Oven Asparagus

Cooked asparagus in a white bowl.
Easy Oven Asparagus. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Easy oven asparagus takes about 20 minutes and uses fresh asparagus, olive oil, and a sprinkle of seasoning. The flavor is clean and slightly nutty. The texture is tender with crisp ends. It fits in at potlucks or weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Asparagus

Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

A black bowl filled with roasted Brussels sprouts sits on a gray surface next to a wooden spoon, a navy napkin, and a plate of sliced roasted carrots.
Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Garam masala Brussels sprouts roast in 30 minutes with Indian spices, olive oil, and fresh sprouts. The flavor is earthy, warm, and spiced without being overpowering. The texture is crispy on the outside and tender inside. It adds something different without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes with gravy and sprigs of thyme and sage.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Creamy mashed potatoes take about 30 minutes and blend potatoes with butter, cream, and a bit of salt. The flavor is simple and smooth. The texture is light and fluffy. It’s the kind of side that disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of brown butter garlic mashed potatoes on a table, next to a serving on a plate.
Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Brown butter garlic mashed potatoes take 35 minutes and use golden butter, garlic, and Yukon golds. The flavor is nutty and rich. The texture is velvety and thick. It goes fast and gets remembered.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Screaming skillet green beans in a white bowl on a wooden table.
Screaming Skillet Green Beans. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Screaming skillet green beans are ready in 15 minutes with green beans, garlic, and a hot pan. The flavor is bold with a bit of char. The texture is crisp-tender. They bring energy to the plate without taking over.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

A bowl of roasted brussels sprouts.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Roasted Brussels sprouts with almonds and feta bake in 30 minutes with olive oil and lemon. The flavor is tangy and toasty. The texture is crisp with creamy bits from the cheese. It’s a solid mix of fresh and rich.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

A black skillet filled with creamy spinach, perfect as one of mom's classic side dishes, rests on a light-colored surface.
Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Creamed spinach with mascarpone takes 20 minutes and combines fresh spinach with mascarpone and garlic. The flavor is mellow with a creamy finish. The texture is soft and rich. It holds up next to any main.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

Red, yellow, and orange honey glazed carrots on a slate board.
Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Roasted honey glazed carrots take 30 minutes and pair carrots with honey, butter, and a pinch of salt. The flavor is sweet and roasted. The texture is soft with a little caramelized edge. They’re simple, but people go back for more.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Citrus asparagus couscous in a white bowl next to an orange and lemons.
Citrus Asparagus Couscous. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Citrus asparagus couscous takes 25 minutes to prepare, featuring asparagus, couscous, lemon, and herbs. The flavor is fresh and zesty. The texture is light and fluffy, with a slight bite. It’s easy to scoop and always goes quickly.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Roasted balsamic glazed brussels sprouts in a black bowl.
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts roast in 30 minutes and finish with a drizzle of vinegar and maple syrup. The flavor is tangy with a hint of sweetness. The texture is crispy and tender. They’re the ones people talk about afterward.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Honey Garlic Carrots

Honey garlic carrots in a black dish.
Honey Garlic Carrots. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Honey garlic carrots take 25 minutes to prepare, featuring garlic, butter, and a hint of honey. The flavor is savory-sweet and mellow. The texture is soft but not mushy. They work with nearly anything on the table.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots

Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Baked sweet potato slices on a cutting board with a spoon.
Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Brown sugar sweet potato slices roast in 35 minutes with cinnamon and a dash of oil. The flavor is sweet and slightly spiced. The texture is soft with golden edges. They feel just right in any season.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

A delightful side dish of green beans topped with crispy fried onions, perfect for pleasing both adults and kids alike.
Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Garlicky green beans with fried onions cook in 20 minutes, featuring garlic, butter, and a crispy onion topping. The flavor is buttery with a little crunch. The texture is firm and crisp. It’s a side that gets people asking.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Worcestershire Green Beans

Overhead shot of worcestershire green beans in a white serving bowl next to a blue towel.
Worcestershire Green Beans. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Worcestershire green beans take 20 minutes to prepare and are tossed with butter, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. The flavor is savory with a small kick. The texture is snappy and fresh. It’s different but still familiar.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans

Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Mashed cauliflower in a white bowl.
Loaded Cauliflower Mash. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Loaded cauliflower mash takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare, featuring cauliflower, cheese, and sour cream. The flavor is creamy and cheesy. The texture is smooth and thick. It doesn’t need anything else on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Instant Pot Jalapeño Risotto

Bowl of rice topped with sliced green jalapeños on a patterned cloth, reminiscent of Mom’s cherished side dishes, sits invitingly next to a bottle.
Instant Pot Jalapeño Risotto. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Instant Pot jalapeño risotto takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare, utilizing rice, broth, cheese, and jalapeños. The flavor is creamy with a little heat. The texture is soft and rich. It’s not too spicy, but just enough.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Jalapeño Risotto

Basic Polenta

Basic Polenta in a white bowl
Basic Polenta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Basic polenta takes approximately 25 minutes to prepare with cornmeal, broth, and a touch of butter. The flavor is simple and savory. The texture is smooth and slightly thick. It’s an easy base or a quiet side that works with bold mains.
Get the Recipe: Basic Polenta

Loaded German Potato Bake

A close-up of a serving of cheesy casserole with chunks of chicken and vegetables, topped with melted cheese and green onions—a classic choice among crowd-pleasing sides for any gathering.
Loaded German Potato Bake. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Loaded German potato bake takes 45 minutes with bacon, potatoes, onions, and cheese. The flavor is salty and bold. The texture is soft with crispy bits. It’s one of those sides that vanishes early.
Get the Recipe: Loaded German Potato Bake

Best Easy and Creamy Squash Casserole

A glass baking dish filled with baked squash casserole.
Best Easy and Creamy Squash Casserole. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Squash casserole takes approximately 40 minutes to prepare, featuring yellow squash, cheese, and buttery crumbs. The flavor is mellow and savory. The texture is creamy with a crispy top. It wins people over without much noise.
Get the Recipe: Best Easy and Creamy Squash Casserole

Air Fryer Asparagus

A close-up of roasted asparagus spears on a white plate, garnished with coarse salt and a lemon wedge in the corner—perfect as one of your crowd-pleasing sides for any gathering or potluck.
Air Fryer Asparagus. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Air fryer asparagus takes just 10 minutes with oil and a dash of seasoning. The flavor is slightly toasted and fresh. The texture is crisp-tender. It’s fast, easy, and always gone.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Four cooked corn cobs in an air fryer basket—perfect as crowd-pleasing side dishes for family dinners or potluck sides at your next gathering.
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Air fryer corn on the cob takes 15 minutes and comes out sweet, juicy, and just a little charred. The flavor is bold for such a simple recipe. The texture stays crisp with soft kernels. It’s a solid pick for any spread.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Roasted Mini Potatoes

A bowl filled with roasted, sliced baby potatoes garnished with chopped herbs, perfect as one of your crowd-pleasing recipes for potluck sides, placed on a white surface with fresh thyme and a silver spoon nearby.
Roasted Mini Potatoes. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Roasted mini potatoes take approximately 30 minutes to prepare with olive oil, salt, and herbs. The flavor is classic and clean. The texture is crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They go with everything.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Mini Potatoes

White Bean Apple Cabbage Slaw

A bowl of chopped salad with red cabbage, green bell peppers, white beans, and herbs sits on a napkin with wooden salad servers and parsley—one of those crowd-pleasing sides perfect for potluck gatherings.
White Bean Apple Cabbage Slaw. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

White Bean Apple Cabbage Slaw takes 15 minutes to prepare and combines white beans, apples, cabbage, and a vinaigrette. The flavor is crisp, slightly sweet, and tangy. The texture is crunchy and smooth. It’s fresh and unexpected in a good way.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Apple Cabbage Slaw

Recipe Creator

The food-loving recipe developer, writer, and photographer behind Renee Nicole's Kitchen. When I'm not working with food, you can find me in the garden, traveling, or enjoying the outdoors with my husband, son, and two dogs.

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