15 Crowd-Pleasing Side Dishes Perfect for Potlucks

Potlucks are all about sharing food that everyone can enjoy, and the right side dishes can make or break the meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd of friends, family, or coworkers, these recipes are designed to be the perfect additions to any spread. Easy to prepare and even easier to serve, they’ll make your contribution a hit without much hassle. Bring one of these sides to your next gathering, and watch it disappear before the main course even begins.

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.

Easy Oven Asparagus

This simple side dish features tender oven-roasted asparagus with a slight crisp, perfect for any potluck. Ready in just 15 minutes, the asparagus is lightly seasoned to enhance its natural flavor. It’s a fresh and vibrant option that pairs well with almost any main dish. This quick and easy dish will be a crowd favorite with its clean taste.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Asparagus

Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Citrus asparagus couscous is a light and refreshing side dish made with tender asparagus, fluffy couscous, and a bright citrus dressing. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and adds a zesty twist to your potluck table. The combination of asparagus and couscous offers a nice balance of flavors and textures. It’s a unique option that will stand out at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Loaded cauliflower mash is a creamy, rich side dish featuring mashed cauliflower, cheese, and bacon. This dish is ready in about 25 minutes and provides a flavorful low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. The bacon adds a smoky flavor, while the cheese brings a creamy richness. It’s a great option to impress your guests without being too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Brown butter garlic mashed potatoes bring a rich and savory twist to the classic side dish. Ready in 35 minutes, this recipe combines smooth mashed potatoes with the nutty flavor of brown butter and a hint of garlic. The creamy texture and deep flavor make it a crowd-pleaser for any potluck. It’s a comforting and satisfying choice that pairs well with any main course.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Screaming skillet green beans deliver bold, savory flavors with a bit of heat, perfect for livening up your potluck spread. Ready in just 20 minutes, these crisp green beans are sautéed with garlic and spices for a punch of flavor. The slight crunch of the green beans balances the bold seasonings. They’ll add a fresh, spicy element to any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts offer a sweet and tangy flavor combination that elevates this classic vegetable side. This dish takes about 25 minutes to prepare, featuring roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in a balsamic glaze. The caramelized glaze adds a slight sweetness that pairs beautifully with the earthy sprouts. It’s a flavorful addition that’ll stand out on the potluck table.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

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.

These baked sweet potato slices are coated with a light brown sugar glaze, offering a sweet and savory side that’s sure to please. They take about 30 minutes to bake and deliver a caramelized exterior with a soft, tender inside. The sweetness from the brown sugar balances the natural flavor of the sweet potatoes. This dish will add a warm, cozy touch to any potluck.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Garlicky green beans with fried onions bring a flavorful twist to a classic side dish. This recipe takes about 25 minutes to prepare and combines tender green beans with the savory crunch of fried onions. The garlic adds depth to the dish, making it an irresistible option. It’s a perfect combination of textures and flavors for a crowd-pleasing potluck side.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Honey Garlic Carrots

Honey garlic carrots are a sweet and savory side dish made with tender roasted carrots coated in a honey-garlic glaze. This dish takes about 30 minutes to make, offering a delicious balance of sweetness and garlic. The natural flavor of the carrots shines through while the glaze adds a subtle richness. It’s a flavorful, crowd-pleasing option for any potluck.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots

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 bring a nutty and salty combination to your potluck table. This dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and features roasted sprouts topped with crunchy almonds and tangy feta. The mix of textures and flavors makes this side stand out. It’s a unique and satisfying option for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

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 offer a naturally sweet side dish with a touch of honey for extra flavor. Ready in 30 minutes, the roasted carrots develop a tender texture with a slightly caramelized glaze. The honey adds just the right amount of sweetness without being overpowering. This simple dish will be a hit at any potluck, offering a light and flavorful option.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

Basic Polenta

Basic polenta is a simple and comforting side dish made from ground cornmeal, offering a rich, creamy texture. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare and pairs well with many main dishes. The polenta’s mild flavor allows it to complement bold or savory meals. This versatile side is a great addition to any potluck spread.
Get the Recipe: Basic Polenta

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 are the ultimate comfort side dish, featuring smooth, buttery potatoes with a rich, velvety texture. Ready in 30 minutes, this simple yet satisfying dish pairs with nearly anything. The potatoes are seasoned just enough to bring out their natural flavor, making them a perfect choice for potlucks. They’re guaranteed to please any crowd with their familiar taste.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Garam masala Brussels sprouts add a unique, spiced twist to your usual vegetable side. This dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and features roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in aromatic garam masala. The warm spices pair perfectly with the natural earthiness of the sprouts. It’s a flavorful, exciting dish that will stand out at any potluck.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Worcestershire Green Beans

Worcestershire green beans are a tangy and savory side dish, perfect for adding a punch of flavor to your potluck spread. Ready in just 20 minutes, these green beans are sautéed with Worcestershire sauce and garlic for a bold, rich taste. The beans remain crisp while soaking up the sauce’s flavors. It’s a flavorful, no-fuss option for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans