19 Potluck Sides That Defined Every ’90s Gathering

ByRenee N Gardner

Potlucks in the ’90s were never complete without side dishes that everyone expected to see on the table. These recipes bring back the flavors that filled buffet trays, casserole dishes, and big serving bowls. From creamy potatoes to roasted vegetables and crisp salads, each one had its place at every gathering. With 19 sides here, you’ll remember why these dishes kept showing up.

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

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 cook in about 15 minutes with green beans, garlic, and chili flakes. The flavor is bold, garlicky, and slightly spicy. Beans stay crisp with a punch of seasoning. This side tastes lively and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans

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 about 25 minutes with sprouts, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. The flavor is tangy, caramelized, and savory. Roasting deepens the sweetness under the glaze. This side tastes bold and balanced.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Loaded Cauliflower Mash

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

Loaded cauliflower mash takes about 25 minutes with cauliflower, cheese, bacon, and sour cream. The flavor is creamy, cheesy, and savory. Cauliflower blends into a lighter version of a classic mash. This side tastes rich and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Greek Green Salad

Closeup side view shot of Prasini salad in a white dish.
Greek Green Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Greek green salad is ready in 10 minutes with lettuce, cucumber, tomato, olives, and feta. The flavor is crisp, tangy, and fresh. Vegetables bring crunch while feta adds richness. This salad tastes light and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Salad

Eggplant Tomato Stacks

Eggplant tomato stacks with grilled eggplant slices and tomato layers.
Eggplant Tomato Stacks. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Eggplant tomato stacks bake in about 40 minutes with eggplant, tomatoes, herbs, and cheese. The flavor is savory, tangy, and slightly smoky. Eggplant makes it hearty while tomatoes brighten it. This dish tastes elegant yet simple.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Tomato Stacks

Zucchini & Summer Squash Casserole

Zucchini and summer squash alternated in a dish topped with breadcrumbs.
Zucchini & Summer Squash Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Zucchini and summer squash casserole bakes in about 45 minutes with zucchini, squash, cheese, and breadcrumbs. The flavor is savory, cheesy, and slightly sweet. Squash softens under a crisp topping. This side tastes hearty and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini & Summer Squash Casserole

Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard

Side view of white bean salad in bowl with tongs.
Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Sauteed Swiss rainbow chard cooks in about 15 minutes with chard, garlic, and olive oil. The flavor is earthy, garlicky, and slightly nutty. Chard wilts into tender greens with bold taste. This side tastes simple and vibrant.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard

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 take about 30 minutes with sprouts, feta, and almonds. The flavor is nutty, tangy, and savory. Almonds add crunch while feta keeps it rich. This side tastes bold and filling.
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 bake in about 30 minutes with carrots, honey, and butter. The flavor is sweet, earthy, and caramelized. Roasting enhances the natural sweetness. This side tastes warm and balanced.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

A dish of beets, sweet potatoes, and parsnips roasted in the oven with sprigs of sage.
Oven Roasted Root Vegetables. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Oven roasted root vegetables take about 40 minutes with carrots, potatoes, parsnips, and herbs. The flavor is earthy, savory, and slightly sweet. Roasting makes them tender with crisp edges. This side tastes hearty and colorful.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Garam masala Brussels sprouts on a plate.
Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Garam masala Brussels sprouts roast in about 25 minutes with sprouts, garam masala, and oil. The flavor is spiced, savory, and slightly nutty. The seasoning gives it warmth and depth. This side tastes bold and unique.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

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 about 35 minutes with potatoes, garlic, butter, and cream. The flavor is rich, nutty, and savory. Brown butter deepens the classic taste. This side tastes hearty and smooth.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

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 cook in about 15 minutes with green beans, Worcestershire sauce, and butter. The flavor is tangy, savory, and slightly smoky. The sauce adds depth to crisp beans. This side tastes quick and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans

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 baked sweet potato slices roast in about 30 minutes with sweet potatoes, butter, and brown sugar. The flavor is caramelized, sweet, and savory. Soft centers balance crisp edges. This side tastes warm and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Easy Oven Asparagus

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

Easy oven asparagus roasts in about 15 minutes with asparagus, olive oil, and seasoning. The flavor is earthy, nutty, and savory. Roasting gives tender stalks with crisp tips. This side tastes light and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Asparagus

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Garlicky green beans with fried onions on a plate.
Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Garlicky green beans with fried onions take about 20 minutes with beans, garlic, and onions. The flavor is savory, crisp, and slightly sweet from the onions. Beans stay bright under the topping. This side tastes hearty and bold.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Honey Garlic Carrots

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

Honey garlic carrots roast in about 30 minutes with carrots, garlic, and honey. The flavor is sweet, savory, and caramelized. Garlic balances the natural sweetness. This side tastes bold and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots

Utica Greens

Cast iron skillet with Utica greens and wooden handle serving spoon.
Utica Greens. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Utica greens take about 30 minutes with escarole, peppers, breadcrumbs, and cheese. The flavor is savory, slightly spicy, and cheesy. Greens soften under a crisp, rich topping. This side tastes hearty and memorable.
Get the Recipe: Utica Greens

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 with potatoes, butter, cream, and seasoning. The flavor is smooth, buttery, and savory. Potatoes mash into a fluffy base for any plate. This side tastes rich and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

I'm the recipe developer, food photographer, and creator behind Ruthybelle Recipes, where I share garden-fresh recipes inspired by seasonal ingredients. No fancy fads here, just high-quality, well tested recipes and kitchen gardening tips.

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