20 Side Dishes That Make Potluck Look Like a Breeze

Potlucks don’t need to feel like a chore when the side dish is already handled. These 20 recipes are quick to prep, easy to serve, and hold up well on any table. They work whether you’re making something the night before or right before you head out. If you want to show up ready, these do the job.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Honey Garlic recipe — Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Honey Garlic. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

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 45 minutes and use sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and oil. The mix turns golden with crisp edges and soft centers. The flavor is earthy and slightly sweet without needing extra seasoning. It tastes like a tray that empties fast at any table.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

Worcestershire Green Beans

Worcestershire Green Beans take 15 minutes and include green beans, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. The flavor is bold and savory with a quick punch of tang. The beans stay crisp and don’t lose their color. It tastes like a smart upgrade on a weeknight staple.
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 take 35 minutes with sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and butter. The slices roast into soft, caramelized rounds. The flavor is warm, sweet, and easy to pair with just about anything. It tastes like something you didn’t expect to go so fast.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Loaded Cauliflower Mash takes 30 minutes and includes cauliflower, sour cream, cheese, and green onions. The texture stays thick and creamy with a flavor close to mashed potatoes. The toppings add bite and richness without weighing it down. It tastes like comfort food that didn’t take a shortcut.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Feta, Pomegranate And Balsamic

A bowl of roasted Brussels sprouts topped with crumbled cheese, pomegranate seeds, and chopped nuts—one of those classic sides that bring kitchen memories to every meal. Served with a handy spoon for easy sharing. — Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Feta, Pomegranate And Balsamic. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts take 25 minutes and mix Brussels sprouts, pomegranate seeds, feta, and balsamic glaze. The texture is crisp outside and soft inside. The flavors are tangy, salty, and just a little sweet. It tastes like a side that always ends up on someone else’s plate too.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Feta, Pomegranate And Balsamic

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 takes 15 minutes and includes chard, garlic, and olive oil. The greens cook down with just enough bite left in the stems. The flavor is earthy and mellow with a touch of garlic. It tastes like something you’d be glad to serve warm or room temp.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard

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 using carrots, honey, butter, and seasoning. The edges caramelize while the centers stay soft. The flavor is sweet with a light savory finish. It tastes like a dish that fills space without feeling like filler.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

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 30 minutes and use Yukon Golds, butter, milk, and salt. The texture is smooth with a little body left. The flavor is mild, buttery, and familiar. It tastes like a side that fits with anything on the table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts take 30 minutes and use halved sprouts, balsamic vinegar, and oil. The glaze adds tang while the sprouts crisp up around the edges. The balance of sweet and sharp works with richer mains. It tastes like something that shows up empty.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad

A plate of diced cucumbers and beets topped with a creamy pink sauce and fresh dill—one of those classic sides that brings back kitchen memories, served with a spoon on the side. — Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad takes 20 minutes and combines beets, cucumbers, vinegar, and fresh herbs. The flavor is sharp, earthy, and cool with a little crunch. It holds up well and doesn’t lose texture sitting out. It tastes like a break from all the hot dishes on the table.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad

Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Screaming Skillet Green Beans take 15 minutes with green beans, garlic, and red pepper flakes. The beans char just enough to get smoky and tender. The heat is quick but not overwhelming. It tastes like green beans with something to say.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts take 30 minutes with Brussels sprouts, garam masala, garlic, and oil. The seasoning adds warmth and a little sweetness. The sprouts roast crisp and stay flavorful all the way through. It tastes like a side with real personality.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Easy Oven Asparagus

Easy Oven Asparagus takes 20 minutes and includes asparagus, olive oil, and salt. The spears roast until just tender with crisped tips. The flavor stays clean and works with bold or simple mains. It tastes like a safe bet that never gets ignored.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Asparagus

Eggplant Tomato Stacks

Sliced roasted eggplant topped with tomato, melted cheese, and chopped herbs served on a white oval plate—one of those classic sides that brings back fond kitchen memories. — Eggplant Tomato Stacks. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Eggplant Tomato Stacks take 45 minutes with roasted eggplant, tomatoes, herbs, and optional cheese. The layers are soft, savory, and slice easily. The flavor is rich without being too heavy. It tastes like something that looks fancier than it feels to make.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Tomato Stacks

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes take 35 minutes and include potatoes, brown butter, garlic, and cream. The brown butter gives it a nutty edge that stands out. The texture is smooth with small chunks for bite. It tastes like mashed potatoes that didn’t play it safe.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions take 20 minutes and mix green beans, garlic, and crisp onions. The beans stay firm with just the right crunch. The garlic and onions add sharpness and texture. It tastes like a dish that doesn’t need a casserole dish to win.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

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 35 minutes using Brussels sprouts, slivered almonds, and crumbled feta. The sprouts roast until browned and the toppings bring crunch and salt. The flavor is nutty, savory, and easy to like. It tastes like something that goes fast without being flashy.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

Indian-Style Okra Curry Recipe (Bhindi Masala Gravy)

Bowl of roasted vegetables including mushrooms, bell peppers, and tomatoes, placed on a light-colored countertop. — Indian-Style Okra Curry Recipe (Bhindi Masala Gravy). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Indian-Style Okra Curry takes 40 minutes and includes okra, tomatoes, onions, and warm spices. The sauce is thick, flavorful, and coats the okra without making it slimy. The flavor is bold and comforting. It tastes like a vegetarian option that gets noticed.
Get the Recipe: Indian-Style Okra Curry Recipe (Bhindi Masala Gravy)

Honey Garlic Carrots

Honey Garlic Carrots take 25 minutes and include carrots, garlic, honey, and butter. The carrots cook until soft with a sticky-sweet glaze. The garlic adds bite to balance the sugar. It tastes like a dish that fits into every kind of spread.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots

Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Honey Garlic

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Honey Garlic take 30 minutes with sweet potatoes, garlic, and honey. The edges crisp up while the centers stay tender. The flavor is sweet and sharp without being too much of either. It tastes like something that holds its own next to anything else.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Honey Garlic