29 Easy Sides That Always Get Me Invited Back to the Potluck

Potlucks are all about the food, but let’s be honest, it’s the sides that steal the show. These easy sides are the secret weapon to getting you on the invite list again and again. Simple to whip up but packed with flavor, they pair with just about anything and never disappoint. The best part? You don’t need to be a chef to make them shine. Next time you want to impress without stressing, these easy sides will have everyone coming back for more.

A fork lifts green beans and bacon pieces from a white plate.

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Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is a classic side dish that’s always a hit at any gathering. It’s easy to make and comes together in no time, making it perfect for potlucks. The creamy sauce and crunchy topping balance each other perfectly, creating a dish everyone loves. It's an excellent choice when you need to bring something quick yet impressive.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Sliced glazed carrots garnished with herbs on a fork, with more on a plate in the background. — Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Maple glazed carrots in the air fryer are a quick, flavorful side that adds a touch of sweetness to any meal. This dish cooks in a fraction of the time compared to the oven, making it perfect for busy potluck days. The maple glaze caramelizes beautifully, giving the carrots a rich flavor. It's a simple, crowd-pleasing option that's both easy and fast.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Bacon Green Beans

Close-up of a plate with sautéed green beans and bacon pieces, with a fork spearing a few beans. — Bacon Green Beans. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Bacon green beans are a savory, savory side that pairs well with any meal. The crispy bacon brings a smoky depth to the green beans, making them a standout at any gathering. With just a few ingredients and quick cooking time, it’s a great go-to for potlucks. The combination of flavors makes it a dish that will quickly disappear.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Green Beans

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese in front of a slow cooker. — Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crock pot mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort side that’s simple to make and sure to please a crowd. The slow cooker does all the work, creating a creamy, cheesy dish that’s perfect for potlucks. This dish is filling and easy to serve in large portions, making it great for gatherings. It’s a great option for when you need something hearty and effortless.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Air Fryer Home Fries

Air-fried potato cubes with diced green bell peppers on plate. — Air Fryer Home Fries. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer home fries are a crispy, golden-brown side that pairs well with breakfast or dinner. The air fryer cuts down cooking time while giving the potatoes a satisfying crunch. This dish is versatile and easy to make, making it a favorite for quick, casual meals. It's a perfect side for any occasion when you want something simple yet flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Two halves of baked sweet potato topped with butter and garnished with herbs on a white plate, with a red checkered napkin on the side. — Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer sweet potatoes are a quick and simple side that’s packed with flavor. The air fryer creates a tender inside with a crisp, caramelized exterior, making them irresistible. They cook up fast, so they’re a great choice when you need something quick for a potluck. It’s an easy side that complements a variety of main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Seafood Pasta Salad

Seafood pasta salad is a refreshing, light side that’s perfect for potlucks and gatherings. The combination of seafood, pasta, and a tangy dressing creates a flavorful dish that everyone will enjoy. It’s easy to make ahead of time and serves well chilled. This dish is both filling and light, making it a great choice for warm-weather events.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Four twice baked potatoes in a small baking dish. — Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cheesy loaded twice baked potatoes are a crowd-pleasing side with a creamy, cheesy filling. They’re simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time, which makes them perfect for a potluck. The crispy skin and loaded toppings offer the right balance of texture and flavor. This dish is sure to be a favorite at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Green Bean Tomato Salad

A plate of green beans tossed with cherry tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese, accompanied by a fork, on a white surface. — Green Bean Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Green bean tomato salad is a fresh and vibrant side that’s easy to prepare. The combination of crisp green beans and juicy tomatoes makes for a light, refreshing option. It’s simple to put together and is perfect for any potluck or gathering. The tangy dressing adds a burst of flavor without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Zucchini Bruschetta

Zucchini bruschetta is a light, fresh side that adds a burst of flavor to any meal. The crispy toasted bread combined with seasoned zucchini creates a satisfying texture contrast. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for last-minute potluck options. This dish is flavorful, yet simple enough to be made ahead of time.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Close-up of a cheesy scalloped potatoes dish in a white baking dish, garnished with parsley. — Easy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Easy scalloped potatoes are a classic side that’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. They’re simple to make and can be assembled ahead of time, which is ideal for potlucks. The tender potatoes and rich sauce come together for a comforting dish everyone will enjoy. It’s a great side for any main course, and it’s sure to disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Aloo Gobi Masala

Aloo Gobi Masala is a flavorful, easy-to-make side that brings a touch of spice to any gathering. The potatoes and cauliflower blend perfectly with the aromatic spices, creating a dish full of flavor. It’s perfect for potlucks as it can be made in large batches and served easily. This dish adds variety to any spread and is sure to be enjoyed by all.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

Close-up of a spoonful of sweet potato casserole with a topping of toasted pecans and marshmallows. — Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sweet potato casserole with canned yams is an easy and comforting side that's perfect for any potluck. It’s quick to prepare and full of sweet, rich flavors, with a perfect balance of textures. The casserole can be made ahead and baked just before serving, making it a great option for busy days. It’s a great way to add a touch of sweetness to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Roasted tomatoes seasoned with herbs and spices, served on a white plate garnished with parsley. — Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer roasted roma tomatoes are a quick and flavorful side that brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes. The air fryer does all the work, making it easy to prepare in just a few minutes. The roasted texture adds a depth of flavor that complements any meal. It’s an easy, tasty option that’s great for potlucks or casual meals.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Cabbage and bacon in white serving bowl. — Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Southern fried cabbage with bacon is a savory, hearty side that’s simple to make and always a hit. The bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor to the cabbage, making it a comforting dish. It’s quick to prepare and goes well with a variety of main dishes. This side is sure to be a favorite at any potluck.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Bacon-wrapped air fryer cabbage is a flavorful, easy-to-make side that offers a great balance of crispy and tender textures. The bacon crisps up perfectly in the air fryer, adding depth to the cabbage. This dish is quick to prepare and adds a unique touch to any gathering. It’s an impressive side that’s both simple and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Dairy Free Mac and Cheese

A bowl of creamy penne pasta with a fork, placed on a textured surface. — Dairy Free Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Dairy-free mac and cheese is a comforting, creamy side that’s perfect for potlucks. It’s easy to make and has the richness of traditional mac and cheese without the dairy. The sauce is smooth and flavorful, creating a great alternative to classic mac and cheese. This side is a great option for those looking for a dairy-free dish that’s still full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Dairy Free Mac and Cheese

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air-fried brussels sprouts with grated parmesan cheese on a white plate. — Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer Brussels sprouts are a crispy, roasted side that’s simple to prepare and full of flavor. The air fryer creates a perfect char on the sprouts, enhancing their natural sweetness. It’s a great option when you want something quick and easy for a potluck. These sprouts are sure to be a favorite side at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a vegetable-packed dish that’s perfect for adding a healthy, flavorful side to your meal. The mix of eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes makes for a rich, hearty dish. It’s easy to prepare and can be served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for potlucks. This dish will impress with its vibrant colors and deep flavor.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan

Tongs holding roasted asparagus with grated cheese on a white platter, surrounded by lemon slices. — Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Oven-baked asparagus with Parmesan is a simple, elegant side that’s easy to prepare. The crispy, cheesy topping adds a nice texture to the tender asparagus, making it a great addition to any potluck spread. It’s quick to cook and can be served as a stand-alone side or paired with a main dish. This side is both flavorful and simple, making it an easy choice for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan

Teriyaki Noodles

A bowl of stir-fried noodles with vegetables, topped with sesame seeds, placed on a brown cloth napkin. Chopsticks rest on the bowl's edge, and a small dish is visible in the background. — Teriyaki Noodles. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Teriyaki noodles are a flavorful, easy-to-make side that pairs perfectly with a variety of main dishes. The savory-sweet teriyaki sauce adds a nice balance to the noodles, creating a dish that’s both simple and satisfying. It’s quick to prepare, making it a great option for busy days or last-minute potluck additions. These noodles are always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Noodles

No Knead Italian Artisan Bread

Italian artisan bread sliced on cutting board. — No Knead Italian Artisan Bread. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

No knead Italian artisan bread is a simple and effortless way to create fresh, homemade bread. With minimal effort, you can enjoy the warm, crispy crust and soft, fluffy interior. It’s perfect for serving alongside any meal or bringing to a potluck. This bread is easy to make and always impresses with its homemade flavor.
Get the Recipe: No Knead Italian Artisan Bread

Braised Brussels Sprouts

Plate of roasted Brussels sprouts with lemon slices, served with a creamy sauce. A fork holds one sprout above the dish. — Braised Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Braised Brussels sprouts are a simple, savory side that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. The braising process adds richness to the sprouts, creating a dish that’s both tender and flavorful. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for potlucks or busy weeknight meals. These sprouts are a great way to enjoy this healthy vegetable.
Get the Recipe: Braised Brussels Sprouts

Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes garnished with parsley, set on a pink cloth napkin, with whole potatoes and a grater in the background. — Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Garlic mashed red potatoes are a classic side that’s full of flavor and easy to make. The creamy potatoes are enhanced with a rich garlic flavor, making them a perfect accompaniment to any meal. They’re quick to prepare and always a crowd favorite at gatherings. This dish is a great way to add comfort and flavor to your spread.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

Crab Fried Rice

A bowl of fried rice with vegetables and crab meat. — Crab Fried Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crab fried rice is a flavorful side that’s easy to make and packed with seafood goodness. The combination of tender crab and seasoned rice creates a satisfying dish that pairs well with many main courses. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for potlucks when you want something a little different. This rice is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Fried potato wedges with ketchup and parsley. — Air Fryer Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer potato wedges are crispy and golden on the outside, soft on the inside, and quick to prepare. The air fryer cooks them perfectly with less oil, making them a healthier alternative to traditional fries. They’re an excellent choice for a potluck when you want something simple yet flavorful. These wedges pair well with almost any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

A spoon lifting a smashed potato garnished with rosemary, with a festive table setting in the background. — Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer smashed potatoes with cheese are a fun, crispy side that’s easy to make. The combination of tender potatoes and melted cheese creates a savory treat that everyone will enjoy. The air fryer makes them crispy with minimal effort, making them a great choice for a potluck. These potatoes are a unique, crowd-pleasing option.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Sliced and roasted cabbage wedges seasoned with herbs on a white plate, garnished with black pepper and fresh herbs. — Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Roasted cabbage steaks are a simple, flavorful side that’s easy to prepare and full of depth. The roasted cabbage brings out its natural sweetness, and the crispy edges add texture. It’s an effortless option for a potluck that pairs well with a variety of main dishes. This dish is easy to make and offers something different from the usual sides.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Slow Cooker Rice

A spoonful of slow-cooked white rice held above a bowl, with a fresh green parsley leaf in the background. — Slow Cooker Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Slow cooker rice is the perfect simple side that requires minimal attention. The rice comes out fluffy and perfectly cooked every time, making it a great base for any meal. It’s easy to prepare and great for feeding a crowd at a potluck. This dish is a reliable, no-fuss option that pairs well with many main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rice