Move over, boring old mashed potatoes! These 19 side dishes are like the cool kids at the dinner table – everyone wants to hang out with them. Your family might start asking, “What’s the side dish tonight?” instead of “What’s for dinner?” Don’t be surprised if you catch them sneaking seconds (or thirds) when they think you’re not looking.
Focaccia Bread
People start pulling off pieces before they’ve even sat down. Focaccia Bread brings a chewy center with just enough crisp around the edges to make every bite worth it. It’s easy to grab, goes with everything, and somehow always ends up as the first thing to run out. If you’re trying to bring something simple that still feels like a win, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread
Dense Bean Salad
When someone’s looking for something filling without being too heavy, this checks the box. Dense Bean Salad might look basic, but it brings a good mix of texture and flavor that stands out on the table. It pairs with just about everything without trying too hard. People usually scoop it once, then go back and pile it on again.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad
Corn Casserole
A side like this never goes unnoticed, and it always disappears fast. Corn Casserole nails that creamy, hearty balance perfectly, making second servings almost guaranteed. It’s comforting enough to keep people reaching back, without overshadowing everything else on their plate. Honestly, it’s the kind of thing every potluck needs at least one tray of.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole
Healthy Chicken Salad
Not everyone goes straight for the heavy sides, and that’s where this one wins. Healthy Chicken Salad feels light enough to break things up but still fills you up. It’s got a good balance that makes people want more without thinking twice. Somehow it’s always the dish that surprises folks by how fast it disappears.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad
Dauphinoise Potatoes
You can usually tell this one’s going to be popular just by how fast people spot it. Dauphinoise Potatoes bring that smooth, rich texture that always stands out among the other sides. It feels a bit more special without trying too hard, and it works with everything else on the table. Don’t count on leftovers if you bring this to share.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes
Crunchy Onion Rings
People don’t expect a crispy side like this, which makes it even better. Crunchy Onion Rings offer a little crunch that brings a fun break from the usual soft or creamy stuff. They disappear fast, especially when folks come back for seconds just to grab a few more. You won’t have to worry about taking any home.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings
Dinner Rolls
Nobody really talks about the rolls until they’re all gone. Dinner Rolls are soft, warm, and just easy to love no matter what else is being served. People start grabbing them without even thinking, and they always go quicker than expected. If there’s one side you can always count on being a hit, it’s this one.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls
Easy Chicken Casserole
This one’s always a hit when you want something simple that people can’t stop scooping. Easy Chicken Casserole delivers on flavor without needing anything fancy, and it feels comforting from the first bite. It’s warm, filling, and usually gone before anything else that’s supposed to be the “main” dish. Bring it once and expect requests for next time.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Casserole
Garlic Bread
If you put this one out, expect everyone to linger nearby. Garlic Bread brings bold flavor that easily matches whatever it’s paired with on the table. People grab it fast, casually pretending they haven’t already had a few pieces. Honestly, if it survives longer than ten minutes, consider it a small miracle.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread
Crispy Air Fryer Bacon
Not your usual side, but that’s part of what makes it stand out. Crispy Air Fryer Bacon adds something bold and crunchy that makes people do a double take when they see it. It gets scooped up fast and brings just enough edge to balance softer dishes. Most people come back for more even if they weren’t planning to.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Bacon
Easy Chow Mein
A dish like this draws people in effortlessly, no explanation needed. Easy Chow Mein is hearty enough to stand alone but fits right in as a standout side. It’s warm, filling, and a welcome change from typical potluck options. Usually, it’s the first thing guests start chatting about when they’re headed back for another serving.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chow Mein
Garlic Knots
Some sides vanish before people even finish filling their plates, and this is definitely one of them. Garlic Knots are just small enough to grab without thinking—but flavorful enough to feel substantial. They pair effortlessly with everything and often draw attention away from bigger dishes nearby.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
This one always surprises people who don’t expect much from a salad. Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad hits that rare balance of fresh, rich, and just interesting enough to get people talking. It works well next to heavier dishes, giving plates a little variety. People often try a little, then end up coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Hasselback Potatoes
You can tell folks are excited when this lands on the table. Hasselback Potatoes stand out with their look alone, but it’s the flavor and texture that keep people reaching back. They bring something a little extra without being too fancy. It’s one of those sides that gets talked about while people are still eating.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes
Crispy Shallots
These go quick, especially when people spot them piled high. Crispy Shallots add crunch and flavor in a way most sides don’t, which makes them feel like a fun surprise. They’re simple, but they bring just enough kick to balance out softer dishes. Once someone starts, it’s hard to stop grabbing more.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shallots
Hawaiian Baked Beans
If there’s one dish that always prompts a “who made this?” from the crowd, you’re looking at it. Hawaiian Baked Beans deliver a mix of sweet and bold that sets them apart from typical side dishes. They’re deeply rich but never overly heavy, fitting seamlessly with nearly everything on the table. Expect them to vanish quicker than you’d think.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Baked Beans
Eggplant Casserole
This one wins people over fast, even if they weren’t sure at first. Eggplant Casserole feels hearty and comforting, but still a little unexpected compared to the usual choices. It holds up well with bold mains and adds something new to the table. Don’t be surprised if people ask for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole
Funeral Potatoes
Once someone spots this on the table, they’re not skipping it. Funeral Potatoes bring a mix of creamy and crispy that hits just right. It’s one of those sides people scoop without hesitation and talk about long after. If you want something with guaranteed staying power, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
People love a side with a little kick, and this one delivers without going overboard. Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa adds something fresh and bright to the spread that breaks up the heavier choices. It works great with just about everything and disappears fast. Most of the time, it’s one of the first things to get cleaned out.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
