The 20 Best Potluck Sides, According To Our Readers

Because everyone knows the sides steal the show.

By

Published on September 2, 2024

Southern Living Pineapple Casserole in the dish to serve — Photo:
Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Potlucks are every season occasions that bring family, friends, neighbors, and some of the most coveted recipes together. When we recently asked our Facebook friends to share their go-to side dishes, it was obvious everyone enjoys potlucks all year-long. From creamy casseroles to quick and easy salads, here are the top 20 recipes.

Classic Deviled Eggs

Classic Deviled Eggs — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

The most popular response was no surprise to the Southern Living editors. Deviled eggs are always a go-to, and this classic recipe does not disappoint.

Homemade Baked Beans

Baked Beans — Photographer: Fred Hardy II, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Props Stylist: Christina Brockman

No matter what's on the spread, homemade beans are always a welcome addition. While the beans are the stars, this highly requested recipe also includes pieces of smoky bacon and is sweetened with brown sugar and molasses.

Broccoli, Grape, And Pasta Salad

Broccoli, Grape, and Pasta Salad in a white bowl with golden spoon — Robby Lozano; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

An oldie that's a modern day goodie. Prepare for this salad to disappear quickly thanks to the unexpected combination of sweet grapes. broccoli, and pasta.

Classic Potato Salad

Classic Potato Salad Southern Living — Fred Hardy; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood

Someone needs to bring the potato salad, and if you're nominated, this classic recipe won't disappoint.

Creamy Crab Dip

Creamy Crab Dip Recipe — Hector Manuel Sanchez

In the South, we take our crab dip very seriously. And this creamy dip comes together with cream, mayonnaise, chunks of crabmeat, and gets the perfect spicy punch from Old Bay seasoning.

Pineapple Casserole

Southern Living Pineapple Casserole in the dish to serve — Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

You know you're at a Southern potluck if this is the first empty casserole dish. Canned pineapple chunks, Cheddar cheese, and a crispy Ritz cracker crust are the secrets to this can't-be-beat casserole.

Classic Coleslaw

Classic Coleslaw — Photography: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Despite always falling in the shadow of the potato salad, this creamy, slightly sweet recipe will be the side dish everyone is talking about.

Pepperoni Pasta Salad

Pepperoni Pasta Salad in a white serving bowl - Southern Living — Robby Lozano; Food Stylist: Jasmine Smith; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Pasta salad is always a great recipe to volunteer bringing, and this one won't be forgotten. Slices of pepperoni, chopped olives, slivers of peppers are tossed with pasta in a dressing that always hits the spot.

Charcuterie Board

southern charcuterie board with cheese, crackers, fruit, and olives — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Let everyone else handle the casseroles and salads while you tackle the ultimate grazing board. This Southern-style charcuterie brings together all of the potluck favorites, from cheeses and crackers to cured meats and pickles.

Taco Dip

Southern Living Taco Dip in a dish to serve with chips — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Forget about the salsa and guacamole, this is the layered dip everyone will be clamoring about. This recipe is a cinch to make and brings together beans, tomatoes, cheese, lettuce, and guac in one dish.

Party Potatoes

Party Potatoes — Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Someone is bound to bring the cold salad, so this is your chance to call dibs on the warm potato side. This recipe is super easy to make thanks to the easy-to-find ingredient list which includes frozen hash browns, canned cream of chicken soup, and cornflake topping.

Best Homemade Macaroni And Cheese

Best Homemade Macaroni And Cheese — Stacy K. Allen; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

The Facebook crowd said the party would not be a real party without mac and cheese. We can't disagree. No matter the size of the gathering, whether big or small, everyone will expect a pan (perhaps even two) of extra cheesy macaroni and cheese.

Cornbread Salad

Southern Cornbread Salad — CAITLIN BENSEL; FOOD STYLIST: TORIE COX

Ready to impress? Bring the recipe that stands out amongst the rest. This layered "salad" brings together cornbread, tomatoes, corn, bacon, and a favorite ranch dressing.

Classic Green Bean Casserole

Classic Green Bean Casserole - Southern Living — Rob Culpepper; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Assistant Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Green beans are a must-have on not only at holidays but pretty much every Southern get-together. This crowd-pleasing recipe requires only 10 minutes of hands-on time and a short ingredient list. Prepare for the round of applause,

Old-School Squash Casserole

Old-School Squash Casserole in a green casserole dish — Photographer: Fred Hardy II, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Props Stylist: Christina Brockman

"Freezes beautifully" makes this recipe a top on all of your lists. While squash is a summer staple, all the Southern home cooks know that making multiple trays of this go-to recipe will come in handy for potlucks all throughout the year.

Macaroni Salad

Southern Living Macaroni Salad in a bowl to serve topped with scallions — Morgan Hunt Glaze; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel

Make room for the macaroni salad that has an extra creamy base. Yes, mayonnaise combines with mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, and pimentos to take the flavor to new delicious heights.

Fresh Fruit Salad

Fresh Fruit Salad — Jen Causey

Sounds boring? Nope, it is always first to go. Delight the crowd with a big bowl of the season's freshest fruit.

Cornbread Casserole

Southern Living Cornbread Casserole with a serving scooped out into a bowl — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This recipe starts with a box of Jiffy cornbread mix. Then things get even more interesting with the addition of canned corn, sour cream, milk, and eggs for a casserole that is extra moist and delicious.

Bacon-Wrapped Smokies

Southern Living Bacon BBQ Smokies on a platter to serve — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Sausages wrapped in bacon? Need we say more. Everyone will be racing to the table to grab a second–er, third–helping of these smoky gems.

Bacon Pimiento Cheese

Southern Living Bacon Pimiento Cheese in a bowl to serve with crackers — Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

In just 20 minutes you can make the MVP of any potluck. Just when we thought this all-time favorite recipe couldn't get any better, we added bacon to our classic pimento cheese dip.

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