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    Home » MSN Slideshows

    17 Sides for Potlucks That Will Make Your Mains Feel Like an Afterthought

    Published: Jan 13, 2025 by Barbara Curry

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    Sides for potlucks can be the real stars of the show, stealing the spotlight from the mains and leaving everyone reaching for seconds. These recipes pack bold flavors and fresh ideas, making them the perfect way to impress a crowd without overthinking it. Whether you’re prepping for a casual gathering or a big event, these sides will bring the kind of energy that keeps people talking long after the plates are cleared. So, get ready to make your contribution unforgettable.

    Roasted Balsamic Asparagus And Mushrooms

    A platter of asparagus with mushrooms next to a container of balsamic vinegar
    Roasted Balsamic Asparagus And Mushrooms. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.


     

    Balsamic roasted asparagus and mushrooms is a great way to enjoy fresh produce. Roasting brings out so much flavor and it’s quick and EASY.
    Get the Recipe: Roasted Balsamic Asparagus And Mushrooms

    Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

    A spoon scooping out creamy mac and cheese from a black bowl.
    Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni And Cheese Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Warm Up Your Winter: Southern Classics!

    FREE EMAIL BONUS: Southern staples made simply & cozy

    Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese from Poole’s Diner is a classic with a creamy base and crusty cheese on top. Comfort food at its BEST.
    Get the Recipe: Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

    Super Creamy Skillet Creamed Corn

    A skillet filled with creamy, cooked corn kernels being stirred by a wooden spoon. The creamed corn appears to be seasoned and mixed with a rich, creamy substance, creating a luscious texture. The background is a grayish cooking surface.
    Super Creamy Skillet Creamed Corn. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Rich, buttery Creamed Corn gets a homemade makeover with just four simple ingredients and 10 minutes on the stove.
    Get the Recipe: Super Creamy Skillet Creamed Corn

    Creamy Pea Salad With Cheddar Cheese

    A bowl of pea salad with a serving spoon.
    Creamy Pea Salad With Cheddar Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This green pea salad is a Southern favorite that comes together in one bowl. Easy to make ahead, it’s flavorful with a touch of a spicy kick.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Salad With Cheddar Cheese

    No Mayo Roasted Potato Salad With Bacon

    A glass bowl of roasted potato salad
    No Mayo Roasted Potato Salad With Bacon. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This warm Roasted Potato Salad is not only great for your next potluck or cook out, but it’s perfect for a simple dinner.
    Get the Recipe: No Mayo Roasted Potato Salad With Bacon

    Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Buttermilk

    A bowl of creamy coleslaw with shredded purple cabbage, carrots, and herbs sits on a gray cloth napkin next to vintage silver utensils—perfect as one of your favorite dinner side dishes.
    Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Buttermilk. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Looking for a mouthwatering red cabbage coleslaw recipe? Try our quick and easy Southern dish that is perfect for busy cooks. Enjoy the creamy goodness!
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Buttermilk

    Old Fashioned Carrot Salad With Raisins

    A bowl of carrot raisin salad with a serving spoon.
    Old Fashioned Carrot Salad With Raisins. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Fresh carrot raisin salad is EASY and so flavorful! All you need is a bowl and a grater to make this slightly sweet classic salad.
    Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Carrot Salad With Raisins

    Creamy Macaroni Salad With Cheese

    Creamy Macaroni Salad With Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    A Southern-style macaroni salad made with a creamy mayo, sour cream and dijon mustard dressing. Mix with cheddar cheese to finish, and served chilled.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Macaroni Salad With Cheese

    Spicy Roasted Cauliflower With Browned Butter

    A black platter of roasted cauliflower with garlic next to serving spoons.
    Spicy Roasted Cauliflower With Browned Butter. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Roasted Cauliflower is even better with some browned butter. Add a little spicy and some pumpkin seeds for a great side dish.
    Get the Recipe: Spicy Roasted Cauliflower With Browned Butter

    Slow Cooker Bacon And Bourbon Baked Beans Recipe

    Slow Cooker Bacon And Bourbon Baked Beans Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Easy slow cooker bourbon baked beans with a sweet barbecue sauce, bacon, brown sugar, molasses, and a touch of your favorite bourbon.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Bacon And Bourbon Baked Beans Recipe

    Southern Keto Collard Greens Recipe

    A plate of cooked leafy greens, topped with seeds, nuts, and shredded coconut, served on a white hexagonal-patterned plate—an elegant option for your Thanksgiving dinner ideas.
    Southern Keto Collard Greens Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Southern Keto Collard Greens Recipe has a hint of maple sweetness & a punch of vinegar sourness for delicious collards.
    Get the Recipe: Southern Keto Collard Greens Recipe

    Cheesy Loaded Potato Casserole Recipe With Bacon

    Cheesy Loaded Potato Casserole Recipe With Bacon. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

    Cheesy Loaded Potato Casserole is a perfect blend of ingredients for the ultimate comfort food. Creamy, dreamy and easy to make. Enjoy!
    Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Potato Casserole Recipe With Bacon

    Zucchini Pizza Boats

    Zucchini Pizza Boats. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

    Healthy and delicious zucchini pizza boats: a low-carb alternative to traditional pizza that’s packed with flavor and easy to make.
    Get the Recipe: Zucchini Pizza Boats

    Homemade Garlic Bread: Double Garlic Goodness

    Homemade Garlic Bread: Double Garlic Goodness. Photo credit: Savor the Best.

    Hot from the oven and loaded with garlic flavor! This crunchy garlic bread uses real butter, fresh garlic, garlic powder and fresh chopped parsley!
    Get the Recipe: Homemade Garlic Bread: Double Garlic Goodness

    Green Beans and New Potato Salad with Honey Vinaigrette

    A platter of green bean and potato salad.
    Green Beans and New Potato Salad with Honey Vinaigrette. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Full of fresh summer flavors, this cold green bean salad recipe adds in tender new potatoes for a refreshing take on a classic summer meal. Once you’ve boiled the potatoes and fresh beans, you’re basically done! 
    Get the Recipe: Green Beans and New Potato Salad with Honey Vinaigrette

    Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

    Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon. Photo credit: Pip and Ebby.

    Oven roasted brussels sprouts with bacon and pomegranate seeds is perfect as a solo party appetizer or a side dish to any meal.
    Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

    Butternut Squash And Apples Recipe

    Butternut Squash And Apples Recipe. Photo credit: Pip and Ebby.

    Butternut Squash and Apples is a super easy side dish to prepare. This delicious dish is versatile and it goes great with any meal!
    Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash And Apples Recipe

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    Barbara holds a tote bag filled with flowers, baguettes, and fresh produce at an indoor market.

    Barbara Curry is the culinary adventurer of Butter & Baggage. With a dedicated enthusiasm for real butter made from happy cows she is in constant pursuit of delicious recipes and tasty dishes. She shares her experiences, ventures, and occasional misadventures because let’s face it things can get messy in any kitchen.

    More about me →

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    Spring Sides

    • A wooden spoon with a serving of macaroni salad.
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    • A plate of green bean salad with potatoes next to salmon.
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    • A basket of yeast dinner rolls.
      Old-Fashioned Yeast Rolls with a Modern, Foolproof Method
    • Cornbread corn pudding with a serving spoon in a casserole dish.
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