34 Barbecue Sides Perfect for a Potluck

If you’re gearing up for a potluck and want to bring something that’ll really wow the crowd, you’re in luck. From creamy dips and zesty salads to crunchy snacks and indulgent treats, there’s something here for every taste.

Baked Potato Salad

This creamy dish incorporates tender baked potatoes with mayo, mustard, and a touch of bacon for a smoky flavor. It offers a heartier, more filling alternative to traditional salads. The crisp texture of the bacon and the addition of green onions make it more dynamic.

Baked Beans

Slowly simmered with spices and brown sugar, baked beans provide a smoky and sweet complement to grilled meats. Their earthy, caramelized flavor pairs well with various barbecue main dishes. Beans are also rich in protein and fiber, offering a more wholesome option.

Burrata Salad

A decadent choice featuring creamy burrata cheese, fresh tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze. This combination creates a light yet indulgent flavor profile. The burrata’s soft texture blends beautifully with the juicy tomatoes. Finished with a sprinkle of sea salt, it’s a delightful balance of simplicity and elegance.

Crispy Fried Onion Rings

Crunchy, golden rings of battered onions are a classic that never disappoints. Their satisfying crunch and mild sweetness make them irresistible. Paired with dipping sauces like ranch or spicy ketchup, they cater to varying tastes. Whether eaten alone or as a topping, they add excitement to any barbecue table.

Mexican Layer Dip

With layers of refried beans, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, cheese, and olives, this dip is a fiesta of flavors. It caters to those who enjoy a mix of textures, from creamy to crunchy. The dip’s vibrant colors also make it a striking addition to the table. Served with tortilla chips, it’s an irresistible crowd-pleaser.

Grilled Jalapenos

Grilled to bring out their smoky flavor, jalapenos are stuffed with cheese and wrapped in bacon for a spicy treat. The heat of the peppers is balanced by the creamy filling. Their small size makes them perfect bite-sized snacks. These poppers offer a thrilling blend of flavors and textures for adventurous palates.

Grilled Guacamole

This twist on a classic dip involves grilling avocados to infuse them with a smoky flavor. Mixed with lime, tomatoes, and cilantro, it enhances traditional guacamole’s creaminess with a charred undertone. This version pairs well with tortilla chips and vegetable sticks for dipping.

Tomato Fritters

Deep-fried with a light batter, these fritters give tomatoes a crispy twist. They offer a burst of acidity inside a crunchy shell that’s simply addictive. The hint of herbs in the batter adds an extra layer of flavor. Served with a tangy dipping sauce, they make a unique and satisfying side.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilling the corn caramelizes the kernels, bringing out their natural sweetness. A light coating of butter and a sprinkle of seasoning enhance the flavor. It’s a simple yet classic side that can be customized with different toppings. Char marks from the grill add depth and a smoky touch.

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Orzo pasta meets cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives for a colorful Mediterranean-inspired dish. It’s tossed with a lemon-oregano vinaigrette, bringing a refreshing and tangy flavor. Feta cheese adds creaminess and depth, complementing the crisp vegetables. Light yet filling, it’s a delightful side that works with any barbecue main.

Baked Mac and Cheese

Baked until golden with a crumb topping, this mac and cheese delivers the ultimate comfort. The gooey cheddar sauce envelops the pasta, while the crunchy crust adds textural contrast. Its rich, cheesy flavor is a hit with both kids and adults. It’s a dependable and satisfying dish that completes any potluck spread.

Jalapeño Cornbread

With jalapeños baked into the cornbread batter, each slice brings a hint of spice to your plate. The cornmeal provides a hearty texture, while cheddar cheese adds creaminess. It’s the perfect combination of slightly sweet and subtly hot. Served warm, it pairs wonderfully with grilled dishes or chili.

Creamy Pesto Tortellini

Cheese-filled tortellini tossed with pesto, parmesan, and a bit of cream creates a decadent salad. The basil pesto imparts a fragrant, fresh flavor, contrasting with the chewy pasta. Sundried tomatoes and pine nuts add a delightful mix of textures. This dish is a gourmet choice that adds elegance to your potluck.

Dill Pickle Potato Salad

This potato salad has a dill-pickle twist that gives it an extra zing. Tangy pickle brine mixes with mayonnaise and mustard for a dressing that coats the potatoes perfectly. Red onions and herbs provide an added crunch and fragrance. It’s an intriguing variation on the classic, appealing to pickle lovers.

Broccoli Salad

A blend of crunchy broccoli, bacon, cranberries, and almonds makes this salad a delicious medley. The creamy dressing with a touch of sweetness ties it all together, offering a balance of flavors. The cranberries add a tart note that complements the other ingredients. It’s a fresh and healthy addition to the table.

Street Corn Dip

This dip combines the flavors of Mexican street corn into a cheesy, creamy delight. Grilled corn kernels, cotija cheese, and spices bring a smoky, tangy taste. Lime juice and cilantro brighten the dish, providing a refreshing contrast. Served with tortilla chips, it’s a dip that keeps guests coming back for more.

Cowboy Caviar

Cowboy Caviar combines black beans, corn, tomatoes, and avocados in a lively salsa. The lime-cilantro dressing infuses it with a fresh, tangy taste. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect as a dip or salad topping. This dish adds color and flavor to any potluck.

Bacon Deviled Eggs

These deviled eggs are given a savory twist with crumbled bacon and smoked paprika. The creamy yolk filling balances the salty bacon, creating a bite-sized treat. They are a satisfying finger food that’s easy to prepare. A sprinkle of paprika on top adds a pop of color and flavor.

Squash Casserole

This comforting casserole blends yellow squash, onions, and cheese into a warm, hearty dish. The cracker topping adds a satisfying crunch, contrasting with the tender vegetables. It’s baked to a golden perfection, bringing out all the flavors. This is a savory and creamy favorite for those craving homestyle goodness.

Cucumber Salad

Sliced cucumbers, red onions, and dill are tossed in a light vinegar dressing. It offers a crisp, refreshing bite that’s especially welcome on hot days. The tartness of the dressing contrasts nicely with the mild cucumbers. It’s a simple yet flavorful way to bring coolness to the table.

BLT Pasta Salad

Classic BLT flavors meet pasta in this innovative salad. The bacon adds smokiness, while the tomatoes and lettuce provide freshness. A creamy ranch dressing ties everything together for a delightful blend. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing side that offers familiar flavors in a new form.

Tangy Rainbow Slaw

Vibrant cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers combine in a vinegar-based slaw that’s zesty and light. It provides a crisp crunch that pairs wonderfully with rich barbecue flavors. The dressing, with its tangy sweetness, ties the vegetables together beautifully. This slaw is a colorful and flavorful way to add variety to your table.

Picnic Egg Salad

This egg salad incorporates diced eggs with mayo, mustard, and relish for a creamy, tangy taste. Celery and herbs add freshness and crunch to the mix. It can be served on a bed of lettuce or as a filling for sandwiches. Either way, it’s an ideal dish for laid-back summer picnics.

Golden Corn Fritters

Corn fritters are pan-fried until golden brown, giving them a crisp exterior and a fluffy interior. Corn kernels add a burst of sweetness with every bite. The batter, seasoned with herbs and spices, complements the corn perfectly. They are an indulgent snack that’s sure to impress.

Grilled Sweet Potato Fries

Grilled until charred and slightly caramelized, sweet potato fries offer a smoky and sweet flavor. Their natural sweetness is enhanced by the grill marks, giving them a deeper taste. A sprinkle of spices or dipping sauces can customize them further. They’re a nutritious and exciting alternative to regular fries.

Southern-Style Potato Salad

This potato salad is made with red potatoes, eggs, and a creamy mayo-based dressing. The potatoes maintain their texture while blending with the other ingredients for a delightful flavor. Mustard and pickles add tang and zest, enhancing the taste further. It’s a classic side that’s well-suited for any potluck.

Broccoli Cheese Casserole

A rich cheese sauce envelops tender broccoli and rice in this comforting casserole. It’s topped with buttery breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch. The combination of broccoli and cheese makes it both flavorful and nutritious. Baked to a golden brown, it’s a beloved dish that never fails to delight.

Summer Orzo Salad

Orzo pasta is mixed with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese for a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired salad. The lemon dressing adds brightness and a hint of zest. Fresh herbs like mint and parsley lend a fragrant aroma. This salad is perfect for warm days, offering a burst of flavors.

Tortellini Salad

Cheese tortellini is tossed with cherry tomatoes, spinach, and olives in a light vinaigrette. The pasta holds up well to the tangy dressing, giving it a burst of flavor. Feta cheese adds a creamy, salty touch to balance the freshness. It’s a fun and unique way to present pasta at your potluck.

Classic Three Bean Salad

A mix of kidney, garbanzo, and green beans marinated in a tangy vinaigrette forms this salad. The beans retain their firmness while absorbing the dressing’s vibrant flavors. Red onions and bell peppers add color and crunch to the mix. It’s a nostalgic, no-fuss salad that remains popular for a reason.

Tomato Cobbler

Savory biscuit dough is baked over a tomato filling seasoned with basil and garlic. The biscuits become golden and flaky, providing a comforting, buttery crust. The tomatoes cook down to a rich and flavorful base. This cobbler is a creative side that makes use of summer tomatoes.

Watermelon Salad

Cubes of watermelon mixed with feta cheese, mint, and balsamic glaze make a refreshing salad. The watermelon provides a hydrating sweetness that’s cut by the salty feta. Mint adds a cooling note, while the balsamic glaze brings a tangy depth. It’s an excellent choice for hot summer days.

Cauliflower Potato Salad

Cauliflower florets are used instead of potatoes, giving this salad a lighter twist. They’re mixed with eggs, pickles, and a creamy dressing for a similar flavor profile. This salad is ideal for guests looking for a low-carb or gluten-free option. It has all the familiar flavors of potato salad without the extra starch.

Caprese Salad Kabobs

Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves are skewered and drizzled with balsamic glaze. These kabobs deliver all the flavor of Caprese salad in a fun, portable form. They’re colorful and easy to eat, making them perfect for potlucks. The balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout