What is a good side dish for a party?

A good party side dish is one that's easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and doesn’t need babysitting. Think parmesan roasted asparagus , cheesy broccoli rice casserole , or a colorful couscous salad . Bonus points if it holds up well at room temperature and can be prepped ahead!

What is the most popular catering food?

The crown often goes to finger foods and sides like mashed potatoes , pasta salads , and roasted veggies . They’re familiar, affordable, and satisfy nearly every guest—even picky eaters or that one cousin who “doesn’t like anything green.”

What are some popular side dishes?

You can’t go wrong with classics like garlic mashed potatoes , green bean casserole , mac and cheese , or honey-glazed carrots . They're loved across generations and work with everything from BBQ to formal dinners.

What is the cheapest food for catering?

Dishes made with rice, pasta, or potatoes stretch far without stretching your wallet. A big tray of baked ziti , loaded mashed potatoes , or rice pilaf with veggies gives you volume, flavor, and savings.

What is a cheap dish to make for a party?

A pasta salad or roasted seasonal vegetables are affordable yet festive. They scale up easily and can be made the night before—because let’s be honest, no one wants to be cooking last-minute while guests are already ringing the doorbell.

What are good side dishes to bring to a potluck?

Bring something sturdy and shareable like pull-apart garlic rolls , sweet potato casserole bites , or a Mediterranean couscous salad . They travel well, don’t need constant reheating, and always come home with an empty dish—aka potluck success!

10 Best Catering Side Dishes for Busy Hosts

Name: Catering Side Dishes
Prep time: PT-488327H54M36S
Cook time: PT-488327H54M36S
Total time: PT-488327H54M36S
Cuisine: American/International fusion
Ingredients: Check each recipe separately

Description

A collection of ten easy and delicious catering side dishes perfect for parties and busy hosts.

Ingredients

Check each recipe separately

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Check each recipe separately

Notes

Ideal for pre‑prep, balanced flavors, and crowd‑friendly serving.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT30M
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking, Roasting, Tossing
Cuisine: American/International fusion