Side Dish Catering: Simple & Delicious Sides for Every Event

Q: What are some popular catering menu options?

Popular catering menus often include: Mixed greens with vinaigrette Garlic mashed potatoes or scalloped potatoes Grilled or roasted seasonal vegetables Bread baskets with butter or dips Chicken or beef entrées with gravy or sauce Vegan options like lentil loaf or roasted cauliflower steaks And don’t forget the sweet finish—brownie trays or mini cheesecakes always get snapped up!

Q: What is a cheap dish to make for a party?

Budget-friendly crowd-pleasers include: Pasta salad : Inexpensive, customizable, and can feed a crowd. Rice pilaf or seasoned rice : Simple ingredients, big impact. Roasted potatoes : Affordable and endlessly versatile with spices. Bean salad or chili : Great for bulk cooking and satisfying. You can make these dishes ahead of time and dress them up with fresh herbs or toppings.

Q: What's the most popular party food?

It’s hard to beat chips and dips —whether it's classic guacamole, seven-layer dip, or buffalo chicken. Other all-stars include mini sliders , pizza bites , and meatballs . When in doubt, anything cheesy, dippable, or bite-sized is bound to be a hit.

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·Leave a Review

Introduction

Side dish catering is a lifesaver when you’re juggling busy schedules and want to wow your guests without slaving over dishes. I’m Samuel, and I’ve helped countless people turn ordinary gatherings into memorable moments with easy, crowd-pleasing sides. Whether you’re feeding a group after soccer practice or hosting a cozy dinner with friends, side dish catering lets you hand over the hard part so you can enjoy the party—and smell the garlic bread, not the stress.

Ingredients You Will Need 🥗

Here’s a breakdown of what goes into seamless side dish catering:

side dish catering ingredients — Elevate Your Event with Side Dish Catering: Savory & Simple! 13

Essentials from the Caterer

Fresh salads (like crisp greens or pasta salads)
Warm sides (think roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or creamy gratins)
Complimentary bread (rolls, garlic loaf, or cornbread)
Dips & spreads (hummus, spinach-artichoke, or classic ranch)

Optional Extras

Specialty condiments (flavored olive oils, pesto, caramelized onion jam)
Garnishes (fresh herbs, parmesan, citrus zest)
Serving essentials (disposable trays, serving spoons, napkins)

How to Make the Most of Side Dish Catering

Step 1 – Choose Your Style

Decide if you want a buffet-style spread or individually packaged sides for grab-and-go ease. Both are perfection depending on your event vibe.

Step 2 – Order with Purpose

Consider your crowd size, dietary preferences (vegan, gluten-free), and flavor balance—mix light veggie dishes with comforting starches like mac & cheese or garlic mashed potatoes.

Step 3 – Timing is Key

Schedule delivery or pickup 1–2 hours before guests arrive to maintain freshness. Keep warm items wrapped or in insulated containers until serving.

Step 4 – Presentation

Set up simple serving stations: label dishes (e.g., “Creamy Potato Gratin – vegetarian!”), provide serving utensils, and maybe place a small bowl for condiments nearby. A few fresh herbs or citrus wedges add a pinch of charm.

Step 5 – Wrap Up

If the caterer provides cleanup tubs, use them. Otherwise, bundle leftovers in foil and store chilled—this saves time and makes post-party recovery smoother.

Side Dish Catering plate — Elevate Your Event with Side Dish Catering: Savory & Simple! 15

Tips & Tricks

Mix hot and cold sides for variety and ease at room temperature.
Offer one protein-rich side like quinoa salad for a balanced plate.
Ask for allergen info—clearly labelling gluten-free, dairy-free, etc.
Keep extras on standby: a few rolls or small salad pots in case guest count grows.

Mistakes to Avoid

Underestimating portions: The general rule—4–6 oz per person for side dishes.
Ignoring dietary needs: A little oversight here can turn into a big fuss.
Skipping labels: Guests appreciate knowing what they’re eating—especially with allergens.
Waiting too long to order: Popular caterers fill quickly, especially on weekends.

Smooth Closing

Side dish catering is the secret weapon for relaxed hosting—delicious, effortless, and stress-free. Letting the pros handle sides means you get to savor the moments, not the chores. Trust in side dish catering for your next event, and serve up the perfect sidekick to your main course—with zero fuss and all the flavor.

If you need more passover recipes, checkout my:
10 Best Vegetable side dishes for Passover
20 Easy Passover side dishes
10 crawfish étouffée side dishes
Side dishes with tilapia fish

For more recipes diversity visit my Pinterest.

FAQs About side dish catering

What is a good side dish for a party?

A good side dish for a party is something flavorful, easy to serve, and widely loved. Think creamy mac and cheese, roasted veggies, potato salad, or a fresh pasta salad with zesty vinaigrette. These options travel well, can sit out without fuss, and pair beautifully with most mains.

What is the easiest food to make for catering?

The easiest foods for catering are dishes that hold up well over time and don’t require last-minute prep. Favorites include baked pasta, chili, pulled pork sliders, or grain-based salads like quinoa or couscous. They’re make-ahead friendly, crowd-pleasing, and taste just as good warm or room temp.

What are some popular catering menu options?

Popular catering menus often include:

Mixed greens with vinaigrette
Garlic mashed potatoes or scalloped potatoes
Grilled or roasted seasonal vegetables
Bread baskets with butter or dips
Chicken or beef entrées with gravy or sauce
Vegan options like lentil loaf or roasted cauliflower steaks

And don’t forget the sweet finish—brownie trays or mini cheesecakes always get snapped up!

What are some popular side dishes?

Popular side dishes that work well at both casual and formal events include:

Macaroni and cheese
Coleslaw
Green beans almondine
Cornbread or dinner rolls
Caesar or Greek salad
Stuffed mushrooms or deviled eggs (great for cocktail-style events)

What is a cheap dish to make for a party?

Budget-friendly crowd-pleasers include:

Pasta salad: Inexpensive, customizable, and can feed a crowd.
Rice pilaf or seasoned rice: Simple ingredients, big impact.
Roasted potatoes: Affordable and endlessly versatile with spices.
Bean salad or chili: Great for bulk cooking and satisfying.

You can make these dishes ahead of time and dress them up with fresh herbs or toppings.

What’s the most popular party food?

It’s hard to beat chips and dips—whether it’s classic guacamole, seven-layer dip, or buffalo chicken. Other all-stars include mini sliders, pizza bites, and meatballs. When in doubt, anything cheesy, dippable, or bite-sized is bound to be a hit.