The real drama at family gatherings isn’t the main course—it’s the side dishes. Those 15 favorites will spark more debates than the holiday plans. When you show up with a sweet potato casserole, suddenly everyone has something to say about it. Some will praise, others will protest, but either way, your dish has officially become a hot topic of discussion. So, get ready to serve not just food, but also some family feuds.
Grilled Vegetables
Don’t let Grilled Vegetables fool you—they may look unassuming, but they’re a sneaky contender for your attention at the table. It’s easy for people to get into an argument about how they should be seasoned or which veggies take the top spot. It starts as a casual conversation but can quickly turn into a “grill master” competition. At the end of the day, this dish brings out everyone’s competitive side, even if they’re not aware of it.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables
Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan
With Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan, you bring a dish that can stir up conversations over presentation and taste. Some will argue it’s the perfect balance of light and savory, while others might debate the role of lemon in the dish. It’s more than just food; it’s a small battleground for opinions. It’s the kind of dish that makes people feel strongly enough to claim their favorites for next time.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
When you bring Grilled Cauliflower Steaks, you’ve just added a whole new level of competition. Some people will love the charred edges, while others will argue that it needs more seasoning. Suddenly, everyone’s putting in their two cents about the perfect grilling time and thickness. Before you know it, cauliflower is no longer just a vegetable; it’s a point of pride, and everyone wants to claim their version as the best.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
People will try to bring their own version next time to top yours. Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes isn’t just a salad—it’s a family debate waiting to happen. This dish’s combination of textures and flavors can start strong opinions about what makes it “just right.” Before long, cousins, uncles, and aunts will be discussing how it could be improved, and you’ll realize this dish has become a competitive sport.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Roasted Kohlrabi with Parmesan
A simple yet powerful side like Roasted Kohlrabi with Parmesan can spark debates over who makes it best. This dish doesn’t try too hard; it lets the flavors speak for themselves, but that’s exactly what gets people talking. Some will claim it’s too mild, and others will swear by it as the perfect complement to the main course. Either way, expect this to be the talk of the meal, even after it’s all gone.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Kohlrabi with Parmesan
Quick Smoked Tomatoes
With Quick Smoked Tomatoes, your family’s potluck suddenly turns into a smoky showdown. This side dish’s bold flavors and smoky aroma have the power to ignite debates over cooking methods and seasoning choices. Someone might even try to sneak in their own version of smoked tomatoes the next time, just to win the competition. It’s the perfect side to keep the conversation heated and the competition alive.
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Classic Caprese Salad
Expect family members to discuss the perfect balance between tomatoes and cheese long after the meal. Classic Caprese Salad is a simple side that quickly turns into a point of contention. Once it’s on the table, someone will start explaining why their version is the best—and suddenly, it’s not just a salad; it’s a debate. With its clean flavors and fresh ingredients, it’s no wonder everyone feels so passionate about it.
Get the Recipe: Classic Caprese Salad
Southern Green Beans
There’s something about Southern Green Beans that starts the “who can make them better?” game. Some families might swear by their grandmother’s version, while others will argue about the perfect balance of texture and flavor. These green beans aren’t just a side—they’re an invitation to a heated discussion over cooking methods. Be prepared for more than just compliments when this dish hits the table.
Get the Recipe: Southern Green Beans
Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs
The turf war starts as soon as this dish hits the table—who gets to finish it? Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs quickly become the star of the show at any family gathering. When you bring this dish, it’s not just about the flavor, it’s about creating a little competition for attention. With its crispy, golden exterior and bold flavors, people will start claiming ownership of the last piece.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs
Yellow Bean & Potato Salad
With Yellow Bean & Potato Salad, you’re not just serving a side dish, you’re bringing a heated rivalry. As soon as this hits the table, opinions will fly about whether it’s too creamy or not creamy enough. Suddenly, everyone’s competing for the last scoop, and the conversation shifts from “how’s the food?” to “who makes the best potato salad?” Brace yourself for the fight over the leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Bean & Potato Salad
Grilled Veggies
Grilled Veggies have an unassuming charm, but they’re deceptively powerful in sparking discussions at the potluck. Everyone’s got a different take on how these should be done, and it quickly turns into a competitive moment. Someone’s always trying to one-up the flavor or grilling technique. By the end, you’ll have a group of self-appointed grill masters debating the ideal vegetable to grill next time.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggies
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
The addition of smoked tomatoes to Tabouli Salad takes this dish to a new level of rivalry. Suddenly, everyone has an opinion on how the tomatoes should be smoked, and whether or not it’s even the right fit for tabouli. What starts as casual praise turns into a full-blown discussion about authenticity and creativity. Get ready for an unexpected turf war when this dish is served, and everyone claims they have the best version.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Yellow Beans
When you show up with Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Yellow Beans, get ready for some serious chatter. This side is simple, but it packs a punch, which has people arguing over the seasoning and how perfectly crisp it is. One person will say it’s the best thing they’ve ever tasted, while another might be plotting to bring it next time. It’s a perfect example of how a small dish can cause big debates.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Yellow Beans
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
When Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad make their entrance, it’s like throwing a match into a pool of fuel. Suddenly, family members will weigh in on whether the potatoes are too soft or the asparagus should have been cooked longer. The rivalry will be fierce, and everyone will want to make it “just right” next time. Get ready to hear plenty of strong opinions, and brace yourself for someone to try to take over next year’s grill duties.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
German Yellow Beans
If you’re looking to get your family talking, bring German Yellow Beans to the potluck. The rich, earthy flavor combined with the right texture will have everyone making bold statements about their love for it. Suddenly, the dinner table feels more like a courtroom, and you’re on trial for your version of this dish. No matter how you serve it, this side will definitely stir up some fun arguments.
Get the Recipe: German Yellow Beans