17 Easy Sides That Always Get Wiped Out at the Party
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Need a side dish that won’t come home with you? These easy sides are simple to prep, full of flavor, and disappear before you even get a chance to grab seconds. Whether it’s a backyard cookout or a last-minute potluck, these are the foolproof recipes everyone will ask you for.
Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice

This copycat Longhorn Steakhouse rice is the side dish that always disappears first at any gathering. With tender, fluffy rice, sweet bell peppers, and a savory hint from chicken broth, it’s simple but packed with big, crowd-pleasing flavors. This is one of those easy recipes that keeps guests coming back for seconds, and asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice
Popeyes Coleslaw
Crisp, creamy, and perfectly tangy, this Popeyes coleslaw is a must-have side that’s guaranteed to vanish before the main dishes even hit the table. The crunchy cabbage and carrots tossed in a velvety dressing bring just the right refreshing balance to heavier grilled or fried foods. No summer party or BBQ spread feels complete without this classic favorite.
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Coleslaw
Broccoli Rice Casserole
This cheesy broccoli rice casserole is comfort food that’s practically made to get wiped out at parties. Fluffy rice, tender broccoli, and melty cheddar cheese combine in every bite for a rich, creamy side dish that everyone loves. Bring this to any get-together, and don’t expect to bring leftovers home.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole
Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Baked cauliflower mac and cheese transforms a comfort food favorite into a light, flavor-packed side that’s always the first to disappear. Creamy, cheesy, and baked to perfection, it’s hard to believe it’s made with cauliflower. Serve this up at your next party, and watch it steal the spotlight from everything else on the table.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Parmesan Potatoes
Oven-roasted parmesan potatoes are the ultimate crowd-pleaser that vanish faster than you can make them. Crispy, cheesy on the outside, and buttery soft inside, they pair perfectly with everything from grilled meats to picnic sandwiches. Just be warned, once they hit the table, they won’t stick around for long.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Potatoes
Honey Glazed Carrots
Add a bright pop of color and irresistible sweetness to your party spread with these honey-glazed carrots. Coated in a rich honey-garlic butter glaze, they’re the kind of side dish that makes even veggie skeptics clean their plates. Easy to make and impossible to resist, these carrots will be gone before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Carrots
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Crispy, golden, and packed with flavor, these air fryer zucchini fries are a healthier twist on a party favorite that always gets wiped out. The parmesan coating adds a savory crunch that keeps everyone reaching for just one more bite. They’re the perfect easy-to-make side that tastes like a treat but leaves no guilt behind.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Potato Fritters
Golden and crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside, these potato fritters are guaranteed to be the first thing gone at brunches or backyard parties. Serve them with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a side that’s as pretty as it is irresistible. They’re fast, fuss-free, and always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Potato Fritters
Parmesan and Garlic Wings
These parmesan and garlic wings fly off the platter every time. Coated in buttery garlic goodness and finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and parmesan, they’re bold, savory, and totally addictive. Perfect for game nights or backyard cookouts, they’re the kind of side dish that doubles as a main event.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan and Garlic Wings
Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits
Packed with crispy bacon, melty cheddar, and a hint of ranch seasoning, these bacon and cheddar biscuits are practically impossible to resist. Soft, fluffy, and packed with big, bold flavors, they disappear in no time at potlucks and family gatherings. Serve these side dishes warm and watch them vanish.
Get the Recipe: Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits
Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes
Creamy, light, and full of flavor, these mashed cauliflower potatoes are the kind of sneaky side that vanishes fast, usually before anyone realizes they’re not the real deal. Rich and buttery without the heaviness of traditional mashed potatoes, they’re the perfect way to balance out indulgent mains at any gathering. So good, they’re almost always the first thing to disappear from the table.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes
Coleslaw with Creamy Dressing
This coleslaw with creamy dressing is the crisp, refreshing side dish that never sticks around long. With crunchy cabbage and a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy dressing, it’s the ultimate palate cleanser between rich, hearty bites. Simple, delicious, and perfect for any party spread.
Get the Recipe: Coleslaw with Creamy Dressing
Buttermilk Drop Biscuits
Soft, buttery, and golden brown, these buttermilk drop biscuits require zero kneading and are always the first to disappear from the table. Whether served with a slab of butter, drizzled with honey, or paired with a steaming bowl of soup, they’re the kind of side that steals the show with minimal effort. Easy to make and impossible to resist.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Drop Biscuits
Chipotle Rice
Skip the takeout and whip up this bright and flavorful chipotle rice at home. Light, fluffy, and packed with vibrant, fresh flavor, it’s the perfect companion to grilled meats and BBQ favorites. This easy recipe will be the side everyone remembers and asks for next time.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Rice
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, buttery, and loaded with rich roasted garlic flavor, these mashed potatoes are the definition of a crowd-favorite side. Simple to make but impossible to forget, they’re perfect for holiday spreads, backyard barbecues, or any dinner where comfort food reigns supreme. Just be prepared for them to vanish before you even sit down.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Homemade Sauerkraut
Homemade sauerkraut brings a tangy, refreshing crunch to balance out all the rich dishes on your party table. Naturally packed with goodness, it’s a healthy and flavorful side that pairs perfectly with everything from sausages to sandwiches. Serve it up and watch everyone go back for more.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Sauerkraut
Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower rice is the light, flavorful side that balances out heavier dishes and keeps everyone feeling good. Easy and simple to make and endlessly versatile, it’s a fresh and light option that disappears fast from the party spread. Plus, it pairs with just about everything.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Rice