19 of Grandma’s holy grail soups, salads, and sides that the crowd just can’t enough of

Grandma’s holy grail soups, salads, and sides are the ones everyone remembers, and the ones people still ask for when a potluck is coming up. Each recipe brings that cozy, familiar flavor that makes the crowd hover near the table and go back for seconds.

A thick soup simmering on the stove, a creamy salad in the fridge, and a warm side fresh from the oven can carry the whole meal. These classics stretch ingredients, feed a lot of people, and save you from overthinking what to bring.

Nostalgic, dependable, and always popular, these dishes fit holidays, weeknight dinners, and last-minute gatherings without stress. Grab a serving spoon and a big bowl, because once they hit the table, everyone suddenly “just wants a little taste.”

Potato Fritters

Potato fritters turn basic potatoes into crispy, golden patties that feel like a treat at any meal. Eggs, onion, and garlic add savory flavor, then a dollop of yogurt and chives make them look and taste extra special. They are a hit for breakfast, brunch, or a snack that vanishes the moment it hits the table.
Get the Recipe: Potato Fritters

Braised Cabbage

Braised cabbage turns a humble vegetable into a soft, savory side that tastes like it cooked with love. Slow cooking brings out sweetness and makes every bite tender and comforting. It is the kind of quiet hero dish that balances heavier mains and gets surprisingly big compliments.
Get the Recipe: Braised Cabbage

French Onion Soup

French onion soup is the kind of classic that makes everyone quiet after the first spoonful. Slow-cooked onions turn sweet and deeply savory, then a layer of bread and melted cheese makes the top golden and irresistible. Serve it in bowls straight from the oven and it instantly feels like a special, old-school crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup

Roasted Tomato Soup

Roasted tomato soup tastes like it simmered all day, even though the oven does most of the work. Roasted tomatoes, onions, and garlic blend into a smooth, herb-kissed bowl that feels rich and cozy without being heavy. Finish with basil and a drizzle of olive oil, and suddenly lunch or dinner feels like a warm hug from grandma.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Soup

Parmesan Roasted Green Beans

Parmesan roasted green beans take a bag of frozen veg and make it feel like you tried. The oven gives you crisp edges, the seasoning adds garlicky flavor, and parmesan finishes it with a salty bite. It is a simple side that pairs with everything and always gets cleaned up first.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Roasted Green Beans

Potato and Leek Soup

Potato and leek soup is creamy comfort that never goes out of style. Potatoes give it that velvety body, while leeks and thyme add a soft, savory flavor that feels calm and familiar. It is perfect for chilly nights, and even better the next day when the flavors settle in.
Get the Recipe: Potato and Leek Soup

Honey Glazed Carrots

Honey glazed carrots bring color and sweetness to the table without any extra fuss. A quick honey-garlic-butter glaze coats tender carrots and makes them taste way more exciting than plain steamed veggies. They come together fast, and kids and adults both go back for more.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Carrots

Drop Biscuits

Drop biscuits are what grandma made when she wanted bread on the table fast. No rolling or cutting, you just stir the dough, scoop it onto a pan, and bake. They come out tender and buttery, perfect for soups, stews, or swiping up gravy.
Get the Recipe: Drop Biscuits

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts go crispy outside and buttery-soft inside, then bacon and balsamic take them straight into crowd-favorite territory. Ten minutes of prep is all you need, and the oven handles the rest. Even people who swear they hate Brussels sprouts usually end up asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Carrot Raisin Salad

Carrot raisin salad is a classic for a reason; it hits creamy, crunchy, and sweet in one bite. Shredded carrots and raisins get coated in a smooth dressing that makes it feel nostalgic in the best way. Bring it to a party, and it always starts conversations, usually followed by requests for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Raisin Salad

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic mashed potatoes are the kind of side that people keep “just tasting” until their plate is full. Butter, milk, and garlic make them rich and fluffy, with enough flavor to stand on their own. Serve them with anything, and suddenly the whole meal feels more like a family gathering than a random weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Avocado Salad

Avocado salad keeps things fresh and bright, but still feels refreshing on the plate. Creamy avocado, tomatoes, and cucumbers get tossed in a simple dressing that tastes clean and summery year-round. It is quick, flexible, and a solid side when you need something lighter next to heavier comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Salad

Parmesan Potatoes

Parmesan potatoes deliver crispy, cheesy edges and buttery centers that feel like restaurant potatoes at home. Baby potatoes roast up golden, then a parmesan crust makes them impossible to stop eating. Set out a bowl with sour cream for dipping and watch them vanish.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Potatoes

Chopped Chicken Salad

Chopped chicken salad eats like a full meal, not a sad pile of greens. Bite-sized pieces give you crunch in every forkful, and the protein keeps it filling without feeling heavy. It is great for lunch prep, quick dinners, or feeding a crowd that wants something fresh but still filling.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Chicken Salad

Grandma’s Hearty Offal Stew

Grandma’s hearty offal stew is the kind of old-school recipe that turns humble ingredients into serious comfort food. Slow simmering makes the meat tender and rich, and the broth ends up deep, savory, and full of character. It is hearty, budget-smart, and exactly the sort of bowl that brings people back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Hearty Offal Stew

Italian Salad

Italian salad brings the kind of bold, can’t-stop-eating flavor that makes a salad feel like the main attraction. Everything is chopped small so each forkful gets crunch, creamy bits, and tangy dressing all at once. Put it on the table and watch it disappear faster than the pasta.
Get the Recipe: Italian Salad

Fish Stock

Fish stock is grandma-level kitchen wisdom, because it makes everything you cook after it taste better. A gentle simmer with herbs and vegetables builds a clean, delicate base for soups, stews, and sauces without tasting fishy. Make a batch, freeze it in portions, and you have an instant upgrade ready whenever a recipe needs depth.
Get the Recipe: Fish Stock

Broccoli Casserole

Broccoli casserole is the side dish that convinces even the veggie skeptics to take a scoop. Tender broccoli gets wrapped in a creamy, cheesy sauce, then topped with buttery crackers for that crunchy finish everyone fights over. Bring it to a gathering and do not expect leftovers; it disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Homemade Sauerkraut

Homemade sauerkraut is grandma’s thriftiness and kitchen know-how rolled into one jar. Cabbage and salt transform into a tangy, crunchy condiment that adds instant punch to sandwiches, bowls, and hearty dinners. It keeps well, tastes better over time, and gives you a homemade staple that store-bought versions rarely match.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Sauerkraut