Safe Potluck Sides

[smokinsteve]

The 4th is upon us and there will be many gatherings where we bring something to share. What are some safe side dishes for these outdoor events?

[Potkettleblack]

Funeral/Party Potatoes will ALWAYS go.

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/funeral-potatoes-3268651

I think there's a recent discussion about it.

Cheesy potato casserole.

The alternative strategy, that I sometimes use at work is to bring something I know I will like, and then, either it goes, or I have tons of leftovers that I like.

[Steve R.]

Having your food devoured is kind of good and bad at the same time. I would take that over having a lot of it left when you didn't really plan to make extra.

[Steve R.]

I have had the Funeral Potatoes a lot of times, liked them, and had no idea they are called that.

[Potkettleblack]

Wife's fam calls them Party Potatoes... I think the LDS community calls them Funeral and it came from that. High calorie food is one of the few indulgences you get in LDS.

[klflowers]

I made this macaroni salad recently and it was a hit

https://www.restlesschipotle.com/old-fashioned-macaroni-salad/

[Jim White]

I've served this slaw to a lot of people and it's always been a hit. Very light, bright dressing.

http://picturetherecipe.com/recipes/apple-n-cabbage-slaw-with-a-light-cider-vinaigrette/

[ssandy_561]

Rigatoni and Ragu sauce. Cheap and Easy. Even children will eat this.

[58limited]

My Hopalong Hominy is always a hit, even with people who do not normally like hominy:

https://pitmaster.amazingribs.com/forum/recipes-technique-food-cooking/dutch-oven-recipes/947160-hopalong-hominy-hominy-and-green-chile-casserole-in-the-dutch-oven-recipe

[jfmorris]

I like the idea of that potato casserole that Potkettleblack posted - the OP wants "safe" dishes for a potluck, so I think stuff with mayonnaise or other ingredients that goes bad in the heat is what he is trying to stay away from.

Here's a hit that I made a while back - smoked mac and cheese:

https://heygrillhey.com/smoked-mac-and-cheese/

[smokin fool]

M&M's
They melt in your mouth not in your hand

[DavidNorcross]

Potatoe salads and macaroni salads great. Safe? Not so much if it is hot out there! We use these and they really help https://www.amazon.com/Pinnacle-Ther...s%2C205&sr=8-2

[JohnPaul]

Ramen salad is a good choice, it's vinegar based so staying chilled isn't the most important. You do need to keep it covered as the flies really love it too. All the people that say "you catch more flies with honey than vinegar" have clearly never tested that phrase outside at a picnic.

[mcook2201]

Baked beans, Mac & Cheese varieties and/or slaw are my go-to safe dishes.

[rickgregory]

By 'safe' do you mean food safe or safe in the sense of being things most people like?

For food safety, have a large chest of ice and keep the sides on ice. Food safety is mostly a matter of time and temp, so...

[smokinsteve]

Food safe.

[rickgregory]

So then I'd avoid mayo based things and would want some way to keep things cold. Ice in a chest, etc. Even then you'll need to make sure people don't leave them out on a table, etc.

[RichardCullip]

Broccoli salad