BBQ season is here, and it’s time to plan your next cookout. While the main dish often takes center stage, side dishes can make or break a BBQ meal. The right sides complement the star of the show and leave your guests feeling satisfied.
You can elevate your BBQ game with 30 tasty side dishes that will impress family and friends. From classic coleslaw to creative salads and casseroles, these sides offer something for everyone. Whether you prefer traditional favorites or want to try new flavors, you’ll find options to round out your BBQ menu and keep guests coming back for more.
Smoked Gouda mac and cheese is a tasty twist on a classic dish. You’ll love the rich, smoky flavor it adds to your BBQ spread.
To make it, cook elbow macaroni until it’s al dente. While the pasta cooks, make a roux with butter and flour. Then add milk or cream to create a smooth sauce.
The star of this dish is the cheese. Mix in grated smoked Gouda and sharp cheddar for a perfect blend of flavors. Some recipes also add cream cheese for extra creaminess.
Pour the cheesy mixture over the cooked pasta and stir well. You can serve it right away or bake it in the oven for a crispy top.
Grilled sweet potato fries are a tasty and healthy BBQ side dish. They’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, packed with flavor.
To make them, cut sweet potatoes into thin wedges. Toss them with olive oil and your favorite spices. Try a mix of brown sugar and chipotle for a sweet and spicy kick.
Grill the fries over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes. Turn them occasionally to ensure even cooking. The result is golden-brown fries with a hint of smoky flavor.
Sweet potato fries are versatile and pair well with many main dishes. They’re sure to be a hit at your next BBQ gathering.
Coleslaw with apple cider vinegar is a tangy and refreshing side dish for your BBQ. This no-mayo version is lighter and perfect for outdoor gatherings.
To make it, mix shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil for the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to combine. For best flavor, chill the coleslaw for 30 minutes before serving.
This vinegar-based slaw adds a zesty crunch to your plate and pairs well with smoky grilled meats. It’s easy to make and sure to be a hit at your next BBQ.
Bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers are a tasty BBQ side dish. You can grill or bake them. To make them, cut jalapenos in half and remove the seeds.
Fill the jalapeno halves with a mix of cream cheese, cheddar, and spices. Wrap each stuffed jalapeno with bacon. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
Grill the poppers for about 20-25 minutes on indirect heat. Move them to direct heat for 2-3 minutes at the end to crisp the bacon. If baking, cook in a hot oven until the bacon is crispy.
These spicy, cheesy bites are sure to be a hit at your BBQ. Be careful when handling hot peppers and wear gloves if you have sensitive skin.
Grilled asparagus makes a tasty and healthy BBQ side dish. To make it, trim the tough ends off the asparagus spears. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Place the asparagus on a hot grill perpendicular to the grates. Cook for 5-10 minutes, turning once, until they have nice char marks and are tender.
After grilling, sprinkle the asparagus with grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic. The heat will melt the cheese slightly and release the garlic’s flavor.
You can also wrap the asparagus in foil with oil and seasonings before grilling. This method steams them gently. Open the foil packet carefully at the end to add the cheese and garlic.
Honey garlic baked beans add a sweet and savory twist to your BBQ spread. You’ll love the blend of sticky honey and fragrant garlic in this dish.
To make them, start with canned navy beans. Mix in honey, minced garlic, ketchup, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Add some diced onions and crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and texture.
Bake the beans in a covered dish until they’re hot and bubbly. The honey will caramelize slightly, giving the beans a rich, glossy coating. These beans pair well with grilled meats and other BBQ favorites.
Spice up your BBQ with these zesty chipotle lime sweet potatoes. Start by cubing sweet potatoes and tossing them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Grill the potatoes for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re tender and lightly charred. While they cook, mix together lime juice, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and a touch of honey.
Once the potatoes are done, toss them in the chipotle lime mixture. The smoky heat of the chipotle balances perfectly with the sweetness of the potatoes and the bright citrus notes.
Sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving for an extra burst of flavor. These sweet potatoes are a tasty twist on a classic BBQ side dish.
Start by mixing Cajun spices with olive oil to create a marinade. Coat large shrimp in this mixture and let them sit for 15-30 minutes.
Thread the shrimp onto skewers, leaving space between each piece. Grill them for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly charred.
Serve your Cajun shrimp skewers hot off the grill. They pair well with cool dips or a squeeze of lemon. These skewers make a tasty appetizer or main dish for your BBQ spread.
Grilled pineapple slices are a tasty and simple BBQ side dish. They’re sweet, juicy, and easy to make.
To prepare, cut fresh pineapple into rings. Grill the slices for about 5 minutes on each side. The heat caramelizes the natural sugars, enhancing the flavor.
You can serve grilled pineapple as is or add toppings. Try sprinkling brown sugar and sea salt for extra sweetness and contrast.
This versatile dish works well as both a side and a dessert. For a sweet treat, top warm slices with ice cream.
Grilled pineapple pairs nicely with many BBQ mains. It’s especially good alongside teriyaki chicken or other grilled meats.
Truffle oil Parmesan fries are a luxurious twist on classic french fries. You can make them at home by baking or frying potato wedges until crispy.
Toss the fries with a drizzle of truffle oil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. The earthy truffle flavor pairs perfectly with the salty Parmesan.
For extra flavor, add minced garlic or garlic powder before baking. Serve these indulgent fries with a truffle aioli dipping sauce for the ultimate side dish.
These fries are sure to impress your guests at your next BBQ. Their rich flavors elevate any meal from ordinary to gourmet.
Beer-battered onion rings are a tasty side dish for your BBQ. They’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The beer in the batter adds a light, fluffy texture and subtle sweetness.
To make them, dip onion slices in a batter made with flour, beer, and seasonings. Then fry them until golden brown. You can serve them with ketchup, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.
These onion rings are perfect for parties or as a side for burgers and hot dogs. They’re easy to make at home and taste better than restaurant versions. Give them a try at your next cookout!
Caprese salad is a fresh and colorful BBQ side dish. It’s simple to make and packed with flavor. You’ll need ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves.
Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella. Arrange them on a plate, alternating between the two. Tuck basil leaves between the slices.
Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the top. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar if you like. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
This salad is best served immediately. The cool, creamy mozzarella pairs well with hot grilled meats.
Cornbread with jalapenos adds a spicy kick to a classic BBQ side dish. This tasty bread combines the sweetness of corn with the heat of peppers.
To make it, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Combine the wet and dry ingredients.
Dice one jalapeno and slice another into thin rounds. Fold the diced jalapeno into the batter. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish or cast-iron skillet.
Top the batter with jalapeno slices for extra flavor and visual appeal. Bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Serve your spicy cornbread warm alongside your favorite BBQ dishes. It pairs well with ribs, pulled pork, or grilled chicken.
Stuffed bell peppers are a tasty and versatile side dish for your BBQ. You can fill them with rice, ground meat, vegetables, or cheese.
Try grilling the peppers for extra smoky flavor. Serve them alongside grilled meats or as a vegetarian main dish.
For a lighter option, stuff the peppers with quinoa and roasted vegetables. You can prepare them ahead of time and reheat on the grill.
Pair stuffed peppers with simple sides like roasted potatoes, grilled asparagus, or a fresh salad. These colorful peppers will brighten up your BBQ spread.
Loaded baked potato salad is a tasty twist on classic potato salad. It combines the flavors of a loaded baked potato with the cool, creamy texture of potato salad.
To make it, you’ll need to cook potatoes until tender. You can boil them or bake them in the oven. Once cooled, cut them into cubes.
Mix mayo, sour cream, and seasonings for the dressing. Toss the potatoes with the dressing and add classic baked potato toppings. These include crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions.
This side dish is perfect for BBQs and potlucks. It’s filling, flavorful, and sure to be a hit with potato lovers.
Garlic butter mushrooms are a tasty BBQ side dish. You can make them easily in just 15 minutes. Start by cleaning and trimming your mushrooms.
Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms in one layer and cook for 5-7 minutes without stirring. Then stir and cook until all sides are brown.
Mix melted butter with minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the mushrooms and toss to coat evenly. For extra flavor, add some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
You can also grill these mushrooms. Place them in a foil packet with the garlic butter mixture and cook on the grill for about 10 minutes.
Three-bean salad is a tasty and easy side dish for your BBQ. It combines kidney beans, cannellini beans, and green beans for a colorful mix.
You can make this salad ahead of time and let it marinate in the fridge. The beans soak up the flavors of the dressing as they chill.
To make the dressing, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, and seasonings. Pour it over the beans and add some diced red onion for crunch.
This cool, refreshing salad pairs well with grilled meats and other BBQ favorites. It’s also a good protein option for vegetarian guests at your cookout.
Mango chili slaw brings a tropical twist to your BBQ spread. This refreshing side dish combines sweet mango chunks with crunchy cabbage and carrots.
A zesty dressing made with lime juice, chili powder, and a touch of honey adds a spicy-sweet kick. The mango’s natural sweetness balances the heat from the chili.
You can prep this slaw ahead of time, letting the flavors meld together. It’s perfect for topping fish tacos or serving alongside grilled meats.
For extra crunch, toss in some chopped peanuts or sliced almonds just before serving. This colorful slaw adds a bright, flavorful element to any summer cookout menu.
Roasted garlic mashed potatoes are a tasty twist on a classic side dish. Start by roasting a whole head of garlic in the oven until soft and golden.
Boil peeled potatoes until tender, then drain and mash them. Mix in butter, milk, and the roasted garlic cloves.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. For extra creaminess, add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese.
These potatoes pair perfectly with grilled meats at your BBQ. The roasted garlic adds a mellow, savory flavor that everyone will love.
Optimal Ingredients for BBQ Side Dishes
Great BBQ side dishes need top-notch ingredients. Fresh produce, hearty grains, and zesty spices are key to making tasty sides that complement grilled meats.
Seasonal Vegetables
Fresh, in-season veggies are essential for tasty BBQ sides. In summer, go for corn, tomatoes, and zucchini. These can be grilled or used raw in salads. Bell peppers add color and crunch to any dish. Try grilling them or adding them to pasta salads.
Leafy greens like spinach or kale work well in cold salads. They’re packed with nutrients too. Root vegetables like carrots and beets are good choices year-round. You can roast them or grate them raw for slaws.
Don’t forget about onions and garlic. They add flavor to many dishes. Green onions are great for garnishing potato salads or baked beans.
Grains and Legumes
Grains and legumes make BBQ sides more filling. Rice is a classic choice. You can use it in cold salads or as a base for veggie pilafs. Quinoa is a protein-rich option that works well in cold or hot dishes.
Pasta is perfect for cold salads. Choose small shapes like orzo or rotini. They mix well with veggies and dressings. Couscous is another good pick for light, fluffy sides.
For legumes, try black beans or chickpeas. They’re great in salads or as a base for dips. Lentils work well in cold salads too. They’re packed with protein and fiber.
Herbs and Spices
Herbs and spices bring BBQ sides to life. Fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, and parsley add bright flavors. Chop them and mix into salads or use as garnishes. Dried herbs like oregano and thyme work well in marinades or dressings.
For spices, start with basics like salt and pepper. Then add flavor with paprika, cumin, or chili powder. These work well in bean dishes or rubs for grilled veggies. Garlic powder and onion powder are handy for quick seasoning.
Don’t forget about acids. Lemon juice or vinegar can brighten up any dish. They’re great in dressings or for finishing touches on grilled veggies.
Nutritional Considerations
Choosing healthy BBQ sides can boost the nutritional value of your meal. Pay attention to macronutrients, fiber content, and added sugars to create a balanced spread.
Balancing Macronutrients
A mix of carbs, proteins, and fats makes for a well-rounded BBQ menu. Aim for sides that offer a good balance of these nutrients.
Grilled veggies like zucchini or bell peppers provide carbs and fiber. Add lean proteins through dishes like a chickpea salad or grilled tofu skewers. Include healthy fats with an avocado-based dip or a vinaigrette made with olive oil.
Try to have at least one side from each macronutrient group. This helps you feel full and satisfied while getting a range of nutrients.
Incorporating Fiber
Fiber-rich sides aid digestion and keep you feeling full. They can also help balance out heavier BBQ mains.
Opt for whole grain salads using quinoa or brown rice. These offer more fiber than their refined counterparts. Bean-based dishes like three-bean salad are packed with both fiber and protein.
Fresh fruit salads or grilled fruit skewers add natural sweetness and fiber. Vegetable slaws made with cabbage or broccoli are crunchy, refreshing, and high in fiber.
Reducing Added Sugars
Many traditional BBQ sides can be high in added sugars. Making simple swaps can cut down on sugar without sacrificing taste.
Replace sugary dressings with homemade vinaigrettes or Greek yogurt-based dips. For coleslaw, use a vinegar-based dressing instead of the usual sweet, creamy version.
If you’re serving baked beans, look for low-sugar varieties or make your own using less sweetener. Swap out sugary drinks for infused water or unsweetened iced tea.
Grill fruit for a naturally sweet dessert option. The heat brings out the fruit’s natural sugars without any need for added sweeteners.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
