Summertime is barbecue season, and the best side dishes will add pizzaz, flavor, and color to your perfectly grilled meats. Here’s a guide to delicious sides for your next cookout, including make-ahead and hot-served options for an organized, stress-free menu.
25+ Best BBQ Side Dishes
Why stick to the classics when there are so many creative recipes to try? Here are some of the best BBQ side dishes to inspire your next family cookout.
Quick List: Side Dish Ideas
- Pasta Salad
- Potato Salad
- Corn Salad
- Cucumber Salad
- Coleslaw
- Garden Salad
- Caprese Salad
- Broccoli Salad
- Fruit Salad
- Vegetable Platter
- Charcuterie Board
- Macaroni Salad
- Baked Beans
- Rice Pilaf
- Cornbread
- Deviled Eggs
- Corn on the Cob
- Roasted Potatoes
- Mac and Cheese
- Pigs in a Blanket
- Meatballs
- Devils on Horseback
- Stuffed Jalapeño Peppers
- Onion Rings
- Grilled Zucchini
Sides to Make Ahead of Time
Cool and refreshing sides pair well with smoky BBQ. These can be made 24 hours in advance and refrigerated until serving.
- Pasta Salad: Combine cooked and cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, then toss with Italian dressing or balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Potato Salad: A versatile and fun side because you can use different flavor combinations to create different types of potato salad. Customize with crispy bacon, green onions, or fresh dill and creamy dressing.
- Coleslaw: Use thinly sliced napa cabbage, homemade ranch dressing, and fresh herbs for a unique twist.
- Garden Salad: Prep the night before, keeping lettuce and dressing separate until ready to serve. Add feta for extra flavor. Add red leaf, baby spinach, or arugula for flavor and color.
- Broccoli Salad: Combine fresh broccoli, dried cranberries, bacon, and dressing. Can be made the night before.
- Fruit Salad: Mix grapes, apples, pineapple, and watermelon. Serve with whipped cream or crème fraîche.
- Vegetable Platter: Prep cucumbers, carrots, cauliflower, and tomatoes ahead of time. Pair with ranch dressing and creamy feta. Veggie trays go great with charcuterie boards, which can also be made ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Caprese Salad: Slice tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, alternate with basil on a platter, and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Best made day of to prevent basil from wilting.
Sides to Make Day-Of
Hot and fresh sides that are best made the day you plan to barbecue.
- Deviled Eggs: Boil eggs ahead of time, then mix yolks with mayo, Miracle Whip, and mustard. Pipe or spoon mixture into halved egg whites. Sprinkle with salt, paprika, or Cajun seasoning.
- Roasted Baby Potatoes: Look for small potatoes free of soft spots and bruising. Coat small potatoes with olive oil, black pepper, coarse salt, and garlic powder. Bake at 400°F for 40 minutes to an hour.
- Grilled Vegetables: Try asparagus wrapped in bacon, or grilled okra, corn on the cob, and green beans.
- Mexican Street Corn: Brush grilled corn with mayo and sour cream, roll in cotija cheese or crumbled feta, and sprinkle with chili powder and lime juice.
- Cornbread: Cook in the smoker for a delicate smoky flavor.
- Mac and Cheese: Make a creamy sauce with Velveeta, cream, and butter. Top with Chipotle seasoning.
- Pigs in a Blanket: Wrap cocktail wieners or hot dogs in pastry dough and bake.
- Devils on Horseback: Dates stuffed with blue cheese and wrapped in bacon.
- Meatballs: Bake and serve hot or cold.
- Stuffed Jalapeño Peppers: Fill halved peppers with cream cheese, wrap in bacon, and bake until crispy.
- Onion Rings and Fried Vegetables: Deep-fry onions, zucchini, and carrots.
- Sweet Potato Fries: A popular, delicious side.
Best BBQ Side Dishes for Your Next Summer Cookout
Choosing which sides to make can be a struggle when there are so many delicious options! Select three to four sides that complement your main protein. Many dishes pair well with various meats, but consider the flavors to match rich, hearty meals or lighter fare.
Main Tip
Prepare as many sides as possible the day before, limiting day-of cooking to one or two easy-to-manage items. This ensures you are not overworked and have more time to enjoy with friends and family.
Cookout Essentials
Ensure you have plenty of fuel (wood pellets, charcoal, or propane) before starting. Keep paper towels, butcher paper, and an instant-read meat thermometer on hand to stay organized and avoid cooking mishaps.
