The Ultimate Collection of BBQ Side Dishes for Your Next Cookout

No barbecue feast is truly complete without an impressive array of delicious side dishes. While the grilled meats often steal the show, it’s the sides that transform a simple cookout into a memorable culinary experience. They add texture, flavor, and much-needed balance to your plate, ensuring even the biggest meat-eaters find their meal perfectly rounded. From refreshing salads to hearty baked dishes, and even some sweet treats, this massive list offers over 30 perfect BBQ sides that come together quickly, scale effortlessly for a crowd, and perfectly complement whatever you’ve got sizzling on the grill this summer. Get ready to elevate your outdoor dining!

Over 30 Essential Sides for Your Unforgettable BBQ Feast

Say goodbye to the age-old question, “What sides go with BBQ?” This comprehensive collection features an incredible variety of barbecue side dishes, ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner at home or hosting a large gathering for friends, these recipes are designed to be both delicious and easy to prepare. It’s time to fire up that grill, prepare your favorite hamburgers, steaks, or grilled chicken, and surround them with these fantastic accompaniments.

Kale and Apple Potato Salad

As the weather warms, potato salad makes its welcome return to picnic tables. For those who appreciate the classic but desire a fresher, more vibrant experience, this recipe offers a delightful twist. It combines tender potatoes with nutrient-rich leafy kale, crisp and sweet apples, all tossed in a zesty homemade Dijon dressing. It’s a fantastic lighter alternative that still brings the comfort of a traditional potato salad, perfect for spring and summer gatherings.

Pulled Pork Parfait

With meat already a centerpiece, why not embrace an innovative, handheld appetizer that brings together three cookout favorites? This pulled pork parfait layers creamy mashed potatoes, tangy coleslaw, and savory pulled pork into a convenient plastic cup. It’s an ingenious way to serve a hearty bite that’s both scalable for a crowd and incredibly portable, making it ideal for mixing and mingling under the summer sun.

Southwest Black Bean and Corn Salad

Bursting with vibrant colors and bold flavors, this refreshing salad is packed with fresh corn, juicy diced tomatoes, wholesome black beans, and chickpeas. Infused with authentic Southwestern spices, it delivers a satisfying and hearty experience. This salad makes an excellent accompaniment to grilled chicken or steak, and truly shines when paired with slow-cooked dishes like Crock Pot Mexican Pulled Pork or Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Tostadas, adding a fresh, zesty contrast to rich flavors.

Greek Cucumber Salad

This crisp, lettuce-free cucumber salad is an ideal choice for balancing out a robust, meat-heavy barbecue plate. Its vibrant Greek flavors come from sun-dried tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, pungent red onion, and salty feta cheese, all harmoniously tossed in a bright lemon-oregano dressing. This salad is so delicious on its own, you’ll crave more, but it also pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken for an added protein boost, creating a complete and satisfying meal.

Caprese Pasta Salad

Pasta salads are a beloved choice when you’re yearning for pasta but desire something light, refreshing, and cool, especially during warmer months. This Caprese Pasta Salad is particularly delightful, and as a bonus, leftovers often taste even better the next day! Featuring tender pasta, sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil, its colors famously mirror the Italian flag, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious – a true summer staple for any gathering.

Strawberry Bruschetta

This delightful interpretation of a classic Italian appetizer brings together the best of summer flavors. It features ripe, sweet strawberries, refreshing mint leaves, and a creamy, tangy blend of ricotta and goat cheese, all elegantly spread atop perfectly toasted baguette slices. We’ve also experimented with mascarpone, which yields an equally delicious result. This bruschetta is a sophisticated yet simple way to start your BBQ, offering a sweet and savory bite that’s sure to impress your guests.

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Classic macaroni and cheese is the quintessential comfort food, serving as a perfect complement to any meat entree. Its universally loved, neutral flavor ensures it won’t overshadow the delicious creations sizzling on your grill. This particular recipe is oven-free, a significant advantage during the summer months when avoiding turning on the oven helps keep your house cool. It’s creamy, cheesy, and requires minimal effort, making it a stress-free addition to your barbecue spread.

Watermelon Salad

Proof that a dish doesn’t need to be complicated to be incredibly satisfying, this three-ingredient summer salad is a masterclass in sweet-meets-savory harmony. It features succulent, cooling watermelon chunks paired with delicate shavings of Pecorino Romano cheese, all drizzled with a rich balsamic glaze. The unexpected combination of flavors and textures makes this a refreshing and unique addition to your barbecue, offering a delightful counterpoint to savory grilled fare.

Broccoli Slaw

Elevate a simple bag of broccoli slaw into a vibrant and flavorful side dish with this enticing recipe. We enhance it with sweet apples for delightful crunch and natural sweetness, onions for a sharp tang, and pungent blue cheese for an unexpected depth of flavor. A homemade honey-Dijon dressing ties it all together, creating a take on coleslaw that’s truly fantastic, especially for those who might not typically favor the mayonnaise-based traditional version. It’s fresh, crunchy, and irresistibly good.

CrockPot Bourbon Baked Beans

For a hot barbecue side that delivers an explosion of flavor without requiring any oven space, these CrockPot Bourbon Baked Beans are an absolute winner. The bourbon infuses the beans with a wonderfully rich and complex taste that is simply irresistible. If you prefer an alcohol-free version or are serving children, apple juice can be easily swapped in for the bourbon. This hands-off recipe makes it incredibly simple to prepare a hearty, smoky, and slightly sweet side that everyone will adore.

Bacon Jalapeño Bread

While cornbread is a beloved barbecue staple, this scratch-made savory bread offers an incredibly swoon-worthy alternative. Loaded with crispy bacon, rich cheese, and fiery jalapeños, it provides a fantastic flavor and textural contrast to any grilled meal. What’s more, the bacon and dairy ingredients can be easily substituted with meatless and plant-based alternatives, ensuring that your vegetarian and vegan friends can also enjoy this delicious, flavorful bread without missing out.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Utilize your air fryer to achieve perfectly crispy, golden-brown sweet potato fries, offering a fantastic way to enjoy this popular side without heating up your kitchen with the oven during warm summer months. If you prefer the classic potato version, check out our guide on how to cook regular French fries in the air fryer. Don’t forget to prepare your favorite dipping sauce to complete this irresistible side!

CrockPot Corn Pudding

Corn has been a foundational staple in the American diet, celebrated for its abundance and versatility. Did you know that corn pudding itself is a delicious fusion of traditional Native American and English culinary traditions, brought to the New World by early settlers? This creamy, comforting dish, made effortlessly in your slow cooker, offers a sweet and savory balance that makes it a perfect, hands-off side for any barbecue, bringing a touch of history and homey goodness to your table.

CrockPot Creamed Corn

Ditch the canned varieties and opt for this incredibly customizable, oven-free version of cream-style corn, made conveniently in your CrockPot. We love enjoying it simply as-is for its rich, sweet, and velvety texture. However, it’s also perfect for creative additions to complement the rest of your feast. Consider stirring in crispy bacon for an extra meaty dimension, or adding diced jalapeños and green chilies if your guests crave a touch of heat. It’s a crowd-pleaser that allows for endless personalization.

Jiffy Cornbread with Sour Cream

This effortlessly easy cornbread recipe has become one of the most beloved and frequently shared on our site, and for good reason! It starts with just two boxes of Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, then gains its irresistible tang and perfect fluffiness from the addition of sour cream. Serve it warm, and for an extra special treat, slather a layer of our Copycat Texas Roadhouse Butter on top. It’s a simple, comforting side that’s guaranteed to be a hit at any meal.

BLT Pasta Salad

For anyone who adores the classic BLT sandwich, this fun and delicious twist is an absolute must-try! It cleverly replaces the bread with tender elbow macaroni, creating a hearty and refreshing pasta salad. Loaded with crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomatoes, all coated in a creamy dressing, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. For a double dose of BLT goodness at your summer cookout, consider pairing it with our irresistible BLT Dip served with crackers or toasted bread. This is truly one of our favorite takes on macaroni salad.

CrockPot Loaded Mashed Cauliflower

This vegetable-powered interpretation of traditional loaded mashed potatoes is a frequent star in our kitchen, enjoyed for its satisfying flavor and lighter profile. We find it pairs wonderfully with our summer grilling favorites, offering a creamy and hearty counterpoint to grilled meats. It’s equally cherished as a comforting side dish during holiday meals. Top it generously with shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a truly perfect, guilt-free side dish that’s bursting with flavor.

Grilled Avocados

Since your grill is already fired up, why limit its use to just meat? Avocados transform beautifully with a kiss of smoky char, revealing a new depth of flavor and creamy texture. This recipe presents a fantastic opportunity to add a unique and healthy grilled vegetable to your barbecue spread. Feel free to customize the Greek-inspired toppings, swapping them for ingredients that perfectly complement the flavors of your main barbecue feast. It’s an unexpected grilling treat that’s sure to delight your guests.

Crock Pot Stuffed Tomatoes

Summer truly is tomato season, making it the ideal time to savor these fresh, ripe beauties at their absolute peak. These savory cheese-stuffed tomatoes are prepared conveniently in your slow cooker, offering a hands-off approach that keeps your kitchen cool. They make a wonderfully tender and flavorful vegetarian-friendly barbecue side dish, providing a delightful option for all your guests to enjoy, showcasing the season’s bounty in a comforting way.

Hawaiian Mac Salad

Anyone familiar with our blog knows my deep affection for Hawaii, stemming from my college days on the Big Island. This Hawaiian Mac Salad, a standard component of any authentic Hawaiian lunch plate, is an absolutely fantastic side dish for a summertime luau or tiki party. Its creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet profile makes it incredibly addictive. For a truly immersive experience, don’t forget to pair it with Hawaiian Pulled Pork, Hawaiian Chicken, and perhaps some Hawaiian Hurricane Popcorn for a fun between-meal snack!

Broccoli Bacon Salad

Dive into the recipe post for the delightful “secret ingredient” that bestows this irresistible broccoli and bacon salad with its truly magical flavor profile. This salad, brimming with crisp broccoli, crunchy bacon, and a wonderfully creamy dressing, is a true year-round favorite in our kitchen. Its blend of sweet, savory, and tangy notes makes it a consistently sought-after dish that complements almost any meal, including your next barbecue spread.

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Asparagus is a versatile vegetable that inherently possesses a delicate flavor, requiring minimal embellishment to shine. When wrapped in savory bacon, it becomes an even more exquisite side. These bacon-wrapped asparagus stalks are incredibly simple to prepare directly on the grill, offering a convenient and elegant flame-grilled barbecue side dish. The smoky bacon perfectly complements the tender-crisp asparagus, making for an impressive yet easy accompaniment to your main course.

Orzo Pasta Salad with Bacon and Parmesan Vinaigrette

This summer salad is a feast for both the eyes and the palate, bursting with vibrant colors from corn, peas, tomatoes, carrots, onions, and crispy bacon – truly stunning on any dinner table. The delicate orzo pasta serves as a perfect base for this medley of fresh ingredients. A zesty Parmesan vinaigrette perfectly complements the smoky bacon, acting as the delicious “icing” on top of this beautiful and flavorful salad. It’s light, refreshing, and an ideal choice for a sunny barbecue gathering.

Caprese Salad

This fresh Italian classic is so astonishingly simple to assemble that labeling this four-ingredient side dish a “recipe” almost feels like an overstatement. Featuring ripe tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil leaves, and a luscious balsamic glaze, it’s a celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients. The versatile balsamic glaze, in particular, finds endless uses in our kitchen, from enhancing salads to adding depth to grilled cheese sandwiches, making this quick and elegant side a true summer staple.

Spicy Deviled Eggs

We’ve personally witnessed countless platters of these deviled eggs, with their exciting kick, disappear rapidly at parties and cookouts we’ve hosted. If you’re new to making them, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by their ease of preparation. We’ve included a comprehensive recipe walkthrough to guide you through every step, ensuring you achieve perfectly creamy, zesty, and subtly spicy deviled eggs that are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleasing appetizer and a standout at any barbecue gathering.

Kool-Aid Pickles

Adding a splash of vibrant color to mealtime is always a fun endeavor, and with these Kool-Aid Pickles, you unlock an entire rainbow of 22 flavor-based shades! These novel, kid-friendly pickles are a fantastic way to introduce a playful element to your next barbecue or potluck. They’re sure to be a conversation starter and a memorable snack, offering a unique sweet-and-sour experience that’s both surprising and delightfully refreshing, especially for adventurous eaters.

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash is a truly unique yellow vegetable, aptly named for the way its roasted flesh naturally separates into strands resembling spaghetti noodles. With this easy air fryer how-to guide, you’ll be able to prepare a quick and delicious roasted vegetable side dish for your cookout in no time. The air fryer method ensures a tender yet slightly caramelized squash without ever needing to touch your oven, making it a healthy, low-carb, and convenient addition to your summer menu.

Black Bean Salsa

This versatile black bean salsa is incredibly delicious, whether scooped up with sturdy tortilla chips as an appetizer or served as a vibrant topping for any South-of-the-Border or Tex-Mex inspired meats you plan to grill. Brimming with fresh ingredients, it’s 100 percent plant-based, making it a fantastic and flavorful extra option for vegetarian and vegan guests to enjoy. Its fresh, zesty flavors and hearty texture make it a winning addition to any cookout spread.

Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeños

Prepare to meet the classic jalapeño popper you know and love, but taken to an irresistible new level: cheesier, and decadently wrapped in thick-cut, savory bacon. These spicy, creamy, and smoky bites are an absolute game-changer for any party or barbecue. While we haven’t personally tried this method yet, we’re confident you could easily fire these up on the grill for a fantastic grilled version, adding another layer of smoky flavor to this already perfect appetizer.

Kidney Bean Salad

As a native of the Pacific Northwest and my husband, John, hailing from Alabama, one of our most cherished ways of connecting has been through sharing and introducing each other to various dishes in the kitchen. This delicious Southern salad is a testament to that journey, featuring hearty canned kidney beans, crisp green peppers, crunchy celery, and perfectly hard-boiled eggs, all bound together in a wonderfully tangy mayonnaise and pickle juice brine dressing. It’s a comforting, make-ahead friendly side with a delightful blend of textures and flavors.

Spicy Southwest Biscuits

These savory biscuits, infused with a delightful kick, draw inspiration from the spicy rolls served at a beloved local Kalispell bakery. They are a fantastic, carb-based side dish that complements any cookout or grilling session beautifully. We particularly love their ease of replication, as they come together effortlessly using common pantry staples: a box of Bisquick Baking Mix, zesty taco seasoning, and a can of Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies. They are fluffy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.

Crock Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

Earlier in this roundup, we featured our classic slow-cooker mac and cheese; now, for those craving something truly hearty and robust, we present a chili-loaded version – and we mean loaded! This CrockPot Chili Mac and Cheese combines two ultimate comfort foods into one satisfying dish. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd and requires minimal effort, making it ideal for busy days or potlucks. This particular recipe is one of our most popular shares on the site, consistently earning rave reviews for its rich flavor and ease.

Pear Salad

This unique sweet-meets-savory Southern pear salad is an excellent choice if you’re looking for something on the sweeter side to beautifully balance the savory richness of grilled meats on your plate. Each canned pear half is adorned with a dollop of creamy mayonnaise, but for a different flavor profile, you can easily swap this ingredient with cottage cheese or cream cheese. It’s a surprisingly refreshing and delightful side that adds a touch of unexpected elegance to any barbecue spread.

Tequila-Spiked Guacamole

Summertime is all about fresh eats, vibrant flavors, and keeping the good times rolling! So, here’s a fantastic tequila-spiked guacamole recipe perfect for pairing with a generous serving of sturdy tortilla chips. If you need a refreshing, zesty bite in between enjoying all the delicious grilled items at your cookout, this guacamole is your answer. The hint of tequila adds a festive twist, making it an irresistible and cooling dip that’s sure to be a hit with adults.

Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole

A true Southern barbecue or cookout simply wouldn’t feel complete without the comforting presence of a classic green bean casserole! This iconic dish combines accessible pantry basics and is wonderfully make-ahead-friendly, making it a reliable and beloved meal accompaniment year-round. It’s not just a holiday staple; its creamy texture, tender green beans, and crispy fried onion topping make it one of our favorite and most versatile side dishes for any gathering, including your summer grilling events.

Southern Green Beans and Bacon

These Southern-style green beans are cooked to perfection with savory bacon, creating an epic side dish that promises to be a universal favorite. The rich, smoky flavor of the bacon infuses every tender green bean, elevating a simple vegetable into something truly special and deeply comforting. It’s a classic combination that’s hard to resist, guaranteed to be devoured by everyone at your table. After all, how can you ever go wrong when bacon and green beans come together in such a delicious harmony?

Air Fried Corn on the Cob

Discover the incredible ease of making Air Fried Corn on the Cob, resulting in perfectly cooked kernels that are amazingly sweet and tender. This method transforms fresh corn into an ideal, quick, and simple side dish for any dinner, barbecue, or casual meal. It’s an efficient way to achieve that delicious roasted flavor without the need for a grill or stove, making it a perfect, hassle-free addition to your summer menu. Say hello to perfectly cooked corn every time!

Classic Macaroni Salad

An easy, creamy, and wonderfully satisfying Classic Macaroni Salad is the quintessential barbecue side dish that everyone adores. With its timeless flavors and comforting texture, it brings a nostalgic touch to any gathering. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, this macaroni salad is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, complementing grilled meats and other summer staples with its cool, tangy, and slightly sweet profile. It’s a fundamental part of any successful outdoor feast.

Sweet BBQ Sides and Dessert Salads

Beyond savory dishes, a successful barbecue spread often includes lighter, sweeter options to cleanse the palate and delight guests. These “dessert salads” are perfect for adding a touch of sweetness and often a refreshing coolness, making them ideal complements to a hearty grilled meal. They’re often quick to prepare and a favorite among both kids and adults.

Strawberry Fluff

This Easy Strawberry Fluff Salad Recipe is a versatile and delightful dish, perfect for everything from casual family dinners to festive holiday events. This quick and effortless Jello Salad takes mere minutes to prepare, yet delivers an amazing, light, and fruity taste. Its airy texture and sweet strawberry flavor make it a refreshing counterpoint to richer barbecue fare, offering a sweet treat that’s easy to love and even easier to make for any gathering.

Snickers Salad

Indulge in this surprisingly delicious Snickers Salad, a truly sweet and creamy dessert salad that offers an amazing combination of flavors and textures. It brings together the irresistible crunch of Snickers candy bars, the crisp freshness of apples, and a luscious creamy pudding dressing. This unique blend creates a delightful treat that’s perfect for potlucks, parties, or any occasion where you want to serve something a little unexpected and utterly satisfying. It’s a guaranteed hit, especially for those with a sweet tooth.

Easy Fruit Salad

Here’s an exceptionally easy fruit salad recipe that comes together in mere minutes and tastes absolutely fantastic! This no-stress side dish is bursting with natural sweetness and vibrant colors, making it the perfect refreshing addition for summer picnics, barbecues, or any gathering. Loaded with a delightful medley of fresh fruits, it offers a light, healthy, and incredibly flavorful option that everyone, from kids to adults, will appreciate as a sweet and cooling complement to their meal.

Dreamsicle Salad

This Easy Orange Dreamsicle Salad is a delightful family dessert salad, perfectly suited for potlucks, barbecues, or simply as a refreshing snack on a warm day. Capturing the nostalgic taste of an orange creamsicle, this salad requires just a few minutes of prep time. Once assembled, it chills until you’re ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Its creamy texture and vibrant citrus notes make it an incredibly light and satisfying sweet treat that’s easy to love.

Explore More Great Recipe Collections

Recipes with Sour Cream – Discover our favorite recipes featuring sour cream, including creamy dips, indulgent desserts, flavorful appetizers, delightful baked goods, hearty entrees, and comforting soups. This versatile dairy product adds a rich tang and velvety texture to a wide array of dishes, making it a star ingredient in many of our most beloved creations.

Lemon Desserts – Pucker up for these irresistibly delicious lemon desserts! Bursting with bright, zesty flavor, they are the quintessential sweet treat for spring and summer. From light and airy tarts to rich and creamy bars, these recipes celebrate the refreshing essence of lemon, perfect for adding a sunny touch to any meal or celebration.

Recipes with Bacon – Explore a fantastic array of recipes that feature the incomparable flavor of bacon! This collection spans from savory appetizers and hearty entrees to surprising and delicious desserts. Whether you love its crispy texture or smoky essence, you’ll find exciting ways to incorporate bacon into every course, making every dish more flavorful and memorable.

Bisquick Recipes – Unlock the potential of your pantry with these incredibly easy Bisquick recipes! This collection covers everything from quick and satisfying breakfasts to delicious snacks, comforting dinner entrées, and much more. All these recipes leverage the convenience of Bisquick Baking Mix, combining simple ingredients for quick and effortlessly delicious meals that are perfect for any day of the week.

30+ Casserole Recipes – Dive into a world of comforting and delicious casseroles with this extensive collection of over 30 recipes! Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping, these casseroles are designed to be easy to make and universally loved. From cheesy baked pasta to hearty vegetable bakes, you’ll find a wide variety of options to satisfy every craving and occasion.

Ground Beef Crockpot Recipes – Simplify your meal planning with these easy and incredibly flavorful Ground Beef Crockpot Recipes! Perfect for every occasion, from busy weeknight family dinners to potlucks and gatherings, these slow cooker dishes make cooking a breeze. You’ll find a variety of hearty and satisfying recipes that allow you to set it and forget it, delivering delicious results with minimal effort.

Do you love discovering new recipes? Be sure to check out our popular copycat recipes for your favorite restaurant dishes, explore our extensive selection of dessert recipes for every sweet craving, and simplify your cooking with our convenient CrockPot Recipes. There’s something for everyone!

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