The Ultimate Collection of BBQ Side Dishes for Your Next Cookout

A truly spectacular barbecue isn’t just about the perfectly grilled main course; it’s about the entire spread. The best BBQ feasts are elevated by a vibrant array of side dishes that are not only delicious but also complement the smoky, rich flavors from the grill. These essential accompaniments should be quick to prepare, easily scalable for any crowd size, and offer a refreshing contrast or hearty support to your grilled meats. After all, even the most devoted carnivores appreciate variety and balance on their plate. Dive into this extensive list of over 30 mouth-watering BBQ sides designed to make your summertime grilling unforgettable!

Over 30 Perfect Side Dishes for Your Barbecue Feast

Whether you’re planning an intimate family dinner or a grand gathering with friends, these barbecue side dishes are crafted to impress. Forget wondering what to serve alongside your grilled hamburgers, succulent steaks, or tender chicken; this collection provides diverse options that will make your cookout legendary. Prepare to fire up the grill and pair your favorite barbecue entrees with these incredible recipes!

Fresh & Flavorful Salads to Brighten Your Plate

Kale and Apple Potato Salad

As the weather warms, potato salad makes its highly anticipated return to our tables. If you’re seeking a revitalized version of this classic, our Kale and Apple Potato Salad is a must-try. This recipe infuses traditional potato salad with a delightful freshness, combining nutrient-rich leafy kale and crisp, sweet apples. It’s all brought together with a zesty homemade Dijon dressing, starting with the creamy base of Miracle Whip, offering a truly unique and refreshing twist on a beloved cookout staple.

Pulled Pork Parfait

With meat already sizzling on the grill, why not offer a fun, handheld appetizer that creatively combines three cookout favorites? This Pulled Pork Parfait layers creamy mashed potatoes, tangy coleslaw, and savory pulled pork in a convenient plastic cup. It’s an ingenious way to enjoy these flavors in one delicious bite. The parfait style makes it incredibly easy to scale for large gatherings, effortlessly portable for mingling, and perfect for enjoying out in the summer sun.

Southwest Black Bean and Corn Salad

Bring a burst of vibrant flavor to your barbecue with this refreshing Southwest Black Bean and Corn Salad. Packed with fresh corn kernels, juicy diced tomatoes, wholesome black beans, and chickpeas, this salad is a hearty and flavorful delight. Its bold Southwestern spices make it an excellent accompaniment to grilled dishes. Consider pairing it with our Crock Pot Mexican Pulled Pork or Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Tostadas for a fiesta of flavors, even if you’re using your slow cooker alongside the grill.

Greek Cucumber Salad

This light and crisp Greek Cucumber Salad is an ideal counterpoint to rich, meat-heavy barbecue plates. Free of lettuce, it focuses on the refreshing crunch of cucumbers, enhanced by the Mediterranean flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, sharp red onion, and salty feta cheese. All these ingredients are exquisitely tossed in a bright lemon-oregano dressing, creating an irresistible side that leaves you wanting more. While delicious as is, it can be easily upgraded with grilled chicken for an extra protein boost.

Caprese Pasta Salad

When you’re craving the satisfying texture of pasta but desire something cool and refreshing for a summer gathering, this Caprese Pasta Salad hits all the right notes. It’s a fantastic make-ahead option, as leftovers often taste even better the next day! This delightful salad draws its inspiration and name from the classic Italian Caprese, showcasing the vibrant colors of the Italian flag with sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella pearls, and fragrant basil leaves.

Strawberry Bruschetta

Elevate your appetizer game with this delightful twist on traditional Italian bruschetta. Our Strawberry Bruschetta features juicy summer strawberries and cooling mint leaves, generously layered over toasted baguette slices with a creamy, savory blend of ricotta and goat cheese. This harmonious combination of sweet, fresh, and tangy flavors makes for an irresistible bite. We’ve also found that mascarpone cheese works wonderfully, adding an extra layer of indulgence.

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Classic macaroni and cheese is the quintessential comfort food, making it an ideal partner for any grilled entree. Its universally loved, creamy, cheesy goodness is neutral enough to complement any barbecue flavor without overpowering it. This particular recipe is oven-free, a major advantage during hot summer months when turning on the oven means heating up the entire house. The slow cooker ensures a perfectly cooked, hassle-free mac and cheese that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Watermelon Salad

This simple yet sophisticated Watermelon Salad proves that amazing flavor doesn’t require complex ingredients. With just three components, this sweet-meets-savory summer favorite features cooling chunks of watermelon, delicate shavings of Pecorino Romano cheese, all drizzled with a rich balsamic glaze. It’s a testament to how satisfying a dish can be when fresh, high-quality ingredients are allowed to shine. This salad offers a refreshing burst of flavor that perfectly balances the richness of grilled meats.

Broccoli Slaw

For those who might not be traditional coleslaw enthusiasts, our Broccoli Slaw offers a vibrant and flavorful alternative. We elevate a simple bag of broccoli slaw mix with sweet, crunchy apples for texture and flavor, finely diced onions for a pleasant tang, and savory blue cheese for a unique twist. All these ingredients are tossed in a luscious homemade honey-Dijon dressing, creating a salad that’s both refreshing and satisfyingly complex – a fantastic addition to any barbecue spread.

CrockPot Bourbon Baked Beans

No barbecue is truly complete without a generous serving of baked beans, and our CrockPot Bourbon Baked Beans deliver immense flavor without ever needing the oven. The slow cooking process infuses the beans with a rich, smoky depth, complemented by the distinctive notes of bourbon. This creates a truly irresistible hot side dish. If you prefer an alcohol-free version or are serving children, apple juice makes an excellent substitute, offering a similar sweetness and depth to the beans.

Bacon Jalapeño Bread

While cornbread is a beloved barbecue classic, our Bacon Jalapeño Bread offers a swoon-worthy savory alternative that beautifully complements any feast. This scratch-made bread combines crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and spicy jalapeños for an explosion of flavor and texture. It’s a hearty and satisfying side that will have everyone reaching for another slice. Plus, for your vegetarian and plant-based guests, the bacon and dairy ingredients can be easily swapped for delicious meatless and plant-based alternatives, ensuring no one misses out on this fantastic bread.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Take advantage of your air fryer to create perfectly golden and crispy sweet potato fries, offering a healthier and oven-free alternative for hot summer days. The air fryer crisps them up beautifully, delivering that satisfying crunch without the excess oil. If traditional French fries are more your style, be sure to check out our how-to guide for air-frying regular French fries. And don’t forget to prepare a batch of our delicious signature dipping sauce to complete this irresistible side!

Corn-Centric Sides: Classic Comforts

CrockPot Corn Pudding

Corn has long been a foundational staple in the American diet, celebrated for its abundance and versatility. Our CrockPot Corn Pudding honors this tradition, blending traditional Native American and English culinary influences that were brought to the New World by early settlers. This creamy, comforting dish is slow-cooked to perfection, making it an effortlessly delicious and deeply satisfying side for any barbecue or family meal. Its sweet and savory notes provide a wonderful balance to grilled entrees.

CrockPot Creamed Corn

Say goodbye to canned creamed corn and hello to this incredibly customizable, oven-free version made effortlessly in your CrockPot. Our cream-style corn is rich, velvety, and bursting with fresh corn flavor. It’s delightful on its own, but truly shines when personalized to match your barbecue feast. Consider adding crispy bacon for a savory depth or a touch of diced jalapeños and green chilies for those who crave a bit of heat. This versatile side is a guaranteed hit at any gathering.

Jiffy Cornbread with Sour Cream

This incredibly easy cornbread recipe is consistently one of the most popular recipes we’ve ever shared! It begins with just two boxes of Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, elevated by the addition of sour cream which imparts a delightful tang and an irresistible fluffiness. The result is a moist, tender cornbread that is simply heavenly, especially when served with a generous layer of our luscious Copycat Texas Roadhouse Butter on top. It’s the perfect simple, comforting carb to complement any barbecue.

BLT Pasta Salad

For anyone who adores the classic BLT sandwich, this fun and creative twist is an absolute must-try! Our BLT Pasta Salad ingeniously replaces the traditional bread with tender elbow macaroni, creating a satisfying and familiar flavor profile in a new format. Bursting with crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomatoes, all tossed in a creamy dressing, this salad is pure summer cookout bliss. For an extra dose of BLT goodness, pair it with our BLT Dip served with crackers or toasted bread.

Hearty & Unique Sides to Satisfy Every Guest

CrockPot Loaded Mashed Cauliflower

This vegetable-powered take on traditional loaded mashed potatoes is a regular feature in our kitchen, and for good reason! Our CrockPot Loaded Mashed Cauliflower offers all the creamy, savory satisfaction of its potato counterpart but with a lighter profile. It’s fantastic paired with summer grilling favorites and equally wonderful as a hearty holiday side dish. Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh herbs to create a truly perfect, flavorful accompaniment that everyone will adore.

Grilled Avocados

Since the grill is already fired up for your meats, why not venture beyond and discover that avocados, too, cook beautifully on the grates? Grilling avocados imparts a wonderfully smoky flavor and a slightly softened, creamy texture that is simply divine. While we suggest a delicious Greek-inspired topping, feel free to get creative and swap them out for toppings that perfectly complement the specific flavors of your barbecue feast. Grilled avocados add an unexpected gourmet touch to your spread.

Crock Pot Stuffed Tomatoes

Summer is prime tomato season, making it the perfect time to enjoy these vibrant fruits at their peak. Our Crock Pot Stuffed Tomatoes offer an elegant and incredibly flavorful way to savor them. These tomatoes are generously filled with a cheesy mixture and gently cooked in your slow cooker, resulting in a tender, savory dish. They’re a fantastic vegetarian-friendly barbecue side option that’s both beautiful and delicious, sure to impress your guests.

Hawaiian Mac Salad

Anyone familiar with our blog knows my deep affection for Hawaii, especially from my college days on the Big Island. This Hawaiian Mac Salad, a standard component of any traditional Hawaiian lunch plate, is an absolute must-have side for your next summertime luau or tiki party. Its creamy, tangy, and subtly sweet profile perfectly complements grilled dishes. Don’t forget to pair it with our Hawaiian Pulled Pork, Hawaiian Chicken, and even grab some Hawaiian Hurricane Popcorn for a truly authentic experience!

Broccoli Bacon Salad

Prepare to uncover the “secret ingredient” that bestows this irresistible Broccoli Bacon Salad with its distinctive flavorful magic. This crunchy, savory salad, brimming with tender broccoli florets, crispy bacon, and a delightful dressing, is a true year-round favorite in our kitchen. Its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures make it a superb addition to any barbecue, offering a fresh yet hearty contrast to your grilled mains. Head over to the recipe post for all the details on this beloved dish!

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Asparagus is one of those vegetables that requires very little fuss to truly shine, and when wrapped in bacon, it reaches new heights of deliciousness. These elegant bacon-wrapped asparagus stalks can be cooked directly on the grill alongside your other barbecue items, resulting in a neat, flame-grilled side dish bursting with savory flavor. The crisp bacon perfectly complements the tender, slightly charred asparagus, creating an appealing and easy-to-eat vegetable side that’s always a hit.

Orzo Pasta Salad with Bacon and Parmesan Vinaigrette

This Orzo Pasta Salad is a feast for both the eyes and the palate, with vibrant pops of color from fresh corn, sweet peas, ripe tomatoes, crunchy carrots, and zesty onions, all complemented by savory bacon. It looks absolutely stunning on any dinner table. The delicate orzo pasta is tossed in a rich parmesan vinaigrette that beautifully enhances the bacon, acting as the delicious “icing” on top of this already magnificent and refreshing summer salad. It’s a sophisticated yet easy-to-make side.

Caprese Salad

This fresh Italian salad classic is so brilliantly simple to assemble that calling this four-ingredient side dish a “recipe” almost feels like an exaggeration! Featuring ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of rich balsamic glaze, it’s the epitome of fresh, vibrant flavors. The balsamic glaze itself is a kitchen hero, finding its way into countless dishes from various salads to decadent grilled cheese sandwiches. This Caprese Salad is the perfect light and elegant side for any barbecue.

Spicy Deviled Eggs

At countless parties and cookouts we’ve hosted, platters of these kicked-up deviled eggs have vanished in record time! If you’ve never ventured into making them, you’ll be wonderfully surprised by just how effortless they are to prepare. Our comprehensive recipe walkthrough guides you through every step, ensuring perfect results. These spicy deviled eggs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a creamy, tangy, and subtly fiery bite that makes them an irresistible appetizer or side dish for any summer gathering.

Kool-Aid Pickles

Adding a playful splash of color to mealtime never gets old, and with our vibrant Kool-Aid Pickles, you unlock a rainbow of possibilities! With 22 flavor-based shades to choose from, you can infuse your pickles with kid-friendly fun and a unique sweet-and-sour tang. These pickles are a delightful and unexpected addition to your next barbecue or potluck, offering a conversation-starting side that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. They’re sure to bring smiles and curiosity to your table.

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash is a truly unique yellow vegetable, celebrated for its interior strands that magically resemble spaghetti noodles once cooked. With this easy air fryer guide, you’ll be well on your way to preparing a quick, delicious, and healthy roasted vegetable side dish for your cookout. The air fryer method delivers beautifully tender and slightly caramelized spaghetti squash without the need to turn on your oven, making it an ideal choice for warmer weather grilling sessions. It’s a fantastic low-carb alternative to pasta.

Black Bean Salsa

This exceptionally versatile Black Bean Salsa is simply delicious, whether enjoyed with sturdy tortilla chips for dipping or as a vibrant topping for any South-of-the-Border or Tex-Mex grilled meats you have planned. Bursting with fresh flavors and hearty black beans, it’s a crowd-pleaser that adds a zesty kick to any plate. Best of all, it’s 100 percent plant-based, providing a fantastic and flavorful option for your vegetarian and vegan guests to enjoy.

Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeños

Meet the classic jalapeño popper you know and love, but taken to an even more irresistible level: cheesier and expertly wrapped in glorious slices of thick-cut bacon. These savory, spicy, and creamy bites are an absolute explosion of flavor in every mouthful. While we haven’t personally tried grilling them using this specific recipe method yet, we’re confident that these cheesy bacon-wrapped jalapeños would be incredible cooked directly on the grill, adding a smoky char to their already fantastic profile. They’re the perfect appetizer to get your cookout started.

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 the myriad dishes we’ve shared and introduced to each other in the kitchen. This delightful Southern Kidney Bean Salad is a perfect example, featuring hearty canned kidney beans, crisp green peppers, crunchy celery, and perfectly hard-boiled eggs. All these ingredients are tossed in a unique and tangy mayonnaise and pickle juice brine dressing, creating a robust and flavorful salad that’s deeply comforting and wonderfully satisfying.

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 an absolutely fantastic carb-based side dish for any cookout or grilling session, offering a unique flavor profile that stands out. We particularly love that they come together effortlessly with pantry basics, making them incredibly easy to replicate. Starting with a box of Bisquick Baking Mix, taco seasoning, and a can of Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilis, these biscuits deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Crock Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

Earlier in our roundup, we featured our classic slow-cooker Mac and Cheese, but for those craving something even heartier and truly “loaded,” here’s our Crock Pot Chili Mac and Cheese. This incredibly rich and satisfying dish combines creamy macaroni and cheese with savory chili, creating an ultimate comfort food experience. It’s no wonder this CrockPot recipe consistently ranks as one of our most popular shares on the site. Perfect for chilly evenings or a robust barbecue side, it’s a meal in itself!

Pear Salad

If your palate desires something on the sweeter side to beautifully balance the savory richness of grilled meats, this sweet-meets-savory Southern Pear Salad is an exceptional choice. Each succulent pear half is adorned with a dollop of creamy mayonnaise, offering a unique flavor contrast. For those seeking an alternative, this ingredient can be effortlessly swapped with cottage cheese or cream cheese, allowing for a personalized flavor experience. It’s an unexpected yet delightful addition that adds a touch of Southern charm to your barbecue.

Tequila-Spiked Guacamole

Summertime is synonymous with fresh eats and good times, so shake things up with our vibrant Tequila-Spiked Guacamole! This zesty, creamy dip is the perfect refreshing bite between indulging in all the delicious grilled items at your cookout. Paired with a generous helping of crunchy tortilla chips, it offers a fantastic flavor boost and a touch of festive fun for your adult guests. It’s an easy way to keep the good vibes rolling and tantalize taste buds.

Southern Comfort Classics & Green Bean Favorites

Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole

A truly authentic Southern barbecue or cookout simply wouldn’t be complete without a hearty green bean casserole! This beloved classic effortlessly combines everyday pantry basics to create a comforting and deeply satisfying side. It’s not only incredibly make-ahead-friendly, which simplifies host duties, but its timeless appeal also makes it a fantastic meal accompaniment year-round. It’s no surprise that this casserole is also one of our most cherished side dishes during the holiday season, proving its universal appeal.

Southern Green Beans and Bacon

These Southern-style green beans, slow-cooked to tender perfection and infused with the irresistible flavor of bacon, make for an epic side dish that everyone at your barbecue will absolutely adore. The combination of savory bacon with fresh, crisp-tender green beans is a culinary match made in heaven. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that proves you truly can’t go wrong when bacon and green beans come together!

Air Fried Corn on the Cob

Prepare to be amazed by how incredibly easy and delicious Air Fried Corn on the Cob can be! This method yields perfectly cooked, tender, and slightly charred corn with minimal effort, tasting just as amazing as if it came straight off the grill. It’s the ideal quick and easy side dish for dinner, a casual barbecue, or any day you crave the sweet satisfaction of corn on the cob without the fuss. This recipe truly simplifies preparing this summertime favorite.

Classic Macaroni Salad

Our Easy Classic Macaroni Salad is the quintessential barbecue side dish, embodying all the timeless flavors everyone knows and loves. This creamy, comforting salad, packed with tender macaroni and a medley of crisp vegetables, is a staple at any summer cookout. Its familiar, inviting taste makes it universally appealing, ensuring that every guest finds something delicious and nostalgic on their plate. Simple to make and always a hit, it’s the perfect complement to your grilled entrees.

Sweet BBQ Sides: Delightful Desserts & Refreshing Salads

Strawberry Fluff

Our Easy Strawberry Fluff Salad Recipe is a light, airy, and incredibly delicious dish perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive holiday events. This quick and simple Jell-O salad requires only minutes to prepare, then chills to perfection, delivering an amazing taste that’s both sweet and refreshing. Its vibrant pink hue and delightful texture make it a visually appealing and universally loved sweet side or dessert option for your barbecue spread.

Snickers Salad

Indulge in the irresistible decadence of our Delicious Snickers Salad, a sweet, creamy dessert salad that is absolutely amazing. This unique dish offers the perfect harmonious blend of chopped Snickers candy bars, crisp apple pieces, and a rich, creamy pudding dressing. It’s a delightful treat that combines textures and flavors in a way that’s both surprising and utterly satisfying. Perfect for those with a sweet tooth, this salad makes a memorable and fun addition to any barbecue dessert table.

Easy Fruit Salad

For a refreshing and effortlessly elegant side, look no further than our Easy Fruit Salad recipe. This vibrant medley of fresh fruits takes mere minutes to prepare and boasts a fantastic taste that’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s the ultimate stress-free dish, perfect for summer picnics and barbecues, adding a natural sweetness and burst of color to your spread. This simple yet delicious fruit salad is a fantastic way to offer a light and healthy counterpoint to richer grilled foods.

Dreamsicle Salad

Our Easy Orange Dreamsicle Salad is a delightful and nostalgic dessert salad that tastes just like the classic orange creamsicle treat. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or barbecues, it can also be enjoyed as a refreshing snack on a warm day. This dreamsicle salad requires only a few minutes of prep time before chilling, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully until you’re ready to serve. Its light, creamy, and fruity profile makes it a wonderfully refreshing sweet end to any barbecue meal.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Effortless Cooking

To help you prepare these delicious BBQ sides and more, here are some of our trusted kitchen tools that we use daily:

Heat resistant potholders – A few years ago, we experienced a frightening fire scare when a cloth potholder accidentally caught fire on a hot burner. Since then, we’ve exclusively relied on these highly heat-resistant potholders for safety and peace of mind in the kitchen.

Microwave Silicone cover – I absolutely swear by these lid covers to prevent messy butter splatters when melting butter in the microwave. They’ve saved me from countless butter explosions while baking, keeping the butter neatly in the bowl and not all over the inside of my microwave.

Mix n Chop – We frequently use the Mix n Chop for breaking up ground meats like sausage or ground beef while cooking, and we simply love how effective and easy it is to use.

Vegetable chopper – This tool is an absolute game-changer and a huge time saver when it comes to quickly and uniformly chopping vegetables for any recipe.

Explore More Delicious Recipe Collections

If you loved these BBQ sides, you’ll definitely want to check out our other curated recipe collections for even more culinary inspiration:

Recipes with Sour Cream – Discover our favorite recipes starring this incredibly versatile dairy product, from creamy dips and delightful desserts to savory appetizers, baked goods, hearty entrees, and comforting soups.

Lemon Desserts- Get ready to pucker up for these incredibly delicious lemon desserts! They are the absolute perfect sweet treat for spring and summer, bursting with bright, zesty flavor.

Recipes with Bacon – Explore a fantastic range of great bacon recipes, covering everything from irresistible appetizers and savory entrees to surprisingly delicious desserts.

Bisquick Recipes- Find everything you need with Bisquick, from quick breakfasts and satisfying snacks to comforting dinner recipes and more! All these recipes are made with simple ingredients, ensuring they are quick and easy to prepare.

30+ Casserole Recipes – Dive into a collection of over 30 delicious casserole recipes that are guaranteed to be loved by everyone at your table!

Ground Beef Crockpot Recipes – Discover easy and convenient ground beef crockpot recipes, perfect for every occasion! From quick family dinners to potlucks, these ground beef recipes are incredibly versatile and satisfying.

Do you love exploring new recipes? Make sure to check out our copycat recipes, a wide variety of dessert recipes, and our extensive collection of CrockPot Recipes for every meal imaginable.

Stay connected and follow Tammilee Tips on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, so you never miss out on our latest delicious recipe posts and culinary adventures!

We hope this comprehensive guide inspires you to create truly memorable barbecue feasts, packed with flavor and variety. Happy grilling!