19 BBQ Side Dishes That Will Make You the Star of the Cookout
When it comes to a good old-fashioned BBQ, everyone talks about the ribs, brisket, or burgers. But let’s be real—the side dishes can make or break the entire experience.
I mean, have you ever had a perfectly grilled steak paired with sad, store-bought potato salad? Total buzzkill. On the flip side, a killer side dish can take even basic hot dogs to legendary status.
I’ve been to enough backyard cookouts to know one truth: people secretly judge your BBQ game based on the sides.
So, if you want to wow your friends, neighbors, or that one picky uncle, I’ve rounded up 19 BBQ side dishes that cover everything from refreshing salads to indulgent comfort food.
Let’s get into it—because, IMO, the sides are where the fun really happens.
1. Classic Coleslaw
Coleslaw might sound basic, but it’s the crunchy, creamy balance your BBQ needs. A pile of smoked brisket screams for something tangy to cut the richness, and slaw delivers.
- Use green and purple cabbage for color.
- Toss in carrots for sweetness.
- Keep the dressing slightly tangy (mayo + vinegar is the sweet spot).
Ever wonder why slaw works so well? It’s all about contrast. Fatty meats need a crisp, acidic partner-in-crime.
2. Baked Mac and Cheese
Tell me a BBQ isn’t instantly better when someone pulls up with a bubbling tray of mac and cheese. You can’t.
Pro tip: Add a crunchy breadcrumb topping before baking. That golden crust? Chef’s kiss. And yes, go heavy on the sharp cheddar—it makes all the difference.
3. Corn on the Cob (Grilled or Boiled)
Corn on the cob is the BBQ equivalent of jeans: it goes with everything. Personally, I throw mine on the grill, brush with butter, and sprinkle with chili powder and lime juice.
It’s messy, sure, but that’s half the fun. Napkins were invented for a reason. 🙂
4. Potato Salad
Potato salad has two camps: mayo-based or mustard-based. I’m team mustard because the tang plays perfectly with smoky BBQ flavors. But hey, do your thing.
Just don’t bring the bland store-bought kind. Homemade potato salad tastes fresher, creamier, and more legit.
5. Grilled Veggie Skewers
Skewers are the sneaky hero of BBQ sides. Mushrooms, zucchini, onions, bell peppers—they all soak up that smoky char from the grill.
Bonus: They make you look balanced. One minute you’re scarfing down ribs, the next you’re proudly munching zucchini. Balance, right?
6. Deviled Eggs
Whoever invented deviled eggs deserves a medal. They’re creamy, salty, and bite-sized—perfect for snacking while waiting for burgers to finish.
Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top. Trust me, people notice the little touches.
7. Watermelon Salad
I know, salad doesn’t always scream “BBQ side.” But watermelon + feta + mint? Game-changer. It’s refreshing, sweet, salty, and kind of makes you forget you just inhaled a plate of ribs.
8. Garlic Bread
You can’t go wrong with carbs and garlic. Grill thick slices of bread, rub with fresh garlic, and brush with butter.
It’s ridiculously simple, but people will hover around the bread basket like it’s gold.
9. Jalapeño Cornbread
Cornbread alone is great, but toss in jalapeños and cheddar? Now we’re talking. The slight kick of heat keeps things interesting, especially when paired with smoky pulled pork.
FYI: Make extra. People always grab seconds.
10. Pasta Salad
Cold pasta salad is BBQ’s low-maintenance MVP. You make it ahead, chill it, and pull it out when people arrive.
Load it with fresh veggies, olives, and a zesty Italian dressing. Bonus points if you use spiral pasta—it holds the dressing better.
11. Pickles and Relishes
A BBQ spread without pickles is basically a crime. They add that sharp, tangy crunch that cuts through fatty meats.
Go classic dill or get fancy with bread-and-butter pickles. Either way, they’re non-negotiable.
12. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries bring a touch of sweetness that balances salty, smoky meats. Bake them, fry them, or throw them on the grill.
And yes, dip them in sriracha mayo—you’ll thank me later.
13. Grilled Asparagus
Hear me out: grilled asparagus sounds “fancy,” but it’s actually stupid easy. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill until slightly charred.
It’s one of those sides that makes you feel healthy… even if you’re on your third plate of brisket.
14. BBQ Beans
Smoky, sweet, sticky beans are a BBQ classic for a reason. Simmer them low and slow with bacon or smoked sausage, and you’ve got pure comfort food.
Warning: They’re so good, they might upstage the main dish.
15. Caprese Salad
Not all BBQ sides need to be heavy. A caprese salad with ripe tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil brings a fresh, light vibe to the table.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze, and suddenly, you’re the “fancy” friend who brought the Instagram-worthy dish.
16. Chips and Dip
Sometimes the simplest things get demolished first. A big bowl of chips with salsa, guac, or queso is always a hit.
Honestly, it’s also a lifesaver when your grill “schedule” runs late. People stay happy and full while waiting for the main event.
17. Fried Green Tomatoes
Crispy on the outside, tangy on the inside—fried green tomatoes are Southern comfort food at its best. They’re a little unexpected, which makes them even more fun at a BBQ.
18. Caesar Salad
A crisp Caesar with homemade croutons is the fresh, crunchy bite you need between mouthfuls of ribs.
Pro tip: Grill the romaine for a slightly smoky twist. Yes, grilled lettuce is a thing—and it’s delicious.
19. Fruit Salad
Finish strong with something sweet and refreshing. A mix of berries, pineapple, and melon gives everyone a fresh bite after heavier dishes.
Drizzle with a little honey-lime dressing, and you’ve got the perfect palate cleanser.
Wrapping It Up
So, there you go—19 BBQ side dishes that prove the sides matter just as much as the main event. From classic potato salad to unexpected stars like fried green tomatoes, these dishes bring balance, flavor, and a little flair to your cookout spread.
And let’s be honest: people may not remember your perfectly flipped burgers, but they’ll definitely remember that jalapeño cornbread or watermelon salad that stole the show.
Next time you fire up the grill, mix a couple of these into your lineup. Who knows? You might become “that person” who’s known for bringing the best sides. And honestly, that’s not a bad reputation to have.
