Summer is synonymous with barbecues, and while the smoky, grilled mains often steal the show, the side dishes are what truly complete the meal. Thinking about What To Serve With Bbq can be just as crucial as the BBQ itself. A well-rounded BBQ spread offers a variety of flavors and textures, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From refreshing salads to comforting classics, the right sides can transform your BBQ from good to unforgettable.
A collage image showcasing a variety of BBQ side dishes, including salads, grilled corn, and baked beans, perfect for summer gatherings.
To help you plan your next cookout, we’ve compiled a list of fantastic side dishes that perfectly complement BBQ. These recipes are crowd-pleasing, easy to make, and bursting with summer flavors. Get ready to impress your guests with more than just perfectly grilled meats – these sides will have them coming back for seconds!
Classic BBQ Side Dishes
No BBQ is complete without the classics. These tried-and-true recipes are always a hit and provide that comforting, familiar taste we crave at a barbecue.
Baked Potato Salad
Move over traditional potato salad, Baked Potato Salad is here to revolutionize your BBQ spread. This creamy and flavorful side dish takes the classic potato salad and elevates it with the smoky flavor of baked potatoes.
A serving bowl filled with creamy Baked Potato Salad, a delicious twist on a classic BBQ side dish.
Coleslaw
Crunchy, creamy, and slightly tangy, Coleslaw is the quintessential BBQ side. Its refreshing nature cuts through the richness of BBQ meats, providing a perfect textural and flavor contrast.
Macaroni Salad
Another classic salad that earns its place at every BBQ, Macaroni Salad is creamy, tangy, and utterly satisfying. This is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, loved by both kids and adults.
A glass bowl filled with creamy Classic Macaroni Salad, a must-have side dish for any BBQ.
Baked Beans
Sweet, smoky, and savory, Baked Beans are a hearty side dish that pairs perfectly with BBQ. These beans are slow-cooked to perfection, developing deep flavors that complement grilled meats beautifully.
A pan of homemade Baked Beans, a smoky and sweet side dish that's essential for a BBQ feast.
Fresh and Flavorful Salads
Balance out the richness of BBQ with fresh and vibrant salads. These options are light, refreshing, and packed with flavor, offering a welcome contrast to heavier BBQ fare.
Burrata Salad
For a touch of elegance at your BBQ, Burrata Salad is an excellent choice. The creamy burrata cheese, combined with fresh tomatoes and basil, creates a sophisticated and flavorful side.
A bowl of fresh Burrata Salad, an elegant and flavorful side dish to complement your BBQ.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with this Orzo Salad. Packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a bright lemon dressing, this salad is both healthy and incredibly flavorful.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad in a serving bowl, a fresh and vibrant side dish perfect for summer BBQs.
Italian Pasta Salad
Bring the flavors of Italy to your BBQ with Italian Pasta Salad. This vibrant salad is loaded with colorful vegetables, cheese, and a zesty Italian dressing, making it a refreshing and satisfying side.
A glass bowl of vibrant Italian Pasta Salad, a refreshing and flavorful BBQ side dish.
Watermelon Salad
Nothing screams summer quite like Watermelon Salad. The sweetness of watermelon combined with salty feta and fresh basil creates a surprisingly delicious and incredibly refreshing side dish, perfect for hot BBQ days.
Watermelon Salad with feta and basil, a refreshing and summery side dish ideal for BBQs.
Tomato Cucumber Salad
Simple yet satisfying, Tomato Cucumber Salad is a light and refreshing side dish that requires minimal effort. The juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers, tossed in a light vinaigrette, make for a perfect palate cleanser.
Tomato and Cucumber Salad, a simple and refreshing side dish that's easy to make for BBQs.
Grilled and Roasted Sides
Take advantage of your grill and oven to create flavorful roasted and grilled side dishes that complement BBQ perfectly.
Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
Corn on the Cob is a BBQ staple, and the Instant Pot makes it incredibly easy to cook to juicy perfection. Serve it with butter and your favorite seasonings for a classic summer side.
Instant Pot Corn on the Cob, a quick and easy grilled side dish for summer BBQs.
Baked Mac and Cheese
Indulge your guests with creamy Baked Mac and Cheese. This comforting and cheesy side dish is always a crowd-pleaser, especially when served alongside smoky BBQ.
Baked Mac and Cheese with golden breadcrumbs, a comforting and cheesy side dish perfect for BBQ gatherings.
Jalapeño Cornbread
Add a little spice to your BBQ with Jalapeño Cornbread. The slight heat from the jalapeños, combined with the sweetness of cornbread, creates a flavorful and satisfying side.
Jalapeño Cornbread with butter and honey, a flavorful and slightly spicy side dish to serve with BBQ.
Dips and Appetizers
Start your BBQ feast with flavorful dips and appetizers that will tantalize taste buds before the main course even hits the grill.
Street Corn Dip
Bring the flavors of Mexican street corn to your BBQ with Street Corn Dip. This creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy dip is perfect served with tortilla chips for a flavorful appetizer.
Street Corn Dip with tortilla chips, a creamy and flavorful appetizer perfect to kick off your BBQ.
Cowboy Caviar
Cowboy Caviar, also known as Texas Caviar, is a fresh and vibrant dip or salad packed with beans, corn, and vegetables. It’s a healthy and flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for scooping up with tortilla chips.
Cowboy Caviar with chips, a fresh and vibrant dip or salad that's a great BBQ appetizer.
7-Layer Bean Dip
For a crowd-pleasing appetizer, 7-Layer Bean Dip is always a winner. Layers of beans, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, and more create a dip that’s both flavorful and visually appealing.
7-Layer Bean Dip ready to serve, a crowd-pleasing appetizer that's perfect for BBQs.
Complete Your BBQ with Perfect Sides
Choosing what to serve with BBQ is about creating a balance of flavors and textures. From creamy salads to refreshing slaws and hearty baked beans, these side dishes will elevate your BBQ and leave your guests satisfied. So, fire up the grill and get ready to serve a BBQ feast that’s more than just meat – it’s a complete culinary experience!
