When attending a BBQ or cookout, one of the best ways to contribute is by bringing a delicious side dish to share. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to settle on just one. The ideal BBQ side should be easy to transport, hold up well in outdoor conditions, complement the typical grilled meats and other dishes at a cookout, and of course appease the tastes of most guests. This article explores some of the best side dish options for BBQs and tips for choosing the right one.
Classic BBQ Side Dishes
Some classic sides are popular at BBQs for good reason. These tried and true recipes have stood the test of time because they check all the boxes for the ideal cookout dish. Here are some of the all-star BBQ side dish contenders:
- Potato salad – Cool, creamy potato salad is a staple BBQ side. The potatoes hold up well to transport and outdoor eating conditions. Choose a potato salad with a vinegary, creamy dressing and bacon or other mix-ins to complement the smoky grill flavors.
- Baked beans – No BBQ would be complete without a hearty beans side dish. Traditional baked beans simmered in tomato sauce, brown sugar, and spices are an iconic cookout food.
- Macaroni and cheese – Cheese and carbs! This classic is gooey comfort food at its best. Mac and cheese is tasty at any temperature, so it travels and keeps well as a BBQ side.
- Coleslaw – Cool, crunchy coleslaw with a sweet and tangy dressing is the perfect complement to grilled meats. It also holds up well in the heat. Load up on the cabbage and carrots for a healthy crunch.
These traditional sides are crowd-pleasers for good reason. You really can’t go wrong bringing potato salad, baked beans, mac and cheese, or coleslaw to a BBQ.
Fresh and Healthy Options
Beyond the classics, lots of fresh and healthy options also make tasty BBQ side dishes. Going for a lighter or more unique side can help balance out the heavier grill foods. Here are some fresher BBQ side ideas:
- Pasta salad – Like potato salad, pasta salads with crunchy veggies hold up well at room temp for BBQs. Rotini or spiral pastas work best for holding dressing and vegetables.
- Leafy green salad – A fresh garden salad with summer veggies is a great BBQ side. Dress it right before serving to keep the greens crisp.
- Broccoli salad – Broccoli salad with raisins, sunflower seeds, bacon, and a tangy dressing is a delicious combination of flavors and textures for a cookout.
- Caprese salad – Skip the lettuce and go for sliced fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil leaves, and balsamic dressing. Caprese is simple but impressive.
- Fruit salad – A colorful mix of cubed melons, grapes, berries, and other fresh summer fruit helps lighten up a heavy BBQ meal.
Fresh veggie or pasta salads, bright fruit salads, and other produce-centric sides bring a healthy crunch. They also aid in cooling things down in hot weather. Any of these lighter options can perfectly round out a meaty BBQ spread.
Scene-Stealing Sides
Beyond the classics and healthier options, some side dishes truly stand out above the rest. These scene-stealing sides are sure to be a huge hit at you next BBQ:
- Baked Brie with fruit – A whole baked brie round wrapped in puff pastry is ooey gooey perfection. Serve it with sliced apples or fresh berries.
- Cornbread – Buttery, golden cornbread with honey butter is the ultimate BBQ bread accompaniment.
- Grilled vegetables – From zucchini to corn on the cob, veggies taste amazing when grilled up alongside the main entrees. Brush with oil and seasonings.
- Crab or shrimp salad – A crab-based seafood salad or boiled shrimp cocktail really takes it up a notch for a nautical-themed BBQ.
- Caprese skewers – Skewer mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil for attractive no-cook kabobs.
- Watermelon feta salad – Cubes of juicy watermelon tossed with salty feta cheese make a sweet and savory salad.
These unique BBQ sides may steal the show by bringing delightful new flavors and textures to the table. Consider one of these scene-stealing options to shake up your next cookout menu.
Choosing the Best Side for Your BBQ
With endless options for tasty BBQ side dishes, choosing just one can feel tricky. Here are some tips for picking the perfect side to accompany the grilled goodies:
- Consider the main dishes and other sides that will be served and choose a side that compliments the items – for example creamy potato salad alongside ribs.
- Think about any dietary needs or restrictions guests may have and provide sides accordingly – like vegetarian-friendly pasta salad.
- Factor in any food allergies within the group and avoid those ingredients – for example a nut-free fruit salad.
- Assess the facilities and conditions where the food will be served – will there be refrigeration on site? How long will items sit out? Pick sturdy sides.
- Determine if lighter fare or indulgent comfort food seems more appropriate for the gathering.
- Ask the host if there are any specific kinds of dishes or ingredients they want included or avoided.
- Choose a side you have made before and know is generally enjoyed by most people.
- Make a dish suitable for the season – like fresh veggie salad in summer.
Taking these factors into account can help narrow down the choices and result in the perfect BBQ side dish complementing the event.
Top 5 Best BBQ Side Dishes
If it still seems impossible to decide, here is a roundup of 5 of the very best and most popular options for BBQ side dishes:
| Dish | What Makes It Great |
|---|---|
| Potato Salad | Potatoes hold up well at room temp, and the creamy dressing cools things down. |
| Baked Beans | Sweet, smoky, and substantial – baked beans are a BBQ essential. |
| Coleslaw | Cool and fresh cabbage and carrots crunchy texture stands up to richer BBQ foods. |
| Macaroni Salad | Elbow noodles, veggies, and dressing makes this pasta salad perfect for transporting and serving outdoors. |
| Fruit Salad | Fresh fruit is healthy, delicious, and refreshing after all the hearty grill foods. |
You really can’t go wrong picking any of these tasty, classic BBQ sides. They complement grill foods, appease crowds, and travel well for cookouts.
Recipe Inspiration
Once you’ve settled on the perfect BBQ side dish, look for a tried and true recipe that suits the occasion. Here are some top-rated options to consider for go-to recipes:
Potato Salad Recipes
- Southern-style Potato Salad with Hard Boiled Eggs – Potato salad with a mayo and mustard dressing, eggs, celery, onion, relish, and bacon.
- German Potato Salad with Bacon – Warm potatoes dressed in vinegar, oil, and bacon.
- Creamy Ranch Potato Salad – Cool ranch flavored potato salad with peas and cheese.
- Loaded Baked Potato Salad – Bacon, cheddar, green onion, and sour cream potato salad.
Baked Bean Recipes
- Classic Baked Beans – Beans cooked low and slow with onions, brown sugar, ketchup, and spices.
- BBQ Baked Beans – Smoky and sweet baked beans made with barbecue sauce.
- New England Baked Beans – White beans baked with maple syrup and bacon.
- Bourbon Baked Beans – Brown sugar baked beans with bourbon, mustard, and bacon.
Coleslaw Recipes
- Classic Coleslaw – Shredded cabbage and carrots dressed in mayo, vinegar, sugar, and spices.
- Creamy Coleslaw – Super creamy coleslaw made with mayo, sour cream, and Greek yogurt.
- Apple Coleslaw – Cabbage slaw with shredded apple and a poppy seed dressing.
- Broccoli Slaw – Broccoli stems and dried cranberries for a healthier take.
Macaroni Salad Recipes
- Elbow Macaroni Salad – The classic mac salad made with hard boiled eggs, diced veggies, and mayo.
- Hawaiian Macaroni Salad – Elbows with pineapple, onion, bell pepper, and a creamy dressing.
- Italian Macaroni Salad – Rotini pasta with salami, mozzarella cheese, pepperoncini, and Italian dressing.
- Southwest Macaroni Salad – Macaroni with black beans, corn, bell pepper, onion, and cilantro.
Fruit Salad Recipes
- Classic Fruit Salad – Diced melons, berries, grapes, and citrus fruits.
- Tropical Fruit Salad – Pineapple, mango, kiwi, bananas, coconut, and lime zest.
- Berry Fruit Salad – Mixed fresh summer berries.
- Ambrosia Fruit Salad – Orange and grapefruit sections with shredded coconut.
Choose a highly rated recipe for your selected side dish to make sure it is an absolute hit at the BBQ.
Conclusion
When it comes to picking out the perfect BBQ side dish to accompany the grilled meats and other fixings, you have endless delicious options to consider. Some classic crowd-pleasers like potato salad and baked beans are always safe bets, while lighter, healthier sides can help balance a heavy summer BBQ meal. More unique sides like caprese skewers and watermelon feta salad can also help your dish stand out. Think about dietary needs, the main dishes, facilities, and the general vibe of the gathering. And don’t forget to select a proven recipe to follow to ensure BBQ success! Whichever savory, satisfying side you choose, showing up to a cookout with a tasty contribution in hand is a sure way score major points with your hosts and fellow guests.