25 Side Dishes for BBQ: Unforgettable Recipes to Elevate Your Cookout

When it comes to a delicious barbecue, the side dishes play a crucial role in elevating your meal.

From classic options like potato salad and baked beans to creative spins like watermelon salad and grilled corn, there’s a wide variety of tasty BBQ sides for every summer gathering.

Finding the perfect side dishes to complement your barbecue makes all the difference.

Easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing options not only impress your guests but also enhance the flavors of your delicious BBQ meats.

So, it’s time to explore the world of BBQ side dishes and make your cookout truly memorable.

Corn On The Cob

Corn on the cob is a popular BBQ side dish.

Enjoy it with complementary sides like grilled chicken, potato salad, and coleslaw.

For an extra kick, try grilled Mexican street corn.

Remember to rotate the cobs for even cooking and soak them before grilling to retain moisture.

Coleslaw

A classic BBQ side, coleslaw complements grilled meats with its tangy, crunchy texture.

Start by shredding a medium-sized green cabbage and two carrots, then mix them in a bowl.

Add salt and let sit for 10-15 minutes, squeezing out excess moisture afterward.

To make the dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper.

Combine the dressing with the shredded veggies and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours for flavors to meld.

Enjoy your coleslaw at your BBQ feast!

Potato Salad

A classic BBQ side dish you can’t miss is potato salad.

To make a flavorful version, combine boiled potatoes with ingredients like mayonnaise, mustard, and pickles.

Add hard-boiled eggs, onions, and celery for texture.

For extra flavor, consider including bacon or ham.

Experiment with seasonings like dill, paprika, or Italian spices.

Serve it cold to complement your main BBQ dishes.

Baked Beans

Baked Beans are a classic BBQ side dish, loved for their rich, savory flavor.

Pair them with BBQ ribs, hot dogs, hamburgers, or pulled pork for a satisfying meal.

You can enhance the beans with ingredients like bacon, jalapenos, garlic, and mustard.

Remember to keep them sticky and flavorful by using molasses, sugar, and BBQ sauce.

Enjoy your beans bubbling hot and let the flavors complement your BBQ feast.

Pasta Salad

Enjoy your BBQ with a variety of pasta salads to complement the main course.

Opt for a Tuna Pasta Salad which is quick and easy to prepare [^1^].

Customize your pasta salad by adding fresh vegetables like asparagus, peas, and corn [^1^].

Make a Spicy Bacon Pasta Salad with cooked bacon, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese [^5^].

Add a kick of flavor by mixing mayonnaise, vinegar, and hot sauce for the dressing [^5^].

Store-bought Caesar dressing can also save time while providing a garlicky taste [^3^].

Grilled Vegetables

No BBQ is complete without grilled vegetables. Not only are they delicious, but they also add color and nutrition to your plate.

Remember to season your vegetables with a mix of olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Here are some quick ideas to get you started:

• Skewers: Combine a variety of veggies like bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes on skewers, and grill for 10-12 minutes until tender.
• Grilled corn: Remove the husk, cook directly on the grill, and enjoy with your choice of toppings.
• Eggplant & tomatoes: Grill marinated slices for a smoky and flavorful side dish.

Have fun experimenting and enjoy your flavorful, healthy sides!

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Tired of regular BBQ sides? Bacon-wrapped asparagus is a tasty alternative.

Prepare by rinsing and trimming the asparagus, then wrapping each with a bacon slice.

For grilling, preheat to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F) and cook for 18-20 minutes, turning halfway through.

Complement this dish with cauliflower mash or lemon garlic pasta as flavorful sides.

Enjoy your BBQ with this easy, delicious option.

Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers are a versatile and flavorful option for your BBQ side dish.

Choose from various fillings like rice, quinoa, or couscous seasoned with herbs and spices.

Pair them with a refreshing balsamic tomato basil salad or a crisp arugula salad for a balanced meal.

Enjoy the variety and colors of stuffed peppers at your BBQ.

Grilled Sweet Potatoes

Preparing grilled sweet potatoes is simple and delicious—perfect as a BBQ side dish.

First, peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into 1/4 inch-thick rounds.

Toss in olive oil, salt, and your favorite seasonings.

Place the slices on a hot grill, cook until tender, and enjoy with a dipping sauce.

Some recipes even recommend boiling the sweet potatoes beforehand for added tenderness.

Jalapeno Popper Corn

Jalapeno Popper Corn adds a spicy twist to your BBQ side dish lineup.

Grill corn cobs (4-6) by wrapping them in foil and cooking for 15-20 minutes, rotating every 2-3 minutes.

Once cooled, remove kernels and mix with ingredients like:

• Cream cheese (4 oz)
• Sour cream (1/2 cup)
• Mayonnaise (1/4 cup)
• Chopped jalapenos, bacon, and onion

Flavor with spices such as garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder.

Finish by stirring in cheddar and pepper jack cheese.

Enjoy this creamy, flavorful salad at your next BBQ.

Grilled Cabbage

Grilled cabbage is a delicious, healthy BBQ side dish.

Simply cut the cabbage into wedges and remove any wilted outer leaves.

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

Lightly brush the wedges with oil and season with salt and pepper.

Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, until edges are charred and cabbage is softened.

Serve with your choice of dressing, such as balsamic vinegar mixture or a spicy lime dressing, to elevate the flavor.

Enjoy this easy and tasty side at your next BBQ!

Bacon-Corn Stuffed Peppers

A perfect side dish for your BBQ!

Slice bell peppers in half, and remove seeds.

Mix corn, salsa, green onions, mozzarella cheese, and bacon.

Spoon mixture into pepper halves.

Wrap each in foil and grill over medium heat for 25-30 minutes.

Top with cheese and bacon and grill until the cheese melts.

Enjoy these flavorful and easy-to-prepare peppers at your next cookout.

Grilled Mushrooms

Grilled mushrooms make a fantastic BBQ side dish.

To prepare, marinate mushrooms in balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and minced garlic for 30 minutes.

Then, grill for 10-12 minutes, stirring every few minutes and basting with reserved marinade.

Optionally, squeeze lemon juice over grilled mushrooms to enhance flavor.

Grilled Pattypans

For a delicious, healthy BBQ side dish, try grilled pattypan squash.

Slice squash into ½” thick slices and brush them with a mixture of oil, garlic, and rosemary.

Grill on preheated grill for 3-5 minutes per side until tender.

Serve with a drizzle of lemon-garlic sauce or Italian salsa verde.

Enjoy your flavorsome, nutritious side dish at your next BBQ!

Quick Barbecued Beans

Ingredients:

• 1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cans baked beans
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp mustard powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F).
2. In a disposable foil pan, mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
3. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and place on the grill.
4. Heat for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
5. Serve alongside your favorite BBQ dishes and enjoy!

Grilled Sweet Potatoes With Gorgonzola Spread

Grill preparation: Preheat your grill to medium heat (~350°F / 180°C).

Sweet potatoes: Peel and slice sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch-thick rounds.

Brush both sides with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Grill, covered, for 4-5 minutes on each side.

Gorgonzola spread: Combine Gorgonzola with cream cheese, mayonnaise, chopped onion, and crushed garlic. Refrigerate until serving.

Serve grilled sweet potatoes with Gorgonzola spread and, if desired, garnish with chives.

Enjoy this flavorful BBQ side dish!

Grilled Veggies With Caper Butter

Upgrade your BBQ with grilled veggies and caper butter.

First, prepare your vegetables by brushing with oil, sprinkling with salt and pepper.

In a saucepan, melt butter and mix in garlic, lemon juice, and capers.

Grill your veggies, basting with the caper butter mixture.

Voila! A delicious, flavorful side dish.

Grilled Hash Browns

Elevate your BBQ with grilled hash browns as a tasty side dish.

Simply place seasoned potatoes on heavy-duty foil, adding onions, bouillon, salt, and pepper.

Drizzle butter and seal it tightly.

Grill for 10-15 minutes.

Enjoy these crispy, golden delights with your favorite toppings and pair them with BBQ classics.

Creamy Grilled Potato Salad

Looking for a tantalizing side dish for your BBQ? Try this Creamy Grilled Potato Salad! It’s simple, yet full of flavor.

1. Cut potatoes into 1″ pieces, leaving the skin on.
2. Boil in salted water.
3. Grill them for 3-5 minutes on each side.
4. Mix with mayo, dill, and other desired ingredients.

Serve it chilled, and enjoy the perfect complement to your BBQ feast!

Lemon Garlic Mushrooms

Lemon Garlic Mushrooms are a simple, delicious side for BBQs.

To make them, preheat the oven to 400°F.

Combine in a bowl:

• 1 lb mushrooms,
• 3 minced garlic cloves,
• 2 tbsp olive oil,
• 1 tbsp lemon juice,
• Zest of 1 lemon,
• Salt and pepper.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the mushrooms in a single layer.

Roast for 20-25 minutes, until tender.

Enjoy this flavorful, easy-to-make side dish at your next BBQ gathering.

Spicy Grilled Eggplant

Step 1: Slice your eggplant into 1/2-inch rounds.
Step 2: Brush with oil and drizzle lime juice.
Step 3: Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning; let stand for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375-450°F).
Step 5: Grill 4-5 minutes per side, until tender and charred.

Serve and enjoy your flavorful, smoky, and tender grilled eggplant at your BBQ.

Grilled Zucchini

Grilled zucchini is a delicious and healthy option for your BBQ menu.

Begin by cutting your zucchini into spears or slices.

In a large bowl, toss zucchini with olive oil, seasonings, and herbs, such as salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and make sure the grates are clean and well-oiled.

Place the seasoned zucchini on the grill and cook for about 3-9 minutes, turning them partway through for even cooking.

Serve as a colorful, flavorful side dish at your BBQ. Enjoy!

Grilled Onions

Grilling onions adds a delicious, savory element to your BBQ side dishes.

Start by preheating your grill to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cut onions into wedges or slices, keeping layers intact.

Lightly coat with olive oil and season to taste.

Place onions directly on grill grates, cooking for 3-5 minutes per side or until tender and slightly caramelized.

Enjoy this flavorful side dish alongside your favorite BBQ meats.

Grilled Tomatoes

Grilling tomatoes is a great way to elevate their flavors. To create delicious grilled tomatoes:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 450-500 degrees F).
2. Slice tomatoes in half and drizzle them with olive oil.
3. Season cut sides with salt and pepper.
4. Grill skin-side down for 4-5 minutes. Then, flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes.

This simple yet delicious side dish perfectly complements your BBQ meal.