Elevate your outdoor cooking experience with sides that truly shine. While the main course may grab attention, it’s the accompanying dishes that bring depth and variety to the table. A well-crafted BBQ side can transform a meal from ordinary to extraordinary, leaving your guests craving more. Whether you’re firing up the grill for burgers or steaks, our collection of mouthwatering recipes is here to take your backyard cookout to new heights.
From refreshing coleslaw to zesty potato salad, each dish is carefully crafted to complement and enhance the flavors of your grilled meats. Ignite the flames, get creative with your sides, and prepare to savor a culinary experience that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.
BBQ Sides
Elevate your summer grilling experience with BBQ Sides, a collection of 30 exceptional side dish recipes that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. This comprehensive compilation includes a range of options, from revitalizing salads to indulgent potato dishes, ensuring there’s something for every palate. Moreover, the post provides valuable guidance on adapting these recipes to accommodate various dietary restrictions, whether you’re hosting a gathering or attending as a guest.
With BBQ Sides, you’ll be well-equipped to impress your friends and family with a diverse array of delicious side dishes.
Bacon Gorgonzola Potato Salad
Elevate your barbecue game with Bacon Gorgonzola Potato Salad, a creative spin on the classic potato salad recipe. By combining the smoky flavor of crispy bacon, the tanginess of gorgonzola cheese, and the freshness of dill, this dish takes a bold step forward in terms of flavor profile. The addition of a creamy sauce made with mayonnaise and sour cream adds an indulgent richness, making it a standout side that’s sure to impress at your next gathering.
Basil Parmesan Grilled Corn
Take your summer barbecue to new heights with Basil Parmesan Grilled Corn, a mouth-watering side dish that’s sure to impress. The key lies in the harmonious balance of flavors, starting with perfectly grilled corn on the cob. Then elevated by a zesty basil vinaigrette drizzle. To add an extra layer of richness and depth, freshly grated parmesan cheese is sprinkled atop, accompanied by a pinch of salt, pepper, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes.
This delectable recipe redefines grilled corn’s potential, making it an absolute must-have for any outdoor gathering this summer.
Grilled Spicy BBQ Chicken Thighs
Indulge in the warmth of summer with Grilled Spicy BBQ Chicken Thighs, a mouthwatering addition to any outdoor gathering. By cooking these chicken thighs low and slow over an open flame, you’ll achieve tender, succulent meat infused with the rich flavors of the grill. The pièce de résistance is the homemade spicy barbecue sauce, which brings a bold kick of heat that complements the smoky undertones perfectly.
Serve this show-stopping dish alongside comforting classics like potato salad, creamy macaroni and cheese, or refreshing coleslaw for a truly satisfying meal experience.
Three Pepper Salad
The Three Pepper Salad is an exemplary summer barbecue accompaniment, characterized by its vibrant colors and zesty flavors. The harmonious blend of red, yellow, and orange bell peppers, along with red onion, parsley, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, creates a deliciously healthy and flavorful dish. The incorporation of crumbled feta cheese adds a welcome tanginess, elevating the overall taste experience.
With its simplicity and ability to be prepared ahead of time, this salad is an ideal choice for casual gatherings or parties, offering a delightful no-fuss addition to any grill out.
Smoked BBQ Baked Beans
Indulge in the rich flavors of these smoked BBQ baked beans, expertly crafted to accompany any backyard barbecue. A harmonious blend of kidney, white, and pinto beans yields a dish that’s both comforting and bold, boasting a subtle sweetness and authentic smoky essence.
The addition of molasses and crispy bacon amplifies the depth and complexity of the recipe, allowing for effortless customization through the introduction of smoked meats, bean variations, or adjustments to sweetness and spice levels. These indulgent baked beans are sure to become a staple at your next outdoor gathering.
BBQ Meatloaf
This BBQ Meatloaf boasts an irresistible fusion of tender meat and rich flavors, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings, celebrations, or everyday meals. The sweet and tangy homemade BBQ glaze infuses the dish with a depth of flavor that’s simply mouthwatering. What sets this recipe apart is its versatility – you can easily scale it down to create bite-sized mini meatloafs or take it up a notch by wrapping it in crispy bacon.
Regardless, the end result is a crowd-pleasing masterpiece that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates.
Baked Beans with Bacon
Baked Beans with Bacon is a mouthwatering BBQ side dish that’s simplicity itself. The combination of canned pork and beans, brown sugar, and crispy bacon yields a sweet, savory, and smokily flavored treat. The addition of the latter adds a satisfying crunch to each bite, while the brown sugar deepens the overall sweetness. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a summer BBQ, as it can be cooked to perfection in the oven and served warm or at room temperature.
Its long cooking time allows the flavors to harmonize beautifully, making it an indispensable addition to any outdoor gathering.
BBQ Brisket Nachos
A culinary masterpiece awaits in the form of BBQ Brisket Nachos, where crispy tortilla chips unite with tender and smoky shredded beef brisket, melted cheese, and an array of tantalizing toppings. The sweet and slightly spicy BBQ sauce infuses the brisket with a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. While pulled pork or chicken can be used as alternatives, it’s the brisket that truly shines in this delightful dish.
To complete the mouthwatering experience, the nachos are loaded with corn, red onion, pico de gallo or salsa, cilantro, and a dollop of creamy sour cream. This crowd-pleasing snack is perfect for game day or any occasion, ensuring everyone will be clamoring for seconds.
Pulled Pork and Slaw Sandwich
The Pulled Pork and Slaw Sandwich is a quintessential BBQ delight that harmoniously combines tender, slow-cooked pulled pork with a satisfying crunch from homemade slaw. This versatile sandwich can be served on a range of buns, catering to individual preferences. Additional flavor layers come from toppings like BBQ sauce, melted cheese, and tangy pickles.
Moreover, this recipe lends itself well to meal prep and can be prepared ahead of time, making it an ideal option for busy BBQ enthusiasts who crave a crowd-pleasing treat.
Smoked Jalapeno Poppers
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Smoked Jalapeno Poppers, a mouthwatering side dish that will elevate any BBQ gathering. This delightful recipe combines creamy cheese and spicy jalapenos, wrapped in crispy bacon and smoked to perfection. The harmonious balance of heat and flavor is further enhanced by the satisfying crunch from the smoky bacon. As an added bonus, this make-ahead masterpiece is sure to delight your guests with its effortless charm.
No Sugar Added Homemade BBQ Sauce
For those seeking a refined sugar-free condiment, No Sugar Added Homemade BBQ Sauce presents a savory and indulgent alternative. By harnessing the natural sweetness of unsulphured blackstrap molasses, honey, and caramelized onions, this homemade concoction strikes an exquisite balance between richness and warmth. Its versatility shines when paired with grilled meats or used as a decadent dipping sauce, rendering it an outstanding substitute for traditional BBQ sauces.
Ultimate BBQ Cowboy Beans
Indulge in the rich flavors of The Ultimate BBQ Cowboy Beans, an irresistible side dish that’s perfect for barbecues, tailgating events, or any gathering where delicious food is at the forefront. This mouthwatering creation combines ground beef, crispy bacon, and a sweet-and-tangy sauce to produce a surprisingly smoky flavor profile that elevates any meal.
As much a star of the show as it is a supporting actor, these beans can be enjoyed on their own or paired with grilled meats for an unforgettable experience. With its effortless preparation and bold flavors, The Ultimate BBQ Cowboy Beans are a must-have for anyone who loves barbecue.
Canned Baked Beans
Elevate your classic Canned Baked Beans game by infusing them with the rich flavors of bacon and liquid smoke. This simple recipe yields a sweet and smoky taste that’s sure to impress at any backyard BBQ or summer get-together. The best part is, it’s incredibly quick and easy, requiring minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor payoff.
