Pleasing the palate with an array of delectable sides is what truly elevates your BBQ game. While the main course may be the star of the show, it’s the mouth-watering accompaniments that bring the flavors to life and leave your guests craving more. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a casual gathering or hosting an intimate dinner party, the right sides can make all the difference in creating a memorable outdoor feast.
BBQ Sides
Elevate your summer grilling experience with BBQ Sides’ impressive collection of 30 side dish recipes that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. From revitalizing salads that provide a welcome respite from the heat to rich and satisfying cheesy potato dishes, the variety of options ensures there’s something for every occasion and palate.
Bacon Gorgonzola Potato Salad
Delighting food enthusiasts with its bold flavors, Bacon Gorgonzola Potato Salad offers a refreshing twist on the traditional potato salad. The harmonious combination of crunchy bacon, pungent gorgonzola cheese, and fragrant fresh dill creates a truly exceptional dish. Furthermore, the rich and creamy sauce, crafted from mayonnaise and sour cream, adds an opulent touch that will surely impress guests at any BBQ gathering or outdoor event.
Basil Parmesan Grilled Corn
Fresh from the grill, Basil Parmesan Grilled Corn is a mouth-watering BBQ side dish that combines the natural sweetness of corn with the pungency of fresh basil. The corn is expertly grilled to perfection, then brushed with a rich and tangy basil vinaigrette that really makes the flavors pop.
Grilled Spicy BBQ Chicken Thighs
Unlock the flavors of summer with our mouth-watering Grilled Spicy BBQ Chicken Thighs recipe. The low and slow grilling process tenderizes the chicken thighs to perfection, creating a dish that’s both juicy and full of flavor. Meanwhile, the homemade spicy barbecue sauce brings an added layer of heat and depth to the smoky flavors from the grill, taking this classic summer recipe to new heights.
Serve these savory chicken thighs alongside timeless sides like creamy potato salad, comforting macaroni and cheese, or refreshing coleslaw for a truly unforgettable meal experience.
Three Pepper Salad
Taking inspiration from the vibrant colors of summer, the Three Pepper Salad is a revitalizing bell pepper side dish perfect for warm-weather gatherings like summer barbecues. Made with an assortment of bell peppers in red, yellow, and orange hues, this salad also incorporates red onion, parsley, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
Smoked BBQ Baked Beans
Rounding out any barbecue spread with a quintessential side dish is essential for creating an authentic atmosphere. These smoked BBQ baked beans hit all the right notes, providing comfort, subtle sweetness, and an unmistakable smoky flavor that elevates the overall dining experience. Crafted from a harmonious blend of kidney, white, and pinto beans, they offer a well-rounded balance of hearty texture and genuine smokiness.
BBQ Meatloaf
Delighting family and friends with a mouth-watering meal is easier than ever with our BBQ Meatloaf recipe, which combines the richness of homemade meatloaf with the deep flavors of a tangy BBQ glaze. This smoky addition not only elevates the dish but also pairs perfectly with the tender texture of the meatloaf itself.
Baked Beans with Bacon
Taking center stage as a mouth-watering BBQ side dish, Baked Beans with Bacon is a recipe that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. Made with the simplicity of canned pork and beans, combined with the richness of brown sugar and the smoky depth of bacon, these baked beans deliver a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes. The addition of crispy bacon not only adds texture but also elevates the overall dish to new heights.
This uncomplicated recipe is ideal for oven cooking, as the extended cooking time allows all the flavors to harmoniously blend together, resulting in a truly satisfying outcome. Whether served warm from the oven or allowed to cool down to room temperature, these baked beans are an absolute must-have at any summer BBQ gathering.
BBQ Brisket Nachos
Keen to elevate your snack game? BBQ Brisket Nachos is an irresistible dish that pairs crunchy tortilla chips with tender beef brisket, gooey cheese, and an assortment of mouthwatering toppings. The slow-cooked brisket in sweet and slightly spicy BBQ sauce delivers a depth of flavor that’s both smoky and rich. This recipe can also be adapted using pulled pork or chicken, but the star of the show remains the tender brisket.
To add some extra flair, top your nachos with corn, diced red onion, pico de gallo or salsa, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream, resulting in an unbeatable combination that’s sure to delight both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or just looking for a delicious snack to munch on, these nachos are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone craving more.
Pulled Pork and Slaw Sandwich
Most people’s idea of the perfect barbecue sandwich often includes tender, slow-cooked pulled pork as its centerpiece. This delicious dish is elevated by the addition of homemade slaw, which provides a satisfying crunch that complements the softness of the pork. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility, allowing it to be served on various types of buns to suit individual tastes.
Additionally, toppings such as BBQ sauce, cheese, and pickles can be added to provide an extra layer of flavor. One of the advantages of this recipe is that it is perfect for meal prep, as it can be made ahead of time without sacrificing any quality or taste. Its broad appeal makes the Pulled Pork and Slaw Sandwich a crowd-pleaser among BBQ enthusiasts.
Smoked Jalapeno Poppers
Stuffed with a creamy cheese mixture, wrapped in crispy bacon, and smoked to perfection, the Smoked Jalapeno Poppers recipe is a delicious and flavorful side dish perfect for any BBQ. The subtle spiciness of the jalapenos is beautifully balanced by the richness of the cheesy filling and the deep smoky flavor, creating a delightful harmony of textures. With its crunchy bacon finish, this make-ahead dish is sure to impress your guests with its ease of preparation and mouth-watering appeal.
No Sugar Added Homemade BBQ Sauce
Zeroing in on a healthier condiment option for your next barbecue? Look no further than this No Sugar Added Homemade BBQ Sauce! Unlike store-bought alternatives loaded with refined sugar, this recipe uses unsulphured blackstrap molasses, honey, and caramelized onions to achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and richness. This sauce not only tastes amazing but also provides a guilt-free option for those watching their sugar intake.
It’s a versatile condiment that pairs well with grilled meats and can even be used as a tasty dipping sauce for your favorite snacks.
Ultimate BBQ Cowboy Beans
Taking center stage at any outdoor gathering, whether it’s a summer barbecue or tailgating party, the Ultimate BBQ Cowboy Beans offer a deliciously unique twist on traditional side dishes. Made with ground beef and smoky bacon, these beans are infused with a sweet and tangy sauce that provides an unparalleled depth of flavor.
