103 BBQ Sides That Will Steal the Show in 2025
While the meat may be the main event, the right BBQ sides can steal the show. Summer is right around the corner, which means it’s time to invite friends over, fire up the grill on a warm evening and enjoy good food and good times together.
As you plan your summer cookout menu, don’t forget to give the sides some much-needed attention. But what are good side dishes for a cookout? Classic options include coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, potato salad and pasta salad.Â
Having these side dishes will be crowd-pleasing options no matter who you invite over. It’s also a good idea to have a few fresh options like grilled vegetables or a watermelon salad.
When preparing your BBQ sides, it’s also a good idea to consider flavors that complement your main dishes. For example, beef pairs well with herby and earthy flavors, according to Castle Foods.Â
So, you may want to consider serving sides with garlic, onions, thyme or sage. Pork pairs well with sweeter flavors, so you can use berries, ginger or cinnamon in these sides. Chicken is more versatile and can pair with nearly any flavor, so you can pair it with sides that are smoky, earthy or citrusy.Â
No matter what you’re serving on the grill, we’ve got 103 BBQ sides to serve at your next cookout.
Jump to Section
- Easy Side Dishes for BBQ
- Classic BBQ Sides
- American BBQ Sides
- Southern BBQ Sides
- BBQ Sides for Ribs
- BBQ Sides for Chicken
- Healthy BBQ Sides
- Texas BBQ Sides
- BBQ Sides FAQs
Easy Side Dishes for BBQ
1. Mac and Cheese
Every guest at the barbecue will love seeing a tray of mac and cheese. There are plenty of easy recipes to whip up a creamy cheese sauce on the stove and fold in macaroni or cavatappi pasta.
2. Melting Potatoes
Buttery herby potatoes are going to be a favorite of the day. If you’re looking for easy side dishes for BBQ, opt for these oven-braised potatoes made soft with broth.
3. Chickpea Salad
Along with chickpeas, this salad has refreshing vegetables like onions, cucumber, tomato and onions. The vibrant and fresh flavors are ideal for summer.
4. Pickled Okra
Okra is one of the favorite Southern BBQ sides. Pickled okra will add a tangy and crunchy side and it only takes 10 minutes to prep to make your own.
5. Mango Salad
Sweet, refreshing and a little tangy, a mango salad will bring plenty of flavor to the barbecue. It has red pepper, red onion and jicama, which adds unique layers.
6. Radish Salad
As you plan a cookout menu, don’t forget to choose a crisp and refreshing addition. A radish salad takes just 15 minutes to slice and toss before serving.
7. Salsa, Guacamole and Chips
You can rarely go wrong with tortilla chips and a few dips. Make a fresh tomato salsa, earthy guacamole or even a cheesy queso. It’s great to snack on while you wait for the meat to be done.
8. Esquites
Inspired by Mexican street corn, esquites is one of the best easy side dishes for BBQ to serve. A mix of charred corn off the cob, poblano peppers and a creamy garlicky dressing makes for a great flavor pairing.
9. Caprese Pasta Salad
Tomato, basil and mozzarella are a classic combination. Add in noodles and you have a fresh BBQ side that will please the party.
10. Fritos Corn Salad
Mix of whole corn kernels, cheese, bell peppers and a creamy sauce made with mayonnaise and sour cream. Then top with Fritos for a little crunch. It makes a delightful dip.
11. Cowboy Caviar
Bring some Mexican flavors with this BBQ side. It’s simple to make by combining diced tomatoes, bell peppers, jalapeños for heat and red onions, plus whole back-eyed peas and black beans. Enjoy it as a salsa with chips or on top of meats.
12. Greek Pasta Salad
Nothing says summer like a culinary trip to coastal Greece. A mix of fresh tomatoes, mint and feta creates a refreshing pairing for barbecue meats.
13. Zucchini and Corn Fritters
Similar to hush puppies, corn fitters are fried until golden and crispy. They’re bite-sized, so everyone at the party is sure to have a spoonful or more.
Classic BBQ Sides
14. Corn Muffins
What is a good side dish for summer grilling? Corn muffins are the perfect carb for a summer barbecue. Spread butter on them or use it to mop up some of the barbecue sauce.
15. Mediterranean Pasta Salad
The bold flavors of a Mediterranean pasta salad are a fun update to the classic. Smoked mozzarella and giardiniera pair well with smoky meats.
16. Cowboy Beans
Baked beans with a smoky and tangy taste will be the perfect comfort side. It pairs well with brisket and other smoked red meats.
17. Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is one of the BBQ sides you'll often see. Char it on the grill and serve it with butter. You can even use flavored butters for new pairings.
18. Broccoli Slaw
A fun slaw variation on one of the classic BBQ sides is broccoli slaw. It has raisins, sunflower kernels, broccoli and carrots for an easy and healthy side dish.
19. Avocado Salad
If you need a refreshing barbecue side, an avocado salad is the perfect option. Tomatoes, cucumbers and avocado are the perfect summery side.
20. Three-Bean Salad
A mix of green beans, white beans, and red kidney beans, along with some veggies, makes one of the backyard BBQ ideas. It’s a filling side and also a good source of summer vegetables.
21. Baked Beans
You can’t have a barbecue without baked beans. It’s a hearty dish that pairs well with meat, especially if you add pieces of bacon or brisket.
22. Skillet Cornbread
Any good barbecue is going to have cornbread. Buttery and crispy and cooked in a cast iron skillet, this is the best BBQ side to pair with hearty meats.
23. Macaroni Salad
Another of the classic BBQ sides is macaroni salad. It’s creamy, sweet and tangy thanks to the medley of ingredients and will pair well with just about any barbecued meat.
24. Spiced Potato Chips
Homemade potato chips atato chips are one of the best BBQ sides for a barbecue sandwich. And a mandoline is one of the best cooking gifts to give to make these crisp BBQ sides.
25. Egg Salad
Creamy and herby egg salad is one of the best classic BBQ sides. It’ll be great eaten alone or on top of slices of crispy bread.
American BBQ Sides
26. Shrimp Pasta Salad
Shrimp pasta salad is great for a coastal barbecue. This delicious pasta salad is a mix of vegetables, pasta and buttery shrimp with a creamy dressing.
27. Loaded Baked Potato Salad
What sides are good with BBQ? Potato salad is a classic barbecue side. Adding bacon, cheddar cheese and green onions adds a fun twist to the classic.
28. Tortellini Pasta Salad
Instead of standard macaroni or penne, use cheese tortellini for a pasta salad. Add olives, salami and onions and toss in a sun-dried tomato dressing.
29. Creamed Corn
Creamed corn is a comforting side dish. Blending it with milk instead of heavy cream makes it a little lighter for a summer barbecue.
30. Classic Buttermilk Biscuit
Buttermilk biscuits are one of the staple American BBQ sides. It’s buttery, flaky and puffy, perfect to enjoy with tender meats.
31. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Mixing cooked pasta into a classic Caesar salad is a fun update to a classic dish. It’s a light and crisp side that’s perfect for summer.
32. Ranch Slaw
Coleslaw is one of the most classic BBQ sides. This version made with ranch dressing will be a fun update to the beloved staple.
33. Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a favorite American dish and one of the best BBQ sides. It’s creamy and cheesy, the perfect decadent pairing for barbecue.
34. Bacon Deviled Eggs
Add a little more savory flavor to classic deviled eggs. Topped with smoky bacon, it’ll be a welcome addition to a classic barbecue spread.
35. Creamy Cucumber Pasta
Ribbons of cucumber in a creamy sauce made with sour cream and mayonnaise and seasoned with dill. It’ll take a few minutes to make, so it’s a great last-minute addition to the barbecue.
36. Italian Pasta Salad
Fresh mozzarella, diced salami and black olives make for one of the best pasta salads. It’s so good, it might be elevated from the best BBQ sides to a main dish.
37. French Fries
If you’re serving barbecue sandwiches, French fries are one of the must-have BBQ sides. Make homemade fries and serve with some dry barbecue seasoning or barbecue sauce for dipping.
38. Pimento Cheese Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Transform mashed potatoes into one of the most iconic American BBQ sides. Add in pimento cheese, caramelized onions and bacon for layers of flavor you won’t get enough of.
39. Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Make a creamy homemade dressing and mix in bacon, tomatoes, cheddar cheese and cavatappi pasta. Bursting with flavor and creamy, it’ll pair well with smoky and grilled meats.
Southern BBQ Sides
40. Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a favorite Southern classic and make one of the best BBQ sides. Play around with flavors like adding dill pickles for a tangy taste.
41. Biscuits
Classic biscuits will be one of the favorite Southern BBQ sides thanks to their buttery taste and flaky texture. Enjoy it alone, as a makeshift sandwich or with some excess sauce.
42. Succotash
Summer vegetables get a feature with classic Southern succotash. It’s made with bell peppers, corn, tomatoes, lima beans and other vegetables cooked on the stove with butter.Â
43. Air-Fried Pickles
Fried pickles are the perfect bite-sized crunchy side. Using an air fryer means you won’t have to work with hot oil, and it’s a little more hands-off.
44. Southern Potato Salad
The South knows how to make potato salad. The addition of hard-boiled eggs, celery and sweet pickle relish adds plenty of flavor.
45. Fried Green Tomatoes
If there’s one dish that makes you think of the South, it’s fried green tomatoes. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, it’s one of the most beloved BBQ sides.
46. Upside Down Tomato Cornbread
You can never go wrong with serving cornbread at the cookout. This recipe features a fun twist of fresh tomato slices served on top.
47. Sweet Potato Fries
Need backyard BBQ ideas that delight? Crispy sweet potato fries are the way to go. Especially because they pair so well with barbecue sauce for dipping.
48. Yellow Squash Casserole
Summer yellow squash is the perfect base for a casserole. With a cheesy sauce and crisp crackers on top, it has plenty of texture and flavor that will complement meat.
49. Collard Greens
The South made collard greens famous for their hearty, earthy and savory flavors. They’re cooked with bacon or ham hocks for seasoning and make great BBQ sides.
50. Tennessee Onions
One of the most delicious Southern BBQ sides is Tennessee onions. It’s a beloved, old-fashioned dish for a reason. The creamy and cheesy onions will pair well with savory ribs and pulled pork sandwiches.
51. Buttermilk Ranch BiscuitsÂ
Flaky biscuits made with buttermilk are the perfect barbecue side, enjoyed with savory meats. The ranch-flavored butter elevates this classic.
52. Quick Pickled Slaw
Shredded cabbage, carrots and radishes made tangy with rice vinegar will add a bright and fresh side to the barbecue. It’s also so easy to make on the day of the barbecue.
BBQ Sides for Ribs
53. Jalapeño Cornbread
Cornbread with a little spice? It will be one of the best BBQ sides for ribs. Tender cornbread with jalapeño slices made crispy from being cooked in a cast iron skillet is ideal for enjoying alongside ribs.
54. BBQ Rib Mac and Cheese
Want to elevate your mac and cheese? Shred some meat from your barbecue ribs and mix it into the mac and cheese. The creamy and savory combination will be gone in a flash.
55. Cucumber Salad
Cucumbers are the perfect refreshing BBQ sides. The cool flavor will pair well with heartier options like brisket and ribs.
56. BLT Pasta Salad
Bacon makes everything better, including this pasta salad. Inspired by the sandwich, this pasta salad will pair well with ribs.
57. Elotes
Grilled corn is one of the favorite BBQ sides, but it’s especially good as elote. It’s seasoned with chili powder and finished with a sprinkle of Cotija cheese and absolutely delicious with ribs.
58. Fried Onion Fritters
Crispy onion fritters are a unique twist on an onion ring. Save some of the sauce from the meats in the backyard BBQ pit for dipping.
59. Horseradish Watermelon
Juicy and sweet watermelon contrasts the spicy horseradish. The unique layer of flavor will pair well with meats.
60. Red Potato Salad
Red potatoes hold their shape well when cooked, so this potato salad will be just a little bit crispier. A tang from sour cream and dill pickles, it’ll complement tangy and savory barbecue.
61. Corn and Black Bean Salsa
Fresh corn, earthy black beans and crunchy tortilla chips make this one of the most delicious BBQ sides. It’ll be a great topping or a fresh salad.
62. Andouille Hush Puppies
Give classic hush puppies an elevated twist. Add smoky pork sausage to the center of the hush puppies for one of the best BBQ sides for ribs.
63. Rum Baked Beans
Baked beans elevated by a sweet and rich rum sauce will be the barbecue’s favorite dish. Prepare ahead so all the flavors marinate well.
64. Bacon Brown Sugar Butterbeans
These home-style butterbeans are made with brown sugar and bacon. The smoky and sweet flavor will pair well with your barbecue sauces and smoked meats.
65. Black-Eyed Pea Salad
An easy and simple dish that will be a refreshing side for barbecues. Seasoned with pepper, scallions and cilantro, it’s a zesty layer of flavors.
BBQ Sides for Chicken
66. Veggie Skewers
Vegetable skewers add a refreshing flavor and pair well with succulent chicken. Opt for tomatoes, zucchini, onions and peppers grilled alongside your chicken or using the same marinade.
67. Grilled Potatoes
Grilled potatoes will be one of the favorite BBQ sides this summer. Place fingerling potatoes on skewers, brush with garlic butter and grill them until tender.
68. Butter Beans
A little savory and a little sweet, butter beans are one of the best BBQ sides for chicken. The simple flavor will pair well with a variety of marinades and sauces.
69. Grilled Asparagus
Every barbecue needs a fresh detail. Grill asparagus alongside your meats with a squeeze of lemon and simple seasoning like red pepper flakes to serve alongside your chicken.
70. Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Dill pickles make pasta salad vibrantly tangy. This BBQ side will complement the tangy flavors of barbecue sauces.
71. Cajun Mac and Cheese
Everyone loves mac and cheese, but this version will have people loading up their plates. The classic creamy side gets an upgrade with spicy Cajun seasoning and savory Andouille sausage.
72. Pepper Parmesan Biscuits
A fun take on a classic biscuit will make this one of the favorite BBQ sides of the day. A sprinkle of black pepper and Parmesan cheese adds a bold and savory flavor to flaky biscuits.
73. Pesto Pasta Salad
Pesto is a summer classic, so a pesto pasta salad will easily be a favorite of the barbecue. A creamy basil pesto sauce and crunchy pine nuts will be refreshing paired with meats.
74. Lemon Orzo Salad
A zesty lemon orzo salad with feta cheese, bell peppers and grape tomatoes will be a vibrant side to a barbecued chicken. Plus, it’s one of the best summer dinner ideas on its own.
75. Herbed Potato Stacks
Slice potatoes into extra-thin slices to get them nice and crispy. Seasoned with thyme and rosemary and stacked, these delicious potatoes are one of the perfect BBQ sides for chicken.
76. Chipotle Corn Salsa
Grilled corn, onions and bell pepper with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of chipotle powder will be a hit barbecue dish. It’s versatile, so enjoy it as a dip, a fresh side salad or on top of chicken.
77. Bread and Butter Pickles
The crunch and tang of a good pickle will be a favorite served alongside meats. Plus, these pickles are easy to make at home. Start early so they’re ready for the barbecue.
78. Broccoli Cheese Caserole
Broccoli and cheese pair well, so it’s no surprise that together they make one of the best BBQ sides. With the addition of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard, it has a creamy and flavorful sauce.
Healthy BBQ Sides
79. Glazed Carrots
Glaze carrots with a little bit of honey and cook to create a caramelized glaze. Fresh and a little sweet, it’s a healthy side that feels indulgent.
80. Caramelized Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts will have the perfect crunch and flavor for a barbecue. Roasted until they become crisp and finish with a balsamic glaze, this can be one of the healthier BBQ sides.
81. Grilled Mushrooms
If you’re looking for healthy BBQ sides, grilled mushrooms are a great go-to. Earthy cremini mushrooms grilled with a soy-garlic butter will pair well with all your beef barbecue.
82. Strawberry Arugula Salad
Sweet strawberries, peppery arugula and salty feta make one of the brightest and healthiest BBQ sides. It’s a lighter side that pairs well with heavier meats.
83. Zucchini Pesto Pasta
Zesty pesto and fresh zucchini are the perfect summer combination. It’ll add a fresh and earthy flavor to a meat-heavy barbecue.
84. Watermelon Feta Salad
Refreshing watermelon and mint and tangy feta make a perfect pairing for a summer barbecue. It’s great lighter fare for heavier meats.
85. Grilled Eggplant
Sliced eggplant grilled until tender is a great way to enjoy the summer vegetable. It’s also a good meat alternative for vegetarians.
86. Summer Fruit Salad
Colorful and sweet, a summer fruit salad is a healthy and easy side to prepare for the barbecue. Add a citrus dressing to add a little zing.
87. Carrot Ribbon Salad
Carrots peeled into ribbons and tossed in a lemon tahini dressing will make a great light and healthy side. It’s a unique salad to add some brightness.
88. Crudité Platter
What could be healthier than fresh vegetables? A crudité platter with peppers, carrots, celery, cucumbers and more will be one of the lighter BBQ sides. Dips like hummus and ranch are a plus.
89. Grilled Watermelon
Grilled watermelon has a smoky and sweet flavor that will pair well with all your favorite barbecue sauces. It’ll be a refreshing and flavorful side for savory meats.
90. Strawberry Spinach Balsamic Salad
The sweetness of the strawberry and balsamic complement each other well. Paired with earthy spinach, this is one of the healthy BBQ sides you won’t want to stop eating.
91. Heirloom Tomato Salad
Opt for in-season heirloom tomatoes for one of the freshest summer BBQ sides. A simple salad dressed with a light dressing and a sprinkle of basil, parsley and chives will be the perfect palate cleanser.
Texas BBQ Sides
92. Pea Salad
Fresh peas with sharp cheddar and bacon mixed into a creamy sauce; it’s no wonder this is a favorite at a Texas barbecue. It’s a comforting side to enjoy all summer long.
93. Yams
Candied yams are one of the classic Texas BBQ sides. A sweet buttery sauce spread over yams and slow-cooked until tender, they’re a sweet side that’ll complement barbecue sauce.
94. Pinto Beans
Make pinto beans the Texas way with smoked pork hocks and green chiles. They’re a little spicy, so they’ll bring the Tex-Mex flavors to the barbecue.
95. Fried Okra
Fried okra is a favorite at a Texas barbecue because of the golden and crispy crust. The crispy crunch and fresh taste complement juicy meats well.
96. Baked Potato Salad
Baking the potato salad creates a softer texture for this potato salad. Swap the mayo for sour cream for a creamy and flavorful side.
97. Coleslaw
No Texas is complete without coleslaw. It adds a tangy side that pairs well with meat. It’s also a great food option if you’re looking for food for beach party ideas.
98. Texas Toast
A Texas signature, Texas toast is one of the best carb-heavy BBQ sides. Enjoy it toasted to sop up sauce or use it to build a sandwich.
99. Hush Puppies
Cunchy, golden and fried, hushpuppies are a staple with meats from a backyard BBQ pit. It’s a favorite in Texas and throughout the South.
100. Cheese Grits
Grits are a Southern favorite and they’re going to be a favorite at the barbecue. The addition of cheddar cheese elevates it and it’ll taste amazing with a little hot sauce drizzled over it.
101. Baked Potato
A classic baked potato is one of the simplest BBQ sides, but will always be a crowd pleaser. Wrapped in tin foil and cooked on the grill, then load on all your favorite toppings.
102. Onion Rings
Onion rings are a favorite for many, but especially a beloved Texas BBQ side. They’re best served right out of the oven, so make them in small batches.
103. Stewed Cabbage
Simmered in a flavorful broth with pieces of ham, stewed cabbage has layers of flavor that will pair well with barbecue meats.
BBQ Sides FAQs
What Is a Cheap Side Dish for BBQ?
Potato salad is one of the easiest and most inexpensive BBQ sides to make. With its use of budget-friendly and common pantry ingredients, you can often make a large amount without spending a fortune.Â
Potato salad is also easy to customize, allowing you to add your choice of herbs, vegetables, meats or cheeses to create completely unique dishes. Similar to potato salad is pasta salad, which also uses inexpensive and common ingredients and can be customized and recreated in various ways.Â
Other cheap but delicious side dishes include beans, roasted vegetables, deviled eggs and cornbread.
What To Bring for a Barbecue Potluck?
A barbecue potluck is a great opportunity to sample a few different dishes, and you have a few different options for what to bring. You can bring a main dish like grilled or smoked meats.
Consider brisket or shredded meats for sandwiches. This is a great opportunity to try different marinades, rubs and sauces. You can also bring BBQ sides to help round out the meal. Opt for crowd-pleasing classics like potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans or mac and cheese.Â
Fresh options like fruit, vegetables or salads are also a great option. And finally, it’ll always be a great idea to bring soft drinks and sodas to help wash all the food down.
What Are Traditional Texas BBQ Sides?
Texas is one of the places known for its barbecue and because of that, a full culture and cuisine have developed. Texas barbecue is influenced by classic Southern barbecue as well as some Mexican and Tex-Mex flavors.Â
Some Texas BBQ sides served along the meats include pinto beans, coleslaw, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, fried okra, collard greens and cornbread.
The best BBQ sides elevate a meal. From decadent pasta salads to crisp vegetables to crispy potatoes, there are plenty of options that will pair well with your grilled and barbecued meats. Gather friends and family for some backyard fun or bring a dish that will have everyone wanting seconds. Get inspired to make the most delicious BBQ sides of the summer.
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