If you're gearing up for a barbecue, you can't go wrong with these classic side dishes. Start with a creamy, tangy potato salad that balances flavors and textures perfectly. Smoky-sweet baked beans, with their rich, savory sauce, bring out the best in grilled meats. A traditional coleslaw provides a invigorating crunch, while baked mac and cheese offers indulgent comfort. Don't forget brown butter cornbread, moist and tender, ideal for soaking up all those delicious sauces. There are even more delightful options to explore, each sure to impress your guests and complement your barbecue feast.
Classic Potato Salad
Among the quintessential side dishes for any barbecue, Classic Potato Salad stands out for its well-balanced taste profile of tangy, salty, and sweet flavors. Created by Serious Eats' Eric Kleinberg, this creamy, crunchy, and fluffy side dish perfectly complements BBQ meats.
Its versatility and crowd-pleasing nature make it an essential addition to any best barbecue menu.
Smoky-Sweet Baked Beans
While Classic Potato Salad brings a creamy and tangy element to the barbecue table, Smoky-Sweet Baked Beans introduce a rich, complex flavor that enhances the overall dining experience.
These baked beans feature tender beans in a savory, sweet, and tangy sauce, perfectly complementing grilled meats. The balance of smokiness and sweetness makes them a comforting and hearty addition to any barbecue spread.
Traditional Coleslaw
Traditional coleslaw, with its creamy and tangy dressing, adds an invigorating crunch that perfectly complements the smoky flavors of barbecue dishes.
This classic side dish, known for its balance of flavors and textures, pairs wonderfully with grilled meats and sandwiches.
The creamy dressing enhances the barbecue experience, making coleslaw an essential addition to any barbecue spread, adding a revitalizing and satisfying element.
Baked Mac and Cheese
Following the invigorating crunch of coleslaw, Baked Mac and Cheese brings a rich, creamy comfort to the barbecue spread with its delectable blend of cheddar and Gruyère cheeses in a smooth béchamel sauce.
This classic Southern dish, packed with cheesy goodness, is the perfect side, offering a creamy and indulgent experience that pairs beautifully with the smoky flavors of barbecue meats.
Brown Butter Cornbread
Brown Butter Cornbread, with its moist and tender texture, is an exceptional side dish that complements barbecue sauces and stands out with its rich corn flavor and nutty brown butter notes.
Created by J. Kenji Lopez-Alt, this cornbread offers a unique twist on traditional recipes, adding depth and elevating your BBQ experience.
It's perfect for soaking up sauces or enjoying on its own.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Adding a vibrant and tangy option to your barbecue spread, Mexican Street Corn Salad, also known as esquites, captures the essence of Mexican street food with its sweet corn, creamy mayonnaise, and bold spices.
This colorful corn salad features cotija cheese, cilantro, and jalapeños, balancing sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. It is a delightful side dish that perfectly complements grilled meats.
Buttermilk Hushpuppies
Buttermilk Hushpuppies are golden, crunchy cornbread bites infused with cheddar and jalapeño, making them an irresistible addition to any barbecue spread.
These hush puppies are not only delicious but also offer a tangy flavor and fluffy texture thanks to the buttermilk.
Perfect as BBQ sides, they are a crowd-pleasing favorite that adds a unique and tasty twist to your BBQ menu.
German Potato Salad
As you complement your barbecue spread with Buttermilk Hushpuppies, consider adding the robust flavors of German Potato Salad, a tangy and savory side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats.
This classic BBQ side features a vinegar dressing and smoked meat, creating a unique twist on traditional potato salad. Easy to prepare and serve warm or at room temperature, it's ideal for outdoor gatherings.
Collard Greens With Ham
Braised Collard Greens With Ham Hocks deliver a smoky pork flavor and tender texture, making them a rich and nutrient-dense addition to your barbecue spread.
This classic Southern side dish pairs perfectly with BBQ, offering depth and complexity through its flavorful collard greens and savory ham hocks.
It's a satisfying and nutritious choice that brings tradition and taste to your feast.
Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad, with its tangy and creamy dressing, stands as an essential and versatile side dish that enhances any barbecue feast.
This classic BBQ side combines pasta and veggies in a creamy dressing, creating a balance of flavors and textures that is both invigorating and satisfying.
Loved for its simplicity and delicious taste, macaroni salad is a crowd-pleaser that completes any barbecue spread.
Blistered-Tomato Pasta Salad
Blistered-Tomato Pasta Salad, with its vibrant tomato sauce and fresh basil, offers an invigorating and visually appealing side dish for any barbecue.
This revitalizing BBQ side dish combines the bursting flavors of blistered tomatoes with aromatic basil, creating a light yet satisfying option.
Its colorful and appetizing appearance makes it a standout, enhancing any barbecue spread with its summery appeal.
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Following the vibrant flavors of Blistered-Tomato Pasta Salad, Creamy Cucumber Salad offers an invigorating and zesty contrast that perfectly complements barbecue dishes.
This revitalizing side, made with crisp cucumbers, tangy sour cream, and a hint of dill, maintains its crunchiness and creaminess.
It provides a cool, rejuvenating element that balances smoky, savory barbecue meats, making it a crowd-pleaser for summer gatherings.
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad combines the familiar flavors of deviled eggs with the heartiness of pasta, creating a versatile and delectable side dish for barbecue gatherings.
This crowd-pleasing pasta salad features ham, cheddar cheese, and peas, all tossed in a creamy dressing.
The unique twist on traditional deviled eggs, with its bold flavors and textures, makes it a hit at any summer cookout.
Watermelon Mint Feta Salad
Watermelon Mint Feta Salad is an invigorating and visually stunning side dish that showcases the harmonious blend of sweet watermelon, fresh mint, and tangy feta cheese.
This revitalizing watermelon salad is a perfect summer side, balancing sweet and savory flavors. The juicy watermelon, herbaceous mint, and creamy feta create a delightful taste experience, making it an ideal accompaniment for any barbecue.
What Side Dishes Are Suitable for Different Types of Cuisine?
For French cuisine like beef bourguignon, the best side dishes for beef bourguignon are mashed potatoes or creamy polenta. These options complement the rich, savory flavors of the dish. For Japanese cuisine, consider steamed rice or pickled vegetables to balance the umami flavors. Each cuisine has its own unique pairings.
Grilled Veggie Skewers
Grilled Veggie Skewers, enhanced by a tangy balsamic marinade, are a vibrant and flavorful addition to any barbecue spread.
Featuring fresh veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, these skewers balance out BBQ meats beautifully.
The balsamic marinade enhances their natural flavors, while the smoky char from the grill complements other sides like grilled corn, creating a colorful and satisfying dish.