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What to Serve With Ribs and Wings: 15 Best Side Dishes

Selecting the right side dishes for ribs and wings can turn your meal into a feast. Creamy coleslaw adds a zesty crunch, while baked beans offer hearty richness. Cornbread's sweet, crumbly texture pairs well with savory meats. Macaroni and cheese brings indulgent creaminess, and potato salad provides an invigorating, tangy bite. Enhance your spread with green beans almondine, pickles and relishes, and crisp Caesar salad. For a sweet finish, serve juicy watermelon slices. Each of these sides complements the robust flavors of ribs and wings beautifully. Stay tuned to discover more delicious options to complete your meal.

Creamy Coleslaw

tangy vinegar dressing slaw

Complementing the smoky flavors of ribs and wings, creamy coleslaw offers an invigorating and zesty contrast. Made with shredded cabbage and a vinegar dressing, this classic side dish brings a revitalizing crunch to your meal.

The blend of creamy and tangy elements balances the richness of the meat, ensuring each bite is a delightful experience. It's a must-have for any barbecue spread.

Baked Beans

tasty side dish option

Another staple that pairs perfectly with the robust flavors of ribs and wings is baked beans. This versatile side dish comes in various flavor variations, from sweet and smoky to spicy.

For those seeking vegetarian options, there are numerous recipes available that omit meat while still delivering rich, hearty flavors. Baked beans provide a comforting balance, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Cornbread

warm cornbread with butter

A classic accompaniment to ribs and wings, cornbread offers a slightly sweet and crumbly texture that perfectly balances the savory richness of the main course.

Originating from Native American cuisine, cornbread has evolved with unique recipes over centuries.

Its history and origins make it a beloved side dish, with variations like jalapeño cornbread adding a delightful twist to traditional flavors.

Macaroni and Cheese

comfort food and nostalgia

Macaroni and cheese, with its creamy and indulgent texture, serves as a quintessential side dish that enhances the hearty flavors of ribs and wings.

The combination of diverse cheese varieties like cheddar, gouda, and parmesan creates a rich, savory experience.

Selecting the right pasta types, such as elbow macaroni or cavatappi, guarantees that each bite is perfectly coated, making this dish irresistible.

Potato Salad

delicious picnic side dish

Potato salad, with its creamy texture and tangy flavor, offers a revitalizing contrast to the robust taste of ribs and wings.

Potato variations, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes, add depth.

Enhance your dish with salad toppings like crunchy celery, green onions, or hard-boiled eggs.

The blend of textures and flavors makes potato salad a delightful companion to your main course.

Grilled Vegetables

healthy and delicious meal

Complementing the creamy richness of potato salad, grilled vegetables offer a smoky, charred flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory notes of ribs and wings.

For an ideal flavor pairing, consider bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus.

Grilling tips include brushing vegetables with olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper. Guarantee even cooking by cutting them into uniform pieces and grilling over medium heat.

Corn on the Cob

summer bbq staple

A classic summer staple, corn on the cob brings a sweet and juicy contrast to the smoky flavors of ribs and wings. Utilizing various grilling techniques, you can achieve a perfect char that enhances its natural sweetness.

Experiment with seasoning variations like chili powder, garlic butter, or lime juice for added zest. This side dish is simple to prepare yet rich in taste, making it a crowd favorite.

Garlic Bread

delicious garlic bread recipe

Garlic bread serves as a flavorful and aromatic accompaniment to ribs and wings, enhancing the meal with its robust garlic and buttery notes. Made with herb butter, it adds a rich depth of flavor to your plate.

The crispy texture, when topped with a sprinkle of parmesan, provides a delightful contrast to the tender meat, making it a perfect side dish choice.

Sweet Potato Fries

crispy and flavorful side

Following the savory delight of garlic bread, sweet potato fries offer a harmonious blend of sweetness and crispness that pairs exceptionally well with ribs and wings. These fries are not only delicious but also provide nutritional benefits like fiber and vitamins.

Experimenting with seasoning variations, such as cinnamon or paprika, can elevate their flavor, making them an irresistible side dish for any barbecue feast.

Cucumber Salad

refreshing summer cucumber dish

Cucumber salad offers an invigorating contrast to the rich flavors of ribs and wings, providing a crisp and cool accompaniment that balances the meal.

Enhanced with Asian flavors like sesame and soy, this salad not only tantalizes the taste buds but also brings various health benefits.

Its high water content aids hydration, while cucumbers provide vitamins and antioxidants, making it a nutritious choice.

Pasta Salad

refreshing summer pasta dish

Elevating your barbecue spread, pasta salad serves as a versatile and satisfying side dish that complements the bold flavors of ribs and wings. Its diverse flavor combinations, such as tangy vinaigrettes or creamy dressings, enhance the meal.

For presentation tips, consider using colorful vegetables and herbs to create a visually appealing dish that stands out, making your barbecue both delicious and attractive.

Green Beans Almondine

perfect side dish choice

Green Beans Almondine is a sophisticated and nutritious side dish that pairs excellently with both ribs and wings. With its delicate balance of crisp green beans and toasted almonds, the dish offers a unique combination of flavors and textures. The nutty flavor and elegant presentation make it an appealing option for any meal. The green beans provide a fresh crunch, while the almonds add a delightful texture, enhancing the overall dining experience.

This dish is a great choice for those looking to elevate their side dish game and impress guests with a delicious and visually appealing accompaniment to their main course.

Pickles and Relishes

canning summer vegetables together

In addition to the sophisticated flavors of Green Beans Almondine, the tangy and invigorating notes of pickles and relishes provide a perfect contrast, enhancing the savory richness of ribs and wings.

Fermented pickles offer a briny snap that cleanses the palate, while spicy relishes add a burst of heat and complexity. These accompaniments make every bite more exciting and satisfying.

Caesar Salad

text summary in four words

A classic Caesar salad, with its crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons, offers a revitalizing balance to the hearty flavors of ribs and wings.

Crouton variations like garlic or herb-infused add a delightful twist, while dressing options range from traditional creamy Caesar to tangy yogurt-based versions.

This versatile side dish enhances your meal with its invigorating and satisfying elements.

Are the Same Side Dishes Suitable for Both Ribs and Wings, as well as Bagel Chips?

When it comes to the best side dishes for bagel chips, the options for ribs and wings may differ slightly. For ribs, classic coleslaw or baked beans complement the flavors well. For wings, celery sticks and blue cheese dip are popular choices. However, bagel chips pair well with a variety of dips and spreads such as hummus, spinach artichoke dip, or bruschetta.

Watermelon Slices

sweet summer fruit treat

Watermelon slices offer an invigorating and hydrating complement to the rich flavors of ribs and wings. This invigorating dessert doubles as a light snack, perfect for balancing the hearty main dishes.

Juicy and sweet, watermelon provides a burst of freshness that both kids and adults will enjoy. Its simplicity and ease of preparation make it an ideal choice for any barbecue.