71 BBQ Side Dishes to Add Some Zing to Your Next Cookout (2024)

Mostcookouts feature an assortment of a few essential BBQ sides: Corn on thecob,coleslaw,potato salad,baked beans, andpasta salad. We’re not about to mess with perfection; because thisbarbecue side lineup is just that: perfect. But when it comes to the recipes themselves, you’ve got options. Do you want yourpotato salad creamy, likethissour-cream-and-onion-inspired number, orvinegary, bright, and full offresh herbs? Do you want your corngrilled and rubbed with salt and pepper butter, or sheared and tossed with bacon, okra, andcherry tomatoes forsuccotash? Whether you're looking for classicBBQ side dishes or fresh takes oncookout classics, we have all theside dish recipes you need for your next grill session.

Summer is the time for laid-back cooking, and these dishes abide by that low-maintenance spirit: Many of them can be cooked outdoors, so you don’t have to miss out on any of the warm weather fun. Going to apotluck? Plenty of ourbest BBQ sides are easy to make ahead and transport—just break out thetrusty storage containers.

71 BBQ Side Dishes to Add Some Zing to Your Next Cookout (2024)

FAQs

What are good side dishes for a cookout? ›

Most cookouts feature an assortment of a few essential BBQ sides: Corn on the cob, coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, and pasta salad. We're not about to mess with perfection; because this barbecue side lineup is just that: perfect. But when it comes to the recipes themselves, you've got options.

What foods do you serve at a cookout? ›

Proteins like hamburger patties, hotdogs, chicken or shrimp are all common foods to throw on the grill. Bringing a side dish like salads, vegetables and fruits is the perfect complement to the hearty main course. Cold drinks like water, soda and lemonade are also essential to keep hydrated during this hot holiday.

What do you need for a BBQ cookout? ›

The Essential Equipment Needed to Host the Best BBQ Cookout
  1. Grill. This one might be a little obvious, but it's worth thinking about whether your grill is up to the task. ...
  2. Grilling Tools. ...
  3. Fuel. ...
  4. Appetizers/Snacks. ...
  5. Cooler and Ice. ...
  6. Sauces and Rubs. ...
  7. Music. ...
  8. Bug Control.

What appetizer goes well with barbecue? ›

BBQ Appetizer Recipes
  • Smoked Cream Cheese Dip.
  • Cranberry Jalapeño Poppers.
  • Carne Guisada and Cheddar Empanadas.
  • Pulled Pork Empanadas.
  • Bacon Jam Pizza from Christie Vanover.
  • Bloody Mary Smoked Deviled Eggs from Jacqueline Duffin.
  • Bacon-Wrapped Sausage Poppers from Brad Prose.

What are some common side dishes? ›

30 best side dishes
  • Classic potato salad. Elevate your barbecue or picnic with our timeless potato salad recipe. ...
  • Cauliflower cheese. ...
  • Epic summer salad. ...
  • Quick kimchi. ...
  • Roasted carrots. ...
  • Easy pilau rice. ...
  • Ultimate roast potatoes. ...
  • Giant couscous & tomato salad with zhoug-style dressing.

What can I bring to a last minute cookout? ›

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  • Cowboy Beans. This trail-inspired recipe is sure to satisfy serious appetites. ...
  • Easy Orzo Salad. ...
  • Grilled Corn on the Cob with BBQ Butter. ...
  • Southern-style Potato Salad. ...
  • Quick and Easy New England-style Baked Beans. ...
  • Fusilli Pasta Salad with Artichokes. ...
  • Slaw with Lime Vinaigrette and Tortilla Strips. ...
  • Texas Caviar.

How to have a cheap cookout? ›

How to Throw an Awesome Cookout on a Budget
  1. Avoid Grill-Ready Meats. Don't give in to convenience when you're looking for grilling ideas. ...
  2. Bake Desserts at Home. ...
  3. Make Your Own Marinades. ...
  4. Shop at Your Local Farmers Market. ...
  5. Buy in Bulk. ...
  6. Go Big With Drinks. ...
  7. Plan Your Cookout Menu. ...
  8. Get Cheap Decor and Pool Gear.
Aug 3, 2018

What to bring to a barbecue to impress? ›

Here's our list of 7 things to bring to a summer BBQ (that are WAY better than chips!):
  1. Fresh Fruit Platter. ...
  2. Tasty Skewers With Fresh Veggies & Produce. ...
  3. Margarita Pitchers. ...
  4. Desserts From Yours Truly. ...
  5. Quebrada Corn Muffins. ...
  6. A Refreshing Salad (with or without pasta) ...
  7. A Keg, or a Few Six Packs.

What is a good side dish for get together? ›

Like with homemade cornbread and sweet tea, there's no such thing as too much when it comes to your potluck side dishes. We're talking a table lined from end to end with cheesy scalloped potatoes, creamy green bean casserole, cool broccoli-and-grape pasta salad, and maybe some fluffy corn pudding.

What can I serve at BBQ besides hamburgers? ›

Top 20 family barbecue recipes
  1. Pizza salad flatbreads.
  2. Lemon & yogurt chicken flatbreads.
  3. Crispy sweet potatoes with chickpeas & tahini yogurt.
  4. Swedish meatball burgers.
  5. Pineapple & pork skewers.
  6. Mackerel & new potato salad.
  7. Charred aubergines with white beans & salsa verde.
  8. Soy & butter salmon parcels.

How can I host a cheap cookout? ›

Consider organizing a potluck and have each guest bring a dish to share and offset some of the costs. This can be an easy way to quickly cross appetizers, side dishes, desserts, drinks, or even an entrée off your list. If you're attending a barbecue, consider returning the favor by offering to bring a dish.

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