The Best BBQ Side Dishes

The summer season means a lot of things. Sure, summertime might evoke images of palm trees and beaches, or swimming pools and bikinis, but if a good old fashioned BBQ doesn’t also come to mind, then you may need to get your summer priorities in order. There’s nothing like rounding up a group of friends, firing up the grill, and making the most out of a breezy summer day. When most people hear BBQ, they immediately think of grilled meats and sauces. And it may be all about the meats for many, but it’s important to not lose sight of the side dishes. Barbecue is essentially the Thanksgiving of the summer—no one wants to eat a roasted turkey without mashed potatoes and gravy, and the same goes for eating barbecued meats without any of the delicious sides.

From brisket to burgers, there are a million different ways to get your barbecue fix. Once you’ve settled on the main course, it’s time to start thinking about the BBQ side dishes. Trust us: The secret to success is in the sides. A good BBQ can be transformed into a great BBQ if you get the complementary plates right. Purists might say it’s the meat the matters, and no one cares about the accompanying dishes, but it’s important that you don’t buy into that nonsense.

Not all side dishes are created equal, though, so we’ve picked the best recipes of the bunch so you don’t have to guess on how to knock a BBQ out of the park. Whether you’re grilling for the whole block or just hanging out with a couple friends, be sure to serve up one of the the classic or fresh takes on BBQ sides we’ve listed below. It’s safe to say that if you stick options from this list, you’ll be flexing your way into status as the BBQ god of your social circle.

It’s been said that a Southern party doesn't start until someone busts out the spread of pimento cheese. Think of this dish as the swiss army knife of side dishes. It’s the perfect for any BBQ occasion, because it pairs well with just about everything: crackers, cocktail bread slices, cut-up fresh veggies—you name it. Just put the spread out and watch it disappear.

This is another great dish that also makes an excellent side or starter. The deviled egg is easy to make, and you can pretty much dress them up however you want. Craving something spicy? Light up the egg yolk filling with hot sauce, and top it with pickled jalapenos. Want to keep it traditional? Then look no further than the tried-and-true classic. Either way, your friends will eat ‘em up.

Take things up a notch by throwing some burnt meat ends into the old recipe you use to make your baked beans dish. It’s as simple as it sounds and will really punch up the barbecue flavor. Reserve some off the oddly-shaped end pieces from your brisket (or other brisket-like meats), and mix them up in the pan. And the longer you let things the simmer, the better it’s gonna taste, so make sure you’re not in a rush.

If you’re someone who loves to make spicy wings or douse your barbecued meats in hot sauce, then you’re definitely going to want a side dish of coleslaw on everyone’s plate. The cool creamy taste will help cut the heat and will provide a refreshing break from the platter of smoked meats and carbs.

Here’s another dish that can be kept true to classic form or can be spiced up with peppers, artichoke hearts, truffle oil, or bacon. It’s a BBQ fan favorite, and both kids and adults alike will be pleasantly surprised when they see homemade macaroni and cheese on the table. Making it from scratch tastes a million times better than boxed versions, so you can rest assured knowing it’s worth the extra effort.

Eating at a BBQ means there will be no shortage of meat on the plate, so it’s important to get your vegetables where you can. Corn on the cob is a cookout-friendly way to up your veggie intake for the day without having to resort to a sad salad. You can keep it classic with some simple butter or try something a little more adventurous. Either way, it’s bound to be a hit with all your guests.

Most people might not get too excited about rolls or cornbread, but no BBQ is complete without either. Soft, delicious buns are perfect for making clumsy pulled pork, chicken, or brisket sandwiches and can be used to mop up any unused sauce. And if you’re doing barbecue right, you should definitely have lots of sauce. Not a fan of rolls? Then we suggest a simple side dish of cornbread. And you can even add some browned butter or a dash of maple syrup if you’re feeling adventurous.

Meat needs potatoes like millennials need smart phones. Potato salad is a beloved classic that makes it a go-to side for any BBQ occasion. You can make it with red potatoes, russet potatoes, and sweet potatoes. You can perk it up with some spicy mustard and olive oil, or keep it classic and creamy with mayonnaise. Basically, whip up whatever type of potato salad you want, but just make sure to have some fun with it.