No rack of ribs is complete without the perfect side dishes to round out the meal, and we have the absolute best Side Dishes for Ribs, including the classics, covered. Whether you're craving creamy old-fashioned potato salad, crispy fried okra, or buttery cornbread to soak up every last drop of sauce, these sides are made to complement the smoky, savory flavor of tender ribs.
Add a scoop of baked beans, a fresh house salad, or comforting twice-baked potatoes to bring balance to your plate. From creamed corn to collard greens, these tried-and-true Southern favorites turn any rib dinner into a backyard feast.
1. Mac + Cheese
Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate side dish for ribs because it brings rich, creamy comfort to the table that perfectly balances the bold, smoky flavor of barbecue. Its velvety cheese sauce, tender noodles, and golden baked top make it hearty enough to stand up to a slab of ribs but smooth enough to complement every bite. It’s a Southern classic done right—simple and satisfying.
2. Baked Beans
Baked Beans bring a sweet, smoky, and hearty depth that is a perfect match with tender, BBQ-glazed meat. With a seasoning mix similar to a classic rib rub, these baked beans offer hearty, comforting flavor that compliments a BBQ plate perfectly. Their hearty texture and bold taste make them an ideal complement to the juicy, fall-off-the-bone goodness of ribs, making every bite better than the last.
3. House Salad
Our House Salad has a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich, smoky flavors of barbecue. With a simple mix of leafy greens, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, croutons, cheddar cheese, and your choice of dressing (we love a good homemade ranch), this salad balances the plate. It’s easy to customize and brings just the right amount of brightness to make your rib dinner feel complete without weighing it down.
4. Fried Okra
A classic Southern side dish for ribs, Fried Okra pairs perfectly thanks to its crispy texture and addictive flavor. Lightly breaded and fried to golden perfection, the okra adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with tender, saucy ribs. It’s a nostalgic, down-home favorite that brings just the right amount of crunch to any barbecue spread.
5. Old-Fashioned Potato Salad
Old-Fashioned Potato Salad is cool and creamy, bringing comfort to every plate. Made with tender potatoes, tangy mayo, mustard, and just the right touch of seasoning, this classic recipe is a great complement to the bold flavors of barbecue ribs. It's a timeless, crowd-pleasing addition to any cookout or family gathering.
6. Skillet Cornbread
The sweet and buttery flavor of Homemade Cornbread is baked with just the right amount of crumbly texture to soak up every drop of barbecue sauce and we love it especially with Country-Style Pork Ribs. Its golden crust and tender center offer a warm, cozy bite that pairs beautifully with the bold, meaty flavor of ribs. Whether served straight from the skillet or drizzled with a touch of honey, this classic cornbread brings a cozy, down-home feel to any BBQ meal.
7. Elote in a Cup
Get ready to add a fun, Mexican-inspired twist to your BBQ spread! Elote in a Cup is a bold and flavorful side dish for ribs. With sweet corn, creamy mayo, tangy lime, crumbled cotija cheese, and a hint of chili powder, each bite delivers a burst of zesty goodness that complements the rich, crave-worthy ribs. We love this side the most alongside a plate of Beef Ribs for balancing out those beyond savory, beefy vibes.
8. Collard Greens
Collard Greens bring a savory, slow-simmered balance to rich barbecue flavors. Cooked low and slow with smoky bacon and bold seasonings, these greens bring a tender, flavorful bite that cuts through the sweetness and spice of saucy ribs. Hearty, wholesome, and rooted in Southern tradition, greens add depth and comfort to any rib plate—making them a must-have for a truly complete and comforting BBQ meal.
9. Broccoli Salad
Broccoli Salad is a vibrant, refreshing side that brings balance to any rib dinner. Its crisp broccoli florets and kale, tossed with a creamy poppyseed dressing and a mix of sweet and savory add-ins like cranberries and pine nuts, deliver a satisfying crunch and bright flavor. This cool, colorful salad cuts through the richness of ribs, adding just the right pop of freshness to round out your BBQ plate.
10. Air Fryer Onion Rings
Air Fryer Onion Rings add a sweet, caramelized crunch that perfectly complements the deep flavors of barbecue. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these onions bring a burst of flavor and texture without the heaviness of traditional frying. Quick to make and full of bold taste, they’re a delicious, lighter twist that elevates any rib meal.
11. Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Mashed Sweet Potatoes natural sweetness and creamy texture perfectly round out the hearty flavors of barbecue flavors. Smooth and buttery with just a hint of warmth from spices, these mashed sweet potatoes add comfort and richness to your meal without overpowering the ribs. This side goes especially well with Slow Cooker Spare Ribs!
12. Slow Cooker Green Beans
Slow Cooker Green Beans are a classic, no-fuss side dish for ribs. Cooked low and slow with savory bacon and just the right seasonings, they soak up rich, comforting flavors that match the full-bodied depth of barbecue. These tender green beans bring a cozy, Southern touch to the plate—making them the kind of simple, satisfying side that everyone comes back for.
13. Watermelon Salad
Watermelon Salad is the cool, juicy side your ribs have been waiting for! Bursting with sweet, refreshing flavor and a zing of citrusy brightness, it’s like a bite of summer in every forkful. This salad adds a splash of color and a crisp, fruity contrast that cuts right through all that mouthwatering, flavor-packed BBQ goodness.
14. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed Potatoes are comfort food at its finest—and they’re made to party with ribs! Creamy, buttery, and loaded with flavor (thanks to those rustic skins left on for extra goodness). Cozy, hearty, and totally satisfying, these mashed potatoes bring the “stick-to-your-ribs” charm that turns a rib dinner into a full-on feast.
15. Cheese Grits
Cheese Grits are the ultimate Southern sidekick for a plate of ribs! Creamy, cheesy, and downright dreamy, they bring a rich, velvety bite that pairs perfectly with meaty barbecue. These grits don’t just sit quietly on the side—they show up with bold flavor and cozy vibes, soaking up all that rib goodness like a pro. It’s comfort food magic in every spoonful and a must-have for any BBQ lover who knows what’s good!
16. Red Beans + Rice
Red Beans and Rice bring big, bold flavor to your rib plate and know how to hold their own! Hearty, savory, and loaded with Cajun flair, this hearty side adds a little spice and a lot of soul to your BBQ spread. The creamy beans and fluffy go perfectly with the flavors of BBQ, making every bite better and better. It’s a Southern classic with just the right kick—and the kind of comfort food that makes you want seconds (and maybe thirds).
17. Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried Green Tomatoes are crispy, tangy, and just the Southern charm your rib plate needs! With their golden crunch and zesty bite, they bring the perfect pop of flavor and texture to balance out those smoky, saucy ribs. They're fun, a little sassy, and totally irresistible—kind of like the life of the BBQ party. Pair them with ribs, and you’ve got a match made in Southern comfort food heaven!
18. Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes are the sweet and crispy sidekick your ribs have been waiting for! Roasted to golden perfection in the air fryer, they’re lightly caramelized on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, and bursting with natural sweetness. They add just the right balance to deeply-flavored, savory ribs. No heavy lifting, just feel-good flavor. Quick, easy, and totally snackable, these sweet potatoes bring the fun (and the yum) to any rib dinner!
19. Black-Eyed Pea Salad
Black-Eyed Pea Salad is the quirky, flavorful side dish for ribs! Packed with tender black-eyed peas, fresh veggies, and a zesty dressing, this salad brings a fun mix of textures and a tangy punch that cuts through all that rich, BBQ goodness. It’s light, lively, and downright addictive—perfect for anyone who loves a little extra kick and crunch alongside their ribs. Trust us, this salad knows how to party on your plate!
Leave a Reply