Fire up the grill and get ready to round out your outdoor feast with the ultimate lineup of BBQ side dishes! We believe a great cookout isn’t just about what’s on the grill—it’s also about the crave-worthy sides that bring the whole meal together.
From fresh and zesty potato salads to creamy, comforting veggie classics, and everything in between, this BBQ side dish roundup has something for every plate and palate. Whether you're hosting a backyard bash or heading to a potluck, these crowd-pleasing recipes will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds).
1. Crockpot Pinto Beans
Hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, these crockpot beans are rich in taste and go with everything from ribs to brisket. Their hands-off prep means more time to focus on the grill, and the crowd-pleasing flavor guarantees they’ll disappear fast. It’s Southern comfort in a bowl, and no BBQ spread is complete without them.
2. Slow Cooker Green Beans
Slow Cooker Green Beans are a classic Southern side that brings bold flavor with minimal effort, ideal for any BBQ or summer gathering. Simmered low and slow with smoky bacon, onion, and savory seasoning, these tender green beans soak up every bit of rich, down-home flavor. They’re a great choice for balancing out heavier meats on the plate, adding a comforting, homestyle touch everyone will love.
3. Shells + Cheese
Shells and Cheese is the ultimate creamy, cheesy comfort food that belongs at every BBQ. Made with tender pasta shells and a velvety homemade cheese sauce, this dish is rich, indulgent, and always a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s the perfect sidekick for smoky barbecue flavors, adding a buttery, melty contrast that rounds out the plate. Whether you're serving pulled pork, ribs, or grilled chicken, this classic side never goes out of style.
4. Potato Buns
Potato Buns are soft, fluffy, and sturdy enough to handle all your BBQ favorites. With their slightly sweet flavor and pillowy texture, these homemade buns elevate everything from pulled pork and brisket to burgers and grilled chicken sandwiches. They're perfect for soaking up sauces without falling apart and add a delicious, from-scratch touch to your cookout.
5. Seven Layer Salad
Seven Layer Salad is a vibrant, make-ahead classic that fits right in at any BBQ. With crisp lettuce, colorful veggies, savory bacon, shredded cheese, and a creamy dressing layered to perfection, this salad brings freshness and flavor to balance out smoky grilled meats. It’s easy to assemble, travels well, and adds a beautiful pop of color to your spread, making it an easy side dish for any BBQ.
6. Homemade Baked Beans
Smoky-sweet and slow-cooked, Homemade Baked Beans are a staple made to steal the show at any BBQ. Packed with bold flavor from brown sugar, tangy mustard, savory bacon, and just the right touch of spice, these beans are hearty, satisfying, and anything but basic. They pair perfectly with grilled meats and add that irresistible, saucy comfort that guests always go back for.
7. Twice-Baked Mashed Potatoes
Twice-Baked Mashed Potatoes are a creamy, cheesy, bacon-loaded dream that takes any BBQ to the next level. This crowd-favorite side combines the comfort of mashed potatoes with the flavor-packed goodness of a twice-baked potato all in one dish. Rich, indulgent, and easy to prep ahead, it’s the kind of side that disappears fast and earns rave reviews.
8. Southern Green Beans
Southern Green Beans are a tried-and-true BBQ side that delivers big flavor with simple, down-home ingredients. Simmered with smoky bacon, onion, and seasonings until perfectly tender, these green beans are savory, satisfying, and full of Southern charm. They complement smoky meats beautifully and bring a warm, comforting balance to the plate.
9. Red Potato Salad
Red Potato Salad is a fresh, flavorful twist on a classic BBQ side. Made with tender red potatoes, crisp veggies, and a perfectly seasoned, creamy dressing, this salad strikes just the right balance of tangy and savory. The red potatoes hold their shape beautifully, giving the dish a hearty texture that stands up well alongside grilled meats.
10. Fried Okra
A crispy, golden Southern favorite, Fried Okra brings the perfect crunch to any BBQ spread. Lightly battered and fried to perfection, this bite-sized veggie packs a satisfying texture and a hint of natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with any BBQ protein. Easy to share and impossible to resist, fried okra adds a fun, flavorful twist to your cookout sides and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
11. Butter Beans
Butter Beans are a creamy, comforting BBQ side that brings a rich, Southern-style flavor to your table. Slow-cooked to tender perfection with savory seasonings and a touch of smoky goodness, these beans pair beautifully with grilled meats. Their smooth texture and buttery taste make them a delicious addition that rounds out any cookout menu perfectly.
12. Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Packed with crispy bacon, tender pasta, fresh veggies, and a tangy ranch dressing, Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad offers the perfect balance of smoky, savory, and refreshing flavors. It’s easy to make ahead, travels well, and adds a satisfying crunch and zest that complements smoky grilled meats beautifully. This pasta salad is sure to become a staple side that guests keep coming back for.
13. Loaded Potato Salad with Bacon
This Loaded Potato Salad is a BBQ game-changer that combines all the best flavors of a baked potato in a creamy, delicious side dish. It’s the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy, smoky and fresh, perfect for warm-weather hangs. Packed with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, fresh green onions, and a rich, tangy dressing, this salad delivers satisfaction with every spoonful.
15. Black-Eyed Pea Salad
Black Eyed Pea Salad is a vibrant, protein-packed side that brings a fresh kick to any BBQ. With tender black-eyed peas, crisp veggies, and a zesty, flavorful dressing, this salad adds a light yet satisfying contrast to rich, smoky meats. It’s easy to make ahead and serves as a nutritious, colorful dish that guests will love to dig into alongside their favorite grilled favorites.
15. Cream Corn Casserole
Rich, buttery, and comforting, Cream Corn Casserole is perfect for any BBQ feast. With its sweet corn kernels, creamy texture, and golden, slightly crispy top, this casserole brings a warm, indulgent flavor, making it a perfect pair with smoky grilled meats. Easy to make and irresistible to eat, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that adds a touch of Southern comfort to your cookout spread.
16. Old-Fashioned Potato Salad
Old-Fashioned Potato Salad is a timeless BBQ classic that brings simple, hearty flavors to your cookout table. Made with tender potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, crisp celery, and a creamy, tangy mayo-based dressing, this salad offers the perfect balance of texture and flavor. It’s a nostalgic fan favorite that every BBQ needs.
17. Easy Homemade Cornbread
Easy Homemade Cornbread is a warm, golden staple that perfectly complements any BBQ spread. With its tender crumb, slightly sweet flavor, and buttery finish, this cornbread is simple to make but full of Southern comfort. Whether served plain, with honey, or alongside smoky ribs and beans, it’s the ideal side to soak up all those delicious BBQ sauces and bring a cozy touch to your meal.
18. Crock Pot Cheesy Potatoes
Rich, creamy, and effortlessly delicious Crock Pot Cheesy Potatoes are made with tender potatoes, melty cheese, and a savory blend of seasonings. This slow-cooked favorite is comfort food at its finest. The crock pot makes it easy to prep ahead and keep warm while you focus on the grill, and the cheesy, hearty flavor pairs perfectly with smoky meats. It’s a guaranteed winner that disappears fast at any cookout!
19. Yellow Squash Casserole
Yellow Squash Casserole is a creamy, cheesy Southern favorite that adds a fresh, comforting touch to any BBQ. Made with tender yellow squash, a creamy custard, and a crunchy cracker topping, this casserole delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s a delicious way to sneak in some veggies while keeping the comfort food vibes strong.
20. Southern Mac + Cheese
Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that belongs at every BBQ. Made with layers of gooey, melty cheese and perfectly cooked pasta, then baked to golden perfection, this dish is rich, creamy, and full of down-home flavor. It’s a hearty favorite that goes with everything from ribs to pulled pork, and it always disappears fast. This mac and cheese isn’t just a side—it’s a star on the plate.
21. Charro Beans
Charro Beans are a bold, flavor-packed addition to any BBQ lineup. Slow-cooked with tender beans, savory bacon, and a blend of aromatic spices, these charro beans offer a hearty, satisfying bite with a smoky, slightly spicy kick. Their rich, rustic taste pairs perfectly with grilled meats, adding a memorable, Southwestern-inspired twist that’s sure to impress your guests.
22. Cheesy Potato Casserole
Cheesy Potato Casserole is a BBQ must-have—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with comfort in every bite. Made with tender potatoes, a rich cheese sauce, and a buttery topping, this classic side dish is both hearty and loved by everyone. It pairs perfectly with everything from ribs to grilled chicken and is easy to prep ahead, making it ideal for stress-free entertaining.
Leave a Reply