Is there anything better than a BBQ spread loaded with all the sides? I don't think so.
I've rounded up 24 of my absolute favorite BBQ side dishes to take your cookout from great to ridiculously good. From creamy classics to fresh, crunchy salads and a few sweet surprises, I've got everything you need to keep everyone happy all day long.
1. Pineapple Pretzel Fluff
The ‘crust’ of this faux-cheesecake is made with pretzels instead of graham crackers and, once baked, gets folded through the filling. Crushed pineapples, Cool Whip, and cream cheese make up a filling that will leave you licking the bowl. You can serve this alongside the cannoli dip with cookies and fruit to dip, or in little dishes as a faux-cheesecake dessert.
2. Easy Fruit Sorbet
Made with just pureed fruit and a simple syrup of water and sugar, you won’t believe how good these are. You can try raspberry, mango, pineapple, peach, or more with this simple little recipe.
Start with frozen chopped fruits and blend with simple syrup. That’s it.
3. Parmesan Oven Baked Tomatoes
These sweet little tomatoes take just five minutes to throw together and come out soft with a great crunchy top. I would suggest using a deep baking dish to keep the tomatoes standing upright when adding the topping.
This recipe uses breadcrumbs with parmesan, minced garlic, some herbs, and salt and pepper. Feel free to use panko breadcrumbs and garlic salt if you prefer.
4. Easy Pan-Fried Zucchini
When I’m having so much, as you do at a BBQ, I like to have the option of something a little healthier. Yes, they’re fried, but these zucchini bites are still a whole lot healthier than onion rings! They’re also pretty cheap, needing just egg and flour to form the crust.
5. Beer Bread
Not only does this bread have just five ingredients, but it needs no proofing or resting. Once mixed, you can pour the batter right into a greased loaf pan and bake like banana bread.
If you use a light beer, the flavor will be less pronounced. Feel free to try something with a bigger kick if you want more.
6. Better-Than-Dominos Garlic Bread
Besides coleslaw, I don’t think there’s anything you have to have as a side to a BBQ. But it’s safe to say that garlic bread makes a great side at any meal. Unlike the frozen stuff, this is packed with flavor and soft when baked.
7. 6-Ingredient Rice Krispies Treat Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwiches
If you thought Rice Krispies treats couldn’t get any better, prepare to be amazed. With honey and peanut butter to bind them, you’ll fill these sandwiches with chocolate and peanut butter ice cream. Of course, you can use traditional Rice Krispies treats and fill them with whatever flavor you like.
8. Easy Homemade Pickles
Unpopular opinion time: I hate pickles! Sorry, I know it’s controversial. But for those of you (and I know it’s plenty) that just love pickles, this is for you.
9. The Best Green Beans
You might steer clear of green beans if you’ve had a bland, watery serving before. And you aren’t alone.
The trick to these fantastic green beans is to steam them rather than boil and sautee in heavenly garlic butter. Feel free to go about your business while they steam, but keep an eye on them in the sautee pan. You’ll want them to crisp a little, but not for the garlic to burn.
10. Pink Lemonade Cupcakes
What I love most about a BBQ is that you can have a big table full of food. You can put sweet and savory side by side and nobody will judge if you grab a cupcake with your hot dog. Using strawberry yogurt in the cupcake will add flavor and keep the crumb moist like you get when adding sour cream.
11. Favorite Green Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Pepitas
How many times have you made a salad and had to throw out the wilted lettuce at the end of the day? Too many, I’m sure.
Those days are over. This incredible salad is crunchy, sweet, savory, and the perfect light side to go with a big decked-out burger.
12. Best Homemade Lemonade
Having a big pitcher full of homemade lemonade just screams summer in the south. Tangy, sweet, and cold, it’s the best way to stay refreshed on a hot day. Since you’ll be mashing the lemons with sugar, make sure to clean them with soapy water.
13. Pizza Rolls
Let’s be honest; the rules go out the window at a BBQ. The kids will fill up on watermelon and chips while the grown-ups graze and try to keep the dog away from the food. With these great little pizza rolls, at least you know the kids have more than just s’mores in their systems!
14. Easy Baked Sweet Potato Fries
My issue with homemade sweet potato fries is often they are too soft. I just prefer the crispiness you get when they’re deep-fried.
The trick is to soak your cut fries in cold water for around 45 minutes to pull out any starches inside. Once drained, be sure to pat them dry before tossing in a mixture of cornstarch, black pepper, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
15. Pea Salad With Bacon
You might not think about it, but if you have a bag of frozen peas, some cheddar, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and red onion, you can make a pretty tasty side. Make the dressing by mixing mayonnaise, yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir this through the mixture of peas, onion, bacon, and celery for a twist on the usual macaroni or potato salad.
16. Fast Wilted Collard Greens
Collard greens usually take forever, but this quick version delivers all the savory depth without the wait. You'll need to give them a quick stir every half minute or so until they soften and soak up the garlic and salt. A squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving brightens everything up.
17. Chocolate Covered Cherry Pie Pops
I can’t overstate how easy these adorable pops are to make. All you’ll need are store-bought pie dough, a can of the pie filling of your choice, melted chocolate, and sprinkles. Cut out pairs of pastry discs – or fun shapes if you want – and put a spoon full on one side of each pairing.
18. Strawberry Banana Popsicles
Why buy expensive popsicles when you can just make your own? You’ll need to blend milk, yogurt, strawberries, bananas, and a touch of honey for these sweet treats. Once everything is smooth, pour into popsicle molds and leave to freeze.
19. Cannoli Dip
Real cannoli filling is smooth, not too sweet, and addictive. Made with sweetened ricotta cheese, this dip is exactly like the filling you would expect from a classic Italian bakery. Make sure you drain the ricotta and whip everything together until perfectly smooth.
20. Caprese Skewers
These skewers are light, flavorful, and simple to throw together. They don’t need to be cooked and can be ready in under 10 minutes.
Of course, a light grilling wouldn’t hurt anybody! Don’t go too crazy with the balsamic as it’s pretty powerful. Be sure to rest them in their juices to serve.
21. The Ultimate Potato Salad
This potato salad is all about texture and tangy flavor. Tender chunks of potato, diced eggs, a good spoonful of mustard, and chopped pickles come together in a creamy base that never feels heavy.
I love that little punch from the mustard and pickles. It wakes up the whole dish without stealing the show.
It pairs beautifully with any BBQ main. My best tip: add the mayonnaise a spoonful at a time and stir until you hit that perfect, luscious consistency.
22. Sausage Rolls
The Brits have a deep love for these babies, and it’s so clear why. Wonderfully crispy and buttery puff pastry wrapped around pure pork sausage meat is something out of this world.
They are so much better than the pigs in blankets you’re used to; I promise. Finding the sausage meat is worth it!
23. Smoky Jalapeño Popper Corn Salad
This salad is everything I want at a BBQ. Grilled corn gets all smoky and charred, then gets tossed with spicy jalapeños, crispy bacon, cream cheese, and sharp cheddar.
Every bite is creamy and crunchy, with just a little fiery heat. I'm telling you, make a big bowl because it disappears fast.
24. Best Baked Potatoes
It may be a humble dish, but I love baked potatoes. The brine in this recipe is genius, adding a wonderful flavor to the skin that will crisp up just right after a quick basting with olive oil at the end. Baking at high heat for around 45 to 60 minutes will ensure you get that fluffy inside.