YouGov asked more than 16,000 Americans what belongs on their ideal barbecue plate. The results are a mix of classic mains and crowd-pleasing sides. Here’s how the country stacks its perfect summer meal—by the numbers.
America’s Plate, By the Numbers
A nationwide YouGov survey of 16,000+ people mapped the ideal cookout lineup. Respondents picked the mains and sides that make their perfect plate. The winners are the staples you’d expect—just with some interesting splits. Let’s start at the grill and work our way to the sides.
Burgers Take the Crown
Burgers sit firmly at No. 1. Sixty-five percent say a hamburger or cheeseburger belongs on their ideal plate. It’s the default move when the grill gets hot. No surprise—simple, satisfying, and customizable.
Hot Dogs Hold Their Ground
Hot dogs keep the classic pairing alive. Forty-nine percent include one on their plate. That means nearly half the country still wants a bun, a snap, and a line of condiments. Call it the timeless stadium-to-backyard favorite.
Ribs Bring the Wow Factor
Ribs are right behind the dog. Forty-eight percent say they belong on the plate. Messy? Sure. But the payoff—smoky, saucy, and tender—clearly earns space at the table.
Potato Salad Rules the Sides
On the side front, potato salad is the boss. Sixty-two percent reach for a scoop. It’s cool, starchy, and matches anything from burgers to ribs. No grill marks needed to win this round.
Corn on the Cob Cracks the Top
Next up: corn on the cob. Fifty-five percent want those charred kernels next to their mains. Sweet, buttery, and made for two hands, it screams summer. Bonus points for those grill stripes.
Baked Beans Bring Comfort
Baked beans are another near-universal pick. Fifty-two percent add them to the plate. They’re warm, smoky-sweet, and perfect for sopping up with anything. A steady side that never complains.
Watermelon Earns a Spot
Fruit shows up strong with watermelon. Forty-eight percent say it belongs on the ideal plate. It’s the cool, juicy break between salty bites. Refreshment you can slice.
Mains vs. Sides, At a Glance
The grill champs: burgers first, with hot dogs and ribs close together. On the side table: potato salad leads, followed by corn, baked beans, and watermelon. Most of these favorites hover around the halfway mark or better. Translation: you’ll make a lot of people happy with this lineup.
Your Ready-Made Cookout Checklist
If you’re stocking a backyard spread, the data is your guide. Fire up burgers, keep hot dogs and ribs in play, and don’t skip potato salad. Add corn, baked beans, and watermelon to round it out. That’s America’s ideal barbecue plate—served.
