The grill may get the spotlight, but it’s the sides that keep people coming back for seconds. Backyard BBQ sides bring color, crunch, and big flavor to the table without adding extra stress to the cookout. They can be made ahead, travel well, and taste just as good the next day, if they last that long. From fresh and crisp options to rich and hearty ones, there’s something for everyone. With the right lineup, backyard BBQ sides turn a good cookout into a great one.
BBQ Chicken Thighs
These chicken thighs come out juicy and full of flavor thanks to a simple seasoning and a sticky barbecue glaze. The sauce caramelizes just enough to lock in a smoky-sweet bite. They work well with classic backyard BBQ sides or lighter options like salad and corn on the cob. A great pick for serving a hungry crowd.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Thighs
Smoked Pork Chops
These pork chops are smoked until tender and packed with rich flavor, without needing hours of prep. The method keeps them juicy while building a deep, savory crust. Pair them with roasted veggies or a fresh slaw for balance. It’s a quick recipe that still feels like a special dinner.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork Chops
Traeger Chicken Wings
These wings are crisp on the outside, smoky inside, and can be tossed in your choice of sauce or dry rub. The grill adds bold flavor while keeping them juicy. They’re a fun option for game day or casual cookouts. Serve with simple sides so the wings stay the focus.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Chicken Wings
BBQ Oven Baked Beans
Thick, smoky, and slightly sweet, these beans are baked low and slow with bacon, molasses, and brown sugar. The sauce is tangy enough to keep every bite interesting. They’re a crowd favorite at potlucks and belong on the table with other backyard BBQ sides. This recipe is both hearty and easy to prep ahead.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Oven Baked Beans
Franks and Beans
A mix of hot dogs, beans, pineapple, and cinnamon creates a retro-style dish that’s both fun and filling. The flavors blend into something familiar yet playful. It’s a quick option for cookouts where you want to keep things simple. Kids and adults both come back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Franks and Beans
Thai Corn Salad
This corn salad brings bright and bold flavor with lime, fish sauce, fresh cucumber, and green beans. The mix of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy makes it stand out from traditional BBQ salads. It’s light but full of crunch and freshness. Perfect when corn is in peak season.
Get the Recipe: Thai Corn Salad
Vegetable Skewers
These oven-roasted veggie skewers are colorful, slightly charred, and full of natural flavor. The mix of peppers, zucchini, and onions tastes just as good indoors as it does from the grill. They’re a smart choice if you need more vegetables on the table. Plus, they fit in with all the usual backyard BBQ sides.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Skewers
Cilantro-Lime Corn Salad
Fresh corn mixed with lime juice, cilantro, and a little crunch from peppers gives this salad a refreshing edge. It’s a step up from basic sides and works well next to grilled meats. The citrus flavor keeps it light and bright. Serve it chilled for best results.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro-Lime Corn Salad
Beans Sweetened
These baked beans use dates for natural sweetness, giving them a deeper flavor without being heavy. The sauce turns thick and rich while the beans stay tender. It’s a healthier take on a classic side dish. Pair them with grilled chicken or ribs to round out the meal.
Get the Recipe: Beans Sweetened
Potato Chips
Thin slices of potato are fried until golden and crisp, creating chips that are light yet crunchy. They’re easy to customize with just the right amount of salt or seasoning. Once you try them fresh, you’ll see why homemade beats store-bought every time. They’re also a fun alternative to other backyard BBQ sides.
Get the Recipe: Potato Chips
Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs
Juicy chicken soaks up a quick marinade with soy, lime, and brown sugar before hitting the grill. The skewers get stacked with pineapple, peppers, and onions so every bite balances sweet, tangy, and smoky. They cook fast, so you won’t be stuck standing over the flames for long. Serve these for a weeknight dinner or line them up on a platter for a backyard hangout.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs
Cabbage Slaw
This slaw brings a loud crunch thanks to fresh cabbage and radish, while cilantro and lime keep it bright. Garlic and a bit of tang tie everything together in the best way. Toss it onto tacos, pile it on pulled pork sandwiches, or just grab a fork and eat it straight. It’s one of those sides you’ll end up reaching for more than once.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Slaw
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
If you love pickles, this pasta salad leans all the way in with chopped pickles, pickle juice, and relish. The creamy dressing smooths it out without losing that tangy kick. It’s a cold dish that works perfectly for hot days and is easy to make ahead. Bring it to a cookout and watch it disappear.
Get the Recipe: Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Macaroni Salad
Elbow macaroni, crisp veggies, and chopped dill pickles get tossed in a creamy dressing that’s both sweet and tangy. Hard-boiled eggs add a little extra heft so it feels more filling. This bowl fits in at any barbecue or potluck without stealing the show. You’ll probably catch yourself going back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad
Street Corn Guacamole
Roasted corn mixes right into the creamy avocado for a chunky dip with bold flavor. A little cotija cheese, lime juice, and chili powder give it that street corn vibe. It’s smooth, smoky, and tangy all at once without being heavy. Pair it with chips or spread it on tacos for a quick upgrade.
Get the Recipe: Street Corn Guacamole
Corn Black Bean and Feta Dip
Sweet corn and black beans bring heartiness, while feta cuts through with a salty bite. Everything comes together in minutes, so it’s easy to whip up before guests arrive. It holds up well on a table spread, but tortilla chips won’t last long next to it. You might want to double the batch if you’re feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Corn Black Bean and Feta Dip
Lemon Dill Potato Salad
This potato salad skips mayo for a lighter take, letting lemon juice and fresh dill shine. The dressing feels bright instead of heavy, so it doesn’t weigh down the plate. It pairs well with anything from grilled veggies to burgers hot off the grill. You’ll actually want leftovers of this one.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Dill Potato Salad
Barbecue Bacon Wrapped Grilled Jalapeño Poppers
Fresh jalapeños get stuffed, wrapped in smoky bacon, and grilled until crisp. The heat softens just enough on the grill, so they’re spicy without being overwhelming. You can prep them in advance and toss them on the flames when you’re ready. They disappear fast at parties, so plan to make a big batch.
Get the Recipe: Barbecue Bacon Wrapped Grilled Jalapeño Poppers
Slow Cooker Baked Beans
These beans simmer low and slow until they’re thick, saucy, and loaded with flavor. A short prep time makes them easy, and the slow cooker handles the rest. They’re sweet, smoky, and perfect to scoop alongside grilled meats. Toss the ingredients in before guests arrive, and by dinner, you’ll have a crowd-pleaser ready.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Baked Beans
Garlic Butter Corn Ribs
Cutting the corn into rib-like strips takes a little work, but the payoff is worth it. They curl up as they roast and get brushed with garlicky butter for extra flavor. It’s a fun twist on corn that feels fresh without straying too far from the classic. Serve them hot and watch them vanish from the platter.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Corn Ribs
