Nobody shows up to a cookout for the lettuce. The best bbq side dishes know how to steal the show and maybe even upstage the ribs. You want options that hold their own, don’t wilt in the sun, and get scraped clean before the grill lid even pops open. These are the dishes you quietly load onto your plate before everyone else gets a turn. If you’ve ever needed a reason to show up early with a bigger plate, this is it.
Sweet Corn Salad
Juicy corn kernels mixed with crunchy veggies and a splash of tangy dressing? This is how you bring color and flavor without weighing people down. It’s an easy win for hot days when no one wants heavy sides.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Corn Salad
Broccoli Salad
Crunchy broccoli, salty bacon, and a creamy dressing walk into a BBQ… and steal the show. This one holds its own next to ribs, burgers, or whatever else you’ve got on the grill.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy, and just the right amount of gooey. If you’re after a dish that gets scraped clean before you can even sit down, you just found it.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
This one’s not your box mix. With five cheeses and a custard-style bake, it’s rich, golden, and meant to be shared with a crowd that eats with both hands.
Get the Recipe: Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Chimichurri Potato Salad
Fresh herbs and garlic do all the work here—no mayo in sight. It’s bold, bright, and holds up like a champ on hot days when other sides go limp.
Get the Recipe: Chimichurri Potato Salad
Parmesan Zucchini Chips
Baked until crisp and dusted with cheese, these are the snacky vegetable you serve when you want people to actually eat the greens. Good luck saving any for later.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Zucchini Chips
Chicken and Bacon Bowtie Pasta Salad
You’ve got chicken, bacon, ranch, and pasta—this isn’t the side that gets ignored. It’s hearty enough to count as lunch but belongs right next to the grill.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Bacon Bowtie Pasta Salad
Kansas City Style Cheesy Corn and Smoked Ham Bake
Cheesy corn with smoky ham and a little kiss of the smoker? It’s comfort food that plays well with anything coming off the BBQ. Don’t expect leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Kansas City Style Cheesy Corn and Smoked Ham Bake
Thai Pasta Salad
Cold noodles, crunchy veggies, and a bold peanut-lime dressing—this one’s loud in the best way. Serve it when the grill’s hot and the crowd wants something cool.
Get the Recipe: Thai Pasta Salad
Classic Creamy Coleslaw
Simple, crunchy, and creamy without going soggy. It cools down whatever you just pulled off the flames and keeps plates balanced.
Get the Recipe: Classic Creamy Coleslaw
Mango Pineapple Habanero Salsa
Sweet mango and pineapple play nice until habanero crashes the party. It’s the wildcard side that’s just as good with grilled meat as it is scooped with chips.
Get the Recipe: Mango Pineapple Habanero Salsa
Street Corn Pasta Salad
All the good stuff from elote—creamy dressing, roasted corn, lime, cotija—but tossed with pasta so no one has to fight over the last cob. Always a hit at grill-outs.
Get the Recipe: Street Corn Pasta Salad
Angel Hair Coleslaw
Thin-cut cabbage, juicy pineapple, and a creamy dressing that doesn’t mess around. It’s light, fresh, and disappears quicker than the burgers.
Get the Recipe: Angel Hair Coleslaw
Mexican Potatoes
Crispy edges, soft centers, and bold spices? You’re gonna need a second tray. These go fast, especially next to anything smoky or grilled.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Potatoes
Cucumber and Apple Salad
Apples bring the sweet, cucumbers bring the crunch, and the dressing pulls it all together. Serve it cold and watch it disappear before the burgers are even ready.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber and Apple Salad
Cucumber and Onions in Vinegar
Cold, crunchy, and a little tangy—this quick pickle is what you want when grilled meat needs something sharp on the side. No cooking, no fuss, and it keeps well in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber and Onions in Vinegar
Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits
These are fluffy, buttery, and made for piling high on your plate. Skip the store-bought rolls—these steal the spotlight without even trying.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits
Fruit Salad
Fresh fruit tossed in citrus juice is how you keep things light between bites of ribs and wings. You won’t miss the extra sugar.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Salad
Grandma’s Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Layered with cheese, baked till golden, and topped with crunchy breadcrumbs—this one comes straight from grandma’s playbook. It’s comfort food that holds up to any BBQ plate.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Potato Salad With Spring Onions
Creamy potatoes and crisp green onions are a combo that just works. It’s fresh, not fussy, and holds its own next to anything grilled.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad With Spring Onions
Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Packed with olives, herbs, and creamy feta, this pasta salad brings bright flavor and big energy to your table. Serve it chilled and you’re good to go.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Corn Pudding
Slightly sweet, super creamy, and baked to a golden finish. It’s one of those sides that disappears fast and has everyone asking who brought it.
Get the Recipe: Corn Pudding
White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
Sharp cheddar brings the flavor, and the creamy texture keeps everyone coming back. No breadcrumbs here—just full-on cheese comfort.
Get the Recipe: White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
Baked Mashed Potatoes
Fluffy mashed potatoes baked with a crispy top? That’s how you win over both picky eaters and your hungriest guests.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mashed Potatoes
Jiffy Cornbread
Sweet, buttery, and ready in less than half an hour. Serve it warm with BBQ and let people fight over the corner pieces.
Get the Recipe: Jiffy Cornbread
Summer Orzo Pasta Salad
Orzo pasta, crisp veggies, and chickpeas tossed in lemon vinaigrette—it’s light, fresh, and easy to prep ahead for cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Summer Orzo Pasta Salad
Peach Salsa
Juicy peaches meet a little heat in this simple salsa. Serve it with grilled chicken or chips—either way, it disappears quick.
Get the Recipe: Peach Salsa
