10+ BBQ Sides Recipes to Elevate Your Grilling Game

Barbecue season is a great time to gather friends and family for delicious meals. Whether you’re grilling meat or veggies, the right side dishes can really enhance the flavors of your feast. This article will help you discover a variety of BBQ side recipes that are easy to make and perfect for any cookout.

From refreshing salads to hearty sides, there’s something for everyone. You can impress your guests with simple yet tasty dishes that complement your main courses. Get ready to elevate your next barbecue with these scrumptious side options!

1) Grilled Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter

Grilled corn on the cob with herb butter is a delicious side for any barbecue. The sweet, smoky flavor of the corn pairs perfectly with the fresh herbs. It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

To start, fire up your grill to a medium heat, around 350°F (180°C). While it heats, prepare your corn by husking it and removing the silk.

In a small bowl, mix softened butter with your choice of chopped fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or dill. This will add a tasty twist. You can also add a bit of garlic for extra flavor.

Once your grill is hot, place the corn directly on it. Grill for about 20-25 minutes, rotating it occasionally. You want it to have nice grill marks and a tender bite.

Ingredients

• Fresh corn on the cob
• Butter (softened)
• Fresh herbs (basil, parsley, dill, or your choice)
• Garlic (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to 350°F (180°C).
2. Husk the corn and remove the silk.
3. In a bowl, mix the butter with chopped herbs and garlic if using.
4. Spread the herb butter on the corn.
5. Place the corn on the grill.
6. Grill for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally.
7. Remove from the grill and enjoy.

2) Classic Creamy Coleslaw

Classic creamy coleslaw is a must-have side dish for any BBQ. It’s refreshing and pairs well with grilled meats.

To make it, start with shredded cabbage and carrots. The dressing is what makes it creamy and flavorful.

You’ll combine mayonnaise, vinegar, and a bit of sugar for sweetness. Adding a touch of mustard can give it an extra zing.

This coleslaw is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to blend nicely in the fridge.

Ingredients

• 4 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage and carrots.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and mustard.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture.
4. Toss everything together until well combined.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

3) Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeños

Bacon-wrapped jalapeños are a delicious and spicy side dish that everyone will love. They are easy to make and perfect for barbecues. You can customize them with different cheeses for extra flavor.

Start with fresh jalapeños. Slice them in half and remove the seeds. This helps reduce some of the heat. Fill each half with cream cheese for a creamy texture.

Next, wrap each stuffed jalapeño with bacon. You can cut the bacon into smaller pieces for easier handling. The bacon adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with the spicy peppers.

Grill the jalapeños over medium heat, about 350°F (175°C) until the bacon is crispy. This usually takes around 25-30 minutes. Enjoy them hot!

Ingredients

• 10 fresh jalapeños
• 8 oz (227 g) cream cheese
• 10 slices of bacon

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
2. Slice jalapeños in half and remove seeds.
3. Fill each half with cream cheese.
4. Wrap each jalapeño with a slice of bacon.
5. Grill for 25-30 minutes or until bacon is crispy.

4) Smoky Baked Beans

Smoky baked beans are a must-have for any BBQ. They offer a rich flavor and a hearty side to complement your grilled meats. You can easily make them with a handful of ingredients.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need beans, bacon, onion, garlic, and spices like paprika and cumin. These ingredients bring a delicious smoky flavor to the dish.

For cooking, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). In a large pot, cook the bacon until crisp. Add onions and garlic, then stir in the beans and spices.

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and cover. Bake for about 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. This will help all the flavors blend together perfectly.

Your smoky baked beans will be a delightful addition to any meal. They’re sure to satisfy your guests and keep them coming back for more.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans of baked beans
• 4 strips of bacon
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a pot, cook bacon until crispy.
3. Add chopped onion and garlic to the pot.
4. Stir in baked beans, smoked paprika, and cumin.
5. Transfer to a baking dish and cover.
6. Bake for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.

5) Fresh Mango Salad

Fresh mango salad is a perfect side for your BBQ. It’s bright, colorful, and packed with flavor. The sweetness of ripe mango balances nicely with spicy jalapeños and crispy peppers.

You can easily make this salad with just a few ingredients. It’s refreshing and adds a nice contrast to grilled meats. Plus, it’s simple enough for anyone to whip up.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe mangoes, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the diced mango, red pepper, jalapeño, and cilantro.
2. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and add salt.
3. Toss everything gently to combine.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

6) Cowboy Caviar with Avocado

Cowboy Caviar with Avocado is a colorful and tasty dish perfect for BBQs. It combines fresh veggies with creamy avocado and hearty beans. This dish is not only delicious but also healthy.

You can customize it based on what you have. It typically includes black beans, tomatoes, corn, and jalapeños for a little kick. The dressing adds a nice tang that ties everything together.

This dish is great as a dip with chips or as a side. Enjoy it at your next gathering!

Ingredients

• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 1 jalapeño, minced (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine black beans, corn, tomatoes, onion, avocado, jalapeño, and cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, mix red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
4. Serve with tortilla chips or as a side dish.

7) Zesty Ramen Noodle Salad

This zesty ramen noodle salad is a refreshing addition to any BBQ. It’s crunchy, tangy, and packed with flavor. You can prepare it quickly, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.

Start by mixing uncooked ramen noodles with colorful veggies like cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Toss in some toasted almonds and sunflower seeds for extra crunch.

For the dressing, combine soy sauce, vinegar, and a touch of sugar. Drizzle it over the salad and mix everything well. This dish is best served chilled, so let it sit in the fridge for a bit before serving.

Ingredients

• 2 packs of ramen noodles
• 2 cups of shredded cabbage
• 1 cup of shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup of sliced green onions
• 1/2 cup of toasted almonds
• 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds

Cooking Instructions

1. Break the ramen noodles into small pieces and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, carrots, and green onions.
3. Add the broken ramen noodles, almonds, and sunflower seeds.
4. In a separate bowl, mix soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well.
6. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

8) Tangy Cucumber and Tomato Salad

This tangy cucumber and tomato salad is a refreshing side dish perfect for BBQs. The mix of crunchy cucumbers and juicy tomatoes makes for a colorful and tasty treat.

To start, you’ll want to gather your ingredients. The salad gets its zing from a simple vinaigrette, enhancing the natural flavors.

You can serve this salad chilled for the best taste. It pairs nicely with grilled meats and burgers, making it a staple for any summer gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cucumber, diced
• 2 cups tomatoes, chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons vinegar (white or apple cider)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine diced cucumbers, chopped tomatoes, and onion.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.

9) Cheesy Grilled Potatoes

Cheesy grilled potatoes are a delicious and easy side dish for your BBQ. You can prepare them quickly, making them great for summer gatherings. The combination of potatoes, cheese, and bacon is sure to please everyone.

Start by slicing some red potatoes. Mix them with onions, peppers, and your favorite cheese. You can use cheddar or a blend for extra flavor.

Wrap everything in foil and throw it on the grill. Cook for about 30 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until the potatoes are tender.

These cheesy potatoes pair well with burgers and hot dogs. Enjoy your tasty side at your next BBQ!

Ingredients

• Red potatoes
• Cheddar cheese (or cheese blend)
• Bacon
• Onions
• Peppers
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the potatoes, onions, and peppers.
3. Mix the vegetables with cheese and bacon.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Wrap in foil and place on the grill.
6. Cook for 30 minutes until tender.

10) Southern-Style Potato Salad

Southern-style potato salad is a must-have for your BBQ. It combines creamy mayonnaise with tangy mustard, making each bite delicious. You’ll love the crunchy texture from celery and the classic flavor of dill pickles.

To make this dish, start with Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. Boil them until tender, then mix in chopped eggs for richness. The blend of flavors makes it a perfect side for any cookout.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup yellow mustard
• ½ cup diced celery
• ½ cup diced dill pickles
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil the potatoes until tender, for about 15-20 minutes.
2. Boil the eggs for 10-12 minutes, then cool and chop.
3. In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, mustard, celery, and pickles.
4. Add the potatoes and chopped eggs.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Mix gently.
6. Chill in the refrigerator before serving.