When it comes to BBQ side dishes, the options are endless, and they’re every bit as important as what’s sizzling on the grill. I have put together all my favorite sides, from creamy classics like potato salad and macaroni salad to smoky favorites like baked beans and grilled cornbread; the right sides can turn a good BBQ into a great one.
Whether you’re whipping up smoked garlic bread, loaded mashed potato casserole, or refreshing caprese melon salad, the goal is to offer a vibrant mix of recipes.
An excellent BBQ spread balances sweet, savory, and smoky, featuring everything from grilled carrots with brown butter to pimento cheese macaroni salad. Highlight summer’s bounty with fresh takes on classic recipes, like smoked asparagus or chipotle potato salad, and don’t forget hearty staples like molasses baked beans or smoked cheesy potatoes.
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Grilled Cornbread
This delicious and smoky twist on classic cornbread is the perfect side dish for a cookout.
Grilled Cornbread

Baked Sweet Potato

Smoked Garlic Bread
Smoky, buttery garlic bread that pairs perfectly with BBQ mains.
Smoked Garlic Bread

Smoked Mac and Cheese
Rich, creamy, and packed with smoky flavor, this mac and cheese is a BBQ favorite.
Smoked Mac and Cheese

Grilled Carrots with Brown Butter
Sweet, smoky carrots glazed with nutty brown butter for an elevated BBQ side.
Grilled Carrots with Brown Butter

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
A hearty side dish loaded with cheese, bacon, and mashed potato goodness.
Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Smoked Asparagus
Leftover Mashed Potato Fritters
Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these fritters are a delicious way to repurpose mashed potatoes.
Leftover Mashed Potato Fritters

Smoked Brussels Sprouts
Smoked Baked Beans

Grilled Broccoli

Smoked Sweet Potatoes

Smoked Zucchini
Tender and smoky zucchini that’s a light and flavorful addition to any BBQ meal.
Smoked Zucchini

Smoked Cheesy Potatoes

Smoked Onion Bombs
A savory and fun BBQ side, these stuffed onions are bursting with flavor.
Smoked Onion Bombs

Homemade Baked Beans Recipe: Made from Dry Beans
Baked beans are better when made from scratch with dried beans! The smoky taste of the bacon and the sweet taste of the brown sugar come shining through!
Recipe

Watermelon Feta Salad

Easy Tortellini Pasta Salad with Pesto
Tender pasta tossed with fresh pesto and vibrate vegetables like tomato, olives, and basil.
Recipe

Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread
Jalapeño cheddar cornbread is the ultimate BBQ side—moist, buttery, and packed with flavor. The sharpness of cheddar cheese melts into every bite, while the jalapeños add just the right amount of heat for a little kick.
Recipe

Homemade French Fries
With just four ingredients (and two of those are salt and pepper), these easy home fries will quickly become a BBQ favorite!
Recipe

Macaroni Salad
Tender pasta tossed with fresh, crunchy veggies, eggs, and a tangy dressing, it’s a guaranteed hit with everyone at the party!
Recipe

Caprese Melon Salad
Caprese Melon Salad is a simple and refreshing salad perfect for serving with your favorite summer side dishes.
Recipe

Molasses Baked Beans
Homemade molasses baked beans are a year-round favorite. They’re incredibly amazing as a side for summer BBQs!
Recipe

Stuffed Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil Caprese Salad
If you love a classic caprese salad, this Stuffed Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil Caprese Salad will be your new favorite. All the traditional ingredients are stuffed and served in individual tomatoes for a fun twist.
Recipe

Pimento Cheese Macaroni Salad
Pimento Cheese Macaroni Salad combines southern-style macaroni salad with egg and pimento cheese spread. The two flavors together are deliciously creamy and cheesy.
Recipe

Gluten Free Baked Beans
Southern style BBQ baked beans are the perfect side dish for your next cookout. Packed with flavor from bacon, spices and bbq sauce – this will be your new favorite way to make baked beans!

Loaded Potato Salad Recipe
Prepare yourself for an incredible burst of flavor with this indulgent potato salad recipe! Brimming with crunchy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and vibrant green onions, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.
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Pulled Pork Deviled Eggs – A Delicious, Winning Appetizer!
Pulled Pork Deviled Eggs are a great side dish for your BBQ! Delicious, creamy deviled eggs topped with pulled pork make a winning dish!
Recipe

Homemade Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
This cheat recipe for Homemade Cole Slaw is ready in just a few minutes and has only a few ingredients. It can be made a day ahead. It’s the perfect side dish for any barbecue meal.
Recipe

Chipotle Potato Salad
This Chipotle Potato Salad is a great BBQ side dish! It’s made with Yukon gold potatoes tossed in a creamy, smoky, and tangy dressing and garnished with fresh chives.
Recipe

Grilled Corn and Black Bean Salad with Zucchini
This corn and black bean salad is ideal for any summer vegetarian barbecue. The smoky, grilled flavors of corn and zucchini pair perfectly with the satisfying heartiness of black beans, all finished with a rich feta cheese topping.
Recipe

Easy Off the Cob Mexican Street Corn
This Easy Off the Cob Mexican Street Corn is packed with fresh flavors. This is the perfect side dish that’s a little easier to eat than the traditional street corn, and it’s ready in 15 minutes!
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Southern Potato Salad Recipe
This easy southern potato salad is the perfect side dish for any BBQ! This salad is delicious and served warm or cold!
Recipe

Tricolor Quinoa Salad Recipe with Sesame Vinaigrette
This healthy Asian-inspired Tricolor Quinoa Salad recipe is flavor-packed and easy to make. Along with edamame, sweet corn, red bell peppers, and green onions, the quinoa is tossed with a sesame vinaigrette.
Recipe

Moist Sour Cream Cornbread
This homemade moist cornbread is made with sour cream instead of buttermilk, giving it little tang and the perfect crumb. It doesn’t fall apart in your hand but easily crumbles in your mouth.
Recipe

Jalapeno Popper Cucumber Salad
This Jalapeno Popper Cucumber Salad is a refreshing twist on a classic, perfect for BBQs or as a light snack. It combines spicy jalapenos, tangy cream cheese, and crisp cucumbers for a flavorful crunch.
Recipe

Orzo Pesto Salad
This quick and easy orzo pesto salad is loaded with fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella. A perfect light BBQ side dish!
Recipe

Classic Broccoli Crunch Salad Recipe with Bacon
This refreshing Broccoli Crunch Salad features crisp broccoli florets, savory bacon, sunflower seeds, and sweet dried cranberries tossed in a creamy dressing. It’s a summertime favorite and an ideal make-ahead side dish for backyard barbecues.
Recipe

Southern Corn Pudding Recipe with Brown Butter
This Southern corn pudding recipe is elevated with nutty brown butter. It’s perfect with BBQ ribs, pulled pork, or steaks.
Recipe

Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
This tasty Deviled Egg Pasta Salad is a perfect side dish for any BBQ. Made with small round pasta and plenty of hard-boiled eggs wrapped in a tasty homemade dressing. Easy to make ahead of time.
Recipe

Southern Corn Pudding Recipe with Brown Butter
Whip up this vibrant Italian Pasta Salad in only 20 minutes! Packed with fresh vegetables, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni, it is ideal for hectic weeknights or summer barbecues.

Roasted Potato Salad
With fresh flavors and a bright herb vinaigrette, this roasted potato salad with egg is perfect for summertime cookouts and is ready in 40 minutes or less.

Smoke On!
Charlie

Author: Charlie Reeves
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
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