Bbq Recipes Sides

Barbecue season is upon us, and with it comes the joy of firing up the grill and enjoying delicious BBQ recipes sides that complement your main dishes perfectly. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a novice just starting out, having a repertoire of fantastic side dishes can elevate your BBQ experience to new heights. In this post, we'll explore a variety of BBQ recipes sides that will make your next backyard gathering a hit with friends and family.

Classic BBQ Recipes Sides

When it comes to classic BBQ recipes sides, there are a few staples that never fail to impress. These dishes are tried and true, and for good reason—they pair beautifully with a wide range of grilled meats and vegetables.

Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a refreshing and crunchy side dish that adds a delightful contrast to the smoky flavors of grilled meats. Here's a simple recipe to get you started:

• 1 head of green cabbage, thinly shredded
• 1/2 head of red cabbage, thinly shredded
• 2 carrots, grated
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and grated carrots. In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to combine. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

🍽️ Note: For a healthier option, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise.

Baked Beans

Baked beans are a hearty and flavorful side dish that pairs well with almost any grilled meat. Here's a classic recipe:

• 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large baking dish, combine the beans, onion, and garlic. In a separate bowl, mix the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour the sauce over the beans and stir to combine. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

🍽️ Note: For a smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce.

Creative BBQ Recipes Sides

If you're looking to add some variety to your BBQ menu, consider these creative BBQ recipes sides that will impress your guests with their unique flavors and textures.

Grilled Vegetable Skewers

Grilled vegetable skewers are a colorful and healthy addition to any BBQ spread. Here's how to make them:

• 1 zucchini, cut into chunks
• 1 yellow squash, cut into chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 red onion, cut into chunks
• 8 cherry tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the vegetables onto skewers, alternating between different types. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Brush the mixture over the vegetables. Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.

🍽️ Note: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the olive oil mixture.

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fries. Here's a simple recipe:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fries are crispy and golden brown.

🍽️ Note: For extra crispiness, soak the sweet potato fries in cold water for 30 minutes before baking and pat them dry thoroughly.

International BBQ Recipes Sides

For a global twist on your BBQ menu, try these international-inspired BBQ recipes sides that will transport your taste buds around the world.

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mexican street corn salad, or esquites, is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that's perfect for summer BBQs. Here's how to make it:

• 4 ears of corn, husks removed
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the corn for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred on all sides. Allow the corn to cool, then cut the kernels off the cob. In a large bowl, combine the corn kernels, mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, chili powder, smoked paprika, cilantro, red onion, lime juice, and salt. Mix well and serve.

🍽️ Note: For a spicy version, add diced jalapeños to the salad.

German Potato Salad

German potato salad is a tangy and hearty side dish that pairs well with grilled sausages and other meats. Here's a traditional recipe:

• 2 lbs potatoes, cut into chunks
• 1/2 cup chopped bacon
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet. Add the onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper. Add the vinegar mixture to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Add the cooked potatoes and bacon to the skillet and toss to combine. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

🍽️ Note: For a smoky flavor, use smoked bacon in this recipe.

Healthy BBQ Recipes Sides

If you're looking to add some healthier options to your BBQ menu, these BBQ recipes sides are both delicious and nutritious.

Grilled Fruit Salad

Grilled fruit salad is a refreshing and healthy side dish that's perfect for summer BBQs. Here's how to make it:

• 2 peaches, pitted and halved
• 2 nectarines, pitted and halved
• 1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into chunks
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• Juice of 1 lime

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. In a small bowl, mix the honey and olive oil. Brush the mixture over the fruit. Grill the fruit for 3-4 minutes on each side, until grill marks appear. In a large bowl, combine the grilled fruit, mint, and lime juice. Toss to combine and serve.

🍽️ Note: For a tropical twist, add grilled mango or papaya to the salad.

Quinoa Salad

Quinoa salad is a protein-packed and flavorful side dish that's perfect for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Here's a simple recipe:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups water
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and allow it to cool. In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and parsley. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine.

🍽️ Note: For added protein, mix in cooked chickpeas or grilled chicken.

BBQ Recipes Sides for Kids

If you're hosting a family-friendly BBQ, these kid-friendly BBQ recipes sides are sure to be a hit with the little ones.

Cheesy Corn on the Cob

Cheesy corn on the cob is a fun and delicious side dish that kids will love. Here's how to make it:

• 4 ears of corn, husks removed
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the corn for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred on all sides. Brush the melted butter over the corn and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the corn and grill for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

🍽️ Note: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the butter mixture.

Watermelon Skewers

Watermelon skewers are a refreshing and fun side dish that kids will love. Here's how to make them:

• 1 small watermelon, cut into cubes
• 8 wooden skewers
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• Juice of 1 lime

Thread the watermelon cubes onto the skewers. In a small bowl, mix the mint and lime juice. Drizzle the mixture over the watermelon skewers before serving.

🍽️ Note: For added flavor, sprinkle the watermelon skewers with a pinch of salt.

BBQ Recipes Sides for Large Gatherings

When hosting a large gathering, you'll want BBQ recipes sides that are easy to prepare and can feed a crowd. Here are some great options:

Pasta Salad

Pasta salad is a versatile and crowd-pleasing side dish that's perfect for large gatherings. Here's a classic recipe:

• 1 lb pasta, cooked and cooled
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, feta cheese, parsley, and basil. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine.

🍽️ Note: For added protein, mix in cooked chicken or grilled shrimp.

Caprese Skewers

Caprese skewers are a colorful and flavorful side dish that's perfect for large gatherings. Here's how to make them:

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls
• 1 bunch fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 16 wooden skewers

Thread a cherry tomato, a mozzarella ball, and a basil leaf onto each skewer. Drizzle the balsamic glaze and olive oil over the skewers and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Arrange the skewers on a platter and serve.

🍽️ Note: For a twist, add a slice of prosciutto to each skewer.

BBQ Recipes Sides for Dietary Restrictions

If you're hosting guests with dietary restrictions, these BBQ recipes sides are sure to please everyone at the table.

Vegan Coleslaw

Vegan coleslaw is a refreshing and crunchy side dish that's perfect for those with dietary restrictions. Here's a simple recipe:

• 1 head of green cabbage, thinly shredded
• 1/2 head of red cabbage, thinly shredded
• 2 carrots, grated
• 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and grated carrots. In a separate bowl, mix the vegan mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to combine. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

🍽️ Note: For added crunch, mix in chopped celery or jicama.

Gluten-Free Cornbread

Gluten-free cornbread is a delicious and satisfying side dish that's perfect for those with gluten sensitivities. Here's a simple recipe:

• 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
• 1/4 cup melted butter (or dairy-free alternative)
• 2 large eggs

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and eggs. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Pour the batter into a greased 8x8-inch baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

🍽️ Note

Related Terms:

• simple bbq sides
• outdoor bbq side dishes
• side dish recipes for bbq
• classic bbq sides
• side salad recipes for bbq
• best bbq side dishes