15 BBQ Sides Recipes to Elevate Your Grilling Game

Barbecue season is always a great time to gather with friends and family. The right BBQ sides can enhance your meal and make your cookout unforgettable.

From creamy coleslaws to flavorful baked beans, there is a wide variety of delicious dishes that perfectly complement your grilled favorites.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or attending a potluck, having a selection of tasty sides is essential. You want something that balances the smoky flavors of grilled meats while being easy to prepare and serve.

Let’s explore some mouth-watering BBQ sides that will elevate your next summer gathering.

1) Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites make a great BBQ side dish. They are spicy, crunchy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack or a side, they’re sure to impress your guests.

To make them, you coat cauliflower florets in panko breadcrumbs and toss them with buffalo sauce. Baking them in the oven helps keep them nice and crispy without the extra oil.

These bites are easy to prepare and can fit into a vegetarian or healthier meal plan. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for an added touch.

Ingredients

• 1 head of cauliflower
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup buffalo sauce
• ½ cup flour
• 1 cup water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
3. In a bowl, mix flour, water, salt, and pepper to make a batter.
4. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
5. Place the coated florets on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
7. Toss the baked cauliflower in buffalo sauce before serving.

2) Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese is a delicious twist on a classic dish. It offers a creamy texture with a rich, smoky flavor that makes it unique. This recipe is perfect for BBQs or cozy nights at home.

To start, you will need elbow macaroni noodles. They are the base of this comforting meal. You will also use unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, mustard powder, and of course, smoked Gouda cheese.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1 cup shredded smoked Gouda cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions.
3. In a pan, melt the butter. Add flour and stir.
4. Gradually add milk and mustard powder, stirring until thick.
5. Mix in shredded smoked Gouda until melted.
6. Combine with the macaroni. Add salt and pepper.
7. Transfer to a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs if desired.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

3) Grilled Watermelon with Feta and Mint

Grilled watermelon with feta and mint is a refreshing side for your BBQ. This dish combines sweet, smoky, and creamy flavors for a delightful experience.

You will need ripe watermelon, feta cheese, fresh mint, and balsamic glaze. The grill adds a unique char, enhancing the natural sweetness of the watermelon.

Start by brushing the watermelon wedges with olive oil. Grill them over medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C) for a few minutes on each side until char marks appear.

After grilling, place the watermelon on a platter. Crumble feta on top and sprinkle fresh mint. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 small ripe watermelon
• 2-3 ounces crumbled feta cheese
• Fresh mint leaves
• Balsamic glaze
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the watermelon into wedges.
2. Brush each side with olive oil.
3. Grill the watermelon on medium-high heat for a few minutes on each side.
4. Remove from grill and place on a platter.
5. Top with crumbled feta and fresh mint.
6. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve.

4) Chili Lime Grilled Corn on the Cob

Chili lime grilled corn on the cob is a tasty side for your BBQ. The sweet corn gets a zesty twist with chili and lime, making it a favorite. You can easily prepare this dish for your next cookout.

First, soak your corn in water for about 5 minutes before grilling. This helps keep it moist while cooking.

Preheat your grill to medium-high, around 400°F (200°C).

Grill the corn for about 10–15 minutes, turning every 2 minutes for even cooking. While grilling, brush the corn with a mix of butter, lime juice, chili powder, and a pinch of salt.

Once done, remove the corn from the grill. Add more chili lime butter on top for a flavorful finish. Enjoy it immediately!

Ingredients

• Fresh corn on the cob (with husks removed)
• Cooking oil
• Butter
• Lime juice
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak corn in water for 5 minutes.
2. Preheat grill to 400°F (200°C).
3. Grill corn for 10–15 minutes, turning every 2 minutes.
4. Brush corn with chili lime butter mix while grilling.
5. Remove from grill and add more butter before serving.

5) Creamy Avocado Potato Salad

Creamy avocado potato salad is a tasty and healthy side dish for your BBQ. It’s easy to make and perfect for warm weather gatherings.

Start with fresh potatoes and cook them until they’re tender. You can roast or boil them, depending on your preference. The creaminess comes from ripe avocados instead of mayonnaise.

Simply mash the avocados and mix them with your favorite seasonings. You can add lime juice, salt, and pepper for flavor. Toss in some chopped veggies like onions and celery for extra crunch.

This salad pairs well with grilled meats and can be a big hit at any cookout.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium potatoes
• 2 ripe avocados
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped onions and celery (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook the potatoes in boiling water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain and let them cool.
3. In a bowl, mash the avocados with lime juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Chop the cooled potatoes and mix them with the avocado blend.
5. Add onions and celery if desired. Enjoy!

6) Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

Bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers are a fantastic addition to your BBQ sides. They are spicy, cheesy, and delicious! You’ll enjoy making these as much as eating them.

Start by taking fresh jalapeños and cutting them in half. Remove the seeds to control the spice level. Next, fill them with cream cheese.

Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.

Grill them over direct heat at about 400°F (200°C) for about 7 minutes per side, until the bacon is crispy.

Brush some BBQ sauce on top for extra flavor before serving.

Ingredients

• 20 whole fresh jalapeños
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 lb thin bacon
• Toothpicks
• BBQ sauce (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut jalapeños in half and remove seeds.
3. Fill with cream cheese.
4. Wrap with bacon and secure with toothpicks.
5. Grill for 7 minutes per side.
6. Brush with BBQ sauce before serving, if desired.

7) Sweet and Spicy Coleslaw

Sweet and spicy coleslaw is a perfect side dish for your BBQ. It brings a nice balance of flavors and adds crunch to your meal. The combination of sweetness and heat will keep your taste buds excited.

To make this coleslaw, you’ll need fresh cabbage, carrots, and a few spicy ingredients. The dressing typically contains mayonnaise, vinegar, and a hint of heat from cayenne pepper.

You can enjoy this coleslaw as a side or even on top of pulled pork sandwiches. It’s quick to make and is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 4 cups shredded cabbage
• 2 cups shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix cabbage and carrots.
2. In another bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and cayenne.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

8) Zesty Lemon-Dill Cucumber Salad

This Zesty Lemon-Dill Cucumber Salad is perfect for your BBQ. It brings a refreshing taste and a nice crunch. The bright flavors of lemon and dill really make the cucumbers shine.

You can easily whip it up in just a few minutes. This salad pairs well with grilled meats and adds a vibrant touch to your meal. Let it chill for a bit to enhance the flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 large cucumbers, diced
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, dill, and sugar until sugar dissolves.
2. Stir in mayonnaise until smooth.
3. Fold in diced cucumber.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Let it stand for 10 minutes before serving.

9) Honey Butter Skillet Cornbread

Honey butter skillet cornbread is a delightful side for your BBQ. It’s sweet, buttery, and full of flavor. Cooking it in a skillet gives it a nice crispy edge, while the center stays soft and fluffy.

To start, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). You can use a cast iron skillet for the best results. Melt some butter in the skillet while the oven heats.

In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine buttermilk, eggs, and honey. Stir both mixtures together until just blended. Pour the batter into your hot skillet.

Bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Serve it warm with more honey butter on top!

Ingredients

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup butter

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Melt butter in a 10-inch cast iron skillet.
3. In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and honey.
5. Combine both mixtures and stir gently.
6. Pour the batter into the hot skillet.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
8. Serve warm with honey butter.

10) Balsamic Grilled Vegetable Platter

A balsamic grilled vegetable platter is a colorful and tasty addition to your BBQ. This dish brings together a variety of fresh vegetables, giving you a chance to enjoy healthy flavors.

To make this dish, you’ll start by preheating your grill to 400°F (200°C). The mix can include bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a vibrant look and taste.

Next, you’ll need to create a simple balsamic marinade. Combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss your vegetables in this mixture to coat them well.

Place the marinated vegetables on the grill. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they’re tender and have nice grill marks.

Ingredients

• Bell peppers
• Zucchini
• Mushrooms
• Balsamic vinegar
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss the vegetables in the marinade until coated.
4. Grill the vegetables for 2-3 minutes on each side until tender.
5. Serve warm on a platter.

11) Spicy Black Bean and Corn Salsa

Spicy Black Bean and Corn Salsa is a vibrant and tasty side for your BBQ. It mixes black beans, sweet corn, and fresh tomatoes. This salsa is not only delicious but also healthy.

You can make it as spicy as you like by adding jalapeños or chili powder. It pairs perfectly with tortilla chips or grilled meats.

This salsa is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed as a satisfying snack or side dish. It’s a great addition to any summer gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup sweet corn (canned or frozen)
• 1 cup fresh tomatoes, diced
• 1 jalapeño, diced (optional)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lime
• Chopped cilantro (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine black beans, corn, and tomatoes.
2. If desired, add jalapeño and chili powder.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and lime juice.
4. Mix well and garnish with cilantro, if using.
5. Serve with tortilla chips or as a side dish.

12) Roasted Red Pepper Hummus with Veggies

Roasted red pepper hummus is a delicious and healthy dip that’s perfect for BBQ sides. It’s rich in flavor and pairs well with a variety of fresh veggies. You can enjoy it with crunchy carrots, bell peppers, or cucumbers.

To make this hummus, you’ll combine roasted red peppers, chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. Blend everything in a food processor until smooth.

Serve it in a bowl and add a drizzle of olive oil on top. Arrange your favorite veggies around the hummus for a colorful display that’s sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 1 cup roasted red peppers
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 garlic clove
• Salt and cumin to taste
• Olive oil for drizzling
• Assorted raw veggies for dipping

Cooking Instructions

1. Pat the roasted red peppers dry.
2. In a food processor, combine the peppers, chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and cumin.
3. Blend until smooth, adding cold water if needed.
4. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh veggies.

13) Old Bay-Spiced Potato Salad

Old Bay-Spiced Potato Salad is a delightful side for your BBQ. It combines tender potatoes with a zesty dressing that features Old Bay seasoning, adding a savory kick.

To start, you will need some fresh potatoes. Boil them until they’re fork-tender, then let them cool.

While the potatoes cool, you can prepare the dressing. Mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, vinegar, and Old Bay seasoning in a bowl.

Once the potatoes are ready, chop them and add them to the dressing. Toss everything together until well coated.

Refrigerate for about an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds potatoes
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 10-15 minutes at 212°F (100°C).
2. Drain and let them cool.
3. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, and Old Bay.
4. Chop the cooled potatoes and add to the dressing.
5. Toss to combine and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.

14) Maple-Glazed Sweet Potato Wedges

Maple-glazed sweet potato wedges make a tasty side for your BBQ. They are sweet, savory, and easy to prepare. The glaze adds a delicious flavor that enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes.

To make these wedges, you’ll need sweet potatoes cut into wedges. Brushing them with olive oil helps them crisp up on the grill. A maple syrup glaze gives them a wonderful caramelized finish.

You can also add spices like paprika or even a touch of cayenne for some heat. This simple recipe is perfect for impressing your guests or enjoying on a quiet night at home.

Ingredients

• 3 sweet potatoes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Spices (optional): paprika, cayenne

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Cut the sweet potatoes into wedges.
3. Brush the wedges with olive oil.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and any spices you choose.
5. Grill the wedges for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally.
6. Drizzle with maple syrup during the last few minutes of grilling.

15) Tropical Fruit and Coconut Salad

This Tropical Fruit and Coconut Salad is a refreshing addition to your BBQ menu. It combines a medley of vibrant fruits with creamy coconut for a sweet and tangy taste.

Use fruits like papaya, mango, and berries. The addition of coconut milk adds smoothness, making each bite delicious. This salad is simple to prepare and perfect for warm weather.

You can serve it chilled as a side dish or dessert. Plus, it’s a colorful way to enjoy healthy fruits at your gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 cup papaya, diced
• 1 cup mango, diced
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup kiwi, sliced
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon pineapple juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Dice the papaya and mango.
2. Slice the strawberries and kiwi.
3. In a large bowl, combine all the fruits.
4. Drizzle coconut milk and pineapple juice over the fruits.
5. Mix gently and chill before serving.