The 35 Tastiest BBQ Side Dishes

Ready to take your BBQ dishes to the next level? Sit back, relax, and take inspo from our collection of the 35 tastiest BBQ side dishes… ever. 

1. Homemade Coleslaw

Let’s begin with a BBQ classic – coleslaw. Scrap the shop-bought versions and get to work with this homemade slaw!

With just 15 minutes to prep, this recipe will whip up enough to serve eight hungry guests.

What’s more, it only requires a few simple ingredients.

The Dijon mustard, mayo, paprika, and white wine vinegar really make this pop, so expect your guests to be hungry for more! 

Serve this up with some corn on the cob and BBQ meat (see also ‘9 Best BBQ Subscription Boxes (Sauces, Rubs, Meat, and Grilling)‘) for a truly memorable BBQ. 

2. Grilled Corn On The Cob

Speaking of corn… why not serve your coleslaw with these buttery, dreamy, and downright decadent corn on the cobs?

No BBQ is complete without them.

Not only are these quick and easy (just ten minutes on the grill), but they’re also versatile and healthy, so you can load up on a few nutrients in between all that BBQ meat!

Simply chuck these on the grill, and serve with a dash of butter and salt for that iconic BBQ corn flavor. 

3. Ultimate Summer Salad

Every BBQ needs a salad, so why not serve up this epic side packed with gorgeous ingredients and prepare to wow your guests!

This ultimate summer salad recipe will take you just ten minutes to prep in the kitchen, and it’ll serve six guests.

It features a myriad of your favorite veggies, including onion, tomatoes, black beans, and spinach, and you can expect a generous dose of feta, mint, garlic, basil, and more to deliver the ultimate flavor kick. Delicious! 

4. Baked Sweet Potato Fries

We all love fries, but why not put a healthier spin on this timeless dish with a helping of baked sweet potato fries?

These orangey, buttery fries have been a bit of a craze in restaurants and takeouts for a while now, and it’s easy to see why – they’re truly addictive! 

What’s more, these fries (see also ‘20 Loaded Fries Recipes‘) are cheap to make and require just a few simple ingredients to come out crispy on the outside and soft in the middle.

Chopped parsley and grated parmesan on top? Heavenly!

These fries will take just over an hour to prepare (so make them in advice), and you’ll yield around four servings from this recipe. 

5. Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts

Brussel sprouts at a BBQ? Yes, really.

These bacon-wrapped Brussel sprouts are the perfect blend of sweet, meaty, buttery, and slightly bitter… exactly what you want at a BBQ!

Be warned – these little appetizers are so moreish that you may need to double up.

The maple syrup and brown sugar glaze ignites a new appreciation for these foods that you’ll wish you had found sooner.

If you follow this recipe, you’ll make enough to serve 12 people in just 35 minutes. Winner! 

6. Simple Tzatziki

Who doesn’t love Tzatziki? This popular dip has made its way from Southeast Europe and the Middle East, and it’s so versatile that you can really let your creative freedom flow, and rustle up something tasty, moreish, and memorable. 

This simple tzatziki recipe will take you just 15 minutes to prepare, and it serves between 6-8 people.

Boasting a decadent blend of greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, white wine vinegar, olive oil, and mint leaves, this tzatziki complements BBQ meats and most BBQ sides alike. 

7. Garlic And Herb Potato Wedges

No BBQ is complete without potato wedges, and these garlic and herb potato wedges are so good that they may just steal the show.

Just look at them! Crispy, buttery, creamy, and herby… these are everything potato wedges should be.

You’ll only need nine basic ingredients to create these, but they will take just over an hour to prepare and cook, so prepare these ahead of time for the big day!

Loaded with salt, parsley, basil, garlic, shallots, black pepper, and oil, these are the BBQ side you’ve been dreaming of. 

8. Grilled Apples With Prosciutto And Honey

Grilled apples with ham (see also ‘Can You Freeze Ham?‘) and honey? Yes please!

These may not be your standard BBQ side dish, but trust us, they’re a real crowd pleaser.

This recipe mixes sweet Honeycrisp apple with goat’s cheese, prosciutto, thyme, honey, pistachios, and seasoning to balance the sweet and meaty in a truly unforgettable way.

These take just 30 minutes to make, and their bitesize portions will serve around 6 to 8 people. 

9. Bacon Avocado Salad

Now, let’s explore another tasty side salad with this bacon and avocado salad.

This one REALLY hits the spot, and it features plenty of potatoes, celery, onion, eggs, avocado, and bacon, with THE most incredible dressing.

Greek yogurt, mustard, garlic, paprika, and more… we’re getting hungry.

It’s salty, creamy, and refreshing all at once, and it can be ready to serve in just over an hour. Get prepping! 

10. Jalapeno And Sour Cream Cornbread With Honey Butter

Still looking for something to complement your Tzatziki?

Why not try this Jalapeno and Sour Cream Cornbread with Honey Butter?

This cornbread takes just 35 minutes to create, and it’s literally bursting with flavor.

Jalapenos, honey butter, and crispy cornbread… what more could you ask for?

This will be loved by the whole family (if you can bring yourself to share it!). 

11. Lime, Chilli, And Feta Butter 

Every BBQ needs plenty of sauces and condiments to make those side dishes and grilled meat pop.

So, why not offer your guests something a little different with this lime, chili, and feta butter?

Smother it on your corn, use it as a dip for your meat or potatoes, or just lick it from the bowl!

This butter is a delightful mix of salty, spicy, and zesty, and it’ll take you just ten minutes to create!

Simply blend up some butter, feta, lime, chili, coriander, and salt, and you’re good to go! 

12. Fruit Salad

With all these savory herbs and spice blends dominating your BBQ, it’s time for a palette cleanser.

So, treat yourself (and your guests) to a refreshing fruit salad.

This recipe features red grapes, blueberries, pineapple, strawberries, limes, bananas, kiwi, limes, and honey… the perfect summer BBQ treat!

Simply chop up your fruit, and top it off with a dressing of honey, lime juice, and lime zest, and you’re good to go.

This is one side dish you won’t want to skip! 

13. BBQ Chorizo Potato Salad

Take your potato salad to the next level with a helping of BBQ chorizo!

This potato salad will take you around 35 minutes to create, and it’ll serve around four guests.

This flavor-loaded dish is guaranteed to satisfy any hungry crowd, and it’s packed with chorizo, sour cream, mustard, celery, dill, potatoes, and mayo.

Simply boil and drain your potatoes, grill your chorizo, whip up your dressing, and you’re good to go! 

14. Classic Dinner Rolls

Now it’s time for a hearty, carby, please with these classic dinner rolls.

They’re fluffy, soft, and buttery and require little to no effort to create, making them the ultimate addition to your BBQ!

You’ll only need a few ingredients, including yeast, sugar, milk, butter, eggs, salt, flour, and a selection of seeds, and they’ll take you around an hour to create!

If you have any leftovers (unlikely), these can be stored in the fridge for three days or frozen.

Perfect for burgers, chicken, or simply to dip in sauce, you can’t go wrong with these classic dinner rolls. 

15. Chive Potato Salad

We LOVE potato salad, and that’s exactly why we’re offering you another recipe – chive potato salad.

If the BBQ Chorizo didn’t tickle your fancy, this certainly will.

Simply boil your potatoes until tender, puree your chives, oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, and black pepper, and add in a helping of flat-leaf parsley to make things pop.

What’s more, this recipe is mayo-free! There’s always a mayo-hater at a BBQ, but trust us, they’ll be satisfied with this take on potato salad. 

16. Succotash

Succotash? Say less. This succotash recipe is a great way to make the most of your summer veggies, and it’s super easy to make!

Grill and marinate your veggies, toss in some corn and zucchini, and leave to chill.

Then, you’ll have a nutritious and delicious side dish packed with color and flavor, ready in just under forty minutes. Delightful! 

17. Mac And Cheese (With Beer)

No, we hadn’t forgotten about this BBQ staple… however, this recipe has a slight twist.

If you’re a beer fan, this mac and cheese is for you!

This incredible mac and cheese will take around 45 minutes to create and features plenty of cheese, mustard, garlic, pasta, and all the usual yummies you’d expect in your mac and cheese.

Simply whisk in some beer while cooking, and you’ll bring a new depth of flavor to this iconic dish. Ready, set… dive in! 

18. Radish Salad

Looking for another salad dish to feature at your BBQ? Take a look at this classic radish salad.

This recipe demands plenty of colors and a refreshing taste that your guests will love.

Ready in just 20 minutes, this salad will serve around six guests, and it’s loaded with radish, mint, lemon, honey, mustard, shallot, mint, and olive oil.

Perfect with a side of lamb, chicken, or beef, this salad goes with anything! 

19. Oven Avocado Fries

We love finding healthy alternatives to our favorite junk foods, so why not treat your guests to a burst of flavor, texture, and nutrients with these oven avocado fries?

Crispy, crumby, and soft in the middle, these fries are decadent, creamy, and really pop when served with a generous helping of lime sauce.

These will take about an hour to cook and prepare, but you’ll get a whopping ten servings from this recipe.

Dip these in your side sauces or eat them on their own; either way, they’re too good to share, so stock up! 

20. Grilled Halloumi

Any meat eater or vegetarian will tell you that no BBQ is complete without cheese.

Whether it’s in a mac and cheese, in a burger, or sprinkled over a salad, there should be plenty of it.

So, why not throw in an extra helping of cheese and treat your guests to this grilled halloumi?

This won’t melt on the grill and will satisfy that salty cheese craving. 

If you follow this recipe, you’ll serve your grilled halloumi with a stunning side of cous cous and veggies, including asparagus and snap peas.

Finish things off with some parsley, lemon zest, salt and pepper, and oil for a salty, filling, yet refreshing BBQ side. 

21. Cheese, Chive, And Ham Tear And Share Bread

Cheesy, meaty tear and share bread? We’re all ears. 

This tear and share bread requires a little more effort in the kitchen, but if you really want to make an impression at your BBQ, it’s worth every second.

This pull-apart loaf is oozing with ham, mustard, and cheese, and you can use any cheese or ham you have left in your fridge!

In a few hours, this will be ready to serve to your guests, and it can be eaten on its own, loaded with meat or salad, or pulled off and dipped in a sauce.

However you eat it, be prepared to NEVER stop craving this.  

22. Courgette, Feta And Mint Salad

If you want something a little lighter to go with your carb-heavy sides, why not make this courgette, feta, and mint salad?

This refreshing summer side will take you just ten minutes to prepare, and with just four ingredients, it’s never been easier to give your guests a taste of the Mediterranean.

Simply prep some courgette, rocket, feta, and mint, and you’re good to go.

Perfect with meat or any other side at your BBQ, this is a real palette cleanser you’ll want on your table! 

23. Cheesy Garlic Bread

Home-made is always better than store-bought, and the same goes for garlic bread.

This cheesy garlic bread will take just under an hour to create, and you’ll get around 12 servings from this recipe.

Plus, you’ll get to throw in some extra flavors you don’t get from your premade bread, including thyme and honey, which really accentuate those cheesy, garlicky statement flavors you want to convey.

This will go down a treat; after all, who doesn’t love garlic bread? 

24. Easy Red Salsa

Who doesn’t enjoy salsa? This easy red salsa really lives up to its name.

In just 25 minutes, you can create a salsa that’s so good that you’ll never want a store-bought option again.

This salsa is packed full of jalapenos, onion, lime, cilantro, tomatoes, and salt and pepper.

Once it’s ready, leave out a few bags of tortilla chips and let your guests dive in – this is a great starter when you’re waiting for your meat to grill! 

25. Greek Salad

Every BBQ needs a statement salad. If you haven’t found one yet, you might want to try this greek salad!

Loaded with Mediterranean veggies, olives, onion, and cheese, you won’t be able to get enough of this.

What’s more, this salad will only take you 20 minutes to create, but don’t expect any leftovers – this dish will go down a treat! 

26. Brown Sugar And Bacon Baked Beans

Let’s be honest; we all love baked beans (see also ‘Is It Possible To Freeze Baked Beans?‘). These baked beans are simple, flavorsome, and ALWAYS a hit.

Expect a gorgeous blend between smoky and sweet that’ll complement any meat and even the nichest of side dishes.

What’s more, these are incredibly easy to make. With just 10 minutes of prep and a few hours in the oven, they’re low maintenance and do the job. 

27. Grilled Veggies With Honey-Thyme Vinaigrette

Want to inject a bit of class into your BBQ? Check out these grilled veggies with honey-thyme vinaigrette.

Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish features all of your favorite veggies, including squash, pepper, asparagus, and eggplant, doused in a generous helping of vinegar, honey, shallot, thyme, and black pepper. Gorgeous! 

28. Broccolini Pasta Salad

If you want a more filling salad to serve your guests, try creating this broccolini pasta salad.

The Dijon mustard throws in a punchy kick to your salad that’ll go down a treat with your guests!

With plenty of almonds, basil, tomatoes, garlic, vinegar, and broccolini, this pasta salad delivers a depth of flavor that most pasta salads don’t offer.

This can be ready in 40 minutes and serves eight guests, so get cooking! 

29. Mozzarella, Red Pepper, And Bacon Skewers

Finger food is a BBQ staple, so why not break away from the traditional sides and make these mozzarella, red pepper, and bacon skewers?

Ready in just 20 minutes, these skewers will serve 8 to 10 people and require minimal ingredients.

The basil leaves, oil, and salt really make the bacon and cheese shine through – your guests won’t be able to resist! 

30. Fluffy Pittas

These Grecian-style pittas are better than any store-bought alternative.

In just over an hour, you can make enough to feed eight guests, and if you fill these with salad, meat, and tzatziki, well… your guests will never want to leave!

You’ll only need a few cupboard ingredients to make this, including milk, oil, flour, thyme, yeast, and sugar, so you’ve got no excuse not to try this! 

31. Apricot And Prosciutto Foccacia

Give your guests another bite-sized savory treat with this apricot and prosciutto focaccia.

This recipe takes more than three hours to create, so be prepared to make these ahead of time!

This appetizer is the perfect balance between sweet and savory, and the arugula leaves and apricots really make this stand out from the crowd. Go on; you know you want to! 

32. Kale Salad

Want another healthy salad to give your guests? Take a look at this chopped kale salad.

Loaded with greens and an abundance of other veggies, this salad will leave you all feeling healthy (and full) for the rest of the evening.

This salad is ready in around 20 minutes, and it’s a great way to use up any leftover veggies in the fridge! 

33. Roasted Garlic Butter Parmesan Potatoes

There’s just something about potatoes… especially when they’re roasted in garlic butter and parmesan.

Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and seasoned with more garlic, herbs, butter, bacon, and cheese than you could shake a stick at; this is a side you NEED to have at your BBQ.

Ready in just over an hour, these are a must-have side, and what’s more, the leftovers go great in a potato salad or even in a stew or soup! 

34. Spicy Corn Salad

Now, let’s explore something for our spice lovers with this spicy corn salad.

This salad is light and refreshing with an undeniable kick from that chili paste.

With plenty of jalapenos, peanuts, peppers, seeds, and corn to tuck into this, this salad will be cleared off the table in no time.

Serve this with fresh cuts of meat for an extra kick.  

35. Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

Let’s finish off with something a little different – cheesy asparagus casserole.

This hearty, cheesy side dish goes well with almost any meal, but it’s ESPECIALLY good at a BBQ.

It’s low-carb, loaded with garlic and cheese sauce, and ready to complement any other side dish or meat on offer.

Ready in just 20 minutes, this is a quick and simple side dish that’ll leave your guests hungry for more! 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Most Popular BBQ Sides? 

Some of the most popular BBQ side dishes include potato salad, coleslaw, corn on the cob, vegetable salad, and garlic bread.

Any side dish loaded with veggies, cheese, and plenty of sauce is destined to go down a treat. 

What Food Do You Serve At A BBQ? 

BBQs usually consist of meat, including burgers, sausages, and chicken, with plenty of burger buns, hot dog rolls, and other salads, sauces, and savory sides. 

What Meats Are Good For BBQ? 

Popular BBQ meats include steak, beef mince, lamb and pork (see also our favorite sides for pork tenderloin), chicken, and pork shoulder. 

The Bottom Line 

If you want to serve up something a little different at your next BBQ, why not try some of these decadent side dishes?

Whether you want cool and crisp, cheesy and meaty, or a simple family favorite, there’s something for everyone!