No backyard barbecue is complete without a spread of unforgettable BBQ side dishes. Whether you're firing up the grill for the Fourth of July, hosting a casual weekend cookout, or just enjoying a warm evening with friends, these sides are here to steal the show.
From creamy mac & cheese and smoky beans to crisp slaws, fresh salads, grilled veggie kebabs, and cornbread that practically melts in your mouth. This roundup has something for every plate.
These recipes are crowd-pleasers that pair perfectly with everything from burgers and hot dogs to ribs and grilled chicken. Mix and match to build your ultimate BBQ menu, and don’t forget to bring the watermelon salad...it's always a hit!
Mexican Street Corn Dip
This smoky, spicy Mexican Street Corn Dip by Cucina by Elena is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s bold, flavorful, and perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or any summer gathering. Serve it warm or at room temperature with chips, crisp veggies, or toasted bread. It's always a hit.
Mexican Street Corn Dip
Easy 3 Ingredient Cornbread
My friend Mariah's easy 3 ingredient cornbread is quick to make and absolutely delicious! This simple recipe makes crumbly, yet tender cornbread with crispy edges in under 30 minutes - with minimal effort!
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Skillet Baked Beans and Bacon
These Southern-style Skillet Baked Beans by Dutch Oven Daddy are rich, hearty, and full of old-school flavor. Made with canned beans, sweet molasses, and smoky bacon strips, they’re baked right in a cast iron skillet for that classic, caramelized finish. The perfect side dish for any backyard barbecue or summer cookout.
Skillet Baked Beans
Healthy Baked Beans | Mary’s Whole Life
Mary from Mary’s Whole Life puts a better-for-you spin on classic baked beans—without sacrificing flavor. These hearty and delicious beans come together with just 10 minutes of prep and can be made three ways: in the slow cooker, on the stovetop, or baked (with an option to smoke them for extra depth). A flexible, flavorful side dish that fits any cooking style.
Healthy Baked Beans
Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw - The Cookin Chicks
Kristin from The Cooking Chicks brings the bold flavors of street corn to a fresh, crunchy coleslaw—perfect for your next barbecue. This zesty side pairs effortlessly with wings, burgers, grilled chicken, and more. It even doubles as a fun and flavorful taco topping. A crowd-pleaser you’ll want on repeat all summer long.
Street Corn Coleslaw
Coleslaw with Apples and Nuts - Balancing Bowls
This crisp and tangy coleslaw from Balancing Bowls by Nora adds a sweet crunch from apples and a nutty bite that takes it to the next level. It’s a perfect match for pulled pork or fish tacos and comes together with just 10 minutes of prep. Let it marinate for even more flavor, an ideal make-ahead side to bring along to any summer gathering.
Apple Coleslaw
Crunchy Caesar Salad with Smashed Croutons
Need a top-notch Caesar salad in your recipe arsenal? Look no further! This restaurant-worthy Caesar salad is made with fresh, garlicky homemade smashed croutons, zesty Caesar dressing, and tons of Parmesan cheese.
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BLT Salad with Creamy Pesto Ranch Dressing
Love BLT sandwiches? Try this unique BLT salad recipe with crispy bacon, sweet tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, garlic toast croutons, and creamy pesto ranch dressing. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner when fresh tomatoes are in season!
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Peach and Burrata Salad with Honey Basil Dressing
This peach and burrata salad is one of my favorite summer salads to serve during peach season! The combination of ripe juicy peaches, creamy burrata cheese, and fresh herbs is pure heaven, and a fun twist on the classic caprese salad.
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Watermelon Salad with Feta Cheese and Chili Crisp
Jenna from Heavenly Spice takes classic watermelon salad to the next level with a bold homemade chili crisp that’s truly unforgettable. Juicy, sweet, salty, and just the right amount of heat. This perfectly balanced salad is guaranteed to stand out at any barbecue or summer spread.
Watermelon Salad
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Mediterranean Bean Salad
Shannon from Pass Me Some Tasty brings together fresh produce and pantry staples in this vibrant Mediterranean bean salad. It’s hearty, wholesome, and packed with flavor. Perfect as a healthy side for grilled fish, chicken, or shrimp, or as a satisfying on-the-go lunch for picnics and beach days alike.
Bean Salad
Our Favorite Macaroni Salad
Lyuba Brooke from Will Cook for Smiles shares a timeless favorite: a creamy, veggie-packed macaroni salad that’s a must-have for any potluck, picnic, or barbecue. With a rich mayo-based dressing and classic flavor, this go-to side dish is always a hit. Make it ahead and bring it along to your next gathering.
Favorite Mac Salad
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad (Easy + DELICIOUS!)
Jennifer from Foodess puts a bold twist on pasta salad with this creamy, flavor-packed Buffalo Chicken version. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s loaded with spicy buffalo chicken, crunchy veggies, and a drizzle of blue cheese dressing. A fun and fiery side dish that’s perfect for game day or summer cookouts.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a taste of paradise!
Stacey from The Soccer Mom Blog shares a nostalgic Hawaiian-style macaroni salad that’s perfect for summer gatherings. Made with elbow macaroni, crisp carrots, and a sweet-and-tangy mayo-based dressing, it’s a classic side dish that brings plate lunch vibes wherever it goes. Simple, customizable, and sure to be a hit at any barbecue.
Hawaiian Mac Salad
Elote-Style Pasta Salad (Mexican Street Corn)
Emily from Snacking Emily puts a playful twist on Mexican street corn with this elote-inspired pasta salad. It’s packed with sweet summer corn, tangy spices, and salty cheese, all tossed with pasta for a bold and flavorful side. A vibrant dish that’s perfect for barbecues, picnics, or any warm-weather gathering.
Elote-Style Pasta Salad
Easy Italian Pasta Salad
Mandy from Semi Homemade Kitchen serves up a classic with this Easy Italian Pasta Salad. Loaded with rotini, crisp veggies, mozzarella, salami, and a zesty Italian dressing, it’s a fresh and flavorful side for any summer potluck. Bonus: it holds up great in the fridge, making it a tasty meal prep option, too.
Italian Pasta Salad
Ultimate Potato Salad - The Cookin Chicks
Kristin from The Cookin’ Chicks shares her take on the ultimate classic: a creamy potato salad loaded with tender potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, crunchy celery, and onion, all tossed in a tangy dressing. No summer cookout is complete without a great potato salad...and this one definitely earns a spot on the table.
Ultimate Potato Salad
Dill Pickle Potato Salad
Marcie from Flavor the Moments gives classic potato salad a bold, tangy upgrade with this dill pickle–packed version. It’s creamy, crunchy, and full of fresh dill and chopped pickles, all tied together with a zippy homemade dressing. A must-try for pickle lovers and a standout at any summer spread.
Dill Pickle Potato Salad
Smoked Mac and Cheese with Bacon
Renae from The Feathered Nester takes comfort food to the next level with this rich and smoky mac and cheese. Cooked low and slow for deep flavor, it’s finished with crispy bacon for an extra indulgent touch. Perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or anytime you want to wow the crowd with a seriously satisfying side.
Smoked Mac and Cheese
The Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese Gratin
This is the ultimate baked mac and cheese recipe! This "au gratin" style mac and cheese is creamy without any gritty cheese sauce, which is often in so many mac and cheese recipes. It's topped with homemade smashed croutons for a nice creamy, crunchy balance.
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Crispy Smashed Fingerling Potatoes
Easy and Impressive side dish your friends and family will love.
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Crack Potatoes
Lesley from Lambert’s Lately brings the flavor with these cheesy, bacon-loaded Crack Potatoes. Made casserole-style with frozen hashbrowns, ranch seasoning, and pantry staples, this easy side dish is perfect for potlucks, parties, or any barbecue where comfort food is a must. Creamy, savory, and totally irresistible.
Crack Potatoes
Grilled Corn with Arugula Chimichurri Butter
Serve chimichurri corn on the cobb at your next cookout. Enjoy a flavorful, simple, and delicious side that impresses every time. Use leftover chimichurri sauce to make Chimichurri Steak or Chimichurri Chicken Meatballs for flavorful dishes all week!
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Easy Grilled Veggie Skewers
Jessica from The Forked Spoon keeps it simple and stunning with these Easy Grilled Veggie Skewers. Loaded with colorful fresh vegetables, they’re drizzled with tangy balsamic and brushed with a bright garlic-herb sauce. Tasty, flavorful, and totally grill-worthy. These skewers are a welcome addition to any cookout or summer gathering.
Veggie Skewers
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