The Best Side Dishes for BBQ & Smoked Meats
A Feast Beyond the Flame
When you think of BBQ or smoked meats, you probably picture juicy brisket, tender ribs, or spicy sausage links. But no great cookout is complete without a solid lineup of side dishes. These tasty extras help balance all the bold, smoky flavors and make your plate more exciting.
Let’s dive into the most mouthwatering, fun-to-eat, and totally satisfying sides that deserve a spot next to your grill’s finest creations.
The Power of a Great Side Dish
Sides aren’t just extras—they’re the backup dancers that make the star look even better. They can cool the heat, add crunch, or bring in a tangy twist. The best ones don’t compete with your meats. They support them, play nice, and keep every bite interesting.
Creamy, Dreamy Must-Haves
Mac and Cheese
This one’s a BBQ classic, and for good reason. Imagine a bowl of cheesy noodles with a golden crust on top. The creamy inside balances spicy rubs and rich meats like pulled pork or brisket. Pro tip? Mix in a little smoked gouda or jalapeño for a fun twist.
Potato Salad
Potato salad is cool, creamy, and just tangy enough to cut through all that meat. Whether you love yours Southern-style with mustard and pickles or super simple with mayo and hard-boiled eggs, it’s always a crowd favorite. Add crispy bacon if you want people asking for your “secret recipe.”
Coleslaw
Crunchy cabbage, creamy or vinegar-based dressing, and maybe even a touch of sweetness. That’s slaw at its best. It's the perfect match for BBQ sandwiches and pulled meats because it adds a refreshing snap.
See also: 20+ Tasty Sides to Go with Smoked Turkey
Tangy and Bright Bites
Pickles & Pickled Veggies
Pickled onions, cucumbers, carrots, even jalapeños—these zippy little bites bring sharp, acidic goodness to your plate. They cut through fatty meats and wake up your taste buds. Make them yourself or buy them fancy; either way, they rock.
Corn Salad
Fresh corn, tomatoes, onions, and lime juice create a light and colorful dish that screams summer. Want more flavor? Toss in some cotija cheese, cilantro, and a pinch of chili powder. It’s crunchy, juicy, and perfect for grilled anything.
Cucumber Salad
Thin cucumber slices, red onions, a splash of vinegar, and a touch of sugar make a crisp, cool side that’s perfect for hot days and spicy food.
Starchy and Satisfying
Cornbread
Soft, buttery, and just a little sweet. Cornbread loves BBQ. Add jalapeños for a kick or keep it plain and let the meat juices do their thing. Don’t forget the honey butter.
Baked Beans
Thick, smoky, and sweet, baked beans are a BBQ staple. Some folks like to toss in bits of bacon or smoked sausage. Others add a splash of bourbon or maple syrup. Either way, it’s rich, warm, and deeply satisfying.
French Fries or Potato Wedges
Crispy, salty, and perfect for dipping in BBQ sauce. You can go classic with thin fries or make thick wedges with a spicy seasoning rub. Bonus: everyone loves them.
Fresh, Green, and Good for You (Kinda)
Grilled Veggies
Zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and asparagus taste amazing when they’re grilled. They pick up a little char and smokiness while keeping things light. Toss them in olive oil and salt before cooking, and they’ll shine.
Garden Salad
A simple salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a good dressing gives your plate balance. You don’t need anything fancy—just fresh crunch to contrast all the rich meat.
Watermelon Slices
Sweet, juicy, and cold, watermelon is nature’s best BBQ sidekick. It helps cool your mouth after spicy bites and keeps you hydrated. Plus, who doesn’t smile with watermelon juice dripping down their chin?
Surprise Sides You Didn’t See Coming
Smoked Deviled Eggs
Yes, you can smoke eggs. And when you do, the yolks get richer and the flavor deeper. Mix those yolks with mayo, mustard, and a pinch of paprika for deviled eggs with serious flavor power.
Jalapeño Corn Dip
Warm, cheesy, spicy, and scooped up with chips—this dip disappears fast. It’s a great starter or side that gets people talking.
Pasta Salad
Cold pasta salad with Italian dressing, chopped veggies, and cheese cubes? It’s colorful, filling, and great for outdoor eating. Add pepperoni or olives for extra zing.
Sweet Endings that Pair Just Right
Peach Cobbler
Warm cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream? Yes, please. The soft fruit, buttery crust, and cold creaminess make it the perfect way to end your BBQ feast.
Banana Pudding
Layers of vanilla wafers, banana slices, and sweet pudding. It’s cool, creamy, and comforting. Kids and adults both go nuts for it.
Putting It All Together
Now that you’ve got your sides sorted, here’s how to build the ultimate BBQ plate:
Choose one creamy side (mac & cheese or potato salad)
Add one tangy or fresh side (slaw or cucumber salad)
Toss in one warm and hearty choice (cornbread or beans)
Don’t forget a crunchy or pickled item to balance the flavors
Finish with a sweet treat if there’s room (and there’s always room)
Mix textures and temperatures. You want cool things with hot things. Soft bites with crispy bits. And colors! The more colorful your plate, the better it looks—and tastes.
Tips for Sides That Shine
Make ahead: Most sides taste better after a few hours in the fridge. Let those flavors hang out.
Keep it simple: Don’t overthink. A fresh tomato with salt is sometimes all you need.
Feed your crowd: Know who you’re serving. Kids love fries. Adults might dig grilled veggies.
Balance bold meats: Brisket is heavy—pair it with something bright. Spicy ribs? Cool it down with slaw.
Final Thoughts
BBQ is all about flavor, fire, and fun. But the sides? That’s where your creativity really gets to play. A juicy rack of ribs is great—but put it next to smoky beans, cold slaw, and buttery cornbread, and now you’ve got a feast.
So next time you fire up the grill or pull something out of the smoker, don’t stop at the meat. Build a plate that sings. Make your sides so good, people come back for seconds—and ask for the recipe.
And always remember: it’s not just what you cook, it’s what you cook with. So don’t forget to check out our collection of premium rocket stoves.
Happy grilling!
