Wondering what the best BBQ side dishes are for your next backyard barbecue?
In our house, sometimes more attention is given to the “main event” of our next barbecue and the side dishes get overlooked or even forgotten. Whether it’s brisket, pork shoulder, ribs, steak or even simply hamburgers and hot dogs, most people enjoy having a little something else to go along with the main dish of a meal.
We’ve rounded up our favorite and best BBQ side dishes to share with you.
1. Homemade Coleslaw
Probably one of the top 3 most popular BBQ side dishes, you can’t go wrong with a classic coleslaw recipe.
2. Smoked BBQ Baked Beans
We’ve made this recipe for small groups as well as huge groups of 800+ and it is always a hit. Hot tip though, more recently we’ve been substituting smoked sausage for the pulled pork in this recipe and I think we love it even more that way!
3. Smoked Mac and Cheese
There’s just something about this smoked mac and cheese recipe that’s so unique yet so comforting at the same time. Leave the brisket out if you’d like, or include it if you’ve got it, but definitely try this for your next barbecue. I think it’s one of the best BBQ side dishes out there.
4. Twice Smoked Potatoes
You guys, these twice-smoked potatoes are my favorite. In my mind, they’re a little “nicer” or “fancier” than some of our other BBQ side dishes so we tend to pull this one out when we’re serving steak or want to dress up the plate a little more than potato salad.
5. Grilled Corn on the Cob
I honestly don’t remember the last time I boiled corn on the cob. It just tastes better being cooked this way and my grill is already fired up, cooking other parts of the meal, so why not?
6. Mexican Street Corn Salad
While we’re talking about grilled corn on the cob, this corn salad recipe is where it’s at. Currently, this is my favorite and by far one of the best BBQ side dishes, and I tend to make it every chance I can get.
7. Smoked Cream Cheese
Smoked cream cheese was all the rage a year or so ago, and for great reason! It’s super easy and unbelievably versatile. You can dress it up or dress it down, depending on the rest of your meal.
8. Pulled Pork Potato Skins
Maybe this would classify as more of an appetizer than a BBQ side dish, but it definitely belongs on your next outdoor barbecue buffet.
9. Smoked Queso
There are so many ways you can make smoked queso. In fact, we’ve shared 5 different ways we’ve personally made it here at the lab. This is our classic recipe and the version we’ve been making the longest.
10. Queso Fundido with Chorizo
Speaking of queso, this queso fundido with chorizo is a hardier cheese side dish than the smoked queso above, and its addictive qualities will have your guests coming back for more and more.
11. Bacon Tot Skewers
This is a fun and unique way to serve up tater tots. While they won’t fit in your cargo pants pocket as Napoleon Dynamite might prefer, they’re easily mobile and taste even better wrapped up in bacon.
12. Grilled Jalapeño Poppers
You can’t go wrong with a classic jalapeño popper recipe. It’s the perfect combination of creamy, salty and spicy that your guests will love.
13. Guacamole
I can eat this guacamole by the bowl full. It is so fresh and delicious and a must-have for any Mexican-themed outdoor barbecue.
14. Tomatillo Salsa Verde
Speaking of Mexican-themed outdoor barbecue, our tomatillo salsa verde is so good! If you’re smoking up a Mexican fiesta, this is one of the best bbq side dishes you could include.
