A perfect barbecue goes beyond just the main course! These 19 irresistible sides will take your next cookout from backyard basic to finger-lickin’ fantastic.
Broccoli Crunch Salad
Broccoli Crunch Salad is a crisp side that pairs splendidly with your grilled favorites. Raw broccoli, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon come together for a dish that’s sure to please for any summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Crunch Salad
Honey Jalapeno Cornbread
Honey Jalapeno Cornbread offers a delightful balance of sweetness and gentle heat, making it a perfect accompaniment to any grilled meal. This light cornbread is made with simple ingredients for a standout taste.
Get the Recipe: Honey Jalapeno Cornbread
Pea Salad
Pea Salad is a classic side that complements your grilled dishes with its creamy, tangy, and sweet profile. It’s a timeless make-ahead salad ideal for any occasion from cookouts to holiday feasts.
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Turn Brussels sprouts into a side that rivals any grilled masterpiece with Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. They emerge as crispy, tantalizing bites with a delightful sweet and tangy finish that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Crock Pot Creamed Corn
Let the slow cooker create a velvety side of creamed corn, a perfect companion to your barbecue spread. This sweet and creamy dish is a hands-off delight, ideal for complementing a variety of grilled mains.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Creamed Corn
Cheesy Grilled Potatoes and Onions
Cheesy Grilled Potatoes and Onions are a mouthwatering side that seamlessly matches with grilled foods. Smothered in barbecue sauce, cheese, and bacon, these potatoes are a hit at any cookout.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Grilled Potatoes and Onions
Amish Macaroni Salad
Amish Macaroni Salad serves as an excellent creamy and sweet accompaniment to your barbecue favorites. Its simple yet delightful combination of ingredients makes it a popular choice for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad
Blue Cheese Coleslaw
Blue Cheese Coleslaw introduces a creamy, tangy edge to the traditional coleslaw, making it a refreshing side for grilled dishes. Its bold flavor is both delicious and a welcome change from the ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Coleslaw
Salt Potatoes
Salt Potatoes, with their creamy, buttery texture, are a simple yet delicious side that pairs beautifully with grilled items. These bite-sized delights are especially irresistible when served with melted butter.
Get the Recipe: Salt Potatoes
Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters
Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters are a lighter side dish that complements the heartiness of grilled meats. Grated zucchini and simple ingredients come together in the air fryer for a comfort food experience without the heaviness.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters
Chickpea Salad
Chickpea Salad is a vibrant, vegan side dish loaded with fresh vegetables. It’s a gorgeous and straightforward addition to any summer table, especially alongside your grilled specialties.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Salad
Texas Caviar Dip
Texas Caviar Dip is a colorful and fresh salad that’s a hearty mix of beans and vegetables. This sweet and tangy dip is a robust side that stands up next to your grilled mains.
Get the Recipe: Texas Caviar Dip
Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes
Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes sweeten and intensify in flavor, making them a delightful complement to any grilled dish. These tomatoes burst with a concentrated taste that enhances any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges are a perfect match for grilled meats, with their crispy edges and creamy interior. These thick-cut wedges are a delicious side, especially when paired with your favorite dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
Potato Salad
This classic Potato Salad is a staple side dish for cookouts, featuring potatoes, eggs, and sweet gherkins. It’s a beloved companion to grilled dishes, sure to be a favorite at your outdoor gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad
Ramen Noodle Salad
Ramen Noodle Salad is a crunchy, Asian-inspired side that’s a fantastic addition to any cookout. Cabbage, veggies, and crunchy noodles are tossed in a flavorful dressing, making it a great partner for your grilled entrees.
Get the Recipe: Ramen Noodle Salad
Instant Pot Baked Beans with Bourbon Sauce
Instant Pot Baked Beans are a breeze to prepare, with no soaking required. Infused with bourbon and molasses, they offer a rich, smoky side that’s an excellent addition to your grilling menu.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Baked Beans with Bourbon Sauce
Baked Potato
An Air Fryer Baked Potato comes out perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, in half the time it would take in the oven. It’s an ideal side to complement the flavors of a grilled feast.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baked Potato
Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes
A Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes is a fresh, simple side that beautifully accompanies grilled dishes. The classic combination of juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella is a light and flavorful addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes