From refreshing salads to hearty grilled veggies, these BBQ Side Dishes will take your backyard picnic to the next level.
Whether you're hosting a backyard cookout or attending a potluck, these collection of 18 side dishes are sure to impress your guests!
Get ready to fire up the grill and get cooking with these amazing barbecue side dish recipes!
Check out all the other Summer Grill Recipes for even more delicious ideas!
Get ready for a sizzling summer! It's time to soak up the sun and indulge in mouthwatering barbecues!
Whether you're having hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs or even steak, the following recipes would be perfect. Get ready to wow your guests at your next outdoor gathering with these irresistible BBQ sides that are guaranteed to steal the show!
Looking for more easy grilling recipes ? Try my chicken kabobs with pineapple, homemade barbecue sauce and my grilled barbecue chicken legs and thighs...yum!
Tips for Planning the Perfect BBQ Menu
Get ready to have the time of your life with friends and family while feasting on mouthwatering food! We've got some incredible tips to help you kick back, unwind, and truly relish the mouthwatering flavors of your backyard barbecue:
- Offer a variety of side dishes to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Include options like salads, grilled vegetables, along with everyone's favorite potato salad or pasta salad.
- On a hot summer day, cold and refreshing side dishes can be a huge hit. Consider serving a crisp garden salad or a refreshing fruit salad.
- Offer a variety of condiments to accompany your side dishes. Besides the obvious ketchup and mustard, try having on hand barbecue sauce, homemade salsa, or even ranch dressing for dipping veggies.
Summer Entertaining FAQ's
What is a classic side dish for a cookout?
A classic side dish for a cookout is potato salad. It's a staple at many outdoor gatherings and pairs perfectly with grilled meats. The creamy and tangy dressing, combined with the tender potatoes and crunchy vegetables, makes it a crowd-pleasing choice.
How can I safely handle and store leftover food after the barbecue?
Within 2 hours of cooking or being removed from a warm appliance, leftovers should be refrigerated. This helps prevent the growth of bacteria. If the outdoor temperature is over 90°F, such as during a summer outdoor picnic, perishable foods should be discarded if left at room temperature for more than 1 hour.
How can I keep flies and bugs away from the food during an outdoor barbecue?
The easiest way is to use mesh food covers or domes to physically shield the dishes. This helps to prevent flies and other insects from landing on the food while still allowing guests to serve themselves. Placing citronella candles or torches around the backyard will help to repel insects.
🛒Helpful Kitchen Tools
Picnic Mat,Picnic Blanket Waterproof Mat,More InformationTall Pop-Up Mesh Food CoversMore InformationPicnic Plate Napkin and FlatwareMore InformationWicker Picnic BasketMore Information
Before You Begin!
If you make any of these recipes, please leave a review and star rating. This helps my business thrive and continue providing FREE recipes.
Anastasia's Best-Ever Baked Beans
The Easiest Way to Make Deviled Eggs
Zucchini Pie with Crescent Roll Crust
Corn Fiesta Salad
The BEST Broccoli Salad
Amish Macaroni Salad
Foil Pack Grilled Red Potatoes
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Fresh Corn and Tomato Salad
Slow Cooker New England Baked Beans
Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad with Honey Vinaigrette
Watermelon Feta Cucumber Salad
Apple Coleslaw
Summer Orzo Pasta Salad
Grandmom's Macaroni Salad
The Easiest Healthy Homemade Coleslaw Recipe!
Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe
Deviled Egg Potato Salad
bbq-side-dishes/
Mitzi says
Thank you so much for all these delicious bbq sides. I have made the Amish macaroni salad a few times. My family and friends love it. I will definitely try many others you suggested all summer. I know they will all be great. Thanks again for helping me plan my summer bbq’s.
Lois says
Thank you for visiting! I appreciate the great comment as well. We love the Amish macaroni salad as well! Enjoy your summer!
Elizabeth McGlone says
These were great! Super simple. Next time I'll let the corn soak in sugar water to amp the sweetness of the corn. I grilled the corn without foil in the corn shucks. I would also recommend shucking the corn outside after grilling with tongs (so you don't burn your hands) and so the charred pieces don't get all over your kitchen! Another reviewer was right, the corn silk comes right off easily after grilling! Thanks for the great recipe!
Kim Kimka says
This all looks so yummy! Makes me hungry now 🙂
Emma Charlotte says
Wow. The dish that you have shared here, seems yummy and delicious to eat. I would like to try to make it at my own home.
Veronica Lee says
Yummmm! Everything looks sooooooo gooooood!