7 BBQ Side Dishes: Elevate Your Grill Game

Picture this: a warm summer evening, the sun setting in the distance, and the unmistakable aroma of barbecue wafting through the air. You’ve fired up the grill, and it’s sizzling with delicious meats. But hold on a minute – what about the side dishes? They’re the unsung heroes of any BBQ gathering. In this article, we’ll explore 7 BBQ side dishes that will elevate your grill game and leave your guests craving for more.

Classic Coleslaw: A Crisp and Creamy Delight

Prep Time:15 minutes

Total Time:15 minutes

Serves:6

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity

Green cabbage 1 small head
Carrots 2 large
Mayonnaise 1/2 cup
Apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons
Honey 2 tablespoons
Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon
Celery seeds 1 teaspoon
Salt 1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper 1/4 teaspoon
Fresh parsley For garnish

Directions

Shred the Veggies:Begin by finely shredding the green cabbage and carrots. You can use a sharp knife or a food processor for this task.

Make the Dressing:In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, celery seeds, salt, and black pepper. This creamy dressing will bring all the flavors together.

Mix It Up:Combine the shredded cabbage and carrots in a large bowl. Pour the creamy dressing over the veggies. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently toss everything together. Ensure that the dressing coats all the veggies evenly.

Chill and Serve:Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to meld and the coleslaw to become extra refreshing.

Garnish and Enjoy:Just before serving, garnish your classic coleslaw with fresh parsley. It adds a burst of color and freshness.

Serve It Up:Scoop out generous portions onto plates or into bowls. Classic coleslaw makes a fantastic side dish for barbecues, picnics, or as a topping for burgers and hotdogs.

Method:Thinly slice cabbage and grate carrots.
Mix mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
Toss the veggies in the dressing and chill before serving.
Coleslaw’s cool, creamy texture complements the smoky, grilled flavors of your BBQ meats. It adds a refreshing crunch and a hint of sweetness that balances out the savory goodness of the grill.

Instructions

Begin by finely shredding the cabbage and grating the carrots. You can use a food processor for this to save time.
In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and grated carrots. Toss them together to create an even mix of colors.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. This creamy dressing is the key to your coleslaw’s delightful taste.
Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture. Use a gentle folding motion to ensure every piece is coated.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors meld. The longer, the better!
Serve your Classic Coleslaw as a side dish at your next gathering. It’s the perfect balance of crisp and creamy, a real crowd-pleaser.

Tangy Potato Salad: The All-American Favorite

Prep Time:15 minutes

Cook Time:15 minutes

Total Time:30 minutes

Serves:6

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity

Potatoes 2 pounds
Hard-boiled eggs 4
Celery 2 stalks
Red onion 1/2 cup
Sweet pickle relish 1/4 cup
Mayonnaise 1/2 cup
Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons
Apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon
Salt 1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper 1/4 teaspoon
Paprika For garnish

Directions

Boil the Potatoes:Start by washing and boiling the potatoes until they are fork-tender, usually around 15 minutes. Drain and let them cool.

Prep the Eggs:While the potatoes are cooling, peel and chop the hard-boiled eggs.

Chop the Veggies:Dice the celery and finely chop the red onion. These add a delightful crunch and flavor to your potato salad.

Make the Dressing:In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. This tangy dressing is the secret to your potato salad’s flavor.

Combine Ingredients:Cut the cooled potatoes into bite-sized chunks and place them in a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped eggs, celery, red onion, and sweet pickle relish.

Mix and Dress:Gently fold in the creamy dressing you prepared earlier. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the tangy goodness.

Chill and Serve:Cover your potato salad and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld, and your salad to reach its full potential.

Garnish and Enjoy:Just before serving, sprinkle a dash of paprika on top for that classic touch. Now, serve it up and watch it disappear!

Method:Boil potatoes until tender, then cube them.
Mix mayonnaise, mustard, pickles, celery, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
Combine potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and dressing.
This dish brings a delightful tanginess that cuts through the richness of your BBQ. It’s like a symphony of flavors in your mouth, with the crunch of pickles and celery adding extra layers of texture.

Instructions

Start by boiling the red potatoes until they are fork-tender. Drain and let them cool before chopping them into bite-sized pieces.
In a large bowl, combine the chopped potatoes, celery, and red onion. This trio adds a satisfying crunch to your potato salad.
In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and chopped hard-boiled eggs. This creamy, tangy dressing will bring your salad to life.
Pour the dressing over the potato mixture and gently fold everything together.
Season your salad with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, a little seasoning goes a long way.
Sprinkle paprika on top for a burst of color and flavor.
Chill in the fridge for a couple of hours to let the flavors meld. Tangy Potato Salad is best served cold and is an all-time American favorite.

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Nature’s Sweetness

Prep Time:10 minutes

Cook Time:15 minutes

Total Time:25 minutes

Serves:4

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity

Corn on the cob 4 ears
Butter 1/2 cup
Garlic (minced) 2 cloves
Fresh parsley 2 tablespoons
Salt 1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper 1/4 teaspoon
Lime wedges For serving

Directions

Prepare the Corn:Start by peeling back the husks from each ear of corn without removing them entirely. Remove the silk (those pesky, fine threads) from the corn. Then, pull the husks back up to cover the corn.

Soak in Water:Place the prepared corn in a large bowl of cold water. Soak them for about 10 minutes. This prevents the husks from catching fire on the grill.

Heat the Grill:While the corn is soaking, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 350-400°F or 175-200°C). It’s grilling time!

Make the Garlic Butter:Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for a minute or two until it’s aromatic and golden. Stir in the fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper.

Grill the Corn:Place the soaked corn on the grill grate. Grill for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn is tender and slightly charred. It’s like summer in every bite.

Butter ‘Em Up:Brush the grilled corn generously with the garlic butter mixture you made earlier. Make sure each ear gets a flavorful coating.

Serve with a Twist:Squeeze fresh lime juice over your grilled corn just before serving. It adds a zesty kick that balances the sweetness.

Dig In:Now, grab those corn holders or simply hold onto the husks, and take a big, satisfying bite. It’s nature’s sweetness in all its glory.

Method:Peel back the husks and remove the silk from the corn.
Rub butter, salt, and pepper on the corn.
Grill until kernels are tender and slightly charred.
Grilled corn on the cob is like capturing the essence of summer on a plate. The sweetness of the corn, combined with the smoky notes from the grill, makes it a BBQ side dish that’s hard to beat.

Instructions

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure it’s nice and hot.
Peel back the husks on the corn, but don’t remove them entirely. You want them to protect the corn while it grills.
Brush each ear of corn with a generous amount of butter. The buttery goodness will make your corn extra sweet and succulent.
Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning.
Carefully fold the husks back over the corn to cover them.
Place the corn on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when the kernels are tender and have a beautiful char.
Serve your Grilled Corn on the Cob as a tasty side dish, and watch your guests savor the natural sweetness of this simple pleasure.

Baked Beans with a Twist: Flavor Explosion

Prep Time:10 minutes

Cook Time:1 hour

Total Time:1 hour 10 minutes

Serves:6

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity

Canned baked beans 2 cans (28 oz each)
Bacon 6 slices
Onion (diced) 1 medium
Bell pepper (diced) 1
Jalapeño pepper (seeded and diced) 1
Ketchup 1/2 cup
Brown sugar 1/4 cup
Molasses 2 tablespoons
Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon
Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon
Salt 1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper 1/4 teaspoon
Paprika 1/2 teaspoon
Hot sauce (optional) To taste

Directions

Preheat and Prepare:Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish.

Cook the Bacon:In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s crispy and browned. Remove the bacon from the skillet, crumble it into bits, and set it aside. Keep that flavorful bacon grease in the skillet.

Sauté the Veggies:In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño pepper. Sauté them until they’re tender and aromatic.

Flavor Explosion Sauce:In a bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, paprika, and hot sauce (if you want some extra heat). Mix it all together to create a flavor explosion.

Beans Meet Flavor:Add the canned baked beans to the skillet with the sautéed veggies. Pour the flavor explosion sauce over the beans, and stir everything together.

Bake It:Place the skillet or baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes until the beans are bubbling and the sauce has thickened.

Bacon Returns:Sprinkle those crispy bacon bits you set aside earlier on top of the beans during the last 10 minutes of baking. They add a delightful crunch.

Serve and Savor:Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve up your Baked Beans with a Twist and get ready for a flavor explosion in every bite!

Method:Cook bacon until crispy and crumble it.
Sauté onions until they’re soft and translucent.
Mix beans, bacon, onions, brown sugar, mustard, and ketchup.
Bake until bubbly and delicious.
The combination of sweet, savory, and smoky in these baked beans will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. It’s like a flavor explosion in every bite.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the baked beans, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped onion. This combination creates a flavor explosion in your mouth.
Stir in the cooked and crumbled bacon for that savory twist.
Add chopped bell peppers for a pop of color and crunch.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Everything’s better with cheese, right?
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Your Baked Beans with a Twist are ready to serve! This dish combines classic baked beans with a delightful flavor burst that your taste buds won’t forget.

Garlic Butter Mushrooms: A Savory Sensation

Prep Time:10 minutes

Cook Time:15 minutes

Total Time:25 minutes

Serves:4

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity

Fresh mushrooms 1 pound
Butter 4 tablespoons
Garlic (minced) 4 cloves
Fresh thyme leaves 1 tablespoon
Salt 1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper 1/4 teaspoon
Fresh parsley (chopped) For garnish

Directions

Clean and Prep:Start by cleaning your fresh mushrooms. Gently wipe them with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any dirt. If they’re large, you can halve or quarter them.

Melt the Butter:In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s sizzling and fragrant.

Sauté the Garlic:Add the minced garlic to the sizzling butter. Sauté it for about a minute until it becomes aromatic, but be careful not to let it brown.

Add the Mushrooms:Toss in the cleaned mushrooms. Stir them to coat with the garlic-infused butter.

Season and Sizzle:Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme leaves over the mushrooms. Continue to sauté them, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and release their savory aroma. This takes about 10-12 minutes.

Garnish and Serve:Just before serving, sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the garlic butter mushrooms. It adds a burst of color and freshness.

Savor the Sensation:Dish out your savory sensation of Garlic Butter Mushrooms and enjoy the incredible flavors!

Method:Clean and halve mushrooms.
Melt butter, add minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Grill mushrooms in the garlic butter mixture.
Garnish with fresh parsley.
These garlic butter mushrooms bring a depth of flavor to your BBQ that’s hard to resist. The earthy mushrooms soak up the garlic butter goodness, making them an umami-packed side dish.

Instructions

Begin by cleaning the mushrooms, wiping off any dirt with a damp paper towel. You can also trim the stems if you prefer.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Butter and mushrooms are a match made in culinary heaven.
Add minced garlic to the butter and sauté until fragrant. The aroma is simply irresistible.
Toss in the cleaned mushrooms and sauté them until they’re tender and browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Just before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and a touch of freshness.
Garlic Butter Mushrooms are a savory sensation that pairs well with steaks, pasta, or as a tasty side dish.

Zesty Grilled Asparagus: Fresh and Flavorful

Prep Time:10 minutes

Cook Time:10 minutes

Total Time:20 minutes

Serves:4

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity

Fresh asparagus 1 bunch (about 1 pound)
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Lemon zest From 1 lemon
Lemon juice 2 tablespoons
Garlic (minced) 2 cloves
Salt 1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper 1/4 teaspoon
Parmesan cheese (grated) 2 tablespoons
Fresh basil leaves For garnish

Directions

Prep the Asparagus:Begin by washing and trimming the tough ends of the asparagus spears. If you gently bend the spear, it will naturally snap where it becomes tender.

Zesty Marinade:In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. This zesty marinade will infuse your asparagus with fresh flavors.

Marinate the Asparagus:Place the trimmed asparagus in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the zesty marinade over the asparagus. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let it marinate for about 10 minutes. This gives the asparagus a vibrant, citrusy kick.

Preheat the Grill:While the asparagus is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.

Grill to Perfection:Remove the asparagus from the marinade and place them directly on the grill grates. Grill for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender and have nice grill marks.

Zest and Cheese:As soon as the asparagus comes off the grill, sprinkle them with Parmesan cheese and a bit more lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor.

Garnish and Serve:Transfer the grilled asparagus to a serving platter and garnish with fresh basil leaves. It adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness.

Enjoy the Freshness:Serve your Zesty Grilled Asparagus immediately while they’re still warm. It’s fresh, flavorful, and oh-so-delicious!

Method:Toss asparagus in olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Grill until tender with a slight char.
Grilled asparagus adds a touch of elegance to your BBQ spread. The zesty marinade with a hint of citrus brightens up the entire meal.

Instructions

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want those lovely grill marks on your asparagus.
Wash and trim the tough ends of the asparagus spears.
Drizzle olive oil over the asparagus and sprinkle with lemon zest for a burst of zesty freshness.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Grill the asparagus for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re tender and slightly charred.
Your Zesty Grilled Asparagus is ready to serve. It’s a fresh and flavorful side dish that adds a touch of elegance to any meal.

Cheesy Jalapeño Cornbread: A Spicy Kick

Prep Time:10 minutes

Cook Time:25 minutes

Total Time:35 minutes

Serves:8

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity

Cornmeal 1 cup
All-purpose flour 1 cup
Baking powder 1 tablespoon
Salt 1/2 teaspoon
Sugar 2 tablespoons
Eggs 2 large
Buttermilk 1 cup
Unsalted butter (melted) 1/2 cup
Jalapeño peppers (finely chopped) 2
Cheddar cheese (shredded) 1 cup

Directions

Preheat and Prep:Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe dish.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Mix them together until they are well combined.

Add the Wet Ingredients:In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, and melted unsalted butter.

Combine the Mixtures:Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

Add the Heat:Gently fold in the finely chopped jalapeño peppers and about half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the batter. This is where the spicy kick begins.

Bake to Golden Perfection:Pour the batter into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until the cornbread is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve:Allow the Cheesy Jalapeño Cornbread to cool for a few minutes before slicing it into squares. Serve it warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy the Spicy Kick:Now, take a bite and savor the spicy kick of your homemade Cheesy Jalapeño Cornbread!

Method:Mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, eggs, and milk.
Fold in grated cheddar cheese and diced jalapeños.
Bake until golden brown and cheesy.
This cornbread is like a party in your mouth. The cheesy richness combined with the heat from jalapeños adds a flavorful twist to your BBQ feast.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a baking pan.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This is the foundation of your cornbread.
In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and eggs. This creates a moist and flavorful base.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and finely chopped jalapeño peppers. This adds a spicy kick and cheesy goodness to your cornbread.
Pour the batter into the greased baking pan and smooth the top.
Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Slice and serve your Cheesy Jalapeño Cornbread with a smile. It’s a delicious combination of cheesy, spicy, and comforting flavors.
There you have it, a lineup of delightful dishes with simple instructions. Each dish has its own unique flavor profile, from the crisp and creamy Classic Coleslaw to the spicy kick of Cheesy Jalapeño Cornbread. Enjoy creating and savoring these dishes with your loved ones!

Conclusion: Elevate Your BBQ Game

There you have it – 7 BBQ side dishes that will take your grill game to the next level. From the classic coleslaw to the spicy kick of cheesy jalapeño cornbread, these sides are designed to complement and enhance the flavors of your BBQ meats.

So, the next time you fire up the grill, don’t forget about the sides. They’re not just accompaniments; they’re essential to creating a memorable BBQ experience. Whether you choose the crisp and creamy coleslaw or the savory garlic butter mushrooms, your guests will be coming back for seconds and thirds.

In the world of BBQ, it’s the combination of flavors and textures that makes the meal truly exceptional. So, get creative, experiment with these side dishes, and let your grill game shine. Your taste buds – and your guests – will thank you for it. Happy grilling!

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