7 Side Dishes to Complete Your BBQ Table | Dishes Guide

Posted by

denar gamal

July 13, 2025

On July 13, 2025

When it comes to hosting a great BBQ, the grill might be the star of the show—but the side dishes are what bring it all together. Whether you’re throwing a backyard cookout, a garden gathering, or a cozy family BBQ, a strong lineup of side dishes can take your spread from good to unforgettable.

At BBQ House, we’re not just here to help you choose the best grills, we’ve got your full menu covered too.

Here are 7 perfect BBQ side dishes that strike the balance between flavor, freshness, and ease.

1. Classic Coleslaw

What makes it irresistible:
Coleslaw is the perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, and tangy. It’s a BBQ classic that complements everything from briskets to grilled chicken and ribs, offering a refreshing contrast to the smoky flavors.

Flavor Tip:
Add a touch of Dijon mustard or a splash of apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavor, or boost the creaminess by mixing mayo with a tablespoon of Greek yogurt.

Pair it with:
Pair coleslaw with your favorite smoked or roasted meats. Need tips on smoking? Check out our BBQ Other BBQHOUSE Articles.

2. Grilled Corn on the Cob

What makes it essential:
Nothing says summer BBQ like corn with charred grill marks and a touch of smoky sweetness. It’s easy to prepare and always a crowd favorite.

Flavor Tip:
Brush corn with garlic-herb butter or a chili-lime rub. Sprinkle on fresh parsley, cilantro, or a dusting of smoked paprika just before serving.

Pro Tip:
Learn the secrets to perfect veggie grilling in our guide How to Use a Charcoal Grill The ultimate guide.

3. Potato Salad – The Creamy Crowd-Pleaser

What makes it comforting:
Potato salad is rich, creamy, and filling—perfect when served alongside light proteins. Customize it to suit your taste or theme; mayo-based, mustard-forward, or mixed with Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.

Flavor Tip:
Boost it with chopped chives, dill, or parsley, and add finely diced celery or pickles for extra crunch.

Scaling Up:
Hosting a big crowd? Check out our roundup of Best Grills for Big BBQ Parties to ensure your meal and sides keep pace.

4. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

What makes it refreshing:
Packed with protein and fresh ingredients like olives, cucumber, tomato, and feta, this salad adds Mediterranean brightness and a healthy counterpoint to heavier BBQ dishes.

Flavor Tip:
Dress it with olive oil, lemon juice, fresh mint, parsley, and a hint of sumac. Toss everything together an hour before serving to let flavors meld.

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5. Garlic Bread or Flatbread

What makes it satisfying:
Warm, toasty bread is an essential side. Whether it’s brushed with garlic butter, flavored with chili and rosemary, or served alongside meats for dipping, bread completes any BBQ spread.

Flavor Tip:
Toast flatbread lightly, then flip and coat with olive oil, garlic, and herb mix before a short return to the grill.

6. Baked Beans with a Smoky Twist

What makes it a crowd favorite:
Sweet, tangy, and hearty, baked beans pair fantastically with classic BBQ flavors. When slow-cooked with onions, smoky spices, and barbeque sauce, they become a delicious stand-in for heavier sides.

Flavor Tip:
Add bacon, brown sugar, molasses, or smoked paprika to deepen the sweetness and enhance the smokiness.

7. Fresh Watermelon & Feta Salad

What makes it refreshing:
This sweet and salty salad is perfect for hot weather and a great palate cleanser. It’s refreshing, light, and the perfect foil to richer, heavier dishes.

Flavor Tip:
Top watermelon cubes with crumbled feta, mint leaves, and a drizzle of lime and honey for balance and hype.

Curious about other cultural BBQ flavors?
See what BBQ lovers worldwide recommend: Aussie favorites from Reddit and Food & Wine’s global side dish picks:

Reddit’s BBQ crowd shares their side dishes

Final Tips for a Balanced BBQ Table

A great BBQ spread includes a mix of textures and flavors,think creamy coleslaw, crunchy veggies, light salads, warm bread, and fun, indulgent sides like baked beans. Also:

Plan for dietary needs: Add at least one vegetarian option,like the chickpea salad.
Use proper serving utensils: Keep separate utensils for each dish to prevent mixing flavors or allergens.
Serve at safe temperatures: Keep cold dishes on ice, and warm dishes in appropriate containers to keep your food safe and fresh.
Presentation counts: Garnish with herbs, use color-contrasting bowls, and label dishes when serving buffet-style.

More BBQ Inspiration from BBQ House

Looking for tools, themes, or menus? We’ve got you covered:

FAQs

Can I prepare side dishes ahead of time?

Absolutely! Coleslaw, chickpea salad, and even baked beans can be prepped a day ahead for enhanced flavor and stress-free serving.

How many side dishes should I make per guest?

Create variety by offering 4–6 different sides. For a group of 20, 3–4 side dishes of about 500g (1–2 lbs) each should be sufficient.

What vegetarian sides pair well with BBQ mains?

Mediterranean chickpea salad and Fresh Watermelon & Feta Salad are hearty and healthy vegetarian options. Consider adding grilled vegetable platters too.

How do I keep side dishes fresh in the summer heat?

Use coolers for cold dishes and insulated containers for warm dishes. Replace ice and rotate them often.

How can I plate sides for buffet-style BBQ?

Use colorful bowls, label dishes (especially if allergens are present), and provide separate serving utensils. This simplifies selection for guests and helps them serve themselves confidently.

Ready to Serve Up a Grill-Worthy Spread?

With these 7 delicious side dishes, your next BBQ table will be bursting with flavor, color, and balance. At BBQ House, we’re committed to helping you master every aspect of outdoor cooking—from standout grill selections to the perfect accompanying dishes.

Don’t forget to check out our range of grills, smoker tips, and tools to take your BBQ game to the next level. Your table, and guests will thank you.