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Last Updated on July 1, 2025 by Adam
Every great barbecue needs bold sidekicks—and these aren’t just filler. These 20 sides are smoky, creamy, crunchy, and craveable enough to outshine the main course. Think fresh salads, cheesy bakes, and flavor-packed slaws. Set them next to ribs or brisket, and watch them disappear before the meat even hits the plate.
1. Creamy Deviled Egg Potato Salad
The best of both classics in one bowl.
Recipe:
Mix boiled potatoes, chopped boiled eggs, mayo, mustard, and a splash of vinegar. Chill before serving.
Prep time: 30 minutes
2. Grilled Street Corn
Charred, creamy, and cheesy.
Recipe:
Grill corn until slightly blackened. Slather with mayo, sprinkle with cotija, chili powder, and lime juice.
Prep time: 20 minutes
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3. Tangy Red Cabbage Slaw
Crunch with color.
Recipe:
Shred red cabbage and carrots. Toss with apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon, and honey. Chill.
Prep time: 15 minutes
4. Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread
Savory with a spicy kick.
Recipe:
Mix cornbread batter with chopped jalapeños and shredded cheddar. Bake in a skillet until golden.
Prep time: 35 minutes
5. Watermelon Feta Salad
Sweet, salty, and so refreshing.
Recipe:
Cube watermelon, toss with crumbled feta, mint, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Prep time: 10 minutes
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6. Smoky Baked Beans
Rich and molasses-deep.
Recipe:
Simmer canned beans with brown sugar, mustard, ketchup, and a splash of liquid smoke.
Prep time: 40 minutes
7. Mac and Cheese with Crispy Topping
Golden crust, creamy center.
Recipe:
Cook pasta and mix with cheese sauce. Pour into a dish and top with breadcrumbs. Bake until bubbling.
Prep time: 45 minutes
8. Grilled Peach Caprese
A summer twist.
Recipe:
Grill peach halves. Slice and layer with mozzarella and basil. Drizzle with balsamic reduction.
Prep time: 20 minutes
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9. Spicy Pickled Cucumbers
Bright and briny.
Recipe:
Slice cucumbers. Quick pickle with vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Chill.
Prep time: 15 minutes
10. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Crispy, smoky spears.
Recipe:
Wrap asparagus in bacon strips. Bake or grill until crisp.
Prep time: 25 minutes
11. Southern Collard Greens
Smoky and soulful.
Recipe:
Sauté collards with garlic, then simmer with smoked turkey or bacon, vinegar, and broth.
Prep time: 50 minutes
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12. Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa
Bright, sweet heat.
Recipe:
Chop pineapple, jalapeños, red onion, and cilantro. Mix with lime juice and a pinch of salt.
Prep time: 10 minutes
13. Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges
Caramelized and earthy.
Recipe:
Slice sweet potatoes. Toss with olive oil, paprika, and salt. Roast until crisped.
Prep time: 35 minutes
14. Broccoli Bacon Salad
Crunch and cream in one.
Recipe:
Mix raw broccoli, red onion, bacon bits, raisins, and a mayo-vinegar dressing. Chill.
Prep time: 20 minutes
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15. Loaded Pasta Salad
A deli-style favorite.
Recipe:
Cook pasta. Toss with chopped salami, olives, peppers, and creamy Italian dressing.
Prep time: 25 minutes
16. Honey Butter Skillet Corn
Sticky and buttery goodness.
Recipe:
Sauté corn kernels in butter. Add honey and a splash of cream. Stir until glossy.
Prep time: 15 minutes
17. Dill Pickle Potato Salad
Briny and bold.
Recipe:
Boil potatoes, then mix with chopped pickles, dill, mayo, and mustard.
Prep time: 30 minutes
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18. Avocado Cucumber Salad
Cool and creamy.
Recipe:
Toss chopped cucumber and avocado with lime juice, olive oil, and fresh herbs.
Prep time: 10 minutes
19. BBQ Ranch Coleslaw
Saucy and smoky twist.
Recipe:
Mix shredded cabbage with ranch, BBQ sauce, and a splash of vinegar. Chill before serving.
Prep time: 15 minutes
20. Corn Fritters
Crispy bites of summer.
Recipe:
Mix corn, flour, eggs, scallions, and seasoning. Pan-fry spoonfuls until golden.
Prep time: 25 minutes
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