Not sure what to servie with barbecue ribs at the cookout? In this guide, we’ll explore 22 mouthwatering side dishes that perfectly complement barbecue ribs, ensuring a memorable and satisfying meal for you and your guests.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a timeless barbecue side dish loved for its crisp texture and creamy dressing. Made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy mayo-based dressing, coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of barbecue ribs. The combination of crunchy vegetables and creamy dressing adds depth and balance to your barbecue feast, making it a must-have side dish for any barbecue gathering.
Baked Beans
Baked beans are a barbecue staple known for their hearty and savory flavor profile. Made with tender beans simmered in a sweet and smoky sauce, baked beans add depth and richness to any barbecue spread. The combination of tender beans, savory bacon, and tangy sauce complements the smoky flavors of barbecue ribs perfectly, making baked beans a beloved side dish at barbecue gatherings.
Cornbread
Cornbread is a classic barbecue side dish loved for its sweet and golden crust. Made with cornmeal, flour, and sugar, cornbread offers a delicious contrast to the savory flavors of barbecue ribs. The subtle sweetness of cornbread pairs beautifully with the smoky notes of the ribs, while its tender crumb provides a comforting texture that’s perfect for soaking up barbecue sauce. Whether served as muffins or slices, cornbread is sure to be a hit at your next barbecue.
Garden Salad
A garden salad is a fresh and vibrant side dish that adds color and crunch to any barbecue spread. Made with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and tangy vinaigrette, a garden salad offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of barbecue ribs. The combination of fresh vegetables and zesty dressing provides a burst of flavor that cleanses the palate between bites of ribs, making it a welcome addition to any barbecue feast.
Grilled Vegetable Salad
A grilled vegetable salad is a delicious side dish that showcases the natural sweetness and smoky flavor of grilled vegetables. Made with an assortment of seasonal veggies such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, a grilled vegetable salad offers a unique twist on traditional barbecue sides. The charred edges and caramelized flavors of grilled vegetables add depth and complexity to the salad, while a tangy dressing ties everything together. Whether served warm or at room temperature, a grilled vegetable salad is sure to impress your guests at your next barbecue.
Watermelon Salad
A watermelon salad is a refreshing side dish that’s perfect for summer barbecues. Made with juicy watermelon chunks, creamy feta cheese, and fresh mint leaves, a watermelon salad offers a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. The juicy watermelon provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of barbecue ribs, while the tangy feta cheese and aromatic mint add depth and complexity to the salad. Whether served as a side dish or a light dessert, a watermelon salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next barbecue.
Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that’s always a hit at barbecues. Made with tender pasta and gooey cheese sauce, macaroni and cheese offers a creamy and indulgent complement to barbecue ribs. The rich and cheesy flavor of the dish pairs perfectly with the smoky notes of the ribs, while the tender pasta provides a satisfying contrast in texture. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, macaroni and cheese is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters at your barbecue.
Potato Salad
Potato salad is a classic barbecue side dish loved for its creamy texture and tangy flavor. Made with tender potatoes, crisp celery, and tangy mayo dressing, potato salad offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of barbecue ribs. The combination of creamy potatoes and tangy dressing provides a satisfying balance of flavors and textures that’s perfect for summer barbecues. Whether served as a side dish or a light meal, potato salad is sure to be a crowd favorite at your next barbecue.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes are a flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with barbecue ribs. Made with creamy mashed potatoes flavored with roasted garlic and butter, garlic mashed potatoes offer a rich and indulgent complement to the smoky flavors of the ribs. The roasted garlic adds depth and complexity to the dish, while the creamy texture provides a comforting contrast to the tender ribs. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, garlic mashed potatoes are sure to be a hit at your next barbecue.
Southern-Style Collard Greens
Southern-style collard greens are a traditional barbecue side dish loved for their hearty flavor and tender texture. Made with fresh collard greens simmered with bacon, onions, and spices, this dish offers a savory complement to barbecue ribs. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, Southern-style collard greens are sure to be a hit at your next barbecue.
Cajun Red Beans and Rice
Cajun red beans and rice is a flavorful side dish that adds a spicy kick to any barbecue spread. Made with tender red beans simmered with Cajun spices, onions, and bell peppers, this dish offers a hearty and satisfying complement to barbecue ribs. The combination of smoky flavors and spicy heat creates a flavor explosion that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, Cajun red beans and rice are sure to spice up your next barbecue.
Quinoa Salad
Quinoa salad is a nutritious side dish that adds a wholesome touch to any barbecue feast. Made with fluffy quinoa mixed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy dressing, this salad offers a light and refreshing complement to barbecue ribs. The nutty flavor and fluffy texture of quinoa pair perfectly with the smoky flavors of the ribs, while the fresh vegetables add color and crunch. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, quinoa salad is sure to be a hit with health-conscious guests at your barbecue.
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a classic side dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser at barbecues. Made with crusty bread brushed with garlic butter and toasted until golden brown, garlic bread offers a savory complement to barbecue ribs. The rich, buttery flavor of the bread pairs perfectly with the smoky notes of the ribs, while the garlic adds a delicious kick of flavor. Whether served as a side dish or a snack, garlic bread is sure to disappear quickly at your next barbecue.
Hawaiian Rolls
Hawaiian rolls are sweet and soft dinner rolls that add a tropical twist to any barbecue spread. Made with a touch of pineapple juice and honey, these rolls offer a subtly sweet complement to barbecue ribs. The soft, pillowy texture of the rolls pairs perfectly with the tender ribs, while the hint of sweetness adds a unique flavor dimension. Whether served as a side dish or used to make mini barbecue sliders, Hawaiian rolls are sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.
Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread Muffins
Jalapeno cheddar cornbread muffins are savory treats that pack a flavorful punch. Made with cornmeal, cheddar cheese, and diced jalapenos, these muffins offer a spicy and cheesy complement to barbecue ribs. The combination of spicy jalapenos and sharp cheddar cheese adds depth and complexity to the muffins, while the tender crumb provides a satisfying texture. Whether served as a side dish or a snack, jalapeno cheddar cornbread muffins are sure to add a kick to your barbecue spread.
Bread and Butter Pickles
Bread and butter pickles are tangy and sweet pickles that add a delightful crunch to any barbecue feast. Made with cucumbers, onions, and a sweet and tangy brine, these pickles offer a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of barbecue ribs. The tangy vinegar brine cuts through the richness of the ribs, while the sweet and crunchy pickles provide a satisfying texture. Whether served as a side dish or a topping for barbecue sandwiches, bread and butter pickles are sure to be a hit with pickle lovers at your barbecue.
Spicy Pickled Onions
Spicy pickled onions are tangy and spicy condiments that add a burst of flavor to any barbecue spread. Made with thinly sliced red onions pickled in a spicy vinegar brine, these onions offer a zesty complement to barbecue ribs. The tangy vinegar brine cuts through the richness of the ribs, while the spicy kick adds a delicious heat to every bite. Whether served as a topping for sandwiches or a garnish for grilled meats, spicy pickled onions are sure to add a flavorful punch to your barbecue feast.
Tomato and Cucumber Salad
Tomato and cucumber salad is a light and refreshing side dish that’s perfect for summer barbecues. Made with ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and tangy vinaigrette, this salad offers a burst of fresh flavor to complement barbecue ribs. The juicy tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the ribs, while the tangy vinaigrette adds a zesty kick. Whether served as a side dish or a light appetizer, tomato and cucumber salad is sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.
Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are creamy and flavorful appetizers that are always a hit at barbecues. Made with hard-boiled eggs filled with a creamy, tangy filling, deviled eggs offer a satisfying bite-sized treat. The creamy filling, flavored with mustard, mayonnaise, and spices, adds a burst of flavor to every bite. Whether served as an appetizer or a side dish, deviled eggs are sure to disappear quickly at your barbecue.
Potato Skins
Potato skins are crispy and cheesy appetizers that make a delicious side dish for barbecue ribs. Made with baked potato halves filled with cheese, bacon, and green onions, potato skins offer a savory and satisfying bite. The crispy potato skins provide a crunchy contrast to the tender ribs, while the melted cheese adds a rich and gooey texture. Whether served as an appetizer or a side dish, potato skins are sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.
Hush Puppies
Hush puppies are golden and crispy cornmeal fritters that add a touch of Southern flair to any barbecue spread. Made with cornmeal, flour, and spices, hush puppies offer a savory and satisfying complement to barbecue ribs. The crispy exterior and tender interior of the hush puppies provide a delightful texture, while the savory flavor pairs perfectly with the smoky notes of the ribs. Whether served as an appetizer or a side dish, hush puppies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your barbecue.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole is a sweet and decadent side dish that’s perfect for barbecue ribs. Made with mashed sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan streusel, sweet potato casserole offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. The creamy sweetness of the mashed sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with the smoky flavors of the ribs, while the crunchy pecan topping adds a delightful contrast. Whether served as a side dish or a dessert, sweet potato casserole is sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.
Fried Okra
Fried okra is a crispy and crunchy side dish that’s popular in Southern cuisine. Made with sliced okra coated in cornmeal and fried until golden brown, fried okra offers a savory and satisfying complement to barbecue ribs. The crispy exterior and tender interior of the fried okra provide a delightful contrast in texture, while the savory flavor pairs perfectly with the smoky notes of the ribs. Whether served as a side dish or a snack, fried okra is sure to be a hit at your barbecue.
Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad is a fresh and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for barbecue ribs. Made with crisp broccoli florets tossed in a creamy dressing with bacon, raisins, and sunflower seeds, broccoli salad offers a delicious blend of flavors and textures. The crunchy broccoli and savory bacon provide a satisfying crunch, while the sweet raisins add a burst of flavor. Whether served as a side dish or a light lunch, broccoli salad is sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.
Sliced Pineapple
Sliced pineapple is a juicy and refreshing side dish that adds a tropical twist to barbecue ribs. Made with fresh pineapple slices, this simple yet flavorful side dish offers a burst of sweetness and acidity that complements the rich flavors of the ribs. The juicy texture and vibrant flavor of the pineapple slices provide a refreshing contrast to the smoky notes of the ribs. Whether served as a side dish or a dessert, sliced pineapple is sure to be a hit at your barbecue.
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is a tender and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for barbecue ribs. Made with fresh asparagus spears grilled until tender and lightly charred, grilled asparagus offers a deliciously smoky flavor that complements the rich flavors of the ribs. The tender texture and subtle sweetness of the asparagus spears provide a satisfying contrast to the smoky notes of the ribs. Whether served as a side dish or a vegetable appetizer, grilled asparagus is sure to be a hit at your barbecue.
Conclusion
With these 22 delicious side dishes, you’ll have no shortage of options to serve with barbecue ribs at your next cookout. Whether you’re craving something creamy and comforting like macaroni and cheese, or something light and refreshing like cucumber salad, there’s a side dish here to suit every taste and preference. So fire up the grill, gather your friends and family, and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering barbecue feast complete with all the perfect accompaniments. Your guests are sure to be impressed by the variety and deliciousness of your barbecue spread!
