10 Mouth-Watering BBQ Side Dishes You Need to Try

Jul 20, 20237 min read

Summer is in full swing, and if there's one thing that's synonymous with this season, it's BBQ. Nothing beats the smoky aroma of grilled meat wafting through the air and the sizzle of burgers and hot dogs on the grill. But let's not forget about the sides and the supporting cast that makes the meal complete. In this article, we're going to take a look at 10 mouth-watering BBQ side dishes that will elevate your grilling game and leave your guests wanting more. From creamy coleslaw to honey mustard glazed carrots, these sides are sure to steal the show. So let's fire up the grill and get cooking!

Grilled Corn with Lime, Chilli Butter

You can't go wrong with corn on the cob. This dish is a classic favourite that is taken to the next level when we add some tex-mex spice. The flavour spices nfuses into the creamy buttery yummy-ness creating a side dish that is just bursting with goodness, It's a side dish that pairs well with just about any BBQ meat. You're going to want to add this recipe to your BBQ lineup this summer!

Check out the recipe by It's a Keeper Blog here.

Recipe

Smoked Mac and Cheese

Another BBQ side dish that is sure to impress your guests is the delicious and flavorful Smoked Mac and Cheese. This classic favourite takes on a whole new level of goodness when it's smoked. The smoky flavour adds a depth of flavour to the already creamy and cheesy goodness of the mac and cheese, making it a mouth-watering side dish that pairs perfectly with any BBQ meat.

To make this recipe, start by cooking your macaroni according to the package instructions. You can use a dairy-free, gluten-free version if your diet requires it. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan and whisking in a mixture of flour or cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Gradually add milk (can use non-dairy) and continue to whisk until the sauce thickens. Add shredded cheddar cheese (DF/GF option) and continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the cheese sauce. Mix well and transfer the mac and cheese to an aluminum pan. Smoke the mac and cheese at 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit for about an hour, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is lightly browned.

The result is a creamy and flavorful side dish that is sure to impress your guests. And if you're looking for another delicious BBQ side dish that pairs well with the smoky mac and cheese, look no further than Creamy Coleslaw.

Creamy Coleslaw

Creamy Coleslaw is a classic BBQ side dish that never goes out of style. This simple yet flavorful dish is the perfect addition to any BBQ menu. Made with shredded cabbage and carrots, and a tangy dressing, it's the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy.

To make the dressing for your coleslaw, start with a base of mayonnaise and sour cream. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for tang, a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity, and a sprinkle of celery seed for flavour. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and creamy.

Next, shred your cabbage and carrots, and toss them in the dressing. Make sure every piece is coated evenly with the dressing. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavours to meld together.

The result is a creamy and crunchy coleslaw that perfectly complements any BBQ meat. And if you're looking for another delicious side dish to add to your BBQ spread, Baked Beans with Bacon is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Baked Beans with Bacon

Baked beans with bacon are a classic BBQ side dish that everyone loves. They are easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making them the perfect addition to any BBQ spread. To make this dish, start by frying up some bacon until it is crispy and then chop it into small pieces. Next, mix together some canned baked beans, ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a large bowl. Add the chopped bacon to the mixture and stir well.

Transfer the bean mixture to a baking dish and bake in the oven for about an hour, until the beans are hot and bubbly. The result is a sweet and savoury dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats.

But why stop at just one side dish? Grilled vegetable skewers are another great addition to any BBQ spread. Simply chop up your favourite vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and zucchini, and thread them onto skewers. Brush the skewers with some olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill them on high heat until they are charred and tender. The smoky flavour of the grilled vegetables is the perfect complement to any BBQ meat.

Grilled Vegetable Skewers

Grilled meats are a BBQ staple, but what about adding some grilled veggies to the mix? Grilled vegetable skewers are a delicious and healthy addition to any BBQ spread. Chop up your favourite veggies, like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini, and thread them onto skewers. Brush with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and grill on high heat until they're tender and slightly charred. The smoky flavour of the veggies adds the perfect complement to any BBQ meat. Plus, it's an excellent way to sneak some extra veggies into your meal.

But why stop at veggies? Another classic BBQ side dish to consider is deviled eggs. They're easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Deviled Eggs

Another classic BBQ side dish to consider is deviled eggs. They're easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Hard-boil some eggs, then slice them in half and remove the yolks. Mash the yolks with mayo, mustard, and any other seasonings you like, such as paprika or hot sauce. Spoon the mixture back into the egg whites and voila! You've got a delicious and satisfying BBQ side dish.

Looking for something a bit heartier? Try potato salad with Dijon mustard. It's a classic and beloved BBQ side dish for good reason. Boil some potatoes, then toss them with a dressing made from Dijon mustard, mayo, and vinegar. Add in some chopped celery, onion, and hard-boiled eggs for extra flavour and texture. This dish is a perfect complement to any grilled meat and will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Potato Salad with Dijon Mustard

Potato salad with Dijon mustard is a traditional BBQ side dish that is both creamy and tangy. The combination of boiled potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and crisp vegetables makes for a satisfying and fresh taste sensation. The Dijon mustard adds a bold flavour that pairs perfectly with any grilled meat. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, this is a perfect side dish to munch on.

But, if you're looking for a carb-loaded side dish that will make your taste buds sing, then garlic bread is the side dish for you. The perfect combination of crispy and chewy bread with a buttery and garlicky topping is a crowd-pleaser, especially when it comes hot off the grill.

Garlic Bread

If you're looking for a carb-loaded side dish that will make your taste buds sing, then garlic bread is the side dish for you. The perfect combination of crispy and chewy bread with a buttery and garlicky topping is a crowd-pleaser, especially when it comes hot off the grill.

And after indulging in savoury grilled meats and hearty sides, it's always nice to freshen up your palate with something light and refreshing. That's where the watermelon feta salad comes in, with its juicy watermelon chunks and tangy feta cheese, it's the perfect balance of sweet and savoury.

Watermelon Feta Salad

The combination of watermelon and feta may sound odd, but trust us, it's a match made in heaven. The sweetness of the watermelon complements the saltiness of the feta in a way that will leave you wanting more. And the addition of fresh mint and a drizzle of balsamic glaze takes this salad to the next level.

Not only is this salad delicious, but it's also packed with nutrients. Watermelon is loaded with vitamins A and C, as well as potassium, while feta cheese provides protein and calcium. So, it's a win-win situation.

If you're looking for a side dish that's easy to make and will impress your guests, then give the watermelon feta salad a try. It's the perfect complement to any BBQ spread and will leave your taste buds wanting more.

Next up, we have another tasty side dish that will have your mouth watering: honey mustard glazed carrots.

Honey Mustard Glazed Carrots

Carrots are often overlooked in BBQ side dishes, but this honey mustard glazed version is sure to steal the show. The glaze is made with a combination of honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, and olive oil, which gives it a sweet and tangy taste that pairs perfectly with the smoky flavours of the BBQ.

To make this dish, simply peel and slice the carrots into uniform pieces, then toss them in the glaze until they are coated evenly. Roast them in the oven or on the grill until they are tender and caramelized. The result is a dish that's both sweet and savoury, with just the right amount of crunch.

These glazed carrots are not only delicious, but they are also a great source of vitamins and minerals. They make a perfect addition to any BBQ spread, adding colour and nutrition to your meal. Plus, they are super easy to make, so you can spend more time enjoying the company of your guests.

So the next time you're planning a BBQ, don't forget to add these honey mustard glazed carrots to your menu. Your guests will thank you for it, and your taste buds will be in heaven.

A successful BBQ is not just about the meat; it's about the side dishes that complement and elevate the flavours. From the savoury Smoked Mac and Cheese to the refreshing Watermelon Feta Salad, these 10 mouth-watering BBQ side dishes will leave your guests wanting more. Remember to put your own twist on these classic recipes, and don't be afraid to experiment with new flavours. As the saying goes, "Variety is the spice of life." So fire up that grill and get cooking!