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These BBQ sides go way beyond the basics. From tacos and hand pies to salads and cornbreads, you’ll find something exciting for every guest.
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These BBQ sides are fast, flavorful, and totally worth trying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just a few friends, you’ll never run out of options.
Try some new dishes for your upcoming summer gatherings, then enjoy the rest all year round.
Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
This dip is spicy and cheesy, with a velvety texture that clings perfectly to chips or bread.
Serve it with celery sticks, sweet potato chips, and mini garlic toasts.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Air Fryer Corn Ribs
Try this fun and flavorful twist on the traditional corn on the cob.
You can make it in around 20 minutes with six simple ingredients. Serve it on a wooden platter with lime wedges.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Corn Ribs
Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
Enjoy these sliders as a meaty side or even as a main dish for your next BBQ.
They come with layers of ranch dressing, bacon, turkey deli meat, and sharp cheddar cheese.
Get The Recipe: Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
Air Fryer Hand Pies
These hand pies are filled with an irresistible mix of ground beef, sloppy joe sauce, and cheddar cheese.
They pair well with grilled pineapple skewers and chicken sliders.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Hand Pies
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Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
These sausage balls are made with hot pork sausage, cream cheese, baking mix, and cheddar cheese.
Serve them on a wooden board with toothpicks and a small bowl of dipping sauce.
Get The Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
Bacon Wrapped Smokies
We love everything with bacon.
This side is all about indulgence, with smokies, bacon, butter, and brown sugar. You’ll love its sweet and savory flavors.
Get The Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip
This dip is a classic for a reason, and making it becomes even easier with the help of a slow cooker.
It pairs perfectly with homemade potato chips and crackers!
Get The Recipe: Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip
Prosciutto Arugula Bruschetta
This bruschetta can add a touch of elegance to your BBQ spread.
It’s light yet full of flavor, with a satisfying crunch from the toasted bread and a soft richness from the cheese.
Get The Recipe: Prosciutto Arugula Bruschetta
Asian Cucumber Salad
This refreshing salad is exactly what you need to balance out all the grilled meats.
It’s made with cucumbers, sesame seeds, green onions, and soy sauce.
Get The Recipe: Asian Cucumber Salad
Big Mac Tacos
These tacos have everything you love from the iconic burger. The best thing about them?
They’re quicker to prepare than classic burgers. Feel free to include your favorite veggies.
Get The Recipe: Big Mac Tacos
No Boil Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes without boiling water? Yes, it’s possible—and delicious.
This vegan recipe results in a soft and pillowy side, perfect for your favorite grilled mains.
Get The Recipe: No Boil Mashed Potatoes
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Vegan Baked Beans
Craving something rich, hearty, and slightly sweet? These baked beans are an amazing choice.
They’re made with Great Northern white beans, maple syrup, tomato paste, and yellow onions.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Baked Beans
Jerusalem Salad
This salad is just what you need to brighten up a heavy BBQ menu.
It’s made with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, lemon, and olive oil. You can make this in 10 minutes!
Get The Recipe: Jerusalem Salad
Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread
Bring some heat and comfort to your cookout with this cornbread.
Main ingredients include yellow cornmeal, cheddar cheese, pickled jarred jalapeños, butter, and honey.
Get The Recipe: Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread
Caprese Pasta Salad
This pasta salad can balance out all the smoky BBQ flavors with its crisp textures and herby notes.
Let it chill before serving, then enjoy with garlic bread or grilled chicken.
Get The Recipe: Caprese Pasta Salad
Grilled Watermelon Salad
Sometimes the sides are what everyone remembers most. This dish will undoubtedly stand out!
You only need feta, blueberries, orange juice, watermelon, and other simple ingredients.
Get The Recipe: Grilled Watermelon Salad
Mexican Grilled Onions (Cebollitas Asadas)
These grilled onions are bound to be a summer favorite. They’re loaded with bold, smoky flavors.
You can even swap the soy sauce with tamari if you want to turn it into a gluten-free side.
Get The Recipe: Mexican Grilled Onions (Cebollitas Asadas)
Fresh Peach Avocado Salad
Hosting a spontaneous get-together? Go for no-cook sides.
This salad comes together in just 10 minutes, with peaches, cucumbers, and avocado.
Get The Recipe: Fresh Peach Avocado Salad
Grilled Veggie Skewers
These grilled veggie skewers are a must for every BBQ. They come out perfectly charred on the outside with a tender, juicy bite.
This recipe also comes with a delicious garlic herb sauce.
Get The Recipe: Grilled Veggie Skewers
Condensed Milk Dinner Rolls
Ready for an exciting baking project? These dinner rolls are easy to make!
Bake them until perfectly browned, and then pair with grilled sausages and mustard.
Get The Recipe: Condensed Milk Dinner Rolls
Cucumber Slaw
This zesty slaw is made with red cabbage, cucumbers, jalapeño, cilantro, and a tasty homemade dressing.
If you want, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for the dressing!
Get The Recipe: Cucumber Slaw
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Hawaiian Pasta Salad
Tired of boring sides that no one really touches? Everyone will love this pasta salad.
It comes with a dressing made with pineapple juice, mayo, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, and whole grain mustard.
Get The Recipe: Hawaiian Pasta Salad
Grilled Cauliflower
Need a fast, flavorful veggie side?
These cauliflower florets taste earthy and slightly spicy, thanks to various seasonings like garlic powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.
Get The Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower
Layered Bacon Cornbread Salad
This salad is hearty enough to be a meal on its own.
It’s made with corn muffin mix, cheddar cheese, pinto beans, kernel corn, and red tomatoes. Garnish it with extra chopped bacon and chives!
Get The Recipe: Layered Bacon Cornbread Salad
Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw
Make this coleslaw for your upcoming summer gathering.
You’ll get a sweet and smoky flavor with a little tang, plus a crisp texture that pairs nicely with grilled meats.
Get The Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw
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Even simple side dishes can bring excitement to any cookout. If you’re new to cooking, start with no-cook options like fresh salads or simple slaws.
Once you get comfortable, you’ll be surprised how much fun it is to add more variety to your cookouts!
25 Summer Grilling Ideas You Haven’t Tried Yet—But Should
Take a break from the usual with these summer grilling ideas. From burgers and tacos to steaks and salads, this list has it all. Perfect for fun summer nights!
Read it here: 25 Summer Grilling Ideas You Haven’t Tried Yet—But Should
25 Summer BBQ Recipes Are Basically Backyard Legends
Heat up the grill and gather the family to enjoy these summer BBQ recipes. The dishes are basically backyard legends and will make sure your BBQ is an unforgettable one.
Read it here: 25 Summer BBQ Recipes Are Basically Backyard Legends
Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!
Is the new Walmart Plus worth the annual fee or is it just another failed version of Amazon Prime? I spent my own money trying this service out for 12 months and counting. I have a lot to say about the benefits and drawbacks in this Walmart+ honest review.
Read it here: Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!
Looking for more recipes? These summer meals are easy to make and fun to share:
- 25 Summer BBQ Side Dishes That’ll Be Gone in Minutes
- 25 Easy Side Dishes for BBQ That’ll Vanish Before You Finish Grilling
- 25 BBQ Appetizer Ideas That Are Shockingly Easy and Ridiculously Tasty
- 25 BBQ Dinner Ideas That Bring the Smoke, Spice, and Sizzle
- 25 Sides for BBQs That Will Level Up Your Next Cookout