12 Best Side Dishes for Your Backyard Cookout
Despite the nationwide disagreement about which barbecue style is best depending on which state you’re from, there is one thing we can all agree on: Plain old pulled pork – or hamburgers and hotdogs – would be nothing without a band of hearty, delicious side dishes. From baked beans and cornbread to potato salad and coleslaw, these sides will bring your cookout menu to the next level.
1. Homemade Mac and Cheese with Jalapeños and Bacon
Ditch the boxed mac and cheese and try our Homemade Mac and Cheese with Jalapeños and Bacon instead. This flavorful take on the classic dish makes a perfect side for any cookout.
2. Tangy Grilled Coleslaw
Trade in your traditional coleslaw recipe for Tangy Grilled Coleslaw. Grill cabbage wedges first to get a flavorful char, then chop and mix them with sliced red onions, clementine wedges and sunflower seeds. Finish by tossing it all together with a sweet-and-sour vinaigrette.
3. Zucchini “Pasta” Salad
This better-for-you version of pasta salad offers all the flavor of the original and includes fresh seasonal ingredients like zucchini and tomatoes.
4. Whole Grain Jalapeño Cornbread
Add a kick to your cornbread. Spicy jalapeños are a great source of vitamin C and add tons of flavor to your dish.
5. Maple Apple Baked Beans
This baked bean dish stands out from the rest with tart Granny Smith apples and pure maple syrup.
6. Macaroni and Cheese with Spinach and Sundried Tomatoes
Add some sophistication to plain macaroni and cheese with nutrient-rich spinach and sundried tomatoes.
7. Grilled Sweet Corn with Sun-Dried Tomato Butter
Take grilled corn on the cob to the next level with our easy Grilled Sweet Corn with Sun-Dried Tomato Butter. Mix softened butter with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, basil and Parmesan and spread over freshly grilled corn for a simple side dish fit for all your summertime cookouts.
8. Creamy Cilantro Slaw
What’s a barbecue without a side of slaw? This easy, Mexican-inspired dish offers a fresh twist on classic coleslaw with garden-fresh cilantro and green onions.
9. Avocado Chicken Salad
Creamy avocados replace a portion of the mayonnaise in this tasty Avocado Chicken Salad. Serve it atop lettuce for a satisfying side dish.
10. Red Potato Salad with Dill and Chive Vinaigrette
Sweet peppers add color and crunch to Red Potato Salad with Dill and Chive Vinaigrette. Made with tangy feta cheese and Kalamata olives, this fresh take on classic potato salad is perfect for cookouts and picnics.
11. Cabbage and Apple Horseradish Slaw
This slaw recipe combines shallots, horseradish and apples for an updated variation of the barbecue staple.
12. Easy Salt Pickles
Quick and easy, these salt pickles are a welcome addition to every great barbecue spread.
Looking for more summertime cookout inspiration? Check out our Memorial Day Recipes for a Perfect Backyard Barbecue and Guide to Grilling Vegetables.