Nothing beats the classic combo of juicy burgers and smoky brats, but the right sides can take your backyard BBQ from good to absolutely legendary. From creamy potato salads to zesty slaws and everything in between, these 17 crowd-pleasing recipes will have your guests coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
1. Southern Potato Salad
This is classic summer cookout food that works for a crowd and pairs perfectly with any grilled meat. I always make this the night before so the flavors have time to meld together, which means less work on cookout day. It’s that traditional, creamy potato salad that everyone expects at a proper BBQ.
2. Dill Pickle Potato Salad
If you’re a pickle lover, this tangy twist on potato salad will be your new obsession. It has a much heavier emphasis on vinegar and pickling brine compared to the typical sweeter versions, making it the perfect acidic counterpoint to rich burgers and brats. The dill pickle flavor really shines through without being overwhelming.
3. Mustard Potato Salad
This classic Texas-style potato salad brings a tangy kick that’s absolutely perfect alongside grilled meats. The yellow mustard gives it a nice bite that balances out the creaminess, and it’s not too heavy so you’ll still have room for that second burger. It’s got that authentic BBQ joint flavor that’ll transport you straight to the Lone Star State.
4. Classic Macaroni Salad
This is the macaroni salad I grew up on – creamy, tangy, and loaded with crunchy vegetables that add the perfect texture contrast to your cookout spread. Using half Greek yogurt cuts some of the heaviness while keeping all that nostalgic flavor we love. It’s one of those sides that disappears fast at any gathering.
5. Simple 4-Ingredient Coleslaw
When you need a quick, fresh side that won’t weigh you down, this coleslaw is your answer. Four ingredients, takes about 5 minutes to throw together, and it’s way better than the watery stuff you get at most places. The crisp cabbage provides the perfect crunch to balance out those juicy burgers and smoky brats.
6. Cajun Coleslaw
This coleslaw has just the right amount of kick to complement your grilled favorites without overpowering them. The Cajun spices add a warming heat that plays beautifully with the cool, crisp cabbage. It’s especially amazing if you’re going for a Southern-style cookout vibe.
7. 3 Bean Salad
This is the classic picnic side that actually gets better after sitting in the fridge overnight, making it perfect for meal prep. The beans soak up all that tangy dressing and the flavors just keep getting better with time. It’s hearty enough to satisfy vegetarians at your cookout while being light and refreshing for everyone else.
8. Cowboy Caviar
This colorful, protein-packed side is made with ingredients you probably already have on hand and gets better after sitting in the fridge. It’s incredibly budget-friendly and brings a fresh, Southwestern flair to your burger and brat spread. Plus, it’s great for scooping with chips if people want to snack before the main event.
9. Doctored Up Baked Beans
This is how you turn ordinary canned beans into something that tastes like you’ve been slow-cooking all day. The bacon fat does most of the heavy lifting here, creating that rich, smoky flavor that’s absolutely essential at any proper cookout. These beans are the perfect sweet and savory companion to your grilled meats.
10. Loaded Corn Casserole
I grew up on corn casserole, but this version kicks it up several notches with bacon, jalapeños, and Cheez-Its on top. It’s incredibly simple to make and feeds 6-8 people easily, making it perfect for larger gatherings. The combination of sweet corn, smoky bacon, and that crunchy topping is absolutely irresistible.
11. Creamy Jalapeño Corn
Despite being called a ‘side dish,’ this creamy corn disappears faster than the main course at any barbecue. When made with fresh sweet summer corn, it’s absolutely divine, but frozen corn works great too. The jalapeños add just enough heat to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming the sweet corn flavor.
12. Homemade Cornbread
This basic cornbread is the perfect accompaniment to any BBQ spread – slightly sweet but not cake-like. It’s great for sopping up any extra sauce from your burgers or just buttered up as a simple side. Nothing says “authentic cookout” quite like fresh cornbread straight from the oven.
13. Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread
Most cornbread suffers from being too dry or too bland, but this version solves both problems with cake-like moisture and a perfect kick of heat. The melted cheddar adds richness while the jalapeños provide just enough spice to complement your grilled meats. It’s comfort food with a little attitude.
14. Air Fryer Corn Ribs
This simple technique turns ordinary corn into something that feels way fancier than it actually is. The air fryer gets the edges beautifully charred while keeping the corn tender and juicy inside. It’s a fun, Instagram-worthy side that’ll have everyone asking how you made corn look so impressive.
15. Fried Asparagus
This is way better than any frozen appetizer you’d get at a restaurant – the coating stays super crunchy while the asparagus inside remains perfectly crisp. Even asparagus skeptics become converts when they try this version. It’s a great way to sneak some veggies into your cookout spread without anyone complaining.
