When the grill fires up, the main dish often gets all the glory, but let's be honest - side dishes make the meal complete.
From creamy classics to refreshing salads, the perfect BBQ sides balance out smoky flavours and add variety to your outdoor feast. These crowd-pleasing accompaniments will transform your next barbecue from ordinary to extraordinary.
1. Classic Coleslaw
Nothing complements a juicy burger quite like the cool crunch of homemade coleslaw. The secret lies in balancing creamy mayo with a splash of vinegar for that signature tang.
Finely sliced cabbage and carrots provide the perfect texture contrast to tender grilled meats. For an extra flavour boost, try adding poppy seeds or a hint of celery salt to your dressing.
2. Grilled Corn On The Cob
Summer BBQs practically demand corn on the cob, especially when those golden kernels get kissed by flames. Leave the husks on during grilling for natural steam that keeps kernels juicy. Beyond plain butter, try Mexican-style elotes with lime, chilli, and crumbly cheese.
Or perhaps a herb butter with chopped basil and parsley for something different that still complements your grilled mains.
3. Potato Salad
A family favourite that sparks debates over the perfect recipe! Some swear by creamy mayonnaise, while others prefer tangy mustard dressing. Either way, boiling potatoes until just tender ensures they hold their shape.
Spring onions, celery, and fresh herbs add brightness to this hearty classic. For a British twist, try adding chopped pickled onions or a spoonful of piccalilli to give your potato salad unexpected zing.
4. Baked Beans
These aren't your ordinary tinned beans! Slow-cooked until rich and thick, proper BBQ baked beans develop deep flavours that perfectly complement smoky meats.
A touch of molasses or brown sugar balances the tangy tomato base. Add crispy bacon bits for extra depth and texture. The beauty of baked beans is they actually improve when made a day ahead, allowing all those gorgeous flavours to meld together.
5. Macaroni Salad
Chilled pasta tossed with crunchy vegetables creates a satisfying contrast of textures. The key is cooking the macaroni until just al dente so it maintains structure even after chilling. Red peppers, celery, and diced cucumber add fresh crunch.
A dressing of mayonnaise brightened with lemon juice and a pinch of sugar strikes the perfect balance between creamy and zesty—exactly what you need alongside spicy BBQ flavours.
6. Caprese Salad
When summer tomatoes reach peak ripeness, a simple Caprese salad showcases their natural sweetness beautifully.
The combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil creates pure magic. Arrange thick slices in an overlapping pattern for visual impact. Finish with good quality extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic glaze. This Italian classic brings a touch of Mediterranean elegance to even the most casual barbecue.
7. Cornbread
Golden, slightly sweet cornbread with a tender crumb makes the perfect partner for savory BBQ flavours. Baked until the edges turn crispy while the center remains moist, it's irresistible warm from the oven.
Adding creamed corn to the batter creates extra moisture and sweetness. Serve with honey butter for a special touch. The beauty of cornbread is its ability to soak up delicious BBQ sauces without falling apart.
8. Grilled Veggie Skewers
Vibrant vegetables threaded onto skewers become caramelized marvels when kissed by flames. The slight char brings out natural sweetness in peppers, courgettes, mushrooms, and red onions.
A simple marinade of olive oil, garlic, and herbs is all you need. The beauty of veggie skewers is their versatility—use whatever looks fresh at the market. They not only provide a colourful addition to your table but also cater to vegetarian guests.
9. Watermelon And Feta Salad
Few combinations refresh on a hot day like juicy watermelon paired with salty feta. This unexpected pairing creates a perfect balance that wakes up the taste buds between bites of rich BBQ. Add thinly sliced red onion and fresh mint for complexity.
A splash of lime juice and olive oil is all the dressing needed. This eye-catching salad brings a modern touch to traditional barbecue spreads while providing welcome hydration.
10. Devilled Eggs
These retro favorites disappear faster than you can set them down! The creamy, tangy filling contrasts beautifully with the firm egg whites, creating the perfect two-bite treat. Classic preparations use mayonnaise, mustard and paprika.
For a modern twist, try adding crispy bacon bits or a dash of sriracha. Pipe the filling using a star tip for an elegant presentation that elevates this humble side dish to something special.
11. Pasta Salad With Pesto
Bright basil pesto clinging to spiral pasta creates a side dish that's both satisfying and refreshing. Cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness against the herbaceous sauce. Pine nuts add welcome crunch, while cubes of mozzarella provide creamy pockets throughout.
This make-ahead friendly option actually improves after sitting in the fridge, allowing flavours to meld. It travels beautifully to picnics and stays delicious even without refrigeration for a few hours.
12. Garlic Bread
Crispy on the outside, soft in the middle, and absolutely drenched in garlicky butter—what's not to love? This crowd-pleaser can be prepared ahead and wrapped in foil to warm on the grill alongside your main dishes. For extra indulgence, add a layer of cheese beneath the crust.
The smoky notes from the barbecue add an extra dimension to this beloved classic. Perfect for mopping up sauces or simply enjoying on its own between bites of grilled fare.
