Cookout Side Dishes
These spotlight-stealing Cookout Side Dishes are the perfect recipes to put on the table at your next summer BBQ!
Can I let you in on a little secret?
When I'm headed to a backyard barbecue, I'm not thinking about the burgers. I'm thinking about the sides.
The creamy, the crunchy, the tangy, the sweet, all of it is what really makes a BBQ or cookout special. That's where the real magic happens, and I think deep down, everyone agrees!
Over the years, I've built up a collection of go-to recipes that I bring to every single cookout, potluck, and al fresco gathering. These are the dishes my friends and family hover around, the ones that get scraped to the bottom of the bowl before the grill is even finished.
From a classic old-fashioned potato salad that tastes like pure summer nostalgia to shortcut baked beans that deliver all that slow-cooked, molasses-rich flavor without the overnight soak, every single recipe on this list earns its spot on the table.
If you're hosting a big backyard bash or just need something fabulous to bring to a neighbor's cookout, I've got you covered. Let's dig in!
1. Old-Fashioned Potato Salad
This is the potato salad of my dreams with fluffy potatoes, crisp celery, and rich hard-boiled eggs, all coated in a homemade, tangy dressing. It's a true classic that fits right in alongside anything coming off the grill. I bring this to every cookout, and it is always, always the first bowl to go!
2. Easy Ramen Noodle Salad
This crunchy, tangy salad is such a crowd-pleaser! The combination of cabbage, toasted almonds, and sweet dried cranberries tossed in a simple Asian-inspired dressing is just so, so good. It's a fantastic make-ahead option, which makes it perfect for big summer gatherings like graduation parties or Father's Day cookouts. People go absolutely crazy for this one!
3. Boston Baked Beans
All the deep, rich, molasses-kissed flavor of traditional Boston baked beans without soaking dried beans overnight! This shortcut version uses canned navy beans and smoky bacon to get you there in a fraction of the time. It's thick, glossy, and the perfect savory-sweet companion to hot dogs and barbecue chicken.
4. Fabulous Broccoli Salad
There is so much going on in every single bite of this salad. Bacon, cheese, dried fruit, crunchy seeds, and a creamy dressing that ties it all together beautifully. It's cool, refreshing, and incredibly satisfying, which makes it an absolute lifesaver on a hot summer day. Once you bring this to a cookout, you will be asked to make it every single time.
5. Greek Pasta Salad
All the fresh, vibrant flavors of a classic Greek salad - crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and salty feta - plus pasta to make it extra filling and satisfying. It's bright, colorful, and full of flavor, making it a gorgeous addition to any summer spread. This one balances out heavier grilled meats so beautifully!
6. Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Sometimes you just need a big, comforting bowl of cheesy goodness to pair with your pulled pork or ribs, and this stovetop version is my absolute go-to. It's rich, creamy, and ready in under 30 minutes, and there's no oven required! A blend of sharp cheddar, gruyere, and mozzarella creates a velvety sauce that clings perfectly to every bite.
7. Homemade Cornbread Muffins
No backyard barbecue is complete without a basket of warm cornbread, and these muffins are the best. They bake up moist, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweet, with those gorgeous golden crispy edges that everyone fights over. They come together so quickly and pair perfectly with smoky grilled chicken or a big bowl of chili.
8. Twice-Baked Potatoes
When I want to make a cookout feel a little extra special, these twice-baked potatoes are my secret weapon. The skins come out beautifully crisp while the insides are impossibly creamy, fluffy, and buttery. They pair flawlessly with a juicy grilled steak and feel like a real treat without being all that much work!
9. Easy Pimento Cheese
This is one of my favorite things to set out while the grill is heating up. It takes just minutes to make, and the flavor is absolutely incredible. Serve it as a spread on buttery crackers, warm it up as a dip, or slather it on burger buns for a fun Southern twist. Simple, satisfying, and always a hit!
