20+ Southern BBQ Side Dishes
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If you’re gearing up for a backyard BBQ or just craving some Southern comfort food, we’ve got you covered with this list of delicious classic Southern BBQ side dishes.
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A classic side dish from the South typically has simple ingredients and tons of extra flavor. They’re hearty, satisfying, and pretty much the picture of comfort food. So if you’re ready to indulge, grab your apron, fire up the grill, and get ready to enjoy the flavors of the South.
1. Collard Greens
A classic Southern side, collard greens are slow-cooked with smoky bacon or ham hock, resulting in tender, flavorful greens with a savory kick.
2. Macaroni and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy goodness with a crispy top, Southern macaroni and cheese is a comfort food staple at any barbecue gathering.
3. Baked Beans
Slow-cooked in a rich and tangy sauce, Southern baked beans are a hearty and flavorful addition to your barbecue feast. For a heartier meal try calico beans with ground beef and sausage.
4. Hush Puppies
These deep-fried balls of cornmeal batter are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a popular and tasty Southern side dish. You can also make these in the air fryer.
5. Fried Okra
A Southern delicacy, this good Southern recipe features sliced okra coated in cornmeal and deep-fried until golden brown for a crunchy and addictive side.
6. Classic Potato Salad
Creamy and tangy, Southern-style potato salad is made with mayonnaise, mustard, and a mix of herbs for a satisfying and filling side dish. For a fun variation try our deviled egg potato salad too!
7. Grits
A Southern classic made from ground corn, grits are often served creamy or baked and can be flavored with cheddar cheese, butter, or other tasty additions. You can also make them sweet instead of savory!
8. Deviled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs filled with a flavorful mixture of mayonnaise, mustard, and spices. Deviled eggs add a savory touch to your barbecue spread. A summer cookout is not complete without deviled eggs! Spice it up with our bacon jalapeño deviled eggs for even more flavor!
9. Fried Green Tomatoes
Unripe tomatoes sliced, coated in cornmeal, and fried to perfection. Fried green tomatoes offer a crispy and tangy side dish.
10. Red Beans and Rice
A hearty and flavorful combination of red beans, rice, and a mix of spices. This dish is a staple in Southern cuisine, providing a satisfying accompaniment to barbecue.
11. Black-Eyed Peas
Often cooked with bacon or ham for added flavor, black-eyed peas are a nutritious and tasty side dish commonly enjoyed in the South. Black-eyed peas and greens are another great options.
12. Corn Casserole
A delectable casserole made with corn, cheese, and other ingredients, offering a savory and satisfying side dish for your Southern barbecue feast. This is the perfect corn dish, in my opinion. You could also try creamed corn or honey butter corn as well.
13. Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad features a creamy dressing with a touch of sweetness. This is a must-have for any Summer party! It’s also a great make-ahead side, just save a little of the dressing to add in right before serving because the macaroni will soak it all up!
14. Baked Potato
A comforting and versatile side, baked potatoes can be loaded with toppings like butter, cheese, and sour cream for a satisfying accompaniment to barbecue. You can even top it with pulled pork to make this perfect side dish into the main dish! Use sweet potatoes for even more flavor! Crispy potato skins are another great option.
15. Creamy Coleslaw
A creamy coleslaw recipe adds a rich and velvety texture to the traditional crunchy cabbage salad and is perfect for topping hot dogs or pulled pork BBQ sandwiches.
16. Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy and slightly sweet, sweet potato fries make for a tasty alternative to traditional fries at a barbecue.
17. Grilled Fresh Vegetables
Seasonal vegetables grilled to perfection, offering a smoky and charred flavor that complements the barbecue. Fresh corn on the cob or veggie cabobs are a great choice for grilling.
18. Broccoli Salad
A refreshing salad featuring broccoli, bacon, cranberries, and a sweet dressing, adding a crunchy and flavorful element to your barbecue spread. This Summer salad is a staple at Southern gatherings.
19. Southern-Style Cornbread
A classic cornbread with a Southern twist, delivering a delicious blend of sweetness and texture. Cornmeal, buttermilk, and eggs are the main ingredients for an easy recipe that makes a great side dish for any type of BBQ dish.
20. Cucumber Salad
A refreshing and crisp cucumber salad tossed in a light dressing, providing a cool contrast to the savory barbecue flavors. Fresh salads like this are the best things to serve on a hot summer day with your BBQ dishes.
