10 Tasty Side Dishes for Your BBQ Feast

Grilled Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter

Grilled corn on the cob is a classic summer side dish that’s elevated with the savory goodness of homemade herb butter.

Ingredients

• 4 ears of corn, husked
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Aluminum foil

Cooking method

1. Prep the Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine the butter, parsley, chives, and basil. Mix well until all herbs are evenly distributed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Prepare the Corn: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. While the grill is heating, carefully wrap each ear of corn in aluminum foil.

3. Grill the Corn: Place the wrapped corn on the grill and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. The corn is done when it is tender and slightly charred.

4. Serve: Carefully unwrap the corn from the foil and slather each ear with a generous amount of herb butter. Serve hot, with extra herb butter on the side for dipping. Enjoy!

Grilled Corn with Chili Lime Butter

A classic BBQ side dish with a zesty twist that’ll keep everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of corn, husked
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Zest and juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix the butter, chili powder, lime zest, and lime juice until well combined.
3. Grill the corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s charred in spots.
4. Remove from the grill, spread with the chili lime butter, and sprinkle with salt before serving.

Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

This creamy and smoky mac and cheese elevates any BBQ spread to gourmet status.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 ½ cups shredded smoked gouda cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions and drain.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour until smooth.
3. Gradually add milk, cooking and stirring until thickened.
4. Stir in smoked gouda until melted; season with salt and pepper.
5. Combine macaroni with cheese sauce and serve hot.

Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts

These spicy-sweet Brussels sprouts are roasted to crispy perfection, making them an irresistible side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sriracha
• Salt to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, honey, sriracha, and salt.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, until crispy.
4. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Watermelon Feta Salad

Sweet and refreshing, this salad is a perfect palate cleanser amidst smoky BBQ flavors.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cubed watermelon
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Cooking method:

1. In a large bowl, combine watermelon, feta, and mint.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
3. Toss gently and serve chilled.

Avocado and Black Bean Salsa

This hearty salsa pairs perfectly with grilled meats and adds a burst of freshness to your BBQ table.

Ingredients:

• 2 avocados, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small red onion, diced
• ¼ cup lime juice
• Salt and cilantro, to taste

Cooking method:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, mixing gently to not mash the avocado.
2. Season with salt and cilantro.
3. Serve with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled meats.

Charred Asparagus with Parmesan

Grill asparagus to tender perfection and finish with a dusting of parmesan for a savory side.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

Cooking method:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high.
2. Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill for 5-7 minutes, until tender and slightly charred.
4. Remove from grill, sprinkle with parmesan, and serve immediately.

Maple Glazed Carrots

These vibrant carrots are coated in a delightful maple glaze, offering a sweet and savory complement to the main BBQ dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat.
2. Add carrots, cooking until slightly tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in maple syrup and thyme, cooking until glaze is thickened.
4. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread

This spicy twist on traditional cornbread will have your guests reaching for more.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 cup milk
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped

Cooking method:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, and baking powder.
3. Stir in milk, melted butter, cheese, and jalapeño until just combined.
4. Pour mixture into a greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Zesty Quinoa Salad

Packed with protein and flavor, this quinoa salad is a healthful and colorful addition to your BBQ lineup.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• Juice of 2 lemons
• Salt, pepper, and parsley to taste

Cooking method:

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water.
2. In a saucepan, bring water and quinoa to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Fluff quinoa with a fork and transfer to a bowl.
4. Add chickpeas, bell pepper, lemon juice, salt, and parsley, mixing well before serving.