Ultimate Cook Out Sides Menu Ideas & Recipes

During the summer, about 70% of American families enjoy barbecues and cookouts. A great variety of cook out sides is key to a good BBQ. These range from classic BBQ sides to new twists on familiar recipes. A mix of dishes makes your BBQ unforgettable for guests.

Whether your grill is sizzling with meats or you’re doing a veggie BBQ, sides matter. The Food Network found that a good cookout has about five main dishes and three to four sides. Around 60% include vegetarian options. Plus, 80% of guests like snacking before the main dish, so a variety of sides is essential.

Let’s explore some classic and new BBQ side dish ideas. We have everything from tangy Southern potato salad to cool summer cabbage salad. These recipes are easy and appeal to everyone. Check out these sides to make your BBQ menu a hit, getting guests to come back for seconds.

Introduction to the Best Cookout Side Dishes

Picking the perfect side dishes is key to make your cookout shine. They bring different textures and tastes, from crispy to creamy. The right choices will make your summer cookout unforgettable.

Understanding the Importance of Side Dishes

Side dishes balance the strong flavors of barbecue main courses. Choices like grilled veggies, salads, and potato dishes add nutrients and flavors. This makes the meal more enjoyable and complete. It’s vital your sides match well with the main dishes, whether it’s a picnic or a backyard grill.

Variety: An array of sides meets different tastes and needs, making sure everyone’s happy.
Flavor Balance: The right sides balance spicy, savory, and sweet flavors.
Texture: A mix of textures adds depth to the meal.

Key Ingredients for Delicious Sides

Fresh, quality ingredients are essential for tasty side dishes. Here are key ingredients for summer cookout sides:

Fresh Vegetables: Cucumbers, tomatoes, corn, and peppers are perfect for salads and grilled sides.
Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs like basil and spices like paprika boost flavor.
Grains and Legumes: Quinoa and chickpeas add substance and nutrition.

For picnic or cookout sides, use these ingredients for both taste and looks. Good side dishes don’t just go well with barbecue. They add to a diverse and fulfilling meal.

Classic Potato Salad: A Must-Have for Cookouts

At any cookout, the classic potato salad is a must-have. It’s loved for its creamy feel and tasty mix of flavors. People like it because it’s easy to make and goes well with many dishes.

Ingredients and Preparation

Making traditional Southern potato salad requires a few important ingredients:

Potatoes: Most families, about 70%, choose Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture. Some mix Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes for even better taste.
Mayonnaise: Every classic recipe has mayonnaise, which makes the salad dressing creamy.
Mustard: Adding yellow mustard makes the salad tangy and bright. It’s in 90% of recipes.
Celery and Onions: These add crunch to the salad in 80% of the cases.
Dill Relish: Most people, 65%, pick dill relish over sweet.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: Almost every Southern family adds at least one egg.
Seasonings: To add flavor and color, 85% use paprika.

Variations: Adding a Twist to Tradition

Beyond the classic, there are fun ways to change up this favorite dish:

Sour Cream Addition: Some cooks, about 25%, add sour cream for extra creaminess.
Greek Yogurt Substitute: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier option that still tastes creamy.
Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, include diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
Herb Infusions: Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives give a fresh taste.

Potato salad can stay fresh for 3-4 days if kept in an airtight container.

Grilled Veggie Skewers: A Rainbow on Your Plate

Grilled veggie skewers bring color and health to your summer cookout. They prepare quickly, offering a burst of color. Plus, 47% of people prefer them for their tasty flavors.

Best Vegetables for Skewers

Seasonal veggies that grill well together make the best skewers:

Zucchinis
Yellow Squashes
Mushrooms
Peppers
Tomatoes

This mix not only looks good but also boosts your vitamin A and C intake. It offers up to 35% more vitamins than canned veggies.

Balsamic Marinade Recipe

A balsamic marinade gives extra flavor. Around 40% of recipes recommend a marinade. Here’s an easy one:

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine these and let the veggies marinate for at least 30 minutes before grilling.

Grilling Tips

Preheat your grill to medium-high.
Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Thread vegetables on skewers, alternating colors for a beautiful presentation.
Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking.
Brush with extra marinade during grilling for added flavor.

Grilled veggie skewers are a tasty and eye-catching choice for cookouts. They provide a balanced meal that everyone can enjoy.

Melting Potatoes: Crispy and Delicious Side Dish

Melting potatoes make every cookout better. They’re golden, crispy outside and soft, full of flavor inside. They’re simple yet fancy, using just a few ingredients.

Start with 1½ pounds of baby potatoes. Toss them in 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Then, roast them on a large baking sheet in an oven at 425°F. The first roast is about 15 minutes.

Next, add 5 cloves of garlic, cut in halves. Keep roasting for another 20 minutes. This makes the potatoes soak up the garlic flavor and become just right.

Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme make these potatoes special. Use 1 tablespoon of each. Also, add about 1 teaspoon of salt for every 1½ pounds of potatoes. A little pepper, ¼ teaspoon, will boost the taste.

These potatoes aren’t just tasty. They’re also good for you. Here’s what you get in each serving:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	141
Total Fat	10 g
Saturated Fat	1 g
Carbohydrates	11 g
Sugar	0 g
Fiber	2 g
Protein	1 g
Sodium	167 mg
Cholesterol	0 mg

Keep the oven at 200°C (392°F) for the best results. Prep takes 5 minutes, and they cook in 1 hour 20 minutes. Follow these steps for perfect melting potatoes that everyone will love at your next cookout.

Refreshing Summer Cabbage Salad

This refreshing summer cabbage salad is perfect for any summer cookout. It’s easy to make and brightens up outdoor meals. In just 30 minutes, it can serve 4 to 6 people. People have given it a nearly perfect score of 4.99 out of 5 from 77 votes.

Scant 3/4 cup of mayo or vegan mayo
2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup
3/4 teaspoon of celery seeds
1/4 teaspoon of sea salt
6 cups of shredded green cabbage
2 cups of shredded red cabbage
2 medium carrots, sliced into thin peels
3 scallions, chopped

It’s a top pick for summer gatherings. The mix of 75% green and 25% red cabbage creates a colorful, tasty side.

Prepare the cabbage a day early to let flavors blend well. This salad goes great with veggie burgers and BBQ jackfruit sandwiches. It’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, and picnics.

Additionally, this salad is among six recommended to improve your summer cookouts.

Preparing Time	Serving Size	Coleslaw Rating
30 minutes	4 to 6 people	4.99/5 (77 votes)

You can make this salad one day before to enhance its taste. Adding it to your outdoor dishes will bring freshness and color to the table.

Its nutrition is impressive, appealing to health-focused guests. With green and red cabbage, pecans, and apples, it’s a fulfilling choice.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries: A Healthy Twist

Finding healthy cookout options can make your BBQ both fun and nutritious. Air fryer sweet potato fries are a great pick. They taste amazing and are good for you too. An air fryer cuts down oil use by up to 75%, making cooking healthier.

Benefits of Using an Air Fryer

Air fryers are great for making tasty cookout foods like sweet potato fries. They have many benefits:

They contain fewer calories: Air-fried fries have about 150 to 200 calories per serving. This is much less than 365-400 calories in regular fries.
They keep more nutrients: Air frying keeps nearly all the nutrients in sweet potatoes. Deep frying can wipe out up to half.
They use less oil: You only need 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil, not cups like in deep frying.
They cook fast: Sweet potato fries are ready in 15-20 minutes, which is great for quick meals.
They can improve your diet: Families that use air fryers tend to eat up to 20% more veggies.

Recipe for Perfect Sweet Potato Fries

Here’s how to make awesome air fryer sweet potato fries:

Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Optional: 2 teaspoons of cornstarch for crispiness
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
Preparation:
- Heat your oven or air fryer to 425ºF.
- Slice sweet potatoes into thin strips.
- Soak the fries in water for 30 minutes or overnight.
Cooking:
- Dry the fries well after soaking.
- Mix fries with olive oil, cornstarch (if using), and spices.
- Put fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes on one side.
- Flip them, then cook for another 10-12 minutes until they’re crispy.
Storage:
- Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Air fryer sweet potato fries are a tasty and healthy choice for any cookout. They’re perfect for those who love good food but want to stay healthy. This recipe is a hit for both health fans and people looking for great side dishes.

Broccoli Cheese and Cracker Casserole

The Broccoli Cheese and Cracker Casserole is a hit at outdoor meals, mixing creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures. It’s easy to tweak to fit different tastes. That’s why it’s a favorite at potlucks, known for its rich taste and satisfying crunch.

Ingredients and Preparation

Putting together this casserole is simple. You’ll spend about 15 minutes prepping and another 30 minutes baking.

6-8 cups fresh broccoli florets or 16 ounces frozen broccoli
1 cup mayonnaise
2 large eggs
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
2 cups sharp white cheddar cheese (1½ cups mixed in, ½ cup on top)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon dried minced onion
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
¼ cup melted butter

Here are the steps to make it:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix the mayonnaise, eggs, soup, 1½ cups cheese, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper in a big bowl.
Then, add the broccoli.
Put it all in a baking dish.
Add the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top.
Combine the crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle it over.
Bake it until it’s golden and bubbly, about 25-30 minutes.
Wait 5 minutes before serving. Let it cool down a bit.

Customization Options

This casserole is perfect for any gathering. You can change it up to fit your crowd’s tastes. Here are some ideas:

Cheese Variations: Try mozzarella or gouda for different tastes.
Add More Veggies: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas for extra nutrients.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crackers and check all ingredients to avoid gluten.
Lower Fat Version: Go for Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and choose lower-fat cheese and soup.
Spice it Up: A little cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes can add some heat.

This tasty casserole is a great choice for outdoor meals. It’s flexible and healthy, making it a hit with everyone.

Cook Out Sides Menu: Elevate Your BBQ with These Ideas

Making your BBQ better means mixing different tastes and planning a well-rounded menu. Crafting the perfect sides for grilling improves the BBQ fun, offering a rich and varied selection for all.

Combining Different Flavors

Creating your cook out sides menu means bringing together different flavors and textures. This makes the meal more enjoyable and goes well with the main BBQ dishes. Consider mixing savory, sweet, and tangy tastes to surprise your guests with each bite.

Peach-glazed pork chops show the popularity of mixing sweet and savory tastes, liked by over 85% of people.
Use Wagyu beef for its juicy flavor and high fat content. It has a fat-to-meat ratio of about 2:1, perfect with grilled veggies or salads.
Add homemade patty melts with beef patties between 4 to 6 ounces, making your sides more satisfying.
Texas Style Chili uses prime tenderloin and six different dried chiles for deep flavor. Texas chili is about 60% protein, thanks to the beef.

Planning a Balanced Menu

Creating a balanced BBQ sides menu means thinking about dietary needs, how the food looks, and what everyone likes. Make sure to have vegetables, starches, and proteins in your sides for variety and fullness.

For instance, combine grilled veggie skewers and fresh summer salads for healthiness. Sweet potato fries made in an air fryer, and crispy melting potatoes bring joy to the BBQ. Here’s how to balance your menu:

Offer both light and rich options, so there’s something for everyone.
Use different ways of cooking—grilled, baked, and air-fried— for various textures.
Choose seasonal produce for better taste and freshness.
Include options for vegetarians and those on low-carb diets.

Side Dish	Cooking Time	Key Ingredients
Grilled Veggie Skewers	10-15 minutes	Bell peppers, zucchini, red onions
Summer Cabbage Salad	15 minutes	Shredded cabbage, carrots, apple cider vinegar
Melting Potatoes	35-45 minutes	Yukon gold potatoes, chicken broth, butter
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries	25 minutes	Sweet potatoes, sea salt, extra virgin olive oil
Broccoli Cheese Casserole	30 minutes	Broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, crackers

With good planning and mixing flavors and textures, your top grill sides will enhance your main dishes. Including various sides guarantees a fulfilling and unforgettable BBQ for everyone.

Refreshing and Crunchy Corn Salad

A refreshing and crunchy corn salad is perfect for summer cookouts. It brings together tasty flavors and textures, enhancing any BBQ spread.

To make this tasty salad, begin with 3 cups of fresh corn. Include 1 cup each of cherry tomatoes and Persian cucumbers. Add 1/4 cup of finely diced red onion and fresh basil for aroma. Mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar for the dressing.

This corn salad is not just delicious but healthy too. It has about 174 calories per serving with carbs, fats, and protein. It also offers 12% of your daily fiber needs, making it a smart choice for health-conscious folks.

Try serving this salad with grilled meats, tacos, or roasted veggies. Its crispiness and tasty dressing make it a great match for various dishes. It’s a wonderful addition to your summer meals.

Prepare the corn: Cook 3 cups of fresh corn kernels.
Combine fresh vegetables: Mix corn with 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of Persian cucumber slices, and 1/4 cup of finely diced red onion.
Mix in the herbs: Add 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, torn into smaller pieces.
Prepare the vinaigrette: Whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
Assemble the salad: Toss the corn, vegetables, and herbs with the vinaigrette dressing.
Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

This salad is easy to make and serves six. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then needs to chill for an hour. If there are leftovers, keep them in the fridge for up to three days.

Corn is full of insoluble fiber and has a low-glycemic index, which is good for blood sugar control. Adding lime boosts your immune system and helps with digestion.

For a twist, add diced avocado, sliced radish, black beans, bacon, or grilled chicken. These can make the salad even tastier and healthier, keeping it a favorite at your summer events.

Conclusion

The ultimate BBQ sides journey teaches us the power of mixing old favorites with new twists. By blending classic dishes like potato salad and macaroni cheese with new finds like air fryer sweet potato fries and summer cabbage salad, we hit the perfect note between tradition and creativity.

With everything from budget-friendly watermelon slices to tasty hush puppies at $1.29 for three, there’s something for everyone. This mix means your BBQ can please all kinds of eaters, paying attention to things like calories, fats, and allergies.

Trying out these simple side dishes not only adds flavor to your meals but also makes eating together more fun and memorable. A well-planned menu that mixes tastes will surely wow your guests and elevate your outdoor meals. So, the next time you’re grilling, let these recipes and ideas inspire a truly great and enjoyable cookout spread!

FAQ

What are some classic side dishes for a cookout?

Some classic cookout sides are potato salad, coleslaw, and baked beans. You can also serve corn on the cob and pasta salad. These dishes go well with grilled meats. They provide different tastes and textures.

Can grilled veggie skewers be prepared in advance?

Yes, you can prepare grilled veggie skewers ahead of time. Just cut and marinate the veggies a few hours before. This saves time and makes them taste better.

How can I add a twist to the traditional potato salad?

To spice up traditional potato salad, add bacon, dill pickles, or mustard. Try fresh herbs or Greek yogurt for dressing. This way, you give it a new flavor.

What are the benefits of using an air fryer for cookout side dishes?

An air fryer makes cookout sides healthier by using less oil. Crispy sweet potato fries are easy to make. It also cuts down cooking time and simplifies cleanup.

What are must-have ingredients for a refreshing summer cabbage salad?

A summer cabbage salad needs shredded cabbage, apples, and toasted pecans. Add green onions and a tangy vinaigrette. These mix to create a crisp, tasty salad.

How can I ensure perfectly grilled veggie skewers?

For perfect grilled veggie skewers, cut veggies into similar sizes. Marinate them in balsamic to boost flavor. Grill on medium heat, turning them until tender and charred.

What are some tips for planning a balanced cookout sides menu?

Plan a balanced menu with both hot and cold dishes. Add a variety of textures and flavors. Make sure there are choices for vegetarians, gluten-free, or low-carb diets. Everyone should find something they like.