If your looking for side dishes to bring to a cookout, you came to the right place! When you are invited to a cookout or backyard barbecue, don’t forget to consider the all the side dishes that will complement the main course and make the gathering truly memorable. We got together with some of our favorite food bloggers to share the most amazing SIDE DISHES to bring to a COOKOUT! (Or Tailgate!) So whether you are smoking ribs, flipping burgers or making Beer Can Chicken, you will

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From classic favorites like BBQ BAKED BEANS & BBQ SAUCE to innovative creations, we’ve rounded up a list of mouthwatering side dish recipes that will have your guests coming back for seconds. Oh, and don’t forget the show-stopper smoked pineapple! Perfect served with dinner, or for a dessert with ice cream!

Let’s get started with our made from scratch BBQ sauce, and baked beans. If you are planning to smoke meat low and slow, you will have time to make baked beans and BBQ sauce from scratch. While you are smoking, the beans and sauce are getting infused with flavor. And when the meat comes off the smoker, halve a pineapple and smoke it while the meat is resting.

Now it is time to check out all kinds of side dishes that are perfect to bring to a cookout or tail gate. From potato salad, pasta salad and layered salad to good ole’ mac n cheese, these recipes from some of our favorite bloggers will be the perfect thing to take, or serve!

Appetizers

Layered Salads

Make-ahead layered salads are a savvy choice for cookouts, as their carefully arranged layers ensure ingredients stay fresh and crisp until serving, while also allowing flavors to meld and intensify over time, creating a delicious and visually appealing dish that requires minimal last-minute preparation. Their convenience and vibrant presentation make them a reliable and impressive addition to any outdoor event, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities with friends and family.

Potato Salads

Potato salads are a quintessential cookout favorite, with their creamy, comforting blend of tender potatoes and flavorful dressing offering a satisfying accompaniment to grilled meats and other picnic fare. Their versatile nature allows for a range of flavors and additions, making them a timeless and delightful addition to any outdoor gathering.

Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a fantastic side dish for a cookout due to its refreshing crunch and tangy flavor, providing a perfect contrast to the smoky and savory flavors of grilled dishes. Its versatile nature allows it to complement everything from burgers to barbecue, making it a crowd-pleasing addition to any outdoor gathering.

Pasta Salads

A pasta salad is a staple of summer cookouts, and it’s a great way to showcase the abundance of fresh produce available during the summer months. Start with your favorite pasta – penne, fusilli, rotini or tortelini work well – and toss it with a medley of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and crunchy broccoli. Add in some finely chopped fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and chives for a burst of flavor. Fresh mozzarella balls are a great addition. Cous cous is a great pasta that can be mixed with dried fruits, herbs & chickpeas for an incredible make-ahead pasta salad. Dressings can range from simple  extra-virgin olive oil & red wine vinegar to a more complex mixture that includes mustard, honey, or herbs and spices. These can be made with or without cheese. Use a grain free pasta to make it gluten-free.

Macaroni Salads

Macaroni salads offer a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, with Hawaiian macaroni salad featuring a creamy blend of mayo, tender pasta, and a hint of sweetness from pineapple, while Mexican macaroni salad boasts a zesty kick from ingredients like jalapenos, lime, and cilantro, creating a bold and satisfying dish with a south-of-the-border twist. These unique variations elevate the classic macaroni salad, adding a global flair that’s sure to intrigue and satisfy taste buds at any gathering.

Fruit Salads

When the sun is shining and temperatures are rising, a refreshing fruit salad is a must-have on your cookout menu. Combine a variety of sweet fruits such as watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries, and grapes for a colorful and hydrating side dish. For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle the fruit with a simple syrup made from equal parts water and brown sugar with a squeese of lime. This sweet and juicy fruit salad will be a hit among both kids and adults.

Corn Recipes

Side dishes for cookouts do not have to be boring. Shake it up with a dish made with fresh sweet Summer corn. From corn dip to cornbread salad to corn salad, your friends are sure to love one of these recipes!

Broccoli Salads

Looking for a crunchy and nutritious side? A broccoli salad with a tangy dressing is the answer. Blanched broccoli florets are added to a variety brocolli salads. From A keto bacon ranch, to a raisin and broccoli salad, we have the one for you! These salads not only adds a pop of color to your cookout menu but also provides a refreshing and satisfying bite.

Cucumber Salads

Cucumber side dishes are a refreshing choice for cookouts, providing a cool and hydrating contrast to the smoky flavors of grilled dishes, while their crisp texture adds a satisfying crunch to the meal. Whether in the form of a classic cucumber pickles or a strawberry arugula salad with cucumbers, these dishes bring a burst of lightness and flavor that complements the outdoor ambiance of a cookout perfectly.

Vegetable Recipes

Tomato Recipes

Grains, Legumes & Bean Recipes

Mac-N-Cheese & Dressing & Potatoes Recipes

Old Fashioned Dressing Recipe

Breads & Rolls

As you prepare for your next family dinner, or backyard cookout, keep these delicious side dishes in your back pocket. Whether you’re grilling up juicy burgers, flavorful pork chops, or tender carne asada, these side dish recipes are the perfect complements to take your cookout menu to the next level. From the classic potato salad with a twist to the inventive Mexican street corn salad, these summer sides are sure to impress your guests and keep them coming back for more. So fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and enjoy the best part of summer – great food, good company, and unforgettable memories.

 

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