There are numerous options to choose from when pairing sides with ribs, but some classic combinations include potato salad, baked beans, and cornbread – a trio that never fails to impress.
Our list features 33 mouth-watering side dish recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Some of these recipes may require a bit more time and effort, while others can be whipped up in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients.
Potato Salad
Varying from traditional potato salad recipes, adding vinegar to warm potatoes unlocks a depth of flavor that elevates this classic dish beyond its simple roots. Vinegar serves as more than just a condiment; it extracts and enhances the natural flavors within the potatoes, while also contributing a tangy note of its own.
Baked Beans
You might be surprised to hear that baked beans are a great side dish for a barbecue. The smoky flavors of the ribs can be perfectly complemented by the rich, slightly sweet taste of baked beans. While they may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about barbeque sides, baked beans offer a delicious and unexpected twist. This recipe is a bit different from traditional baked beans, as it produces a thicker consistency and avoids an overwhelming sweetness.
Instead of relying on Bush’s Grillin’ Beans, you can use any kind of canned baked beans you like – the result will still be mouth-watering. The beauty of this recipe lies in its yield: it makes enough for a family-sized gathering and provides ample leftovers. But let’s be honest – with the abundance of flavors from the barbecue and the savory taste of these baked beans, it’s unlikely that there’ll be much left over to take home.
Coleslaw
Varying the usual ingredients in coleslaw can add a fresh twist to your meals, whether you’re serving beef, pork, or chicken. In addition to standard mix-ins like apples and sliced almonds, consider incorporating poppy seeds and dried cranberries for added texture and flavor. To further enhance the taste of your coleslaw, experiment with new seasonings such as onion or garlic powder, which can bring a bold depth to the dish, while green onions or cilantro add a light, yet satisfying finish.
However, when it comes to preparation, keep in mind that coleslaw is best made on the day of the BBQ, as it cannot be frozen and will quickly lose its crispness once dressed, typically within a couple of hours.
Pasta Salad
When time is running out before a party, relying on a quick-fix side dish like pasta salad makes sense. Sides for BBQ ribs often require significant prep time, but this option can be prepared in just 20 minutes. The beauty of pasta salad lies in its ability to stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days. Selecting the right type of pasta is crucial when aiming for a hearty and filling salad.
Penne, rotini, and farfalle are excellent choices as they tend to hold their shape well, even after being mixed with vegetables and other ingredients. Experimenting with an assortment of colorful vegetables and adding flavorful extras such as olives or pickled onions can elevate the dish’s texture and visual appeal.
Macaroni and Cheese
A staple in many households, macaroni and cheese has been a crowd-pleaser for generations. Unlike traditional baked versions, this stovetop recipe stands out due to its carefully crafted roux, which serves as the foundation of the dish, providing a rich thickness and velvety texture. The roux is what sets this macaroni and cheese apart from others. When it comes to add-ins, the possibilities are endless.
Some people prefer to add a dash of cayenne pepper and onion powder for an extra kick, while others opt for four-cheese mixes or incorporate more substantial ingredients like ham, bacon, crackers, or even a spoonful of yellow mustard. Whatever combination you choose, rest assured that it will elevate the dish to new heights.
Cornbread
Zest for life is not just about adding flavor to your meals, it’s about making sure that every dish, including cornbread, turns out perfectly. With the right combination of ingredients and attention to timing, you’ll be able to create an impeccable cornbread that’s both moist and delicious. On the other hand, when the recipe goes wrong, cornbread can become dry, cracked, crumbly, and often flavorless, a true culinary disappointment.
Classic Wedge Salad
Elevating your meal with ribs requires a thoughtful consideration of what to pair them with. A classic wedge salad stands out as an excellent option, not only complementing the flavors of the ribs but also making for a satisfying pairing in general. When it comes to assembling the salad, simplicity is key, especially when it comes to the ingredients and toppings. Keeping things small and diced helps ensure that each component sticks well to the lettuce wedge.
Feel free to get creative with your choice of cheese, meats, vegetables, or croutons – the variety is vast. Just remember to take a moment to clean each lettuce wedge after cutting to guarantee that every bite is spotless.
Corn Fritters
Among the diverse range of vegetables commonly used in fritter recipes, corn has emerged as a popular choice. This popularity stems from the fact that corn fritters can be made using either fresh or frozen corn, making it possible to enjoy this dish throughout the year. As long as you have access to frozen corn in your freezer, you can indulge in corn fritters regardless of the season. The toppings for corn fritters are entirely at your discretion, allowing you to get creative with your choices.
One suggested option is adding a fried or poached egg on top, making this dish suitable for vegetarians who may choose to follow this lifestyle. Corn fritters also have the unique ability to pair well with other popular dishes, such as ribs. This harmonious combination of flavors and textures is reminiscent of how fries complement steak, making it hard to find a more satisfying match.
Sweet Potato Fries
Delighting your taste buds at the barbeque has never been easier than with these sweet potato fries, perfect for fans of this versatile root vegetable. Not only do sweet potatoes pack a punch when it comes to flavor, but they can also be elevated with a variety of seasonings and spices. Consider adding smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, Chipotle powder, or pumpkin pie spice to give them an extra boost. The key to taking these fries to the next level lies in two simple yet effective techniques.
Firstly, sprinkle a small amount of sugar on top before baking for added depth of flavor. Additionally, try replacing half of the oil with melted butter to achieve a crispy exterior and a tender interior, resulting in a truly exceptional culinary experience.
Fried Pickles
Venturing into new territory with fried pickles can be intimidating, but trust us, they’re a game-changer. The key to an exceptional batter lies in carefully selecting a combination of ingredients that will not only add flavor but also hold together when submerged in hot oil. To achieve this balance, you’ll want to mix flour with seasonings such as Cajun seasoning and Italian seasoning, along with a pinch of salt to enhance the overall taste.
Once your batter is ready, it’s time to coat each pickle dill delicately, ensuring they’re evenly coated before being fried to perfection. As you fry your pickles, don’t forget to prepare a complementary sauce that will add an extra layer of flavor to your dish. To create this delectable accompaniment, simply mix together mayonnaise, horseradish, Cajun seasoning, and ketchup in a bowl until well combined.
The resulting sauce boasts a subtle kick, perfectly mirroring the bold flavors of the fried pickles.
Green Salad
Taking center stage alongside the main course dish, ribs are undoubtedly going to be the star of the show. Unlike many sides that complement ribs, a green salad is an excellent choice due to its simplicity, quick preparation time, and health benefits. After indulging in the flavorful ribs, a lighter option like a salad is probably just what you need. To prepare this easy-to-make side dish, begin by microwaving or sautéing some onion and bell peppers.
Although they might not be everyone’s cup of tea, these vegetables add a significant amount of flavor to the dish. Once they’re done, simply combine them with salad greens, deli meats, and juicy tomatoes to create a delicious and satisfying side that pairs perfectly with the ribs.
Honey Lime Rainbow Fruit Salad
Sweet and delicious is what this honey lime dressing promises to deliver, thanks to its simple yet intriguing ingredients list. Made up of just three main components – honey, lime zest, and lime juice – everything else is left open for interpretation with regards to the variety of diced fruits you choose to include. Popular options often comprise blueberries, grapes, kiwi, pineapple, clementines, and strawberries, which together create the delightful rainbow effect that this salad is known for.
While using frozen fruit might seem like a convenient alternative, it falls short in terms of taste and texture compared to its fresh counterpart. Fresh fruit not only tastes better but also holds its shape and consistency once chilled, making it an ideal choice for presentation purposes. Ideally, prepare the fruit salad on the day of your gathering or party to ensure the freshness and quality remain intact.
Fried Green Tomatoes
Yearning for something crispy and savory? You’ve come to the right place! This beloved dish, made famous by a classic movie, is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Unlike fried pickles, which can be overwhelming with strong flavors, these green tomatoes are seasoned with simple yet effective seasonings that complement their natural taste perfectly.
Although making them takes some time and effort, the recipe itself is surprisingly straightforward, requiring just three main components: a sauce, a batter, and, of course, the star of the show – green tomatoes. Once you’re done cooking, it’s best to serve immediately, as fried green tomatoes are not freezer-friendly. However, you can store the battered green tomatoes in the freezer for later use, allowing you to fry them up whenever you crave that satisfying crunch.
Cucumber Tomato Salad
When it comes to pairing sides with ribs, a refreshing and flavorful cucumber tomato salad is an excellent choice. Not only does it provide a nice contrast to the richness of the BBQ ribs, but its Mediterranean flair also complements the smoky flavors of the meat. Two key ingredients that bring out this flavor are oregano and basil, which add a bright and herbaceous note to the dish.
Unlike more complex salad recipes, this one shines with a simple dressing, where red wine vinegar is recommended as the ideal choice, but feel free to experiment with other options like infused oils or vinegars to give it a unique twist. Additionally, if you want to make the most of your salad, be sure to drain the juices before serving, allowing it to last for a couple of days in the refrigerator.
If desired, consider adding some crumbled feta cheese, diced avocado, or mozzarella balls to give it an extra boost of flavor and texture.
Southern Green Beans
Generally speaking, one of the best ingredients for this recipe is fresh green beans, which offer a depth of flavor and homemade taste that canned alternatives simply can’t match. Taking about two hours to prepare from start to finish, this recipe does require some time and effort. Nonetheless, the end result will be well worth it, especially when paired with your favorite barbeque ribs.
Furthermore, this recipe has been designed to be versatile, incorporating not only green beans but also a protein component – typically smoked turkey is recommended, although bacon can also be used as a suitable substitute.
Macaroni Salad
Undoubtedly, macaroni salad is one of the best side dishes that pairs perfectly with ribs, outshining many other options due to its rich flavor profile. To prepare this iconic dish, you’ll need a variety of ingredients, including cooked macaroni as the base, sweet pickles for added sweetness, red pepper and celery for crunch, red onion or green onions as a substitute, eggs or cheese for creaminess, and a dressing that can be enhanced with paprika for an extra depth of flavor.
One notable aspect of this recipe is its shelf life; properly stored in the refrigerator, macaroni salad can last up to 5 days. To ensure optimal freshness, it’s recommended to chill it for at least an hour before serving.
Southern Hush Puppies
Sometimes it’s the lesser-known dishes that end up stealing the show, and hush puppies are no exception. Essentially, this Southern staple consists of a round cornmeal batter that is fried until it reaches a golden brown perfection. Traditionally, it’s paired with popular comfort foods like fried chicken, steak, or shrimp, but it surprisingly complements ribs just as well. Interestingly, the simplicity of the recipe belies its complexity.
With numerous ingredients involved, one might assume that preparing hush puppies would be an intricate process. However, the key to success lies in restraint – specifically, avoiding overmixing the batter at all costs. A secret to achieving tender and moist hush puppies is incorporating small, cubed pieces of cold butter into the mix.
Broccoli Salad
Taking a break from the usual lettuce-based salads, broccoli salad stands out for its unique ingredient – broccoli itself! Preparing this salad is incredibly quick and effortless, taking less than 15 minutes to whip up from start to finish. When it comes to creating a delicious broccoli salad, there are some essential tips to keep in mind. Firstly, opting for thicker shredded cheese will add a richer texture to the dish, while avoiding sharp cheddar ensures a smoother flavor profile.
For an added layer of depth, consider purchasing a block of cheese and shredding it yourself to get the perfect consistency. Furthermore, it’s crucial not to blanch your broccoli, as this can lead to a loss of flavors in the final product.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Years ago, preparing and cooking potatoes would take a significant amount of time, but the beauty of this dish lies in its efficiency – it can be ready in as little as 30 minutes. Yields of sweetness from sweet potatoes are already high, which is why adding marshmallows or brown sugar can actually overpower their natural flavor.
You’ll notice that there’s a considerable list of ingredients involved, but don’t worry, there are plenty of substitutes to make this dish accessible to those with dietary restrictions. Yogurt and sour cream can be swapped out for vegan alternatives like plant-based yogurt or soy sour cream, while butter can be replaced with extra-virgin olive oil.
Laura Hauser is a food writer and editor passionate about authentic, approachable home cooking.
