Just Bringing One Thing to The BBQ? Make It One of These 35 Easy Cookout Sides

Bringing just one thing to the BBQ doesn’t mean it can’t steal the show. These easy cookout sides are the kind of dishes people go back for seconds (and thirds). From creamy classics to fresh, zesty favorites, each one is simple to make but big on flavor. Pick one, and you’re instantly everyone’s favorite guest.

Bow Tie Pasta Salad With Basil Pesto

Delicious pesto pasta salad with fresh basil and cherry tomatoes in a glass bowl. — Bow Tie Pasta Salad With Basil Pesto. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Easy to make basil pesto pasta salad with bow tie pasta is a flavorful, colorful side that’s great for summer picnics or cookouts. It’s one of my favorite easy pasta salad recipes.
Get the Recipe: Bow Tie Pasta Salad With Basil Pesto

Burrata With Oranges

Close-up of a vibrant spring salad with slices of fresh mozzarella, orange segments, arugula leaves, and cracked black pepper sprinkled on top. — Burrata With Oranges. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Warm Up Your Winter: Southern Classics!

FREE EMAIL BONUS: Southern staples made simply & cozy

Creamy Burrata with Oranges instead of tomatoes is a great, light salad when the tomatoes are no longer fresh. A perfect salad for any cookout.
Get the Recipe: Burrata With Oranges

Cheesy Corn Casserole With Cream Cheese And Ham

A serving spoon in a corn casserole. — Cheesy Corn Casserole With Cream Cheese And Ham. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This ultra cheesy corn casserole with cream cheese and ham will be your new favorite side dish! Creamy, cheesy, and so much flavor!
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Corn Casserole With Cream Cheese And Ham

Savory Green Beans With Bacon

A close-up of cooked green beans mixed with pieces of bacon and sliced onions, served on a decorative blue and white plate—perfect for adding to your holiday side dishes spread. — Savory Green Beans With Bacon. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Green Beans with Bacon and Onions will transform a simple side dish into a FABULOUS one. Great for when you want to jazz up your vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Savory Green Beans With Bacon

Skillet Brown Butter Cornbread

Southern cooking at its best with Brown Butter Cornbread baked in a skillet using fresh corn and sour cream. Make it sweet with something unexpected.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Brown Butter Cornbread

Creamy Green Bean Casserole Without Canned Soup

A serving spoon in a green bean casserole made from scratch, — Creamy Green Bean Casserole Without Canned Soup. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Follow these steps at home to make this creamy casserole with fresh green beans. No canned mushroom soup here! A homemade cream sauce is used.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Green Bean Casserole Without Canned Soup

Easy Overnight 7 Layer Salad – It’s a Classic

A bowl of seven layer salad next to individual servings. — Easy Overnight 7 Layer Salad – It’s a Classic. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

With its gorgeous rows of colors and bright flavors, this classic Southern seven-layer salad is the perfect make-ahead dish for any cookout. Served in a clear glass bowl that showcases all the beautiful colors.
Get the Recipe: Classic 7 Layer Salad

Tomato Salad With Peaches

Fresh Peach and Tomato Salad can’t be beat when summer produce is at its best. Try combining fresh peaches with juicy tomatoes, then sprinkle with salty feta for a light and refreshing summer salad
Get the Recipe: Tomato Salad With Peaches

Southern Style Baked Mac And Cheese With Pimentos

Two plates of pimento mac and cheese. — Southern Style Baked Mac And Cheese With Pimentos. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Pimento mac and cheese is an easy, baked pasta dish made with zesty pimentos in a creamy cheese sauce, topped with even more golden cheddar.
Get the Recipe: Southern Style Baked Mac And Cheese With Pimentos

Southern Candied Yams Recipe

A spoon full of brown sugar sweet potatoes. — Southern Candied Yams Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

You can’t beat these super simple, 3-ingredient Candied Yams. Tender and sweet with a caramelized sauce, you’ll have them on the table in 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Southern Candied Yams Recipe

Easy Instant Pot Baked Beans

Make smoky, sweet, and tangy Instant Pot baked beans with pinto beans, Northern beans, molasses, and liquid smoke. Ready in minutes, perfect for gatherings!
Get the Recipe: Easy Instant Pot Baked Beans

Cold Antipasto Pasta Salad With Pepperoncini Peppers

A serving bowl of antipasto salad. — Cold Antipasto Pasta Salad With Pepperoncini Peppers. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This irresistible antipasto pasta salad is EASY to make with a simple homemade dressing, an Italian inspired pasta that’s great for summertime.
Get the Recipe: Cold Antipasto Pasta Salad With Pepperoncini Peppers

Roasted Balsamic Asparagus And Mushrooms

A platter of asparagus with mushrooms next to a container of balsamic vinegar — Roasted Balsamic Asparagus And Mushrooms. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Balsamic roasted asparagus and mushrooms is a great way to enjoy fresh produce. Roasting brings out so much flavor and it’s quick and EASY.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Balsamic Asparagus And Mushroom

Creamy Macaroni Salad With Cheese

A bowl of macaroni salad next to a wooden spoon. — Creamy Macaroni Salad With Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

A Southern-style macaroni salad made with a creamy mayo, sour cream and dijon mustard dressing. Mix with cheddar cheese to finish, and served chilled.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Macaroni Salad With Cheese

Greek Cucumber Salad With Lemon Dressing

A bowl of Greek salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese on a white surface—perfect for spring recipes. Small bowls of olives and feta are nearby. — Greek Cucumber Salad With Lemon Dressing. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Looking for a quick and flavorful salad recipe? Try our Greek Salad with refreshing cucumbers and zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Greek Cucumber Salad With Lemon Dressing

Grilled Potato Wedges In Just 20 Minutes

Someone dipping a potato into a bowl of sauce. — Grilled Potato Wedges In Just 20 Minutes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This easy, 20-minute grilled potato wedges recipe makes light and pillowy potatoes that are crispy on the outside.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Potato Wedges In Just 20 Minutes

Corn And Cucumber Salad With Greek Yogurt

A creamy cucumber salad with corn in a glass bowl with a serving spoon — Corn And Cucumber Salad With Greek Yogurt. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Jazz up your salad menu with a Corn and Cucumber Salad. The mixture of veggies in a creamy yogurt, mayo and dill dressing make it a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Corn And Cucumber Salad With Greek Yogurt

Simple Macaroni Salad Recipe

Close-up of creamy macaroni salad with elbow pasta, diced carrots, celery, pickles, and a mayonnaise-based dressing—just like recipes mom used to make—mixed together with two gold-colored utensils. — Simple Macaroni Salad Recipe. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

This simple Macaroni Salad Recipe is delicious and can be made in 15 minutes! It’s the perfect creamy, crunchy, fresh and cold summer salad.
Get the Recipe: Simple Macaroni Salad Recipe

Summer Pasta Salad With Fresh Peaches

A pasta salad with peaches, corn and tomatoes in a serving bowl. — Summer Pasta Salad With Fresh Peaches. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This refreshing summer salad is made with fresh peach slices, sweet corn, juicy grape tomatoes, pine nuts, and your favorite pasta. It’s one of my go-to cold pasta dishes to beat the heat.
Get the Recipe: Summer Pasta Salad With Fresh Peaches

Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

A clear bowl of ranch potato salad. — Bacon Ranch Potato Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Ranch potato salad loaded with bacon, cheese and a sour cream ranch dressing is just what you need for your next potluck.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

Creamy Pea Salad With Cheddar Cheese

A bowl of pea salad with a serving spoon. — Creamy Pea Salad With Cheddar Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This green pea salad is a Southern favorite that comes together in one bowl. Easy to make ahead, it’s flavorful with a touch of a spicy kick.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Salad With Cheddar Cheese

Baked Macaroni & Cheese With Cottage Cheese

A serving of mac and cheese being removed from a casserole dish. — Baked Macaroni & Cheese With Cottage Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

With cottage cheese blended into its sauce, this baked one-pot mac and cheese recipe is ultra-creamy. A delicious twist on classic mac & cheese.
Get the Recipe: Baked Macaroni & Cheese With Cottage Cheese

Mexican Cornbread Recipe With Creamed Corn

A stack of Mexican cornbread on a rack. — Mexican Cornbread Recipe With Creamed Corn. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Try a Tex-Mex version of Southern cornbread made with creamed corn and green chilies. A super moist cornbread that you can prep in 10 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Cornbread Recipe With Creamed Corn

No Mayo Roasted Potato Salad With Bacon

Parsley being sprinkled over warm potato salad — No Mayo Roasted Potato Salad With Bacon. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This warm Roasted Potato Salad is not only great for your next potluck or cook out, but it’s perfect for a simple dinner.
Get the Recipe: No Mayo Roasted Potato Salad With Bacon

Tangy Cucumber Salad With Apple Cider Vinegar

A bowl of cucumber salad with onions and two serving spoons — Tangy Cucumber Salad With Apple Cider Vinegar. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This tangy Cucumber Salad is light, refreshing, and since it has no mayo, it’s perfect for warm summer days.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Cucumber Salad With Apple Cider Vinegar

Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad With Walnuts

A side dish of pesto pasta next to fresh parsley. — Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad With Walnuts. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This easy parsley pesto pasta salad with walnuts is a great summer salad and incredibly simple to make for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad With Walnuts

Super Creamy Skillet Creamed Corn

A skillet filled with creamy, cooked corn kernels being stirred by a wooden spoon. The creamed corn appears to be seasoned and mixed with a rich, creamy substance, creating a luscious texture. The background is a grayish cooking surface. — Super Creamy Skillet Creamed Corn. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Rich, buttery Creamed Corn gets a homemade makeover with just four simple ingredients and 10 minutes on the stove.
Get the Recipe: Super Creamy Skillet Creamed Corn

Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad

Ranch pasta salad in a bowl with a wooden spoon. — Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

With all the classic flavors of creamy ranch dressing, salty bacon, and cheddar cheese, this ranch pasta salad is a refreshing crowd pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad

Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Buttermilk

A bowl of creamy coleslaw with shredded purple cabbage, carrots, and herbs sits on a gray cloth napkin next to vintage silver utensils—perfect as one of your favorite dinner side dishes. — Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Buttermilk. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Looking for a mouthwatering red cabbage coleslaw recipe? Try our quick and easy Southern dish that is perfect for busy cooks. Enjoy the creamy goodness!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Buttermilk

Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

Baked macaroni and cheese in a round baking dish on a napkin with spoons. — Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni And Cheese Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese from Poole’s Diner is a classic with a creamy base and crusty cheese on top. Comfort food at its BEST.
Get the Recipe: Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

Southern Baked Beans With Hamburger Meat

A skillet of baked beans with ground beef with a serving spoon. — Southern Baked Beans With Hamburger Meat. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

These easy baked beans with ground beef are a perfect side dish for cookouts. Smoky with a sticky sweet sauce, they’re a classic.
Get the Recipe: Southern Baked Beans With Hamburger Meat

Green Beans And New Potato Salad With Honey Vinaigrette

A platter of green bean and potato salad. — Green Beans And New Potato Salad With Honey Vinaigrette. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Full of fresh summer flavors, this cold green bean salad recipe adds in tender new potatoes for a refreshing take on a classic summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans And New Potato Salad With Honey Vinaigrette

Oven Roasted Crispy Potatoes And Onions

A serving bowl of crispy potatoes and onions. — Oven Roasted Crispy Potatoes And Onions. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Try some easy oven roasted potatoes and onions for a spectacular side dish that is great with any meal.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Crispy Potatoes And Onions

Old-Fashioned Carrot Salad With Raisins

Carrot salad in a bowl. — Old-Fashioned Carrot Salad With Raisins. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Fresh carrot raisin salad is EASY and so flavorful! All you need is a bowl and a grater to make this slightly sweet classic salad.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Carrot Salad With Raisins

Avocado Corn Salad

A bowl of colorful corn salad with diced avocado, red onion, red bell pepper, cilantro, and fresh corn kernels. — Avocado Corn Salad. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

This fresh corn and avocado salad recipe is perfect for summer. A delightful lime dressing adds zip and the avocado a lovely creaminess.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Corn Salad

Explore Recipes

MSN Slideshows