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    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes » Southern BBQ Sides – 34 Great Ideas!

    Southern BBQ Sides – 34 Great Ideas!

    Published: May 19, 2022 · Modified: May 19, 2022 by Barbara Curry · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    A group of side dish recipes.

    While pulled pork or brisket might be the focus of your next bbq or cookout, there’s nothing like Southern BBQ sides to transform your party. Read on for 34 great ideas!

    A casserole dish of Mac & Cheese from Pooles' diner.

    With Memorial Day just around the corner, there’s nothing like bbq to celebrate the summer season. Depending on what area of the country you’re from, you might be serving pulled pork, brisket, chicken or burgers and hot dogs.

    Whatever the main course or type of barbecue sauce, I’ve gathered together 34 of some delicious Southern BBQ sides so you can choose the perfect side dish for your next barbecue. There are a few classics but also some with a twist. All easy recipes so you can have some great options.

    What type of meat should you serve for a bbq?

    A traditional bbq, in North Carolina, is going to include pulled pork. It serves a crowd and you can serve it by itself or on slightly sweet Hawaiian roll.

    Cooked pork being shredded with two forks.

    If pork’s not your thing, everyone loves grilled chicken especially with an apricot glaze glaze bbq sauce. Or you can go simple with burgers and hot dogs.

    A white platter full of grilled chicken drumsticks and thighs.

    Of course if you want to smoke a brisket or cook one in the slow cooker, it’s another great choice for a cook out.

    A platter of grilled spiral hot dogs.
    Two burgers on a platter with chips

    FAQ’s for your next bbq

    How much meat per person do you need for a bbq?

    The general rule is a half a pound per person but that will depend on the type of meat and how many sides you are serving. I’ve got everything you need to know to calculate in my planning guide.

    How many sides will you need?

    While they all look amazing, you’re going to have to choose. Start with an appetizer and add one starchier side, like mac and cheese or potato salad, and one more veggie based side dish. If you’re not serving your bbq on a bun, then there’s always room for rolls or biscuits or cornbread.

    What type of dessert should you serve at a bbq?

    No bbq is complete without dessert. I like one that can be made ahead of time. It can be a simple as brownies or wow your friends with a strawberry poke cake.

    What are classic sides at a Southern cookout?

    Traditionally you’ll find cole slaw, baked beans, classic potato salad, hush puppies and banana pudding. I’ve given you lots more to choose from.

    Southern Sides

    Regardless of what type of meat you want to serve, delicious sides can really shine at a bbq. While I love meat, sides are my favorite whether it’s a bbq or Thanksgiving dinner. I’ve included some family favorites that I make over and over again and also some truly Southern staples from some of my favorite bloggers.

    Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese

    Small cast iron pan with old fashioned macaroni and cheese.

    This Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese recipe from Poole’s Diner is a Southern classic with a creamy base and crusty cheese topping.  No bells and whistles, just pasta, cream and cheese. Comfort food at its BEST. 

    Read More

    Pineapple and Bacon Baked Beans

    A skillet of pineapple baked beans.

    A baked beans recipe (from South Your Mouth) with a Hawaiian twist made with sweet pineapple and smoky bacon or ham!

    Read More

    Southern Style Canned Green Beans

    Southern Green Beans in a skillet.

    The trick to making perfectly cooked Southern-style green beans with canned beans (from South Your Mouth) the beans don’t fall apart but taste like they’ve cooked all day.

    Read More

    Fried Apples

    An iron skillet with fried apples and a spoon.

    Slowly cooked in browned butter and sugar, fried apples are an incredible Southern side that’s easy enough to make on a weeknight. This Cracker Barrel copycat recipe for caramelized apples will melt in your mouth.

    Read More

    Southern Collard Greens Recipe

    Collard Greens in white bowls.

    These authentic Southern Collard Greens (from Grandbaby Cakes) are braised in a savory meat flavored and perfectly spiced pot liquor resulting in an amazing tender silky texture!!! Serve with this cornbread or corn muffins and hot sauce for a true down home meal. Looking for the real deal? This is a true Southerner’s dream! 

    Read More

    Sweet Creamed Corn Casserole

    Close up shot of sweet creamed corn casserole.

    This stupid easy Creamed Corn Casserole recipe (from The Food Charlatan) is made with a store bought Jiffy cornbread mix, and that’s not an apology. It is SO good! If you grew up with this Thanksgiving side dish you know what I’m talking about. It is creamy, corny, custardy, and sweet.

    Read More

    Lobster Mac & Cheese

    A skillet of mac & cheese with lobster.

    Lobster Mac and Cheese is one of the most comforting dishes loaded with cheesy goodness, chunks of lobster meat, and al dente pasta. This dish is baked to perfection to achieve that cheesy goodness top. An absolute decadent meal, perfect for a fancy date night or simply as a treat to make an ordinary day feel extra special!

    Read More

    Southern Creamed Corn

    Southern creamed corn in a small serving bowl.

    Made with fresh corn, this Southern Creamed Corn (from Dude That Cookz) strikes the perfect balance of sweetness. It’s ideal for dinner and family gatherings and will surely impress. Plus, it’s made entirely on the stovetop making this an easy dish that is ready in less than 30 minutes.

    Read More

    Southern Fried Okra

    Fried Okra stacked on a plate.

    No summer is complete without a few batches of homemade fried okra (from Spicy Southern Kitchen), dredged in flour and fried until golden. These fried nuggets with hints of green peeping through are so delicious, there’s no need to add anything to them except a light dusting of salt.

    Read More

    Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

    Loaded mashed potatoes in a casserole dish.

    If you’re on the hunt for a casserole that blows all other casseroles out of the water, you’ve come to the right place. Sure, mashed potatoes are fine on their own, but they couldn’t hold a candle to this Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole. (from The Anthony Kitchen)

    Read More

    Fried Green Tomatoes

    Plate of Fried Green Tomatoes on a plate with a small bowl of dipping sauce.

    Fried Green Tomatoes (from Melissa’s Southern Style Kitchen) are a time-honored Summer tradition in the South. Unripened tomatoes are coated with a perfectly seasoned cornmeal breading and fried until crispy and golden. They’re like slices of gold.

    Read More

    Southern Salads

    Corn and Cucumber Salad

    A creamy cucumber salad with corn in a glass bowl with a serving spoon

    Jazz up your Summer salad menu with a Corn and Cucumber Salad. The light and healthy mixture of veggies along with a creamy yogurt, mayo and dill dressing will satisfy any palate when the warm weather hits.

    Read More

    Ranch Potato Salad

    A clear bowl of ranch potato salad.

    Ranch potato salad loaded with bacon, cheese and a sour cream ranch dressing is just what you need for a summer potluck. This red potato salad with crispy bacon is too good to pass up.

    Read More

    Pink Salad

    A bowl of pink salad with cherries on top.

    If you want to make a nice fluffy sweet pink salad (from Southern Eats & Goodies), this will do it. It has fruit and just the right amount of fluff to make it super tasty.

    Read More

    Black Eye Pea Salad

    Oval serving bowl filled with black eye pea salad.

    Black-Eyed Peas (from The Anthony Kitchen) are bursting out of their comfort food tradition in a gorgeous, healthy salad loaded with light and refreshing ingredients.

    Read More

    Strawberry Asparagus Salad

    Large salad bowl filled with strawberry asparagus salad.
    SONY DSC

    Capture everything delicious about spring with this fresh and vibrant Strawberry Asparagus Salad recipe (from Southern Discourse) with an easy balsamic vinaigrette! Ideal for Easter, Mother’s Day, cookouts or as a light meal, this gorgeous seasonal salad is as pretty as it is tasty!

    Read More

    Classic 7 Layer Pea Salad

    Classic 7 layer pea salad in a glass trifle bowl.
    SONY DSC

    Bright & crisp, Classic 7 Layer Pea Salad (from Southern Discourse) wows with pops of green peas, salty bacon, cubed cheddar, lettuce, tomato and green onions all topped with a creamy dressing! Perfect for cookouts, potlucks, holidays and even family meals, this easy salad is as pretty as it is tasty!

    Read More

    Classic Southern Coleslaw

    A bowl of Southern coleslaw.

    Classic Southern Coleslaw (from House of Yumm). This quick and easy recipe comes together in minutes using only a handful ingredients. The cold, tangy flavors are perfect for pairing with some smokey BBQ meats.

    Read More

    Southern Bread

    Any cookout or bbq needs some bread to go with the saucy flavors from your main course. You don’t want cold bread so see how you can keep rolls warm using a slow cooker.

    Buttermilk biscuits

    A baking sheet of biscuits from scratch.

    It’s hard to beat a warm, tender buttermilk biscuit straight from the oven. Learn how to make homemade biscuits from scratch that will become a family favorite you’ll turn to again and again.

    Read More

    Sweet Pineapple rolls

    A baking dish of baked Hawaiian Rolls.

    Hawaiian Rolls have just a hint of sweetness and are so so fluffy.  EASY to make and perfect every time. The BEST yeast rolls you’ll ever make. 

    Read More

    Southern Cornbread

    A slice of moist 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.  A guaranteed crowd pleaser and great for summer cookouts or winter chili.

    Read More

    Hush Puppies

    A platter of homemade hush puppies.

    If you have never tried Homemade Hush Puppies, now is the time. They are not hard to make from scratch, and trust me, you’ll love this recipe! 

    Read More

    Southern Starters and Drinks

    While everyone is gathering, start out with some amazing appetizers and some refreshing drinks.

    Best Deviled Eggs

    Deviled eggs on a white platter.

    This recipe details the best deviled eggs ever (from Pip and Ebby). An American classic known for their appearances at summer potlucks and Easter dinner!

    Read More

    Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles

    Bread and Butter Pickles in a jar.

    This recipe for homemade bread and butter pickles (from Sugar and Soul) is easy, delicious, and doesn’t require canning. Just 20 minutes of prep and let your refrigerator do the rest of the work!

    Read More

    Fried Oyster Crackers

    Fried oyster crackers on a paper towel.

    Whether you love to snack on oyster crackers straight from the bag or use them as a topping for your favorite soups, bisques and chowders, these easy (and delicious) fried seasoned oyster crackers are for you. (from Garlic and Zest) They’re super crunchy, golden and lightly seasoned. Use pantry staples for the simple spice blend and bring these bite-sized beauties a whole new level.

    Read More

    Instant Pot Cajun Boiled Peanuts

    Instant pot cajun boiled peanuts in a small bowl.

    Spicy and salty, cajun boiled peanuts (from Basil & Bubbly) are the perfect summertime snack. Making them in the Instant Pot is MUCH faster than traditional methods, and they turn out perfectly tender each time.

    Read More

    Copycat Chick-Fil-A Lemonade

    A glass of lemonade with a slice of lemon.

    Copy Cat Chick-fil-a Lemonade recipe (from Eating On A Dime) is so refreshing and incredibly simple to make. Enjoy your favorite lemonade at home for a fraction of the price in just minutes!

    Read More

    Homemade Pink Lemonade

    Pink lemonade being poured into a glass of ice.

    With just a few simple ingredients, this Homemade Pink Lemonade (from The Country Cook) is the perfect, sweet and refreshing drink to cool you down this summer!

    Read More

    Southern Sweet Tea Recipe

    A glass pitcher of sweet tea next to two poured glasses with mint garnishes.

    This Southern Sweet Tea recipe (from Add A Pinch) is smooth, sweet, and delicious! It includes tried-and-true tips for how to make sweet tea that everyone loves! Includes Sweet Tea Concentrate!

    Read More

    Southern Desserts

    The best part about any bbq or cookout is ending with a delicious dessert, and no Southern cook would let her guests leave without something sweet. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, you could make something as simple as a brownie. For a pulled pork bbq the classic Southern dessert will be a Peach Cobbler or Banana Pudding.

    However, I prefer a sheet pan cake like a chocolate poke cake or a strawberry poke cake. Both are so moist and will feed a crowd, great if you have unexpected guests drop in. Here are a few more ideas to finish off your meal.

    Blueberry Cobbler

    A spoon picking up some blueberry cobbler that's been topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

    A Southern blueberry cobbler topped with biscuits is the perfect way to showcase delicious summer blueberries. A hint of lime and coconut put these over the edge. Use fresh or frozen blueberries for an easy, no fail dessert you can prepare in no time.

    Read More

    White Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream

    An ice cream cone with a scoop of peppermint white chocolate ice cream.

    A Peppermint + creamy white chocolate = ice cream heaven! (from Kickass baker) These two flavors combine to create a divinely refreshing, smooth frozen treat perfect for the winter holidays.

    Read More

    Banana Pudding

    A clear bowl of banana pudding with vanilla wafers on top.

    This Banana Pudding (from The Country Cook) is a no-cook recipe made with sweetened condensed milk, cream cheese, pudding, fresh bananas and Nilla wafers!

    Read More

    Cherry Pie Bars

    Cherry pie bars stacked on top of each other with fresh cherries around it.

    This is cherry pie made into an easy recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite! With a golden brown crust and loads of cherry flavor, this Cherry Pie Bar recipe (from Kickass Baker) is one delicious dessert.

    Read More

    Strawberry Poke Cake

    Strawberry Cake cut into slices with strawberries on each slice.

    Loaded with fresh strawberry sauce and a cream cheese frosting, this easy Strawberry Jam Cake will be your new go-to dessert for potlucks and gatherings. It’s so much better than a traditional strawberry poke cake, you’ll never go back to Jello again!

    Read More

    Now comes the hard part, trying to choose what to make! I try to choose as many make ahead things as I can, then you can just focus on the meat and enjoy yourself the day of the get together.

    « How Long do Blueberries Last – Tips & Tricks
    Strawberry Jam Cake »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. best ny bbq says

      May 31, 2022 at 4:10 am

      Barbecue is the most American food. There are numerous regional variations including the Memphis sticky ribs and Central Texas smoked brisket, along with Kansas City’s burnt ends and the Carolinas vinegar and mustard-sauced meats. But there’s more to the iconic cuisine than meets the eye.

      Reply
      • Barbara Curry says

        June 04, 2022 at 8:16 am

        I love to try all them all when I travel to those regions of the country.

        Reply

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    Barbara Curry is the culinary adventurer of Butter & Baggage. With a dedicated enthusiasm for real butter made from happy cows she is in constant pursuit of delicious recipes and tasty dishes. She shares her experiences, ventures, and occasional misadventures because let’s face it things can get messy in any kitchen.

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