• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Butter & Baggage logo
  • Recipe Search
    • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Breads & Biscuits
    • Breakfast
      • Muffins
    • Casseroles
    • Desserts
      • Bars
      • Brownies
      • Cakes & Cupcakes
      • Cookies
      • Fruit Desserts
      • Pies, Cobblers & Crisps
    • Main Dishes
      • Beef
      • Chicken
      • Pork
      • Seafood
    • Pasta
      • Mac and Cheese
    • Salads
    • Sauces & Dips
    • Side Dishes
    • Snacks
    • Soups & Chilis
  • Shop
  • My Favorites
  • Kitchen Hacks
  • About
    • Editorial Policies
    • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Search
  • Recipe Index
  • Kitchen Hacks
  • Portfolio
  • About
  • Editorial Policies
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » MSN Slideshows

    The 12 Classic Family-Style Sides Your Grill Night Has Been Missing

    Published: Aug 13, 2025 by Barbara Curry

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    Grill nights are way more than just the main course—they’re all about the sides that bring everyone together around the table. I’ve been obsessed lately with classic family-style sides that are easy to make but feel like a hug in food form. From creamy, cheesy favorites to crisp, refreshing bites, these dishes somehow make every meal feel extra special. Honestly, once you add a few of these to your spread, your grill nights will never be the same.

    Warm Roasted Potato Salad with Smoky Bacon

    Parsley being sprinkled over warm potato salad
    Warm Roasted Potato Salad with Smoky Bacon. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.


     

    No mayo here—just tender roasted potatoes tossed with crispy bacon and herbs for a side that steals the grill night spotlight.
    Get the Recipe: Warm Roasted Potato Salad with Smoky Bacon

    Family-Style Crispy Roasted Potatoes

    oven roasted potatoes in a baking dish.
    Family-Style Crispy Roasted Potatoes. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

    Warm Up Your Winter: Southern Classics!

    FREE EMAIL BONUS: Southern staples made simply & cozy

    Perfectly golden and seasoned to please the whole table—these potatoes are a must beside anything hot off the grill.
    Get the Recipe: Family-Style Crispy Roasted Potatoes

    Citrus-Kissed Carrot Salad

    A pile of sliced carrots and onions in a bowl.
    Citrus-Kissed Carrot Salad. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

    Bright, crunchy, and zesty—this colorful salad adds a refreshing pop to balance rich grilled meats.
    Get the Recipe: Citrus-Kissed Carrot Salad

    Grill Night 7-Layer Salad

    A bowl of seven layer salad next to individual servings.
    Grill Night 7-Layer Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Loaded with layers of crisp veggies, creamy dressing, and cheese, this retro side is a true crowd-pleaser at any cookout.
    Get the Recipe: Grill Night 7-Layer Salad

    Tangy Buttermilk Red Cabbage Slaw

    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.
    Tangy Buttermilk Red Cabbage Slaw. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Colorful, crunchy, and creamy with a tangy kick—this slaw is the perfect partner for smoky grilled mains.
    Get the Recipe: Tangy Buttermilk Red Cabbage Slaw

    Creamy Cheddar Macaroni Salad

    Creamy macaroni salad with a wooden spoon.
    Creamy Cheddar Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Cool, creamy, and packed with cheddar—this Southern-style classic belongs at every backyard gathering.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Cheddar Macaroni Salad

    Fresh Green Bean & New Potato Salad

    A platter of green bean and potato salad.
    Fresh Green Bean & New Potato Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Light, herby, and dressed in a sweet-tangy vinaigrette—this side brings garden freshness to your grill night spread.
    Get the Recipe: Fresh Green Bean & New Potato Salad

    Greek Wedge Salad with Creamy Feta

    Greek Wedge Salad with Creamy Feta. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Crisp lettuce wedges, briny olives, and tangy feta dressing—this side brings Mediterranean flair to your grill night.
    Get the Recipe: Greek Wedge Salad with Creamy Feta

    Skillet Creamed Corn for the Whole Table

    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.
    Skillet Creamed Corn for the Whole Table. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Sweet, creamy, and ready in minutes—this buttery corn dish pairs perfectly with anything hot off the grill.
    Get the Recipe: Skillet Creamed Corn for the Whole Table

    Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes for a Crowd

    A bowl full of creamy mashed potatoes with butter melting on top.
    Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes for a Crowd

    Rich, creamy, and indulgent—these make-ahead mashed potatoes with mascarpone keep their magic for your big grill night.
    Get the Recipe: Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes for a Crowd

    Zoodle Caprese Salad with Balsamic

    Zucchini noodles with cherry tomatoes on a white platter with a wooden spoon
    Zoodle Caprese Salad with Balsamic. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Light and refreshing, this zucchini noodle caprese adds a crisp, tangy touch to balance grilled favorites.
    Get the Recipe: Zoodle Caprese Salad with Balsamic

    Crispy Crushed New Potatoes for Sharing

    A smashed new potato being removed form a pan.
    Crispy Crushed New Potatoes for Sharing. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

    Golden, crispy edges with soft, buttery centers—these smashed potatoes are grill night gold.
    Get the Recipe: Crispy Crushed New Potatoes for Sharing

    Explore Recipes

    MSN Slideshows
    « Your Inner Kid Will Thank You for These 10 Frozen Treats with a Nostalgic Twist
    Another 11 Handwritten Recipes Worth Passing Down »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Barbara holds a tote bag filled with flowers, baguettes, and fresh produce at an indoor market.

    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.

    More about me →

    Subscribe

    Spring Sides

    • A wooden spoon with a serving of macaroni salad.
      Creamy Southern Macaroni Salad with Cheese
    • A plate of green bean salad with potatoes next to salmon.
      Green Beans and New Potato Salad with Honey Vinaigrette
    • A basket of yeast dinner rolls.
      Old-Fashioned Yeast Rolls with a Modern, Foolproof Method
    • Cornbread corn pudding with a serving spoon in a casserole dish.
      Custardy Cornbread Pudding Casserole

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Our All-Star Recipes

    • A round baking dish of mac and cheese with a serving spoon.
      Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese
    • A skillet of charred corn with a wooden spoon.
      Skillet Charred Corn with Bacon and Cream
    • A serving spoon of ground beef potato casserole.
      Hamburger Potato Casserole Without Canned Soup
    • A serving spoon of baked beans with hamburger.
      Southern Baked Beans with Ground Beef
    • A baked chicken tamale pie.
      Baked Chicken Tamale Pie Casserole with A Cornbread Crust
    • Square biscuits in a bowl with coffee cups.
      Square Buttermilk Biscuits (Tall & Flaky)

    COPYRIGHT © 2026 BUTTER & BAGGAGE | PRIVACY POLICY | WEB STORIES
    BRANDING & CUSTOMIZATION BY GRACE + VINE STUDIOS

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required