Don’t Forget the Sides—These 24 BBQ Favorites Will Have Everyone Talking

You already know the mains get all the love at BBQs, but let’s be real—the sides are where the magic happens. I’ve rounded up some serious game-changers, and trust me, these BBQ favorites will have everyone talking (and probably asking for the recipe). From creamy classics to fresh twists, there’s something here that’ll totally steal the spotlight. Bring one to the party and watch it disappear in minutes.

Creamy Macaroni Salad With Cheese

Creamy macaroni salad with 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

Skillet Brown Butter Cornbread

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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

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

Grilled Corn Salad With Blueberries

A clear glass bowl of corn salad with blueberries. — Grilled Corn Salad With Blueberries. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

You’ll love this Grilled Corn Salad with Blueberries with a little cumin, onions and cilantro to give this a savory twist.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Salad With Blueberries

Zucchini Pasta Salad With Balsamic Vinegar

Zucchini noodles with cherry tomatoes on a white platter with a wooden spoon — Zucchini Pasta Salad With Balsamic Vinegar. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Pull out the spiralizer and make a refreshing Zucchini Salad with Balsamic Vinegar with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and zoodles.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Pasta Salad With Balsamic 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 summertime salad and incredibly simple to make for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad With Walnuts

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

Classic Southern Squash Casserole

A scoop of a squash casserole. — Classic Southern Squash Casserole. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

This creamy squash casserole is the nostalgic bake your family didn’t know they needed at the BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Classic Southern Squash Casserole

Mexican Cornbread

Southern cornbread stacked on a platter. — Mexican Cornbread. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

Loaded with cheese, jalapeños, and corn, this hearty Mexican cornbread brings bold flavor to any spread.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Cornbread

Super Creamy Skillet Creamed Corn

A close-up image shows a skillet filled with creamy corn. A silver spoon holds a portion of the creamed corn, revealing kernels cooked in a luscious sauce and garnished with fresh herbs. The corn looks well-seasoned and ready to serve. — 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

Southern Baked Beans With Hamburger Meat

A spoon full of baked beans with hamburger. — 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

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.

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

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

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

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

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 Memorial Day. Served in a clear glass bowl that showcases all the beautiful colors.
Get the Recipe: Classic 7 Layer Salad

Crisp Cucumber Salad Recipe With Zesty Honey Dressing

A bowl filled with sliced cucumbers, thin red onion slices, and fresh dill makes a perfect choice for spring salads. A wooden spoon rests beside the bowl, with part of a blue-striped cloth napkin visible. — Crisp Cucumber Salad Recipe With Zesty Honey Dressing. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This Crisp Cucumber Salad Recipe With Zesty Honey Dressing is a delicious and easy recipe you can make year-round in under 10 min.
Get the Recipe: Crisp Cucumber Salad Recipe With Zesty Honey Dressing

Spicy Peach Coleslaw Without Mayonnaise

A bowl of peach coleslaw without mayo in a bowl with wooden spoons. — Spicy Peach Coleslaw Without Mayonnaise. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Spicy Peach Coleslaw without Mayonnaise is a classic summer salad with peach dressing that delivers a fresh variation you’re going to love.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Peach Coleslaw Without Mayonnaise

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

Broccoli Salad with Cranberries and a Honey Yogurt Dressing

A bowl of broccoli salad on a serving tray. — Broccoli Salad with Cranberries and a Honey Yogurt Dressing. Photo credit: Butter and Bagagge.

A light and fresh broccoli salad coated in a honey yogurt dressing is just what you need for a backyard cook-out or to add to a holiday table. Make it a day ahead and add the dressing an hour before serving.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Cranberries and a Honey Yogurt Dressing

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

A close-up of a creamy pasta salad with black beans, corn, chopped onion, and fresh cilantro on a white plate, served with a spoon—perfect for adding to your list of Cinco de Mayo recipes. — Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is fresh vegetables and pasta tossed in a Mexican chili lime sauce and served chilled. Delish!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Creamy Pea Salad With Cheddar Cheese

A pea salad with cheddar cheese in a serving bowl. — 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

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

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