• 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

    These 35 Sides Are Why We Really Love BBQ Season

    Published: Jul 5, 2025 by Barbara Curry

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    There’s just something about a good BBQ that brings everyone together—and honestly, it’s not just about the grilled meat. These sides are why we love BBQ season so much, from the creamy, tangy classics to the fresh, crunchy surprises that always disappear first. You know the ones that make you pile your plate way too high but somehow still go back for seconds? That’s the kind of magic we’re talking about here.

    Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad

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


     

    This bright and herbaceous pasta salad is one of the best unique cookout recipes for hot summer days.
    Get the Recipe: Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad

    Mexican Cornbread

    A stack of Mexican cornbread on a rack.
    Mexican Cornbread. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

    Warm Up Your Winter: Southern Classics!

    FREE EMAIL BONUS: Southern staples made simply & cozy

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

    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

    Candied Yams with a Caramel Glaze

    Sweet potatoes cooking in a skillet.
    Add canned sweet potatoes to the brown sugar mixture and simmer.

    Sticky-sweet and irresistibly rich, these candied yams will win over everyone at your summer cookout.
    Get the Recipe: Candied Yams with a Caramel Glaze

    Southern Hot Water Cornbread

    A rack of hot water cornbread with butter and honey.
    Southern Hot Water Cornbread. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

    Old-school Southern charm meets crispy edges in this quick-fried cornbread, ideal for a soulful side.
    Get the Recipe: Southern Hot Water Cornbread

    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

    Creamy Southern Spoon Bread

    A serving spoon full of spoon bread.
    Creamy Southern Spoon Bread. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

    Soft, custardy, and ultra-comforting, this spoon bread is like cornbread’s gentler, fluffier cousin.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Southern Spoon Bread

    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.

    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

    Savory Green Beans With Bacon

    A bowl of Green Beans with Bacon and Onions, topped with crispy bacon pieces and caramelized onions, sits on a light cloth napkin with serving utensils. A small dish of extra bacon crumbles is nearby for added flavor.
    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

    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

    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

    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

    Southern Corn Pudding

    A baked corn pudding with a serving spoon removing a portion.
    Southern Corn Pudding. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

    This creamy and sweet corn pudding is comfort food at its finest and a must-have for your summer potluck recipes.
    Get the Recipe: Southern Corn Pudding

    Grilled Corn and Blueberry Salad

    A clear glass bowl of corn salad with blueberries.
    Grilled Corn and Blueberry Salad. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

    Sweet blueberries and smoky corn combine for a refreshing, colorful salad that’s anything but ordinary. Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn and Blueberry Salad

    Noodle Kugel

    A serving spoon of noodle kugel.
    Noodle Kugel. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

    This sweet and creamy noodle kugel is a surprising twist that pairs beautifully with smoky grilled meats.
    Get the Recipe: Noodle Kugel

    Pineapple Casserole

    A spoon full of pineapple cheese casserole.
    Pineapple Casserole. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

    Sweet, salty, and cheesy, this Southern classic is the quirky side dish your BBQ didn’t know it needed.
    Get the Recipe: Pineapple Casserole

    Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pears

    Balsamic vinegar being poured over roasted sweet potatoes.
    Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pears. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

    Caramelized and spiced, these sweet potatoes with pears add a sophisticated touch to any barbecue table.
    Get the Recipe: Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pear

    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

    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

    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

    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

    Old-Fashioned Carrot Salad With Raisins

    A bowl of carrot and raisin salad next to a bunch of carrots.
    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

    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

    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

    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

    Southern Tomato Pie

    A baking dish of tomato pie with a serving spoon.
    Southern Tomato Pie. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

    Cheesy, savory, and brimming with ripe tomatoes, this Southern Tomato Pie is a summer classic you’ll crave all season.
    Get the Recipe: Southern Tomato Pie

    Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes

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

    Golden brown and perfectly seasoned, these roasted potatoes are a must for anyone looking for easy BBQ side dish ideas.
    Get the Recipe: Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes

    Tex-Mex Squash Casserole

    A serving of cheesy casserole topped with sour cream and chopped green onions sits on a dark plate next to a fork. The dish, ideal for Cinco de Mayo recipes, features melted cheddar cheese and visible slices of jalapeño.
    Tex-Mex Squash Casserole. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

    Bring a little spice to your table with this cheesy squash casserole that puts a Tex-Mex twist on a Southern favorite.
    Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Squash Casserole

    Easy Fresh Green Beans And Mushrooms

    Easy Fresh Green Beans And Mushrooms. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Learn how to prepare fresh green beans and mushrooms that are crisp, not soggy, with these easy-to-follow steps and tips.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Fresh Green Beans And Mushrooms

    Crushed and Roasted New Potatoes

    A smashed new potato being removed form a pan.
    Crushed and Roasted New Potatoes. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

    Smash, roast, and crisp — these buttery new potatoes deliver bold flavor and satisfying crunch for your next gathering.
    Get the Recipe: Crushed and Roasted New Potatoes

    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

    Wild Rice with Roasted Grapes

    wild rice with roasted grapes in a white bowl.
    Wild Rice with Roasted Grapes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This unexpected combo of nutty wild rice and sweet roasted grapes creates a show-stopping dish that’s packed with flavor and texture.
    Get the Recipe: Wild Rice with Roasted Grapes

    Explore Recipes

    MSN Slideshows
    « The 22 Best Slow Cooker Recipes to Rescue Dinner Without Lifting a Finger
    I’m a Baker, and These Are the 24 Most Popular Cookie Recipes Everyone Asks For »

    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