15 Hearty Summer Side Dishes For BBQ
When it comes to summer BBQs, I honestly think the side dishes can steal the show just as much as the grill. I love having a mix of hearty, satisfying sides that pair perfectly with all the smoky, grilled flavors.
That’s exactly why I put together these 15 Hearty Summer Side Dishes For BBQ — easy, crowd-pleasing recipes that are filling, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. These are the dishes I rely on when I want my BBQ spread to feel complete without overcomplicating things.
From comforting classics to fresh summer favorites, every idea here is simple to make and guaranteed to be a hit. If you want sides that everyone goes back for, this list has you covered.
1. Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts
Golden, crispy and delicious, Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts will change the way you think about Brussels sprouts!
2. Slow Cooker Herbed Baby Potatoes
This Slow Cooker Herbed Baby Potatoes recipe is a must-have in your side dish arsenal! Made with olive oil, baby potatoes, butter, and dried herbs, this hands-off potato recipe couldn’t be easier to make, thanks to the slow cooker!
These tender, seasoned baby potatoes are the perfect side for dinners, holidays, and potlucks!
3. Mushroom and Brandy Steak Sauce
This easy Mushroom and Brandy Steak Sauce is rich, creamy, luxurious and perfect for an at-home steak night! Perfect for making ahead it is also delicious served with chicken.
This easy Raw Asparagus Salad with Lemon, Hazelnuts & Pecorino balances crisp and fresh, sharp and salty and creamy and crunchy in this simple spring salad that celebrates a seriously underrated way to serve asparagus – raw!
Crispy Potato Rosti made easy with chef-tested techniques. Step-by-step tips to get the best golden crunch on the outside with tender potatoes on the inside – every time.
No more bland bites – these Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes bring the FLAVOR with two kinds of cheese, ample seasoning and a hint of garlic.
This creamy, earthy Truffle Mashed Potatoes recipe elevates a simple side dish to make it feel restaurant-worthy. It’s the kind of recipe that instantly upgrades your dinner table, whether it’s a busy weeknight, a holiday meal, or a special occasion.
8. CREAMY SMOKED MAC AND CHEESE
This easy and creamy Smoked Mac and Cheese is a must-have side dish for holidays and backyard BBQs. Made without Velveeta and packed with flavor, it’s got a cheesy crust on the outside and a gooey, creamy center that melts in your mouth. Smoke it low and slow for next-level flavor!
This Brussel Sprout Casserole is rich, cheesy and packed with crispy bacon and tender sprouts baked in a creamy cheddar-gruyere sauce. The golden panko topping adds just the right crunch for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish.
10. Herby Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Give your holiday table an herby, tangy twist with my Healthy Mashed Sweet Potatoesrecipe.
Creamy-dreamy, cheerfully colored, and flavored with a wintry blend of rosemary, garlic, parsley, and protein-packed greek yogurt, these sweet spuds are perfect for pairing with all your cold-weather favorites.
11. Caramelized Brussels Sprouts
Even picky eaters will have a tough time resisting my easy, 8-ingredient maple-dijon glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon.
Pan-frying the cruciferous cuties in bacon fat infuses them with salty, smoky depth and helps them keep a pleasant bite, while the savory-sweet glaze helps balance the nutty, slightly bitter flavor of sprouts. The perfect cool weather side!
12. Parmesan Roasted Red Potatoes
These Parmesan Roasted Red Potatoes with Rosemary are perfectly golden brown and crispy. They are roasted with parmesan and fresh rosemary which is a perfect flavor combination. This easy side dish is perfect for your holiday meal!
These super easy Boursin cheese mashed potatoes are the most delicious and perfect side dish for nearly any meal.
The potatoes are mashed with creamy Boursin cheese and topped with crispy shallots and chives. They are a perfect addition to any dinner and will quickly become your favorite side dish.
14. Maple and Herb Roasted Delicata Squash
Roasted delicata squash is the perfect fall side dish. With a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkling of fresh herbs, it’s bursting with sweet and savory flavors. While roasting, the sweet delicata squash turns into tender, golden slices with beautifully caramelized edges.
15. Hasselback Potatoes with Crispy Edges
Give a classic starchy side dish a beautiful makeover with my Hasselback Potatoes recipe! Simple spuds are sliced thinly to create an accordion effect before baking, creating perfectly crisp edges, fluffy interiors, and plenty of nooks for herby garlic butter to seep in.
