Sizzling sides: 8 delish dishes to serve at your summer BBQ
As the weather heats up, there's nothing quite like firing up the grill and enjoying a delicious barbecue with family and friends. While the main attraction may be the juicy burgers or mouth-watering steaks, the side dishes truly complete the meal. From classic potato salad to tangy coleslaw, there are countless options for summer barbecue sides.
Let's explore some of the most beloved and tasty side dishes that will surely be a hit at your next backyard cookout. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a newbie looking to impress, these side dishes will be your new secret weapon.
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate summer side dishes.
All-American Potato Salad
A staple at every barbecue, this dish will surely make your taste buds dance with joy. Picture perfectly cooked russet potatoes, boiled eggs and freshly chopped red onions, all delicately mixed together with an irresistible blend of yellow mustard, pickle relish, dill, celery, vinegar, and creamy mayonnaise.
The result is a creamy and dreamy potato salad that will have you returning for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).
Corn-on-the-Cob with Chile-Lime Butter
Get ready to sink your teeth into the ultimate summer side dish — barbecued corn-on-the-cob! Picture plump and juicy corn cobs, expertly grilled to tender perfection and bursting with flavor. We like them with husks removed, wrapped in aluminum foil and tossed right on the grill. This BBQ staple is a must-have at any summer gathering.
And the best part? The finishing touch of butter mixed with chile powder, cayenne and lime adds spice and richness to every bite.
Cheesy Garlic Ciabatta Toast
Warm and crusty ciabatta loaves slathered with deliciously aromatic garlic butter, then topped with fragrant parsley and a generous sprinkling of sharp parmesan cheese. Grilled to a perfect golden crisp, this mouth-watering bread is finished with a light char on the barbecue for a smoky and delicious touch.
Each bite is a heavenly combination of crunchy, buttery and cheesy flavors that will have you reaching for more.
Zesty Homemade Coleslaw
Get ready to elevate your barbecue game with a homemade coleslaw that will make you never want to settle for store-bought again! Imagine finely shredded cabbage, crisp carrots and parsley, all coated in a creamy and flavorful mayonnaise dressing with just the right amount of zing. But wait, there's more! This coleslaw is taken to the next level with the addition of zesty Dijon mustard and honey!
It's the perfect accompaniment to juicy burgers and succulent pulled pork sandwiches, and it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any summer gathering.
Roasted Cauliflower Salad
It's the ultimate vegetarian delight: a warm, flavorful dried apricot and cauliflower salad that marries textures and tastes. Imagine tender and aromatic roasted cauliflower, perfectly complemented by lentils, Mediterranean olives, pickled onions, and toasted nuts, all tossed in a zesty and refreshing mix of tahini and arugula.
With its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, this salad is the ideal addition to any summer spread — an irresistible vegetarian sensation that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Sweet Spinach Salad
Wondering how to balance out all that deliciously grilled meat? Look no further than this minty, mouth-watering summer salad — all the way from the UK! Imagine a crisp mix of black beans and baby spinach, topped with chunky heritage tomatoes, refreshing cucumber, sweet mango, creamy avocado, zesty red onion, radishes and tangy feta cheese.
And the dressing? Oh, it's a showstopper — a bright and flavorful mint and coriander and lime and honey mashup that ties all the flavors together in perfect harmony.
Summer Stuffed Peppers
Elevate your BBQ game with these irresistible stuffed peppers! Imagine plump and vibrant red and yellow bell peppers loaded to the brim with a mouth-watering medley of Italian sausage, creamy mozzarella, salty parmesan, juicy diced tomatoes, fluffy rice, red pepper flakes, basil, and rich stock.
The pièce de résistance? Grill them on the barbecue until they are perfectly browned and charred, adding a smoky and savory depth of flavor.
Twice Baked Potatoes
A potato lover's dream: tender and fluffy russet potatoes, expertly oven-baked to golden perfection and infused with the rich flavors of olive oil and sea salt. But that's just the beginning. These potatoes are then filled with a luscious and creamy mixture of tangy sour cream, bacon and cheddar cheese. The recipe here doesn't call for shallots and chives, but go ahead.
These twice-baked potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to any summer barbecue feast.
Get cooking!
Hosting a summer barbecue is a fun and exciting way to entertain your guests and make lasting memories in your new home. Along with grilling your favorite eats, it's important to have great side dishes to accompany them.
From corn on the cob done right to a new way to prepare baby spinach, these summer sides are sure to please all of your guests. So, fire up the grill, grab some ice-cold drinks, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate summer barbecue experience with friends and family!
