BBQ ribs are a classic American dish loved by many. The smoky, tender meat is a favorite at cookouts and family gatherings. But what should you serve with your ribs?
The right side dishes can turn a good BBQ meal into a great one. They balance out the rich flavors of the ribs and add variety to your plate. From crisp salads to creamy potato sides, there are many options to choose from. This article will explore 17 tasty sides that pair well with BBQ ribs.
1. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with BBQ ribs. You can make it with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing. The cool, crisp texture balances the rich, smoky flavor of the ribs.
For a tangy twist, try adding apple cider vinegar to your coleslaw dressing. This cuts through the fatty meat and cleanses your palate between bites.
You can prepare coleslaw ahead of time, letting the flavors meld in the fridge. This makes it a convenient option for busy cookouts. Serve it chilled for a refreshing contrast to hot, saucy ribs.
2. Baked Beans
Baked beans are a classic side dish for BBQ ribs. They offer a sweet and savory flavor that complements the smoky meat perfectly.
You can make baked beans from scratch or use canned beans for a quicker option. Add bacon, onions, and molasses to enhance the taste.
For extra flavor, try mixing in some BBQ sauce or mustard. Slow-cooking the beans allows the flavors to blend nicely.
Serve your baked beans hot alongside your ribs. They’ll add a comforting, hearty element to your meal that guests will love.
3. Cornbread Muffins
Cornbread muffins are a perfect side for BBQ ribs. They’re easy to make and taste great. You can whip up a batch quickly using a simple mix of cornmeal, flour, and a few other ingredients.
These muffins have a slightly sweet flavor that goes well with savory ribs. Their crispy outside and soft inside give a nice texture contrast to the meat. You can customize them by adding things like corn kernels, jalapeños, or cheese.
For extra flavor, serve the muffins with honey butter. Just mix some honey into softened butter. This sweet spread takes the muffins to the next level and complements the tangy BBQ sauce on your ribs.
4. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob is a perfect side for BBQ ribs. You can cook it right on the grill alongside your main dish.
Start by removing the husks and silk from the corn. Brush each cob with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Place the corn directly on medium-high heat grill grates. Cook for about 15 minutes, turning every few minutes. The kernels will get slightly charred and become tender.
For extra flavor, you can brush the corn with melted butter and sprinkle with herbs or spices before serving. Paprika, cumin, or cilantro work well.
5. Potato Salad
Potato salad is a classic BBQ side dish that pairs perfectly with ribs. You can make it ahead of time, which saves you work on the day of your cookout.
The creamy texture and cool temperature of potato salad provide a nice contrast to hot, smoky ribs. For the best flavor, use waxy potatoes like red or yellow varieties.
Mix in some chopped celery and onions for crunch. Add hard-boiled eggs for extra richness. Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of mustard to complement the BBQ flavors.
6. Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a perfect side for BBQ ribs. The creamy, cheesy pasta balances the smoky meat flavors. You can make it from scratch or use a boxed mix for convenience.
For extra flavor, try adding crispy bacon bits or breadcrumbs on top. Some people like to mix in diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Baking your mac and cheese gives it a golden, crunchy top crust. This adds a nice texture contrast to the tender ribs.
7. Green Beans Almondine
Green beans almondine is a tasty side dish that pairs well with BBQ ribs. You’ll love the crunch of toasted almonds mixed with tender green beans.
To make this dish, start by blanching fresh green beans until they’re bright green and crisp-tender. Then sauté them in butter with sliced almonds and minced garlic.
Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. The bright, fresh flavor of the green beans complements the rich, smoky taste of BBQ ribs nicely.
This side dish is quick to prepare and adds a touch of elegance to your BBQ spread. It’s a great way to include some veggies with your meal.
8. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a tasty twist on regular fries. They pair well with BBQ ribs because of their sweet flavor.
To make them, cut sweet potatoes into thin strips. Toss them with a little oil and your favorite spices. Bake them in a hot oven until crispy.
These fries are healthier than regular fries. They have more vitamins and fiber. You can serve them with a dipping sauce like ranch or BBQ sauce.
Sweet potato fries add color to your plate. Their orange hue looks great next to the dark meat of ribs. Try them at your next BBQ for a crowd-pleasing side dish.
9. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a tasty side dish that pairs well with BBQ ribs. You can make it easily at home with a few simple ingredients.
Start by mixing softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt. Spread this mixture on sliced French bread or Italian bread.
Pop the bread in the oven until it’s crispy and golden brown. The result is a warm, fragrant side that complements the savory flavors of your ribs.
Garlic bread helps soak up the BBQ sauce and provides a nice contrast to the meat. It’s a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will enjoy.
10. Fried Okra
Fried okra is a tasty Southern side that pairs well with BBQ ribs. This crispy veggie dish adds a nice crunch to your meal.
To make fried okra, slice fresh okra into small rounds. Coat the pieces in cornmeal and fry them until golden brown.
The result is a crispy exterior with a tender inside. Fried okra has a mild flavor that complements the rich taste of BBQ ribs.
Serve your fried okra hot and seasoned with salt. You can offer a dipping sauce like ranch or remoulade on the side for extra flavor.
11. Dill Pickles
Dill pickles are a tangy, crunchy side that pairs well with BBQ ribs. Their zesty flavor cuts through the rich, smoky meat. You can serve whole pickles or pickle spears alongside your ribs.
For a fun twist, try fried pickles. Coat pickle slices in seasoned flour and fry until golden. The crispy exterior and juicy interior make a great contrast to tender ribs.
You can also chop dill pickles and add them to coleslaw or potato salad for extra flavor. This adds a nice kick to traditional BBQ sides.
12. Hush Puppies
Hush puppies are a tasty side dish that pairs well with BBQ ribs. These deep-fried cornmeal fritters offer a crunchy contrast to tender, smoky ribs.
You can make hush puppies with simple ingredients like cornmeal, flour, eggs, and milk. Add onions or jalapeños for extra flavor.
Drop small lumps of the batter into hot oil and fry until golden brown. Serve these crispy bites alongside your ribs for a satisfying Southern-inspired meal.
13. Corn Pudding
Corn pudding is a tasty side dish that goes well with BBQ ribs. This creamy, sweet treat combines fresh or canned corn with a custard-like base.
You can make corn pudding easily by mixing corn kernels with eggs, milk, and a touch of sugar. Add some flour or cornmeal to thicken it up.
Bake the mixture until it’s golden and set. The result is a soft, comforting side that balances the smoky flavor of ribs. Corn pudding offers a nice contrast to the meat’s texture too.
Try adding cheese, herbs, or diced peppers to your corn pudding for extra flavor. It’s a versatile dish that you can adapt to your taste.
14. Broccoli Slaw
Broccoli slaw is a fresh and crunchy side that pairs well with BBQ ribs. You can make it easily by mixing shredded broccoli stems with carrots and red cabbage.
Add a creamy dressing made from mayo, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of honey. This gives the slaw a tangy-sweet flavor that complements the rich taste of ribs.
For extra crunch, toss in some sunflower seeds or sliced almonds. You can also add dried cranberries for a burst of sweetness.
Broccoli slaw is not only tasty, but it’s also packed with vitamins and fiber. It’s a great way to balance out your rib meal with some healthy veggies.
15. Pickled Red Onions
Pickled red onions add a tangy crunch to your BBQ rib meal. They’re easy to make at home. You’ll need red onions, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and salt.
Slice the onions thinly. Mix the vinegar, sugar, and salt in a pan. Heat until the sugar dissolves. Pour this mixture over the onions in a jar.
Let the onions sit for at least an hour before serving. They’ll turn a bright pink color. These pickled onions last in the fridge for weeks. Serve them cold alongside your hot, smoky ribs for a nice contrast.
16. Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs make a tasty side dish for BBQ ribs. These creamy, tangy bites offer a cool contrast to the smoky meat.
You can prepare deviled eggs ahead of time and chill them until serving. This makes them perfect for barbecues and picnics.
To make deviled eggs, hard-boil eggs, slice them in half, and mix the yolks with mayo, mustard, and seasonings. Pipe or spoon the mixture back into the egg whites.
For extra flavor, try adding crispy bacon bits, chives, or paprika on top. Deviled eggs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser alongside your BBQ ribs.
17. Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salad is a refreshing side dish for BBQ ribs. You can make it quickly with just a few ingredients. Slice cucumbers thinly and mix them with sliced red onions.
For the dressing, combine vinegar, sugar, salt, and dill. Pour this over the cucumbers and onions. Let it chill in the fridge for about an hour before serving.
This cool and crisp salad balances the rich, smoky flavor of ribs. It’s light and tangy, which helps cut through the heaviness of the meat. Plus, it adds a nice crunch to your meal.
Perfect Pairings for BBQ Rib Flavors
The right side dishes can enhance the taste of BBQ ribs. Certain foods pair well with smoky, sweet, spicy, or savory rib flavors. Here are some tasty options to try with different types of ribs.
Enhancing Smoky Ribs
Smoky ribs go great with creamy or tangy sides. Try coleslaw with a vinegar-based dressing to cut through the richness. The crunch adds nice texture too.
Baked beans are another classic pairing. Their sweet and savory flavor complements smoky meat well. Add some bacon to the beans for extra smokiness.
Grilled corn on the cob is perfect with smoky ribs. Brush it with butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper. The smoky-sweet corn flavor matches the ribs nicely.
Mac and cheese is also tasty with smoky ribs. The creamy cheese sauce balances the strong meat flavor. Add some crispy breadcrumbs on top for crunch.
Complementing Sweet and Spicy Ribs
Sweet and spicy ribs need sides that can stand up to bold flavors. Potato salad works well here. The creamy, cool potato offsets spicy heat nicely.
Watermelon is refreshing with spicy ribs. Its sweetness cools your mouth between bites of meat. Sprinkle it with a little salt to bring out the flavor.
Cornbread is great for soaking up sweet and spicy rib sauce. Make it extra tasty by adding corn kernels or jalapenos to the batter.
Collard greens balance sweet ribs with their slightly bitter taste. Cook them with bacon and vinegar for more flavor. The meaty greens hold their own next to ribs.
Balancing Savory Ribs
Savory ribs pair well with lighter, fresher sides. A simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing cuts through the rich meat flavor.
Grilled veggies are healthy and tasty with savory ribs. Try zucchini, peppers, and onions brushed with olive oil. The light char adds nice flavor.
Pasta salad is filling but not too heavy. Use a vinegar-based dressing instead of mayo. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs for freshness.
French fries or sweet potato fries are crowd-pleasers with ribs. The salty crunch is satisfying between bites of meat. Serve with ketchup or BBQ sauce for dipping.
Tips for Choosing Side Dishes
Picking the right sides can make your BBQ rib meal even better. Focus on balancing flavors and textures to create a satisfying spread.
Considering Texture and Contrast
Mix up textures to keep things interesting. Pair crispy sides with tender ribs. Try adding a crunchy coleslaw or crisp corn on the cob.
Soft, creamy dishes like mac and cheese or mashed potatoes also work well. They give a nice contrast to the chewy meat.
For a mix of textures, try a bean salad with crunchy veggies. Or make a potato salad with crisp celery and soft potatoes.
Remember to include some fresh, raw veggies too. A simple green salad or sliced tomatoes can add a refreshing crunch.
Balancing Sweet and Savory Elements
BBQ ribs are often sweet and savory. Pick sides that complement these flavors without overwhelming them.
For a savory option, try garlic bread or roasted vegetables. These match the rich taste of the ribs without being too heavy.
Balance sweet ribs with tangy sides like pickles or vinegar-based coleslaw. The acid cuts through the fatty meat and cleanses your palate.
Don’t forget about fruit. Grilled pineapple or a watermelon salad can add a fresh, sweet note to your meal.
For a sweet and savory mix, try baked beans or corn on the cob with butter and herbs. These classic sides hit both flavor notes.