Barbecue meatballs are a classic party appetizer or main dish. Their sweet, tangy, and smoky flavor makes them a crowd-pleaser. However, the possibilities of what to serve alongside barbecue meatballs are endless. With the right sides and condiments, you can take your barbecue meatballs from basic to spectacular. This ultimate guide covers the best accompaniments to elevate your barbecue meatballs to new heights.
Savory Breads and Rolls
Barbecue meatballs pair exceptionally well with savory breads and rolls that can soak up the tangy sauce. Here are some excellent options:
- Dinner rolls: Fluffy, tender dinner rolls are perfect for pulling apart and dipping in the meatball sauce. Whole wheat or brioche rolls also work well.
- Biscuits: Buttery, flakey biscuits are ideal for serving with messy saucy meatballs. They soak up the sauce splendidly.
- Cornbread: For a heartier bread option, cornbread makes an excellent addition. The corn flavor complements the sweet barbecue sauce faultlessly.
- Garlic bread: What could be better than garlicky, buttery bread with barbecue meatballs? The rich flavors marry together impeccably.
- Pita/naan: For a lighter accompaniment, warm pita or naan bread rounds can be used to create mini meatball sandwiches.
Colorful Veggie Sides
Fresh, colorful vegetable sides help balance out the rich meatiness of barbecue meatballs. Here are some great veggies to consider:
- Coleslaw: Cool, creamy coleslaw is a classic barbecue side. The crunchy cabbage pairs perfectly with messy meatballs.
- Potato salad: Another traditional barbecue accompaniment, potato salad offers starchy bulk alongside the meatballs.
- Corn on the cob: For a fun side, grilled corn on the cob makes a sweet, smoky, and filling addition.
- Baked beans: No barbecue is complete without baked beans. Their tomatoey sweetness complements barbecue sauce beautifully.
- Macaroni salad: Elbow macaroni tossed in a creamy dressing makes a delicious pairing with barbecue meatballs.
- Collard greens: Slow-cooked, seasoned collard greens make a soulful vegetable side for your meatballs.
Satisfying Starches
Mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, and other hearty starches are natural pairings with saucy barbecue meatballs. They help soak up the sauce and add comfort to the meal. Consider these excellent starchy sides:
- Mashed potatoes: Smooth, creamy mashed potatoes are hard to resist alongside sticky barbecue meatballs. They’re a perfect match.
- Baked potatoes: For individuals who want their own potato, baked potatoes with barbecue meatballs on top can be spectacular. Load them with butter, cheese, bacon and more!
- Mac and cheese: Ooey-gooey macaroni and cheese makes a craveable pairing with barbecue meatballs. The cheese helps cut through the sauce’s sweetness.
- Rice: Simple white or brown rice fills out the plate nicely with barbecue meatballs. It soaks up the tasty sauce with ease.
- Pasta salad: Chilled pasta salad tossed with vinaigrette makes a refreshing, zesty side for rich meatballs.
- Potato wedges: For heartier appetites, crispy potato wedges offer an excellent fried starch option alongside meatballs.
Fresh, Bright Produce
Crunchy, fresh vegetables and fruits lend brightness and acidity to balance barbecue meatballs’ rich decadence. Some great options include:
- Garden salad: A fresh mixed greens salad with vinaigrette dressing helps cut through the meatballs’ richness.
- Tomato salad: Sliced tomatoes drizzled with olive oil, balsamic and basil make a simple Italian-inspired salad.
- Watermelon: Juicy watermelon slices or skewers offer sweetness to counter the meatballs’ smoky flavor.
- Coleslaw: As mentioned above, cool crunchy coleslaw complements barbecue meatballs splendidly.
- Corn salsa: For a Mexican twist, fresh corn salsa’s acidity balances the meatballs’ richness.
- Fruit skewers: Skewers of colorful fruit like pineapple, grapes, and berries make a naturally sweet garnish.
Indulgent Dips and Sauces
What’s a party appetizer without dips and sauces for dunking? These decadent dips pair perfectly with barbecue meatballs:
- Ranch dressing: Cool, herby ranch dressing is tailor-made for meatballs. The creaminess helps temper the barbecue sauce.
- Blue cheese dressing: For buffalo-style meatballs, tangy blue cheese dressing cools the spicy heat.
- Honey mustard: Sweet honey mustard makes a pleasantly pungent dipping sauce for barbecue meatballs.
- BBQ sauce: For meatball purists, offer extra barbecue sauce for dunking.
- Marinara sauce: For an Italian twist, have marinara sauce ready for mini meatball subs.
- Sour cream: Cool, rich sour cream helps balance spicy barbecue meatballs. Add in chives or bacon for extra flavor.
- Guacamole: Creamy, green guacamole may seem unorthodox, but it’s a secretly amazing pairing with barbecue meatballs. Give it a try! The avocado helps cut through the sauce’s richness.
- Queso: Oozy, melted queso cheese sauce takes meatballs over the top. The saltiness pairs so well with sweet, tangy barbecue sauce.
What Goes Good With BBQ Meatballs: Frequently Asked Questions
What drinks go well with barbecue meatballs?
Barbecue meatballs pair well with refreshing cold beverages that help cut through the sauce’s richness. Iced tea, lemonade, beer, and fruity cocktails complement them perfectly. Milkshakes or smoothies also make fun pairings. Avoid highly acidic drinks like sodas, as they may overpower the sauce’s nuanced flavor.
Should barbecue meatballs be served hot or cold?
Barbecue meatballs can be served either hot fresh off the grill or slow cooker, or chilled after being prepared in advance. Leftover cold meatballs are also delicious the next day straight from the fridge. Offering warmed sauce alongside cold meatballs helps bring back that gooey, juicy texture.
What’s the best barbecue sauce for meatballs?
For meatballs, choose a barbecue sauce without huge chunks of vegetables or a thin, vinegary consistency. Go for a smooth, tomato-based sauce with a sticky texture and balanced sweet, tangy and smoky flavors. KC Masterpiece makes an excellent ready-made sauce for meatballs. For extra flavor, simmer the meatballs right in the sauce after cooking.
How can I make my barbecue meatballs gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs, panko, or oats in place of regular breadcrumbs when making the meatballs. Bind them together with egg instead of bread. For the sauce, choose a certified gluten-free barbecue sauce or make your own using gluten-free ketchup as the base. Serve gluten-free rolls or corn bread alongside for a healthy pairing.
Should I skewer my barbecue meatballs?
Skewering the cooked meatballs makes for neater serving and eating. Bamboo or metal skewers add a fun presentation. Skewering also allows you to alternate meatballs with veggie pieces or fruits for perfectly portioned kabobs. Soak wooden skewers beforehand to prevent burning.
Conclusion
Barbecue meatballs have endless tasty pairings beyond just ketchup or barbecue sauce for dunking. With the right combination of sides, condiments, and dips, you can take your meatballs from boring to sensational. Savory breads, starchy sides, fresh produce, creamy dips, and juicy fruits all complement barbecue meatballs beautifully. Use this guide’s suggestions to create a full spread that suits any occasion. With the perfect accompaniments, your barbecue meatballs will be the star appetizer or entree at any gathering.