Ribs are a classic barbecue food, with a finger-licking tender meat that slides right off the bone. When making ribs, most people focus on choosing the right cut, smoking or grilling technique, and bbq sauce to get the most flavorful ribs possible. However, the sides served alongside bbq ribs are just as important! Choosing the right sides can enhance the flavors of your ribs, add texture contrasts, provide extra sauces and seasonings, and fill out the plate. So what are the best side dishes to pair with bbq ribs? Here are some mouthwatering options to complement your ribs:
Main Dish Sides for BBQ Ribs
Baked Beans
Baked beans are a classic complement to bbq ribs. The sweet and tangy sauce provides a delicious contrast to the savory meat. To make this bean side:
- Use a mix of navy, pinto and kidney beans. Drain and rinse canned beans to remove excess sodium.
- Sauté onions, garlic, bell pepper and your favorite bbq sauce. Add molasses, brown sugar or maple syrup for sweetness.
- Fold the sauce into the beans and transfer to a casserole dish. Top with crumbled bacon and more bbq sauce.
- Bake at 325°F until bubbly and the beans are softened, about 1 hour. The sauce will become thick and sticky, coating each bean.
With a touch of smoky sweetness, baked beans are the perfect partner for your bbq ribs. The soft, hearty beans also add great texture.
Coleslaw
Cool, crunchy coleslaw balances the rich fattiness of bbq ribs. The acidity of the tangy dressing also cuts through the unctuous meat. Make coleslaw with:
- Thinly sliced green and red cabbage, shredded carrots and chopped onion.
- For the dressing, combine mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper.
- Let the coleslaw chill before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
The crisp cabbage and vegetables lend a refreshing contrast with each juicy bite of bbq ribs. The creamy dressing ties everything together.
Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is pure comfort food. The cheesy pasta bakes up creamy on the inside with a crispy top layer. Pairing mac and cheese with bbq ribs brings together two soul-satisfying classics. Make an easy mac and cheese with:
- Elbow pasta and a cheese sauce of milk, butter, flour and cheddar.
- Transfer to a baking dish, top with more cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Bake until bubbling and golden brown.
The ooey-gooey mac and cheese picks up the incredible flavors of the rib meat and sauce. It also provides an indulgent carb-loaded base for your plate.
Potato Salad
Potato salad is right at home alongside bbq ribs. The potatoes soak up any meat juices and bbq sauce drippings. Meanwhile, the mayonnaise-based dressing provides a cool, creamy foil to the ribs. Make a classic potato salad with:
- Diced russet or yellow potatoes, boiled until just tender.
- Toss the potatoes with mayonnaise, mustard, chopped onion, celery, parsley, salt and pepper.
- Let chill before serving for the flavors to blend.
The potato salad allows you to enjoy the meat, sauce and seasonings of the bbq ribs in every bite. It also adds heft and substance to your barbecue plate.
Lighter Sides for BBQ Ribs
Corn on the Cob
For a lighter compliment to heavier bbq ribs, try corn on the cob. The natural sweetness balances the salty, savory flavors of the ribs. Char the corn over the grill or barbecue alongside the ribs to pick up that smoky flavor. Then slather with butter, sprinkle with chili powder or top with a creamy sauce.
The juicy kernels and corny crunch provide a satisfying texture contrast to fall-off-the-bone ribs. Corn on the cob also makes for perfect handheld eating alongside your saucy ribs.
Watermelon Salad
A fresh watermelon salad adds a hydrating, sweet component to your plate. Dice up watermelon and combine with feta cheese, red onion and mint. Drizzle with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and lime juice. The sweet fruit paired with the salty cheese and tangy dressing cuts through the rich rib meat.
The watery crunch of each watermelon bite cleanses your palate after the fatty ribs. It provides a refreshing interlude before going back in for another round of ribs.
Coleslaw
Aside from the mayo-dressed coleslaw, you can also make a light lemon-vinaigrette coleslaw. Thinly slice green and red cabbage, shred carrots and thinly slice onions. In a dressing, combine lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper and a bit of sugar. Toss the vegetables with just enough dressing to coat.
The acidic lemon brightens up the heavy bbq ribs. The crunch of each vegetable provides texture contrast with the tender meat.
Cucumber Salad
A quick pickled cucumber salad offers tangy crunch alongside rich ribs. Thinly slice cucumbers and onions and toss with white vinegar, salt, sugar and dill. Let stand for 30 minutes before serving to allow the cucumbers to pickle slightly and absorb the flavors.
The crisp snap of each cucumber slice cuts through the fatty richness of the bbq ribs. The acidic vinegar also cleans your palate before the next juicy, saucy bite of meat.
Starchy Sides for Ribs
Cornbread
Moist, sweet cornbread is ideal for sopping up any meaty juices and sauce left behind on your plate. The coarse texture also complements the tender ribs. Bake up a skillet of cornbread with cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, egg and sugar. For added texture, mix in corn kernels, chopped peppers or green onions.
Slather your skillet cornbread with honey butter and enjoy each sweet, crumbly bite alongside your savory bbq ribs. The cornbread also provides substance to fill you up.
Biscuits
Flaky, buttery biscuits are another great vessel for soaking up rib sauce. Make easy drop biscuits by mixing flour, baking powder, salt, cold butter and buttermilk. Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet. Bake at 450°F for 10-12 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
Tear open the warm biscuits and smother with butter and bbq sauce drippings from your ribs. The biscuits sop up all that incredible flavor while adding a new texture.
Cornbread muffins
For individually-portioned baked good alongside ribs, make cornbread muffins. The cornmeal muffins bake up with a coarse, moist crumb perfect for saucing. Mix together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, milk, egg and melted butter. Divide the batter among a muffin tin.
The petite cornbread muffins are custom built for holding a pat of butter and smear of bbq sauce from your platter. Their slightly sweet taste also complements the ribs.
Dinner rolls
Soft, pillowy dinner rolls work well alongside messy ribs. They can soak up sauces and provide a pleasant contrast to the crispy, charred rib meat. Make easy no-knead rolls by stirring together flour, yeast, salt and water. Let the dough rise, then shape it into rolls and proof again.
Tear into the tender, warm rolls and use them to mop up every last drop of flavor from your bbq ribs. The doughy interior soaks up sauce beautifully.
Salads as Ribs Side Dishes
Alongside heavy bbq ribs, lighter salads provide balance on the plate. The vegetables, greens and vinaigrettes complement the savory, saucy ribs without weighing you down.
Green Salad
Mix up a simple green salad with torn romaine, spinach or kale, topped with shredded carrot, cherry tomatoes and red onion. Make a bright dressing with olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, honey and vinegar.
The fresh greens and vegetables are a bright counterpoint to the richly sauced ribs. The acidic dressing also cuts through the unctuous rib meat.
Caprese Salad
For a more hearty salad, make a Caprese with thick tomato slices, fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, balsamic glaze and olive oil. The sweet, juicy tomatoes pair perfectly with salty bbq ribs.
As you enjoy each sweet, acidic tomato bite, the Caprese salad refreshes your palate before going in for more succulent rib meat. The cool, soft cheese also contrasts with the crispy rib exterior.
Potato Salad
In addition to the mayo-dressed potato salads, try a mustard-based potato salad with tender potatoes, chopped onion, parsley, diced pickles and a mustard vinaigrette. The potatoes soak up the smoky, savory flavors of the ribs beautifully.
The potato salad provides the satisfaction of a heartier side balanced by a zesty mustard dressing. Each creamy-soft bite mingles with the bbq sauce of the ribs.
Pasta Salad
Chilled pasta salads are a great accompaniment for hot, saucy ribs. Combine pasta shapes like rotini, farfalle or fusilli with vegetables like bell pepper, cucumber, radishes, tomato and red onion. Toss with vinegar and oil.
The soft pasta and crisp vegetables absorb all the incredible flavors on your barbecue ribs plate. Each cool, refreshing bite cleanses your palate before more tender, juicy meat.
Roasted Veggies
For hearty greens alongside your ribs, try roasted vegetables. Roast chunks of squash, zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, onion and carrots on a baking sheet seasoned with oil, salt and pepper. Roast at 425°F until caramelized.
The natural sweetness of the roasted veggies balances the salty, savory ribs. The softened vegetables round out your plate with a hearty element.
Finger Food Sides for Ribs
Serve small bites and appetizer-style sides so everyone can nibble on a variety of goodies alongside the ribs.
Deviled Eggs
A classic party food, deviled eggs make a nice snackable side for rib night. Cut hard boiled eggs in half and scoop out the yolks. Mash the yolks with mayo, mustard, salt and pepper. Scoop the filling back into the whites.
The creamy, rich deviled eggs complement the succulent rib meat. Their handheld size and salty flavor also pairs well with ribs.
Hummus and Veggies
For lighter scooping and dipping, set out hummus with an array of cut raw vegetables. Carrots, celery, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, and other crisp vegetables are great for dipping into the creamy chickpea hummus.
This Mediterranean-inspired side provides lighter bites to enjoy between saucy ribs. The hummus also adds creaminess and protein.
Guacamole and Chips
Creamy, fresh guacamole and tortilla chips make for perfect rib plate companions. Mash avocados with lime juice, cilantro, onions, tomatoes and salt. Serve with baskets of crisp tortilla chips for scooping.
The cool, rich guacamole provides a refreshing change of pace from the salty, savory ribs. Scooping up guac with each crunchy chip bite cleanses your palate.
Sliders
For another handheld side, serve up mini sandwiches and sliders. Top dinner rolls with sliced bbq meat, cheese, pickles, slaw and mustard. Or keep them veggie-focused with greens, tomatoes and avocado.
The small sandwiches provide a satisfying bite in between rib bones. Varying the textures and flavors keeps each bite of the meal more interesting.
Creative Ribs Side Dishes
If you want to venture beyond the classics, get creative with unique sides that still complement the flavors of bbq ribs.
Elote
Fire-roasted corn on the cob slathered in spicy mayo, cotija cheese, lime and chili powder. The charred corn and Mexican flavors pair perfectly with bbq.
Corn and Bacon Chowder
A rich, creamy soup with corn, potatoes, bacon and spices. Hearty enough to be a meal with the ribs.
Caprese Skewers
Cherry tomato, basil and mozzarella skewers with a balsamic drizzle. The fresh ingredients match with smoky ribs.
Sweet Potatoes
Roasted cinnamon-sugar sweet potatoes provide a sweet counterbalance to savory ribs.
Watermelon Feta Stacks
Slices of watermelon topped with feta, mint and balsamic glaze make a stunning side.
Peach Salad
Grilled peaches on a bed of greens with blue cheese crumbles, walnuts and a red wine vinaigrette.
Fried Pickles
Breaded and fried pickle slices offer a fun, Southern-inspired crunch on the side.
Be creative and customize sides to match the regional bbq style of your ribs. From classics like potato salad and cornbread to fun additions like elote and watermelon stacks, the sides help make your bbq ribs a meal. Next time you cook up a rack of smoky, saucy ribs, don’t forget the delicious sides to pair with them!
FAQ about What to Eat with BBQ Ribs
What are the best side dishes for bbq ribs?
Some classic sides that pair perfectly with bbq ribs include:
- Baked beans
- Coleslaw
- Mac and cheese
- Potato salad
- Corn on the cob
- Cornbread or biscuits
- Green salad
These sides complement the flavors of the ribs, provide texture contrasts, add sauces, and round out the plate.
What kind of salad goes well with ribs?
Lighter salads balance out the heaviness of ribs. Some salads that pair nicely with bbq ribs include:
- A green salad with vinaigrette dressing
- A vinegar-based coleslaw
- Caprese salad with tomatoes and mozzarella
- Potato salad with a mustard dressing
- Pasta salad with vegetables
The acidic and creamy salads cut through the rich fattiness of the ribs.
What should I avoid eating with ribs?
Avoid sides that are too heavy or fatty, since the ribs already provide rich meat. Steer clear of:
- Heavy cream-based foods like mashed potatoes, fettuccine alfredo or cream-based soups
- Deep-fried foods like french fries, fried chicken or hushpuppies
- More barbecued or grilled meats, which would overfill the plate
Keep sides light and fresh tasting to prevent rib overload.
What goes good with bbq ribs and baked beans?
Some tasty sides to have with ribs, baked beans and slaw include:
- Cornbread – to soak up bean juices and rib sauce
- Potato salad – the potatoes mingle nicely with the beans
- Green salad – provides fresh contrast
- Corn on the cob – balances out the heavier dishes
- Fried pickles – tangy crunch on the side
- Watermelon slices – for light, sweet relief
What can I serve instead of baked beans?
Beans aren’t for everyone. Some alternatives to try:
- Skillet cornbread
- Buttery mashed potatoes
- Cheesy scalloped potatoes
- Mac and cheese
- Collard greens with smoked ham hocks
- Coleslaw
- Pasta salad
- Elote corn salad
What vegetables go with bbq ribs?
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Coleslaw
- Baked beans
- Collard greens
- Roasted vegetables like bell peppers, onions, zucchini
- Fresh watermelon slices
- Cucumber salad
- Caprese salad
- Potato salad
Veggie sides add color to the plate and provide lighter foils to the heavy ribs.
Conclusion
When cooking up succulent, finger-licking ribs, don’t forget to round out the meal with equally delicious sides. Baked beans, coleslaw, cornbread and potato salad are classic pairings. Lighter options like salads, grilled vegetables and fresh fruits help balance the plate. And don’t be afraid to also get creative with Mexican elote, sweet potatoes or mini sandwiches. Whatever combination of sides you choose, remember that the ribs are only half of the equation to an incredible barbecue feast. With an array of perfectly matched sides, your next rib dinner will leave everyone completely satisfied. The only thing left to decide is whether to dive into that rack of fall-off-the-bone meat or the baked beans and coleslaw first!