Barbecue meatballs are a classic party appetizer or main dish. Their sweet, tangy, and smoky flavor pairs well with a variety of side dishes and ingredients. When planning a barbecue meatball meal, consider complementary flavors, textures, colors, and cooking methods. With the right combination of sides and sauces, barbecue meatballs can be the star of a great meal.

Salads and Slaws

Fresh, crunchy salads and slaws help cut through the richness of barbecue meatballs. Bright flavors and crisp textures complement the meaty, saucy meatballs.

Potato Salad

Potato salad is a classic pairing for barbecue. The potatoes soak up the sweet and tangy flavors of the barbecue sauce, while adding starch and substance. Potatoes also pair well with the savoriness of the meatballs. Make potato salad with red potatoes, a mayo-based dressing, plenty of fresh dill, and chopped hardboiled eggs. The eggs echo the protein from the meatballs.

Coleslaw

Tangy coleslaw, made with shredded cabbage and carrots, makes a great match for smoky, saucy meatballs. For barbecue meatballs, make coleslaw dressing with a Southern-style blend of mayo, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and pepper. Toss the slaw with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. The crunch of the vegetables contrasts with the tender meatballs.

Broccoli Salad

For a healthier take, make a broccoli salad with raw broccoli florets, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, red onion, and a sweet cider dressing. The salad supplies a serving of vegetables along with color, crunch, and fruitiness to balance the meatballs.

Watermelon and Feta Salad

Fresh watermelon paired with salty feta cheese makes a delicious summer salad. Diced watermelon, crumbled feta, fresh mint, and a lime vinaigrette is a light, refreshing accompaniment for saucy barbecue meatballs. The sweet juiciness of watermelon cools the palate.

Grilled Vegetables

Meatballs and grilled veggies are a match made in barbecue heaven. Grilled vegetables like corn, zucchini, onions, and peppers add freshness. Char and smoke from the grill echo the barbecue flavors.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Buttery grilled corn on the cob is a perfect pairing for barbecue meatballs. Look for corn that’s super fresh and sweet. Grill the corn, either still in the husk or shucked, until lightly charred. Slather the hot corn with butter, a squeeze of lime, and a sprinkle of chili powder if desired.

Grilled Zucchini

Meatballs and grilled zucchini both taste great when made on the barbecue. Try thick rounds, long spears, or large wedges of zucchini. Brush with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Grill on both sides until tender.

Grilled Onions

Onions caramelize beautifully on the grill. Try thick slices of sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla. Baste the onion slices with barbecue sauce for extra flavor. Grilled onions make a lovely topping for the meatballs too.

Grilled Peppers and Veggie Skewers

Try colorful bell peppers, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and squash threaded onto skewers and grilled. Baste with Italian dressing while cooking. The charred veggies taste delicious on their own, on skewers, or piled on plates alongside the meatballs.

Breads and Baked Goods

Bakery favorites like rolls, biscuits, cornbread, and muffins all pair nicely with saucy barbecue meatballs. The breads help soak up the delicious sauce.

Dinner Rolls

Soft, tender dinner rolls are perfect for serving alongside platter of cheesy meatballs. Slice the rolls and fill with meatballs and sauce for hearty barbecue sandwiches. Brush rolls with garlic butter before serving for extra richness.

Cornbread

Warm cornbread is a great match for meatballs with barbecue sauce. Enjoy cornbread with honey butter for spreading onto the bread. Or crumble cornbread over the top of meatballs before serving for added texture.

Corn Muffins

For individual servings, bake up a batch of corn muffins. The sweet corn flavor complements the barbecue sauce on the meatballs. Top meatball sliders with corn muffin tops in place of traditional buns.

Buttermilk Biscuits

Flaky, savory buttermilk biscuits work nicely alongside platter of meatballs too. Break open the biscuits and fill with meatballs, sauce, onions, and cheese for handheld barbecue deliciousness.

Pasta and Grains

Hearty starches like pasta, rice, quinoa, and other grains make satisfying meals when paired with barbecue meatballs. The grains stretch the dish into a hearty main.

Penne Pasta

Cook penne pasta until al dente. Toss with extra barbecue sauce and sprinkle with chopped parsley. The pasta soaks up the rich, tangy sauce, which coats each piece. Scatter meatballs over the pasta to make a casserole-style dish.

Cilantro Lime Rice

Fresh cilantro and lime zest add zing to rice. Cook rice with a bit of lime juice and chopped cilantro stirred in. Serve the vibrant rice alongside platter of meatballs for color and flavor contrast.

Barbecue Baked Beans

No barbecue would be complete without a pot of scrumptious baked beans. Slow cook beans with onions, bacon, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, and barbecue sauce for a sweet, smoky side. Pair a scoop of baked beans with meatballs.

Macaroni and Cheese

For an indulgent take, make macaroni and cheese from scratch. Use a combination of cheddar and Monterey jack for a creamy, cheesy sauce. Top with panko breadcrumbs and bake until golden. The rich, gooey mac and cheese pairs perfectly with barbecue meatballs.

More Classic Barbecue Sides

Some tried and true classics like macaroni salad, fries, and fried pickles always taste great with barbecue.

Macaroni Salad

Chilled macaroni salad made with a creamy mayo-based dressing is perfect for summer eating. To make it more barbecue-friendly, add some smoky spices like paprika and cumin to the dressing. The creamy pasta salad balances the sauce on the meatballs.

French Fries

Crispy fries are great for dipping in any extra sauce from the meatballs plate. Make oven-baked fries for a healthier option. Drizzle fries with ranch dressing for even more richness.

Fried Pickles

For an appetizer twist, try fried pickles. Sliced pickles dipped in buttermilk then flour get deep fried until crispy. Ranch dressing for dipping cools the hot fried pickles. The sour pickles cut through the barbecue richness.

Baked Beans

As mentioned above, no barbecue menu is complete without a dish of baked beans. Seasoned with bacon, onion, brown sugar, ketchup and barbecue sauce, they’re sweet, tangy, and hearty.

Creative Sauces and Condiments

Barbecue meatballs are delicious on their own, but sauces and condiments can take them to the next level. Consider these delectable dippers.

Blue Cheese Dressing

Thick, creamy blue cheese dressing makes a marvelous dip for meatballs. The tangy bite of blue cheese balances the sweet barbecue flavors. Caramelized onions in the dressing are delicious too. Serve the dressing alongside for dipping.

Honey Mustard

For meatballs with a kick, mix up a batch of honey mustard sauce. Combine mustard, mayo, honey, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper. The sweet and spicy sauce pairs perfectly with smoky meatballs.

Ranch Dressing

Cool, creamy ranch dressing complements hot, saucy meatballs. Try mixing it with some of the barbecue sauce for a tasty hybrid dipping sauce. Use it as a topping for meatball sandwiches too.

Chimichurri

For a fresh twist, serve meatballs with chimichurri sauce on the side. This uncooked parsley, cilantro, garlic, and olive oil sauce adds a delicious green contrast to barbecue meatballs. It cools off the heat with fresh herby flavor.

Pico de Gallo

Fresh pico de gallo also livens up barbecue meatballs wonderfully. Dice tomatoes, onions, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice for a zesty topping or dip. The bright vegetables cut through the rich meatiness.

Desserts

End your barbecue meatball meal on a sweet note with the right dessert. The possibilities are endless!

Strawberry Shortcake

Juicy strawberries layered between sweet biscuits make a delightful summery dessert after barbecue. Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra treat.

Peach Crisp

Warm fruit crisps are easy to throw together and taste amazing. Try peach, blueberry, cherry, or apple topped with a buttery, crisp oat topping. Serve with ice cream for a sweet finish.

S’mores

For the ultimate summer dessert, break out the graham crackers, chocolate bars, and marshmallows for s’mores. Roast the marshmallows over the remaining barbecue coals for that iconic campfire flavor.

Banana Pudding

Old-fashioned banana pudding with fresh bananas, vanilla wafers, and whipped cream or custard is wonderfully comforting after barbecue. Make individual portions for a cute presentation.

Coconut Cake

Bring on the coconut cake layered with fluffy frosting for a show-stopping barbecue finale. Tropical flavors like pineapple, mango, or lemon curd take it up another notch.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

DIY ice cream sandwiches make fun portable desserts for backyard barbecues. Put ice cream between oatmeal cookies or chocolate chip cookies and freeze. Serve them mess-free on a stick.

With the right combination of sides, sauces, and other fixings, barbecue meatballs can be the centerpiece of an amazing spread. Salads, grilled vegetables, fresh breads, grains, and pasta all pair deliciously with meatballs in barbecue sauce. Creative condiments and desserts round out the meal for a memorable barbecue feast starring these saucy, crowd-pleasing meatballs.

Frequently Asked Questions About What to Eat with BBQ Meatballs

Barbecue meatballs are a classic appetizer for good reason – their sweet, tangy, smoky flavor appeals to most palates. But what are the best side dishes and meals to pair with bbq meatballs? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

What are some classic sides for bbq meatballs?

Some classic sides that pair deliciously with bbq meatballs include:

Coleslaw – Tangy cabbage slaw provides crunch and cuts through the richness.
Potato salad – Starchy, creamy potato salad soaks up the sauce.
Baked beans – Sweet, smoky beans are a barbecue essential.
Corn on the cob – Grilled corn is the perfect summer accompaniment.
Macaroni and cheese – Cheesy and indulgent, it soaks up the sauce.
Cornbread – Warm cornbread absorbs the juices well.

What vegetables go well with bbq meatballs?

Fresh vegetables add color, crunch, and brightness to balance bbq meatballs. Great veggie sides include:

Grilled zucchini
Roasted Brussels sprouts
Grilled peppers and onions
Broccoli salad
Vegetable skewers

What grains work well with bbq meatballs?

Hearty grains like rice, quinoa, and pasta make satisfying meals paired with bbq meatballs. Consider cooking:

Cheesy barbecue rice
Quinoa salad with corn and black beans
Barbecue baked ziti
Macaroni and cheese
Pasta salad with Italian dressing

What breads pair nicely with bbq meatballs?

Breads and baked goods help soak up the tasty barbecue sauce on the meatballs. Good options include:

Sweet Hawaiian rolls
Skillet cornbread
Buttermilk biscuits
Soft pretzel bites
Garlic breadsticks

What are some creative sauces for bbq meatballs?

For even more flavor, try these fun dipping sauces with your meatballs:

Bacon jam
Jalapeño jelly
Spicy ranch dip
Guacamole
Chipotle mayo
Honey mustard dressing

What are good desserts to end a bbq meatball meal?

Satisfying sweet options to finish your barbecue feast include:

Peach or apple crisp
Strawberry shortcake
S’mores over the fire
Cookies and ice cream sandwiches
Banana pudding
Pineapple upside down cake

With the right mix of sides, sauces, and other embellishments, barbecue meatballs can be the star of a full meal from appetizers through dessert! Get creative with complementary flavors.

What to eat with bbq meatballs

Barbecue meatballs make a fantastic party appetizer or fun dinner entrée. Their sweet, tangy, smoky barbecue flavor pairs well with a variety of ingredients and dishes. When planning a full meal around barbecue meatballs, think about complementary textures, colors, and flavors. Here are some delicious options for what to eat with bbq meatballs.

Crunchy Vegetable Sides

Fresh, crisp vegetables add nice contrast to the saucy, tender meatballs. Their bright colors also make the plate more appealing.

Coleslaw – Shredded cabbage and carrots tossed in a zesty dressing provides welcome crunch.
Broccoli salad – Raw broccoli, raisins, and nuts makes a lighter side.
Corn and black bean salad – Combine corn, black beans, red onion, cilantro and lime juice.
Cucumber salad – Sliced cucumbers, red onion and tomato, tossed in vinegar.
Grilled vegetable packets – Asparagus, zucchini, red peppers wrapped in foil and grilled.

Starchy Salads

Hearty potato, pasta, and grain salads pair nicely with saucy meatballs, soaking up the extra sauce.

Potato salad – Chunky potatoes in a creamy mustard dressing.
Macaroni salad – Elbow pasta with shredded carrot and celery in mayo.
Caprese farro salad – Farro grain mixed with mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic.
Quinoa tabbouleh – Quinoa replaces bulgur wheat in this fresh parsley salad.
Orzo pasta salad – Orzo pasta, chopped veggies, feta, and Italian dressing.

Grilled Breads

Warm grilled breads work well for serving alongside or under the saucy meatballs.

Garlic bread – Slices of crusty bread brushed with garlic butter.
Bruschetta – Grill toasted baguette slices topped with tomato relish.
Naan flatbread – Warm wedges of pillowy naan bread.
Cornbread – Sweet cornbread baked in a cast iron skillet.
Pizza crust – Make your own grilled pizza crust topped with veggies.

Hearty Baked Beans

No barbecue meal is complete without a side of scrumptious baked beans flavored with bacon, onion, brown sugar, and spices.

Traditional baked beans – Kidney beans cooked low and slow.
Cowboy beans – With chunks of burger and veggies.
Bourbon baked beans – Brown sugar and bourbon add sweetness.
BBQ baked beans – Ketchup, mustard, and bbq sauce add tang.
Vegan baked beans – Meatless but still delicious!

Fun Dipping Sauces

Serve bbq meatballs with sauces for even more flavor.

Ranch dressing – A cooling complement to the meatballs.
Blue cheese dressing – Perfectly rich and tangy.
Honey mustard – Equal parts sweet and savory.
Barbecue sauce – More sauce is always a good idea!
Salsa – Try mild, medium or hot levels of spiciness.

Simple Desserts

End your bbq meal on a sweet note with fun desserts.

S’mores – Roast marshmallows over the grill for a real treat.
Berry cobbler – Seasonal berries baked under a biscuit crust.
Banana pudding – Classic custard with vanilla wafers and banana.
Apple pie – With a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Cookies – Bake a batch of chocolate chip, peanut butter, or oatmeal.

With the right combinations, barbecue meatballs can take center stage as the star of a full barbecue spread. Fill out the menu with bright vegetable sides, hearty bean or pasta salads, warm bread, extra sauces, and sweet treats. Mix and match for complementary textures, colors, and flavors!