Barbecued meatballs are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish for any occasion. Their sweet, tangy barbecue flavor pairs well with a variety of sides that complement and enhance the taste of the meatballs. Here are some delicious options for what to serve with bbq meatballs.
Salads and Slaws
A light, crunchy salad or slaw is a fantastic way to offset the richness of bbq meatballs. The acidity and freshness balance beautifully with the sweetness of the barbecue sauce.
Classic Coleslaw
Coleslaw’s cool crunch makes it one of the most popular pairings. For bbq meatballs, make a tangy coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, onions, and a sweet cider vinegar dressing. Top with chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.
Broccoli Salad
Another excellent crunchy, flavorful salad is broccoli salad with broccoli florets, red onion, dried cranberries, and toasted almonds. Toss with a creamy dressing spiked with cider vinegar. The nuts add extra texture.
Caprese Salad
For something more fresh and light, make a caprese salad. Slice fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil and drizzle with good olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The tomatoes’ acidity and mozzarella’s creaminess complement the meatballs.
Baked Beans
No barbecue is complete without baked beans. Their soft, almost mushy texture contrasts deliciously with meatballs, and the sweet tomato-molasses flavor marries perfectly with the barbecue sauce.
- Use canned beans for convenience or make homemade beans baked low and slow with bacon, onion, garlic, molasses, and your favorite spices.
- For variety, make vegetarian beans with mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
- Add hot sauce or chili powder if you like heat.
Cornbread
Another classic barbecue side is cornbread. For what to serve with bbq meatballs, make cornbread muffins or wedges using yellow cornmeal and just enough sugar to offset the cornmeal’s natural dryness. The hint of sweetness pairs nicely with the meatballs.
- Drizzle the muffins with melted butter and honey for extra moisture and sweetness.
- Add grated cheddar cheese, minced jalapenos, or chopped scallions to the batter for savory muffins.
- For richer cornbread, use buttermilk instead of regular milk.
Macaroni and Cheese
Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, and it makes a filling accompaniment for bbq meatballs. The mild cheese flavor complements the richness of the meat. Make mac and cheese from scratch or use a store-bought variety for convenience.
- For homemade, a béchamel sauce with melted cheddar or American cheese makes a creamy, decadent mac and cheese.
- Add crispy panko bread crumb topping for crunch.
- Stir in cooked broccoli florets or diced ham for extra flavor and texture.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are another satisfying side dish that works well with bbq meatballs. The potatoes’ plain flavor soaks up the meaty, barbecued flavors nicely.
- Make them extra creamy with butter and whole milk or cream.
- Mix in roasted garlic or chives for savory depth.
- Top with crispy fried shallots, scallions, or crumbled bacon.
Rice
Simple white or brown rice absorbs flavors easily, making it an ideal pairing for saucy bbq meatballs. The rice’s mild taste and fluffy texture complement the meatballs without competing.
- Make rice pilaf with chicken or vegetable broth for added moisture and flavor.
- For dirty rice, sauté rice with onions, garlic, bell pepper, and sausage before cooking.
- Stir in tomato paste or puree for rice with a reddish hue.
Rolls
Soft, fluffy rolls like Hawaiian rolls, potato rolls, or slider buns are perfect for serving bbq meatballs as sliders or on a bun. The bread easily soaks up the tasty barbecue sauce.
- Split rolls and toast or grill lightly for extra flavor.
- Brush with melted butter or olive oil to keep rolls from drying out.
- For variety, use pretzel rolls, cheese-stuffed bread, or brioche buns.
Veggies
Fresh, colorful veggies add nutrition and visual appeal. Their crunch and acidity balance the rich meatballs and sweet, tangy sauce.
Grilled corn on the cob
Char-grilled corn slathered with butter or mayo makes a delicious, hands-on accompaniment.
Green beans
Blanched or sautéed green beans tossed with sliced almonds or crispy onions add texture.
Roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts
Roasting heightens the vegetables’ flavor. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
What to Serve with BBQ Meatballs: Putting it All Together
With so many tasty options, try offering a buffet-style spread with several different salads, sides, and veggies so guests can customize their plates. Some surefire meatball meal combinations include:
- Meatballs, coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread
- Meatballs, caprese salad, cheesy rice or baked potato, and rolls
- Meatballs, broccoli salad, mac and cheese, roasted Brussels sprouts
- Meatballs, green salad, mashed potatoes, and grilled corn
Finish off the meal with fun summery desserts like fruit salad, peach cobbler, or homemade ice cream sandwiches. With the right combination of fresh, flavorful sides and salads, your bbq meatballs will be a big hit at any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions About What to Serve with BBQ Meatballs
What are the best starch sides for bbq meatballs?
Baked beans, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, rice, and cornbread are excellent starchy sides that pair wonderfully with bbq meatballs.
What kind of salad goes well with bbq meatballs?
Fresh, crisp salads like coleslaw, broccoli salad, caprese salad, and green salad complement bbq meatballs nicely. The acidity balances the richness.
Should I offer veggies too?
Yes, serving roasted, grilled or sautéed veggies like corn, green beans, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts adds color and nutrition.
Can I serve bbq meatballs as sliders?
Definitely! Serving bbq meatballs on small rolls or buns as sliders is delicious. Hawaiian rolls, pretzel buns, and potato slider buns all work great.
What about desserts?
Serve summery desserts like fruit salads, peach cobbler, or homemade ice cream sandwiches. For a fun twist, make bbq meatball-themed treats like brownie bites with candy “meatballs” on top.
Are there any beverages that pair well with bbq meatballs?
Iced tea, lemonade, beer, and fruity summer cocktails complement bbq meatballs nicely. Offer a variety of fun drink options.
Conclusion
With so many fantastic options like salads, veggie sides, starchy sides and breads, creating the perfect spread to serve with bbq meatballs is easy and fun. By combining complementary flavors, colors, and textures, you can make a mouthwatering barbecue meal that suits any occasion. Whether cooking for a small gathering or a large potluck, remember to offer a variety of choices to please all preferences. With tender, tangy meatballs and the right mix of fresh, summery sides and salads, you have the perfect recipe for barbecue success.