Barbecue ribs are a classic, delicious meal that are perfect for feeding a crowd. The tender, fall-off-the-bone meat is full of flavor from the savory barbecue sauce. But what side dishes should you serve alongside these saucy ribs? There are plenty of options that will perfectly complement the bold, smokey flavor of the ribs. This article will explore different side dishes to serve with barbecue ribs so you can round out your meal.
Salads
A fresh, crisp salad is a great way to balance out the heaviness of barbecue ribs. The acidity and brightness of vinaigrettes cut through the unctuous sauce coating the meat. Salads also add vegetables to provide nutrition. Some salad ideas include:
Classic Coleslaw
Cool, creamy coleslaw is a quintessential partner to barbecue ribs. The sweetness of the cabbage and carrots balances the spices in the rub and sauce. Make a tangy coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, vinegar, mayonnaise, and a touch of sugar. Top with cracked black pepper and chopped parsley. The crunchy texture contrasts nicely with the tenderness of the ribs.
Potato Salad
Another traditional salad option is potato salad. Combining potatoes with a mayo-based dressing gives you vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Season the potatoes with paprika, mustard, salt, and pepper. You can also add hard-boiled eggs, pickles, onions, celery, or other mix-ins. The potatoes offer a hearty, filling accompaniment to saucy ribs.
Broccoli Slaw
For a fresh twist, try broccoli slaw with ribs. Shredded raw broccoli and carrots are tossed in a light dressing such as vinegar, oil, honey, and lemon juice. You get an extra serving of vegetables as well as crunch. Top with sliced almonds or sunflower seeds for added nutrition. The bright flavors complement rich barbecue sauce.
Layered Salad
Why not double up on veggies by making a layered salad? Start with a bed of lettuce and top with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and your favorite salad toppings. The array of colors and textures pairs well with messy ribs. Creamy poppyseed dressing or herb vinaigrette adds tangy flavor.
Baked Beans
No barbecue would be complete without baked beans. The sweet, smokey beans are a perfect match for savory ribs. Here are some varieties:
Traditional Baked Beans
You can’t go wrong with classic baked beans loaded up with molasses or brown sugar to add sweetness. Cook pinto beans or navy beans low and slow with chopped onions, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and bacon. The blend of savory, sweet, and smoky complements barbecue sauce nicely.
Cowboy Beans
For a heartier bean dish, make cowboy beans. Saute ground beef with onions and garlic. Mix in barbecue sauce, ketchup, beans, bacon, chili powder, and other spices. Top with cheddar cheese and bake until bubbly. The meaty beans stand up well to juicy ribs.
Barbecue Baked Beans
To really tie the meal together, make barbecue baked beans. Cook beans in barbecue sauce seasoned with chili powder, salt, pepper, mustard, and maple syrup. Mix in cooked pulled pork or brisket for smoky shredded meat in every bite. The ultimate barbecue flavor.
Corn
Sweet corn on the cob is another barbecue classic. The natural sweetness balances spice rubs and sauces on ribs. Simply boil, grill, or roast corn until tender. Serve with melted butter, salt, and pepper. Or spice it up with chili powder or cotija cheese. Mexican street corn adds tangy, creamy flavors. Grilled corn caramelizes for a charred taste.
Potatoes
Potatoes are another popular starch that soaks up barbecue sauce nicely. Consider these tasty options:
Baked Potatoes
Large baked russet potatoes can be served with ribs for an easy side. Bake until fork tender and serve with butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon, and other toppings. The natural creaminess pairs well with sauce-coated ribs.
Roasted Potatoes
For more flavor, roast halved red potatoes with olive oil, rosemary, garlic, and smoked paprika. Crispy, caramelized roasted potatoes offer a savory crunch to contrast tender ribs. The herbs and spices complement barbecue seasonings.
Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are comfort food heaven next to messy ribs. Blend russets with butter, milk, and seasonings. Top with cheese, bacon, scallions, and barbecue pulled pork or baked beans. Rich, spoonable mashed potatoes help soak up extra sauce.
Macaroni and Cheese
What goes better with barbecue than cheesy mac and cheese? Elbow macaroni baked in a creamy cheese sauce is decadent, indulgent comfort food. Use a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and/or gouda for ultra-cheesy flavor. Mix in crumbled bacon, pulled pork, or brisket. Top with crispy fried onions or buttery breadcrumbs. The bold cheese balances tangy rib sauce.
Collard Greens
For a traditional Southern soul food pairing, serve collard greens with ribs. Slow cook the greens with smoked ham hocks or turkey wings until very tender. Season the hearty greens with onion, garlic, vinegar, salt, and pepper for a tangy flavor that cuts through rich barbecue sauce. Get your veggies in!
Cornbread
Buttery, golden cornbread is ideal for serving with ribs. The cornbread can soak up extra meat juices and barbecue sauce for maximum flavor. Bake a cast iron skillet of cornbread seasoned with cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, milk, eggs, and vegetable oil. For added texture, mix in corn kernels, diced onions, or crumbled bacon. Get that crispy edge piece!
Dinner Rolls
Soft, fluffy dinner rolls help mop up any remaining sauce on the plate after devouring those ribs. Brush melted butter on top for an extra touch. Serve warm wheat rolls, braided egg bread, buttermilk biscuits, or popovers to round out your barbecue feast. Pass the honey butter!
Fruit Salad
For lighter fare, a fruity salad makes a refreshing counterpoint to rich, heavy ribs. Use a combination of cubed melon, berries, citrus, pineapple, grapes, and other fresh fruit. Toss in a honey lime dressing for bright flavors and colors. Sweet fruit helps tame spicy rubs or sauces on the ribs.
FAQs About Side Dishes for BBQ Ribs
What are the best side dishes to serve with barbecue ribs?
Some of the most popular and delicious side dishes to pair with saucy, smokey barbecue ribs include baked beans, cornbread, coleslaw, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, dinner rolls, and fresh fruit salad.
Do you have to serve cornbread with barbecue?
While you don’t have to serve cornbread with barbecue ribs, the two dishes are considered classic complements in barbecue tradition. Buttery, golden cornbread can help soak up extra meat juices and sauce from the ribs.
What salad goes good with BBQ ribs?
Some great salad options to serve alongside barbecue ribs include tangy coleslaw, chilled potato salad, broccoli slaw, layered vegetable salad, or a fresh green salad with vinaigrette dressing. The bright flavors and crunch balance out the rich, tender ribs.
Should you serve baked beans with ribs?
Yes, baked beans are pretty much essential at any barbecue feast. Traditional baked beans, cowboy beans, or barbecue baked beans loaded with meat and sauce perfectly match the flavors of ribs. The beans also add protein, fiber, and minerals.
What goes with BBQ ribs other than baked beans?
In addition to baked beans, you can serve cornbread, coleslaw, macaroni salad, collard greens, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, corn on the cob, dinner rolls, or a light fruit salad with barbecue ribs for a well-rounded meal.
What can I serve instead of french fries with ribs?
Some alternatives to serve instead of french fries include baked sweet potato fries, roasted potato wedges, homemade potato chips, roasted cauliflower, sautéed green beans, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
What sauce goes with ribs other than barbecue?
Although barbecue sauce is the most common for basting ribs, you could also use teriyaki sauce, honey garlic sauce, Korean gochujang sauce, hoisin sauce, ginger soy glaze, or even just dry rub seasoning for different flavor variations.
Conclusion
Juicy, saucy barbecue ribs demand flavorful side dishes to complement them. Baked beans, coleslaw, cornbread, and mac and cheese are classic pairings that highlight the finger-licking ribs. But don’t be afraid to also try out cheesy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, fresh fruit salad, collard greens, or lighter options like green salads. Whatever you choose, completing your barbecue feast with these amazing sides guarantees satisfaction from all of your guests. Serve up the perfect partner to plump, tender ribs and you can’t go wrong at your next cookout or barbecue gathering. Just be prepared for requests for more ribs – and more of those delicious sides!