Barbecue ribs are a classic favorite, but they can seem too heavy and wintry for cold weather meals. With the right side dishes, however, ribs make a hearty and comforting winter dinner. Here are some delicious options for what to serve with bbq ribs in the winter.
Coleslaw
A crisp, vinegary coleslaw is a perfect counterpart to rich and tender ribs. The crunch of cabbage and carrots cuts through the unctuousness of the meat. Try variations like apple cider coleslaw with shredded apple and apple cider vinegar or a citrus coleslaw with orange and lime juice. Topping the coleslaw with toasted nuts like almonds or pecans adds nice texture.
Cornbread
Warm cornbread is a natural pairing for ribs. Bake it in a cast iron skillet to get crispy edges or opt for moist and fluffy jalapeno corn muffins. Serve cornbread with honey butter for drizzling over ribs or cornbread. For a twist, make corn muffin croutons to top a ribs-friendly salad.
Baked Beans
No barbecue meal is complete without a side of baked beans. Make them from scratch or dress up a quality store-bought brand with bacon, brown sugar, onions, peppers and your favorite spices. Serve beans warm right next to the ribs.
Mac and Cheese
For ultimate comfort food, try macaroni and cheese with barbecue ribs. Use bite-sized pasta shapes like elbows, shells or cavatappi. Mix in cheese like cheddar, gruyere, gouda or smoked gouda for tons of gooey appeal. Top with crispy fried shallots or panko breadcrumbs for crunch.
Corn on the Cob
Fresh sweet corn on the cob is a treat in the winter when grilled alongside ribs on the barbecue or roasted in the oven. Roll grilled or roasted corn in compound butter or sprinkle with chili-lime seasoning. Leave corn unshucked while grilling for steamy, tender kernels.
Leafy Green Salad
A hearty salad with lots of texture provides balance alongside ribs. Spinach, kale, or romaine lettuce work well. Top with crunchy vegetables like shredded carrots, sliced bell peppers or radishes. Add cheese, nuts, dried fruit or croutons for more substance. Make a zesty dressing with olive oil, lemon juice, shallots and herbs.
Twice Baked Potatoes
Creamy, cheesy twice baked potatoes make a supremely satisfying side for ribs. Bake large russet potatoes, scoop out the insides and mash with cheddar, bacon, sour cream, etc. Put the filling back in the skins and bake again until browned and crisp. Green onions, butter and bacon bits on top finish them off.
Fried Okra
For Southern flair, fried okra is a tasty accompaniment to ribs. Sprinkle okra pieces with cornmeal or breadcrumbs and spices and fry until golden brown. Or give oven baked okra a try. Serve crispy okra pods hot alongside messy ribs.
Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts caramelize beautifully in the oven. Toss sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic and roast at high heat until browned and tender. For texture, add chopped nuts or bacon. Brussels sprouts hold up well next to sauce-slathered ribs.
Skillet Cornbread
Here is an easy recipe for skillet cornbread to serve alongside winter ribs:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Put 2 tablespoons butter in a 10-inch cast iron skillet and place in the oven until melted and skillet is hot, about 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
- Remove the hot skillet from the oven and add the remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter, swirling to coat the bottom and sides of the skillet.
- Pour the egg/milk mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Pour the batter into the hot, greased skillet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown. Serve warm.
FAQ About Serving BBQ Ribs in Winter
What sides go best with ribs in cold weather?
Hearty sides like baked beans, coleslaw, cornbread, and mac and cheese pair wonderfully with ribs in winter. Starchy sides help temper the richness of the ribs. Bright, acidic coleslaw cuts through the unctuous meat.
What can I serve instead of salad?
Warm, cooked sides are ideal with ribs in cold weather. Skip the salad and try corn on the cob, fried okra, twice baked potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or creamy baked beans.
How can I make ribs feel more like winter comfort food?
Embrace hearty, rustic sides over cold, crisp salads and slaws. Think warm cornbread, cheesy potatoes, or slow-simmered baked beans. Serve ribs with soups like potato, tomato or butternut squash.
What kind of bread goes well with ribs?
Cornbread, biscuits, flatbread, rolls, and garlic bread all pair deliciously with ribs. The bread helps soak up the tasty sauce. Try serving skillet cornbread, jalapeno cheddar biscuits, or crusty bread.
Should ribs be served hot or room temp in winter?
Hot ribs are best in cold weather. The temperature contrast makes them even more comforting and appealing. If reheating leftover ribs, do so gently in the oven or on the stovetop to keep them moist.
Conclusion
BBQ ribs make for a fun and filling winter meal when you pick the right side dishes. Opt for hearty, flavorful accompaniments like baked beans, coleslaw, mac and cheese and cornbread. Roasted, creamy and salty sides complement the unctuous ribs. With a few tweaks, ribs can be just as enjoyable in cold weather as they are in summer. Focus on warm, comforting sides and enjoy juicy ribs all winter long.