A barbecue sandwich is a quintessential summer meal. The smoky, saucy meat paired with a soft bun makes for a delicious combination. However, the right side dishes can take your barbecue sandwiches to the next level. Having the perfect sides makes for a well-rounded and satisfying barbecue feast. So, what should you serve alongside those tantalizing barbecue sandwiches? There are plenty of classic and creative options to choose from.
Salads
A fresh salad is a perfect complement to rich, saucy barbecue sandwiches. The crunch and brightness balance out the heavy sandwich. Salads come in endless varieties, so you can get creative and make something unique. Here are some great salad ideas to serve with your barbecue sandwiches:
Classic Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a classic barbecue side for good reason. The crunchy cabbage pairs nicely with smoky meat. Make a tangy coleslaw with mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar. Toss in shredded carrot for extra crunch and flavor. Customize it by adding diced bell pepper, pineapple tidbits, or fresh herbs.
Broccoli Salad
This salad combines chilled broccoli florets, shredded cheddar, bacon bits, red onion, and cranberries. Toss everything with a sweet and tangy dressing made with mayo, red wine vinegar, and honey. The mix of flavors and textures complements a saucy barbecue sandwich.
Caprese Salad
For a simple but delicious salad, alternate slices of ripe tomato, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and season with salt and pepper. The fresh ingredients are the perfect palate cleanser between bites of your sandwich.
Caesar Salad
Crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, parmesan, and a creamy caesar dressing taste fantastic next to a barbecue sandwich. Add chicken or shrimp to make it a full meal.
Greek Salad
This Mediterranean salad combines cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, and feta cheese. Toss everything in olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, and garlic. The punchy flavors pair well with tangy barbecue sauce.
Pasta Salad
Chilled pasta salad is hearty enough to stand up to a loaded barbecue sandwich. Rotini or spirals work well and hold the dressing. Use Italian dressing and add diced vegetables like red onion, bell pepper, cherry tomato, broccoli, or celery. Cubed cheddar, parmesan, or feta add nice flavor.
Potato Salad
Creamy, mustard-topped potato salad is a classic companion to barbecue. The starch soaks up the sandwich juices nicely. Jazz it up by adding hard boiled egg, pickled onion, relish, bacon, scallions, or other mix-ins.
Macaroni Salad
Elbow macaroni soaked in a creamy mayo-based dressing makes for a delicious barbecue side. Add shredded cheddar, diced bell pepper, green onion, diced pickle, and seasoning. The creamy pasta and crunch from the vegetables balance the sandwich perfectly.
Fruit Salad
A sweet fruit salad offsets a savory barbecue sandwich. Use a mix of cubed watermelon, honeydew, cantaloupe, pineapple, grapes, and berries. Drizzle with a honey-lime dressing. The juicy fruit hydrates your mouth between bites of sandwich.
Veggie Sides
Crunchy, fresh vegetable sides pair wonderfully with saucy barbecue sandwiches. Pick your favorites or make a veggie medley. Here are some great vegetable side dishes to consider:
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Charred sweet corn slathered with butter is a perfect barbecue side. For extra flavor, coat the corn with zesty spices before grilling. Cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder all taste great.
Baked Beans
These saucy, smokey beans are a classic for a reason. Choose canned or homemade, flavored however you prefer. Pair beans with pulled pork or smoked brisket sandwiches.
Cole Slaw
Tangy, cool coleslaw provides relief in between bites of a heavy sandwich. Shred green and/or red cabbage and toss with shredded carrot and a creamy dressing. Customize it with onion, bell pepper, herbs, raisins, nuts, and more.
Cucumber Salad
A simple salad of sliced cucumbers and onion soaked in vinegar and dill is refreshing alongside barbecue. Use apple cider vinegar or rice wine vinegar and add seasoning. Let sit 30 minutes for flavors to mingle before serving.
Cornbread
A wedge of moist cornbread is the perfect vehicle for absorbing barbecue sandwich drippings. Make it from scratch or use a boxed mix. Add creamed corn, jalapenos, or cheddar cheese for extra flavor.
Macaroni and Cheese
A rich, cheesy baked macaroni and cheese is a satisfying barbecue side. Use a classic recipe or kick it up with spices, sautéed veggies, or extra cheesy add-ins. The creamy comfort pairs nicely with a saucy sandwich.
Collard Greens
Slow cooked, seasoned collard greens are a flavorful southern side dish. Cook with smoked ham hocks or turkey wings for robust flavor. The hearty greens stand up well to a loaded barbecue sandwich.
Grilled Vegetables
Fire up your grill to char vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, onion, mushrooms, and asparagus. A medley of grilled veggies is easy to make and tastes fantastic. Drizzle with olive oil and season with your favorite herbs and spices.
Baked Sweet Potato
A sweet, smokey baked potato is a hearty complement to barbecue. Top with butter, sour cream, bacon bits, or cheese for even more richness. The natural sweetness balances tangy, savory barbecue sauce.
Fried Okra
For a southern treat, fry up some fresh okra. The crispy veggie paired with the juicy sandwich makes a dynamic flavor and texture combo. Serve with ranch dressing for dipping.
Potato Wedges
Crispy, seasoned potato wedges provide a salty, starchy crunch to balance your sandwich. Double-fry for maximum crispiness. Fry up plain or seasoned wedges and serve with your favorite dipping sauce on the side.
Corn Fritters
These crispy fritters made of creamed corn, egg, flour, and cheese make a delicious finger food. Fry spoonfuls of batter until golden brown. Eat them on their own or use them as mini buns for bite-sized barbecue sandwiches.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasting caramelizes vegetables for added depth of flavor. Toss carrots, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, or squash in olive oil and roast until tender. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic. Their natural sweetness offsets the savory sandwich.
Breads and Rolls
Don’t forget to pick up an assortment of breads and rolls to serve your barbecue sandwiches on. Offering a variety adds fun flair. Guests will enjoy customizing their sandwiches. Here are some great options:
Sandwich Rolls
The classic choice, soft white or wheat sandwich rolls, are ideal for soaking up sauce. Opt for sturdy rolls that won’t get soggy under juicy meats. Brioche buns also pair nicely with barbecue.
Slider Rolls
Mini slider buns make perfect vehicles for bite-sized barbecue sandwiches. They’re the perfect size for piling on meats, sauce, and slaw. Guests can sample mini portions of various barbecue meats.
Cornbread
Wedges of cornbread can serve as a unique sandwich holder. The sturdy cornbread won’t fall apart under moist meat and sauce. The slightly sweet taste also complements tangy barbecue beautifully.
Biscuits
Flaky, savory biscuits are a fantastic option for barbecue sandwiches. They soak up sauce nicely without getting soggy. Serve homemade or use refrigerated dough for convenience. Top with some melted butter.
Flatbread
Grilled flatbread makes for an easy, mess-free barbecue sandwich wrap. Brush naan, pita, or tortillas with olive oil and grill briefly until char-marked. Layer on sauce, meat, and toppings and roll up.
Texas Toast
Thick slices of Texas toast stand up to the heartiest barbecue sandwiches. Look for extra wide white bread or make your own by cutting baguettes diagonally. The buttered, grilled bread provides a satisfying crunch.
Pretzel Buns
Pretzel hamburger buns add a unique twist to pulled pork or brisket sandwiches. The pretzel topping provides a nice crunch and salty contrast to the sweet, saucy meat. These buns hold up well when piled high.
Banana Bread
For a fun, creative option, use slices of sweet banana bread in lieu of traditional buns. The banana flavor pairs surprisingly well with tangy barbecue sauces. Top with coleslaw for a sweet and savory combo.
Dinner Rolls
Soft, pillowy dinner rolls are perfect for splitting and filling with barbecue deliciousness. Parker House rolls, potato rolls, and other sturdy yet fluffy rolls work well. Serve a basket of rolls so guests can build their own sandwiches.
Dips and Sauces
Take your barbecue sandwiches to the next level with tasty sauces for dipping. Guests will love customizing their sandwiches and sides with different flavors. Offer these dips and sauces in ramekins on the table:
- Ranch dressing
- Blue cheese dressing
- Honey mustard
- BBQ sauce – provide multiple flavors
- Hot sauce
- Horseradish sauce
- Tartar sauce
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
- Mayo
- Hummus
- Salsa
- Cheese sauce
Set out veggie sticks, tortilla chips, and crackers to use for dipping as well. This way everyone can diversify their flavors and customize their dining experience.
Beverages
Wash down those saucy sandwiches with a variety of thirst-quenching beverages. Set up a help-yourself drink station so guests can choose their favorites.
Iced Tea
A sweet pitcher of traditional iced tea is a staple when serving southern barbecue. Brew up a batch of your favorite blend and let guests sweeten to taste. Add lemon wheels and fresh mint sprigs for garnish.
Lemonade
Fresh, homemade lemonade provides the perfect tart, refreshing balance to rich barbecue flavors. Make a classic simple syrup sweetened lemonade or experiment with fruit purees. Set out lemon slices and berries for infusing.
Arnold Palmers
For the best of both worlds, offer a pitcher of refreshing Arnold Palmers. Let guests mix and customize their ratio of iced tea and lemonade to suit their tastes.
Soda and Juices
Have cans of cola, root beer, and other fun flavored sodas chilled and ready to grab. Also provide refrigerated bottles of fruit juices like orange, apple, and grape to appeal to all preferences.
Water
Keep your guests hydrated with bottles of still and sparkling water flavored with citrus slices, berries, and fresh herbs. Set out festive tumblers, Mason jars, and infuser pitchers filled with refreshing fruit combos.
Popsicles
Homemade popsicles in an assortment of fruity flavors make a fun, nostalgic treat. Alternatively, pick up bags of popsicles from the store for easy serving. They provide a cooling refreshment between bites of your barbecue feast.
Milkshakes
Rich, creamy milkshakes pair perfectly with a savory barbecue meal. Offer a make-your-own station with several ice cream flavors and fun toppings like whipped cream, sprinkles, and cherries.
Beer and Wine
Provide beers that complement the flavors of barbecue, like wheat beers, lagers, IPAs, and summer ales. Offer an assortment of red and white wines as well. Let guests pair their favorite drinks with their saucy sandwiches.
Desserts
A sweet treat is the perfect way to round out a barbecue feast. Dig into these delicious desserts alongside your sandwiches for a mouthwatering meal:
Fruit Pie
Serve up traditional fruit-filled pies like apple, cherry, or blueberry. Modest wedges are all you need with this hearty menu. Warm with ice cream for an extra treat.
Strawberry Shortcake
These summery shortcakes involve splitting a biscuit and filling it with juicy strawberries and whipped cream. The sweet, fruity dessert balances the savory barbecue flavors perfectly.
Peach Cobbler
Warm peach cobbler made with fresh summer peaches is delightful after barbecue. Enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top. The cinnamon, sugar, and flaky biscuit cobble together nicely.
Banana Pudding
Old-fashioned banana pudding with sliced bananas, vanilla wafers, and a creamy vanilla pudding is a classic southern dessert. It’s sweetness and texture pairs perfectly with barbecue.
S’mores
For a fun, interactive dessert, set up a DIY s’mores bar outside. Supply guests with skewers, marshmallows, chocolate bars, and graham crackers to assemble their own treat over the campfire.
Cookies
An assortment of fresh-baked cookies like chocolate chip, sugar, peanut butter, and oatmeal raisin give guests options for satisfying their sweet tooth. Serve with ice cold milk for dunking.
Brownies
Rich, fudgy brownies served warm from the oven make for a chocolatey dessert. Top with ice cream sundaes with guests’ choice of toppings for a true treat. The chocolate pairs nicely with smoky barbecue.
Fruit Salad
Fresh cut pineapple, berries, melon, grapes, and citrus make a light, sweet finish to a heavy meal. Toss the fruit with a honey lime dressing and mound it into a hollowed out pineapple half for a festive presentation.
Ice cream
Offer a sundae bar with multiple ice cream flavors and unlimited toppings so guests can construct their own personalized treats. Sprinkles, drizzles, nuts, and cookies take it over the top.
Hand Pies
These single-serve hand pies allow guests to enjoy fruity, chocolatey, or savory pocket pies for dessert on the go. Make an assortment with various fillings like apple, pecan, fudge, lemon, or strawberry.
Planning a Menu
When planning out your full barbecue menu, try to include a variety of complementary sides, sauces, and desserts. Aim for a mix of colors, textures, flavors, and dietary needs. Here are some sample menus to get you started:
Classic Barbecue Menu
- Pulled pork sandwiches on brioche buns
- Cole slaw
- Baked beans
- Corn on the cob
- Iced tea and lemonade
- S’mores
Tex Mex Barbecue
- Brisket sandwiches on corn tortillas
- Street corn salad
- Borracho beans
- Chips and guacamole
- Margaritas
- Churros
Surf and Turf
- BBQ chicken sandwiches on pretzel rolls
- Grilled shrimp skewers
- Macaroni salad
- Grilled veggies
- Beer and wine
- Fruit hand pies
Luau Barbecue
- Hawaiian pulled pork sliders
- Pineapple cole slaw
- Fried plantains
- Tropical fruit salad
- POG juice
- Coconut cake
Vegetarian Barbecue
- Portobello mushroom sandwich
- Three bean salad
- Corn fritters
- Watermelon gazpacho
- Iced tea
- S’mores
Get creative with your sides, sandwiches, and desserts. Offer a variety of flavors and textures to please all preferences. Most importantly, have fun cooking up an amazing barbecue spread to remember!
Frequently Asked Questions About Barbecue Sides
What are the best side dishes for barbecue?
Classic sides like baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, and corn on the cob pair very well with barbecue sandwiches. Bright vegetable salads, cornbread, and fresh fruit also complement the savory sandwiches nicely.
What can I serve instead of bread with barbecue?
Great alternatives to bread include corn tortillas, lettuce wraps, cornbread, biscuits, and flatbreads. You can also serve barbecue sandwiches open-faced on a slice of Texas toast or sweet cornbread.
What kind of salad goes with barbecue?
Tangy coleslaw is probably the most popular, but you can’t go wrong with a fresh garden salad, broccoli salad, pasta salad, or Greek salad on the side. Fruit-based salads also pair nicely.
What goes good with pulled pork sandwiches?
Classic BBQ sides like baked beans, slaw, cornbread and potato salad. Also try roasted veggies, mac and cheese or fruit salads. Offer slices of dill pickles on the side.
What goes with a BBQ sandwich?
Great sides for BBQ sandwiches include fries, coleslaw, baked beans, mac & cheese, deviled eggs, cornbread, collard greens and fresh watermelon.
What do you serve with brisket sandwiches?
Perfect sides for brisket sandwiches include baked beans, coleslaw, greens like collards or kale, cornbread or biscuits, roasted potatoes, creamy mac and cheese, and pickles for garnish.
What sides go with smoked sausage?
Great options include baked beans, potato salad, creamy pasta or greens. Roasted veggies, grilled corn and crusty bread also complement smoked sausage nicely.
What drink goes well with BBQ?
You can’t go wrong with classic summer drinks like lemonade, iced tea, beer and fruity cocktails. Also consider fruit punch, Arnold Palmers and milkshakes.
Perfectly Paired Sides Take Barbecue Sandwiches to the Next Level
Barbecue sandwiches are an American classic, but pairing them with the right sides makes all the difference. With a balanced variety of salads, veggies, breads and desserts, you can create a mouthwatering