BBQ Side Dishes That Steal the Show: Recipes and Ideas

A BBQ isn't complete without delicious side dishes that complement the main course. As Bernard Michael Rochford, a former osteopath and BBQ enthusiast living in Brisbane, I've gathered some of the best side dish recipes that are sure to steal the show at your next BBQ. These sides are not only tasty but also easy to prepare, making them perfect additions to any BBQ menu.

1. Classic Coleslaw

Ingredients

• 1 small head of green cabbage, shredded

• 1 large carrot, grated

• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrot, and sliced red onion.

2. Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper.

3. Combine and Chill: Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to combine. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

2. Grilled Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter

Ingredients

• 6 ears of corn, husked

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Herb Butter: In a bowl, mix the softened butter with chopped parsley, chives, thyme, salt, and pepper.

2. Grill the Corn: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the corn for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred and tender.

3. Serve: Spread the herb butter over the hot corn and serve immediately.

3. Caprese Salad

Ingredients

• 4 large tomatoes, sliced

• 1 pound fresh mozzarella, sliced

• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Assemble the Salad: Arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices on a platter, alternating between them. Tuck basil leaves between the slices.

2. Drizzle and Season: Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Serve: Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to develop before serving.

4. BBQ Baked Beans

Ingredients

• 2 cans (15 ounces each) navy beans, drained and rinsed

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup ketchup

• 1/4 cup molasses

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the navy beans, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, molasses, Dijon mustard, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

3. Bake: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 45 minutes, until bubbly and thickened.

4. Serve: Let the beans cool slightly before serving.

5. Grilled Vegetable Platter

Ingredients

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

• 1 zucchini, sliced

• 1 red onion, sliced

• 1 eggplant, sliced

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. Prepare the Vegetables: Toss the sliced vegetables with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.

3. Grill the Vegetables: Grill the vegetables for 5-7 minutes per side, until tender and slightly charred.

4. Serve: Arrange the grilled vegetables on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

6. Potato Salad

Ingredients

• 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved

• 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1/4 cup sour cream

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 1 small red onion, finely chopped

• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh dill for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Potatoes: Place the halved potatoes in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain and let cool.

2. Make the Dressing: In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.

3. Combine and Chill: In a large bowl, combine the cooked potatoes, chopped eggs, red onion, and celery. Pour the dressing over the top and toss to coat. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

4. Serve: Garnish with fresh dill if desired.

7. Watermelon and Feta Salad

Ingredients

• 1 small watermelon, cubed

• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled

• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the watermelon cubes, crumbled feta, and chopped mint leaves.

2. Drizzle and Season: Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze over the salad. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Serve: Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.

8. Garlic Bread

Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread, sliced in half lengthwise

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.

3. Spread and Bake: Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread. Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden and the butter is melted.

4. Serve: Slice and serve warm.

Conclusion

These BBQ side dishes are sure to complement your main course and impress your guests. From classic coleslaw and grilled corn to more unique options like watermelon and feta salad, there's something for everyone. As Bernard Michael Rochford, I hope these recipes inspire you to create delicious and memorable BBQ meals. Happy grilling!