You know that moment at a cookout when you pretend to be excited about the burgers, but you’re really eyeing the table like: “Is that Becky’s corn salad? And WHO brought the mac and cheese?” Yeah, same.
Around here, the grill may get all the glory, but the side dishes are the ones quietly winning hearts and stealing the spotlight—just like your aunt who “accidentally” brings a store-bought dessert and still takes all the compliments.
In our house, cookouts are kind of a sport. Every summer, Matthew and I host our backyard version of the Olympics (event categories include: “fastest watermelon eater,” “most aggressive tongs-user,” and “how many chairs can one person hoard?”). But the true stars? The sides. Always the sides.
And let’s be honest—we don’t have time for anything fussy. These easy cookout side dishes are:
Make-ahead friendly (because trying to boil pasta during the party is how we lost an entire Tupperware lid to the grill flames… don’t ask).
Crowd-tested on kids, picky adults, and that one friend who always says, “I don’t really like coleslaw”… until they meet this coleslaw.
And just plain GOOD.
We’ve got everything from cool and creamy classics to unexpected bites that’ll make people say, “Wait, who made this?” (That’s your cue to casually pretend you’ve been perfecting it for years.)
So grab a cold drink, swat a mosquito, and let’s talk sides—the easy, tasty kind that make every cookout feel like a celebration (even if your toddler is currently eating ketchup straight from the packet. Again.).
Let’s be real—there’s always that one sad bowl of something at the cookout that goes untouched, sweating in the sun like it knows its days are numbered.
Not today, potato salad.
These side dishes aren’t just filler—they’re the ones your guests will fight over. (We’ve witnessed it. Grown adults. Over baked beans.)
We’re sharing our go-to cookout sides that are easy to throw together, don’t require a culinary degree, and make you look like the host who’s got it ALL figured out—even if your dog just ran off with the hot dog buns. From creamy classics to fresh, tangy twists, every one of these dishes is designed to bring the flavor and the fun.
1
budgetbytes.com
Classic Southern Style Potato Salad
"This classic Southern Style Potato Salad uses both mustard and mayonnaise for a super flavorful dressing that is rich, tangy, and creamy."
Easy Crock Pot Baked Beans With Bacon & Brown Sugar
"You can't go wrong with your good ole' slow cooker when it comes to making baked beans for a crowd! This tried and true crock pot baked beans recipe is loaded with brown sugar and bacon and makes enough for the whole gang at your next summer gathering."
"In this recipe for Creamy Jalapeño BBQ Coleslaw, your typical BBQ Coleslaw gets a makeover with the addition of jalapeño for just a bit of heat for your tastebuds! This spicy jalapeño coleslaw recipe is the perfect potluck side dish recipe for all your favorite summer cookouts – Memorial Day, Father’s Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, or just because!"
"Rotini pasta salad is a delicious summer classic with vibrant colors and fresh flavor. It's made with fun spiral shaped noodles, bright red cherry tomatoes, gorgeous green asparagus, black olives, cheese, salami, olive oil and seasonings. This cold, refreshing salad is the perfect side dish for a cookout or potluck. Plus you can whip it up in 30 minutes or less and that's always a bonus!"
"Looking for a light, refreshing, low carb side dish that’s packed with flavor? This Cucumber and Tomato Salad is super simple to make and perfect for any occasion, from quick lunches to summer gatherings!"
"This quick and easy Mexican street corn pasta salad is loaded with savory charred corn, salty cotija cheese, and a tangy chipotle lime dressing. Not only is this pasta salad a snap to throw together, but the flavors will keep you coming back for more. Enjoy on its own as an easy lunch or serve as a side dish for you next taco night!"
"Head outdoors and fire up the grill! These buttery grilled mushrooms are the side dish your summer dinner has been missing. The perfect side for steak night, burger night, or any night, these mushrooms are coated in a savory soy-garlic butter, threaded onto skewers with green onion, and grilled until brown, juicy, and tender."
"Golden, crispy hushpuppies are one of the tastiest foods to come out of the fryer! Basically just a fried version cornbread, these addictive treats are the perfect companions for fried catfish and coleslaw. The simple batter comes together in just minutes, making this quick and easy summer recipe."
Save To Pinterest
