Barbecue ribs, with their flavorful sauce and tender meat, are a crowd-pleaser. While sauces like sour cream and hot sauce enhance the experience, a truly memorable gathering requires more than just a centerpiece. Complementary side dishes are essential to elevate your BBQ ribs and create a lively and satisfying meal.
Ribs are a hearty and satisfying option, but too much meat can be overwhelming. Pairing them with diverse sides not only balances the meal but also highlights the unique flavors of the ribs. A well-rounded BBQ experience includes both rich, meaty flavors and refreshing vegetable dishes. If you’re wondering What Food Goes With Bbq Ribs, here are 21 delectable options to consider:
Elevating Your BBQ: 21 Side Dishes for BBQ Ribs
A successful outdoor BBQ party is a symphony of flavors, blending main courses and side dishes seamlessly. So, what can you serve with BBQ ribs to truly impress your guests? Here are 21 recipes to tantalize your taste buds and bring out the best in your BBQ ribs:
1. Pasta Salad
The zesty and vibrant flavors of a pasta salad make it an excellent pairing with BBQ ribs. A buffalo chicken pasta salad, for example, with its buffalo sauce, blue cheese, and creamy dressing, offers a delightful contrast to the richness of the ribs.
2. Potato Salad
Potato salad is a versatile side dish that complements a wide range of dishes, including ribs. With countless variations in ingredients, spices, and sauces, you can tailor your potato salad to perfectly match your preferences. A loaded steakhouse potato salad, featuring crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a creamy dressing, offers a satisfying counterpoint to the savory flavors of BBQ ribs.
3. Corn on the Cob
Grilled vegetables are a BBQ staple, and corn on the cob is a perfect choice to serve alongside ribs. The buttery flavor of grilled corn, enhanced with a sprinkle of salt, complements the rich, smoky flavors of the ribs. This oven roasted corn on the cob recipe uses simple ingredients, making it easy to prepare for your BBQ gathering.
4. Baked Beans
While the sauciness of slow cooker baked beans or pork and beans might seem like an odd pairing with ribs, it’s a BBQ classic for a reason. The sweet and savory flavors of baked beans surprisingly complement the richness of the ribs. Plus, they’re quick and easy to make, which is ideal when you’re preparing a large meal.
5. Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a quintessential side dish for barbecued meats like ribs, brisket, and pulled pork. Its creamy, cheesy flavor and vibrant color provide a delightful contrast to the smoky richness of the BBQ sauce.
6. Collard Greens
Collard greens are a Southern classic that pairs beautifully with ribs. Cooked with bacon fat, onions, and garlic, these flavorful greens offer a healthy and delicious counterpoint to the meat-heavy meal.
7. Sweet Potato Fries
Instead of traditional fries, consider sweet potato fries for a healthier and equally delicious option. Their crispy exterior and soft interior, combined with a touch of sweetness and spice, complement the savory flavors of BBQ ribs perfectly.
8. Coleslaw
If you’re looking to balance the richness of the ribs with a fresh and light side, coleslaw is an excellent choice. Its crisp texture and tangy dressing provide a refreshing counterpoint to the intense flavors of the barbecue.
9. Fried Green Tomatoes
The crispy exterior and juicy interior of fried green tomatoes offer a unique and flavorful snack to enjoy between bites of ribs. Coated in breadcrumbs and fried to perfection, they provide a delightful textural contrast.
10. Corn Fritters
If you’re a corn enthusiast, corn fritters are a fantastic addition to your BBQ spread. Their crispy, fluffy texture complements the moist and dense texture of BBQ ribs, and they’re perfect for soaking up all that delicious BBQ sauce!
11. Green Salad
A simple green salad is a classic and easy side dish that adds freshness and vibrancy to your BBQ. It’s a healthy and flavorful option that requires minimal effort to prepare.
12. Fried Pickles
The salty and tangy flavor of deep-fried pickles enhances the umami and savory notes of the ribs. Their crispy texture also provides a pleasing contrast to the tender meat.
13. Broccoli Salad
Another healthy and delicious side option is broccoli salad. It adds a refreshing crunch and a healthy dose of vitamins and nutrients to your BBQ spread.
14. Hush Puppies
These fried cornmeal dumplings are a Southern staple that’s perfect for mopping up BBQ sauce. Their crunchy exterior and soft interior make them an irresistible addition to your BBQ feast.
15. Cheese Grits
Cheese grits are a comforting and flavorful side dish with a Southern touch. Their rich, creamy texture and cheesy flavor complement the savory ribs beautifully.
16. Fruit Salad
A refreshing fruit salad provides a sweet and palate-cleansing counterpoint to the richness of the ribs. It’s a light and healthy option that’s perfect for a summer BBQ.
17. Green Bean Salad
Adding a green bean salad is a great way to incorporate more healthy and tasty side dishes. Make sure the green beans are cooked perfectly, retaining a slight crunch for optimal texture.
18. Cornbread
Homemade cornbread is the perfect vehicle for soaking up all those delicious BBQ sauces. While it might be filling, the combination of cornbread and BBQ sauce is a classic and satisfying ending to any BBQ party.
19. Deviled Eggs
The creamy combination of egg yolks, mayonnaise, mustard, and spices in deviled eggs makes them a delightful addition to your BBQ spread. They’re a quick and easy side dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
20. Cucumber Tomato Salad
The crunchy, juicy, and refreshing flavors of a cucumber tomato salad make it an excellent palate cleanser. Its light and vibrant flavors help to cut through the richness of the ribs.
21. Fried Okra
Fried okra, with its crispy exterior and slightly gooey interior, is a Southern favorite that complements BBQ ribs beautifully. The combination of buttermilk and cornmeal flour creates a satisfyingly crunchy texture.
The Perfect BBQ Experience
BBQ ribs are meant to be enjoyed with your fingers, but their rich flavors can be overwhelming without the right accompaniments. These delicious side dishes are essential for balancing the meal and enhancing the overall BBQ experience. By offering a variety of sides, you can ensure that everyone at your next BBQ gathering has something to enjoy!
