There’s a certain cast of characters that you can expect to see at every summer barbecue. You know the ones: corn on the cob, potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw… Those classic side dishes make frequent appearances for good reason – they’re tried and true and they’re delicious. But, variety is the spice of life, right? It’s nice to shake things up and taste something new alongside your ribs or grilled chicken. That’s why we’ve got 12 kicked up barbecue side dish recipes for you! These recipes all offer a twist on a classic: an unexpected ingredient, some added spice, a unique cooking method. They’re our favorites because they take the traditional and turn it up. Give them a try and you’ll be the star of the next summer party!
Jalapeño Popper Macaroni Salad
Everyone loves macaroni salad, but the subtle spice of jalapenos makes this one a home run. Creamy as can be with a little bit of crunch, we don’t know if you’ll go back to the original. Click here for the spicy recipe!
Sweet Corn Spoon Bread
>Throughout the country, cornbread is a staple alongside barbecue because it provides a subtly sweet contrast to the star of the show (grilled meat!) but Sweet Corn Spoon Bread might steal the limelight itself. More moist and sweet than cornbread, it’s something you have to try at least once. Get the simple recipe here!
Root Beer Baked Beans
Baked beans are well loved because they are pretty much an expert example of how delicious the combination of sweet and savory flavors can be. But doctor them up by adding a few extra special ingredients… and you won’t believe how great they can be. Check out the recipe to see what we add.