Summer cookouts need sides that people actually get excited about, and these crowd-favorite recipes bring plenty of flavor without making the host work all day. These recipes are easy to prep, pairs beautifully with anything off the grill, and helps round out the spread without adding unnecessary stress. Put a few on the table, and you’ll have a backyard BBQ that feels effortless, generous, and way too good to skip.
Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice
Fluffy rice, tender peppers, and onions simmer together in savory broth for a side that brings big steakhouse flavor to the backyard table. Inspired by LongHorn Steakhouse, it’s simple enough to prep without fuss but flavorful enough to hold its own next to grilled meats. Serve it warm and watch it disappear right alongside the burgers and ribs.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice
Drop Biscuits
Warm buttermilk biscuits have a way of making a cookout spread feel instantly more inviting. No rolling or cutting is needed, just stir, drop, and bake for a fluffy batch in under 25 minutes. They’re perfect for soaking up barbecue sauce or serving alongside all those smoky grilled favorites.
Get the Recipe: Drop Biscuits
Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes can be made up to three days ahead, which is a huge win when the grill is already keeping everyone busy. Getting a side finished early means less rushing once guests arrive and more time hanging out instead of hovering over the stove. Rich, fluffy, and easy to reheat, they deserve a place at summer gatherings well beyond one holiday weekend.
Get the Recipe: Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Popeyes Coleslaw
Crisp cabbage and carrots tossed in a creamy dressing bring the cool, crunchy contrast every backyard BBQ needs. The familiar Popeyes-style combination pairs beautifully with smoky ribs, fried chicken, burgers, and anything hot off the grill. Make it ahead, chill it well, and let the refreshing crunch balance out the richer dishes on the table.
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Coleslaw
Air Fryer Garlic Mushrooms
Juicy mushrooms tossed with garlic, butter, and seasonings come out tender with beautifully golden edges in the air fryer. They take little effort and cook quickly, making them a handy side when the rest of the meal already has plenty going on. Set a platter beside the grill and watch even the mushroom skeptics sneak a few.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Mushrooms
Summer Salad
Cool cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a little onion bring a fresh burst of flavor to a table full of grilled food. A simple homemade dressing pulls everything together in about 10 minutes, so there’s no need to spend the afternoon chopping vegetables. It’s colorful, refreshing, and exactly what a hot summer gathering needs.
Get the Recipe: Summer Salad
Cornbread with Bisquick
Soft, tender cornbread with golden edges is practically made for a backyard BBQ. Bisquick keeps the batter quick and uncomplicated, so a warm batch can be ready without adding another big project to the menu. Serve it with butter alongside ribs, pulled pork, or grilled chicken for that cozy cookout touch everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread with Bisquick
Corn and Black Bean Salad
Sweet corn, hearty black beans, and crisp vegetables come together in a colorful salad that adds freshness without much work. The simple dressing keeps the flavors bright, and a little time in the fridge makes the whole thing even better for make-ahead entertaining. It’s a reliable potluck side that can go from backyard BBQ to next-day lunch with zero fuss.
Get the Recipe: Corn and Black Bean Salad
Chipotle Rice
Light, fluffy rice gets a bright boost of fresh flavor in this easy homemade take on the Chipotle favorite. Ready in about 25 minutes, it gives grilled meats and tacos a little extra something without requiring a complicated side dish. A big bowl on the cookout table means everyone can build the perfect plate.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Rice
Frog Eye Salad
Don’t let the quirky name scare anyone off, this retro salad is sweet, creamy, fruity, and always a conversation starter. Acini di pepe pasta, pineapple, grapes, peaches, and mandarin oranges get folded into a custardy base with fluffy whipped topping for a nostalgic side that doubles as dessert. It’s exactly the sort of old-school dish that makes a summer spread feel extra fun.
Get the Recipe: Frog Eye Salad
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Zucchini gets a crispy Parmesan coating in the air fryer, turning a simple vegetable into a golden, snackable side. Less than 20 minutes is all it takes, which makes the recipe especially handy when the grill is already loaded up. Serve them with a dipping sauce and expect the platter to empty faster than the usual veggie tray.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Carrot Raisin Salad
Shredded carrots, sweet raisins, and a creamy dressing make a colorful side with plenty of crunch and just the right touch of sweetness. It’s easy to mix ahead, so there’s one less thing to worry about once guests start arriving. The cool, creamy texture also gives a welcome break from all the smoky and savory flavors coming off the grill.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Raisin Salad
Broccoli Casserole
Tender broccoli baked in a creamy cheese sauce with a buttery cracker topping turns a simple vegetable into serious comfort food. Everything comes together in one dish, keeping prep and cleanup manageable when the backyard is already buzzing. It’s hearty enough to please picky eaters and cozy enough to hold its own beside all the BBQ favorites.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
Frozen green beans get a quick upgrade with savory seasonings, garlic, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan before roasting until crisp around the edges. Using frozen vegetables keeps prep easy, which is especially helpful when there are burgers to flip and guests to greet. The cheesy, garlicky finish makes a simple veggie side one of the first things people reach for.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Fluffy potatoes whipped with butter, milk, and plenty of garlic bring rich, comforting flavor to the cookout table. They’re easy enough for a casual dinner but hearty enough to pair with all the big BBQ favorites on a summer spread. Keep the recipe handy because once everyone gets used to mashed potatoes this good, plain potatoes may never cut it again.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Honey Glazed Carrots
Tender carrots coated in a glossy honey, garlic, and butter glaze add a little sweetness and plenty of color to the table. The recipe takes only minutes, making it a smart choice when the menu is already packed with dishes that need attention. It’s an easy way to give a humble vegetable enough flavor to compete with everything coming off the grill.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Carrots
Parmesan Potatoes
Baby potatoes roast until tender beneath a crisp, golden Parmesan crust that makes every bite extra tempting. Just a couple of minutes in the oven delivers a side that feels special without requiring complicated prep or fancy ingredients. Add some sour cream for dipping and there’s a good chance the bowl will be scraped clean before the main course is finished.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Potatoes
Cranberry Chicken Salad
Tender chicken, tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, crisp celery, and onion come together in a creamy dressing for a fresh, flavorful side or light main. With only about 10 minutes of prep, it’s an easy make-ahead option when the cookout menu is already keeping everyone busy. Serve it chilled in sandwiches, wraps, or lettuce cups for a refreshing change from all the grilled food.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Chicken Salad
Marinated Tomatoes
Juicy heirloom tomatoes soak up a bright marinade of olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and oregano for a side that tastes like summer in every bite. The prep is wonderfully simple, yet the vibrant colors make the platter look like it took much more effort. Spoon them over grilled bread or serve alongside burgers and chicken for a fresh counterpoint to smoky BBQ flavors.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Tomatoes
Fennel and Mango Slaw
Crisp fennel and juicy mango bring an unexpected mix of crunch and sweetness to the classic slaw lineup. The bright flavors pair especially well with smoky meats, spicy sauces, and anything fresh from the grill. It’s a fun change from heavier sides and adds a little color to the cookout table without creating extra kitchen drama.
Get the Recipe: Fennel and Mango Slaw
Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes
Crispy potatoes covered in warm nacho cheese bring all the bold, cheesy comfort of a fast-food favorite to the backyard spread. The Taco Bell-inspired side comes together quickly, making it an easy addition when everyone is already hungry. Serve a big platter as a snack or side and watch it compete for attention with the burgers.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes