14 Mouthwatering BBQ Side Dishes for Pulled Pork, Brisket, and More

By Real Simple Editors Updated April 11, 2022

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Credit: Jonny Valiant

You never need an excuse to barbecue. Sure, a good cookout and backyard party (with all those irresistible BBQ sides) are a great way to celebrate a graduation or summer birthday, but eating BBQ is also something you can do any night of the week, for any reason—including just craving some good pulled pork.

Whether you know how to grill and cook your brisket or pulled pork at home or you order a cooked Boston butt from your local BBQ joint, there's no way to BBQ wrong—as long as you have plenty of BBQ sides, of course. Barbeque-friendly side dishes can include everything from the classic mac and cheese or potato salad to creative takes on slaws, such as a carrot and apple slaw.

The key is to pick and prepare side dishes that go with your meat of choice, whether that's pulled pork, brisket, or BBQ chicken. Fortunately, these dishes go with all of them; some even serve as good sides for ribs, though they may be best as sides for pulled pork or brisket.

For the best BBQ in recent memory, pick your meat base, then add on all the sides you and your family love and crave: Any of these BBQ side dish recipes will pair nicely with your favorite smoker-cooked meat. Best of all, most make great leftovers, so you can enjoy the flavors of your BBQ after the smoker is cool. Need something to pair with that smoky brisket or tangy pulled pork? Try one of the following recipes.

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Creamy Potato Salad With Bacon

Credit: Con Poulos

Fresh herbs brighten up the flavor, while white wine vinegar adds a tang that balances out the rich mayonnaise and sour cream in this BBQ side.

Get the recipe: Creamy Potato Salad With Bacon

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Macaroni and Cheese

Credit: Sang An

Use a mixture of Gruyère and Cheddar cheeses for more complex flavors.

Get the recipe: Macaroni and Cheese

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Creamy Corn Pudding

Credit: Chris Court

This sweet and savory pudding with the perfect just-set custard can be made up to 1 day in advance.

Get the recipe: Creamy Corn Pudding

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Herb Potato Salad

Credit: Anna Williams

Toss the potatoes with the dressing while they're still hot to help them absorb the flavors.

Get the recipe: Herb Potato Salad

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Maple Corn Bread

Credit: Con Poulos

Moist, fluffy corn bread gets its sweetness from pure maple syrup.

Get the recipe: Maple Corn Bread

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Collard Greens With Bacon

Credit: Jonny Valiant

Cook the sliced shallots and greens in the bacon drippings to infuse this side dish with savory richness.

Get the recipe: Collard Greens With Bacon

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Mexican Grilled Corn With Cilantro

Credit: Sang An

Spruce up grilled corn-on-the-cob for your next barbecue with fresh lime juice and cilantro.

Get the recipe: Mexican Grilled Corn With Cilantro

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Tomato, Corn, and Red Cabbage Salad

Credit: Paul Sirisalee

Use fresh raw corn kernels to add a juicy, sweet pop to this BBQ side.

Get the recipe: Tomato, Corn, and Red Cabbage Salad

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Sliced-Tomato Salad With Dill Pickle Relish Vinaigrette

Credit: Caitlin Bensel

Use a variety of colorful, ripe tomatoes for the prettiest (and most delicious) results.

Get the recipe: Sliced-Tomato Salad With Dill Pickle Relish Vinaigrette

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Carrot-Apple Slaw

Credit: Antonis Achilleos

You can prep this slaw (without the cilantro) up to a day in advance.

Get the recipe: Carrot-Apple Slaw

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Minted Watermelon Salad

Credit: Christopher Baker

Torn mint leaves give this salad a refreshing taste.

Get the recipe: Minted Watermelon Salad

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Wilted Sesame Spinach

Credit: Greg DuPree

This quick and easy method also works well with Swiss chard, kale, or mustard greens.

Get the recipe: Wilted Sesame Spinach

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Southwestern Pasta Salad

Credit: Greg DuPree

Toss cherry tomatoes, avocado, black beans, and corn with cooked campanelle pasta for a delicious side that can be made up to two hours in advance.

Get the recipe: Southwestern Pasta Salad

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Smashed Cucumber Salad With Spicy Feta and Olives

Credit: Jennifer Causey

This simple no-cook salad with spicy feta and olives makes an excellent side for a summer BBQ.

Get the recipe: Smashed Cucumber Salad With Spicy Feta and Olives

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