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When it comes to American BBQ, the main stars often steal the spotlight. However, no great smokehouse meal is complete without the perfect BBQ side dishes.
From creamy mac and cheese to fresh coleslaw, the right sides can turn a good BBQ into an unforgettable feast. If you’re dining out at your favourite smokehouse, choosing these sides can take your BBQ experience to the next level.
In this blog, we’ll walk through the most popular and mouth-watering American side dishes for BBQ. We’ll cover classic comfort foods, crunchy bites, and some lighter options for a balanced plate.
Here are some of the tastiest BBQ companions.
Mac and cheese is a classic BBQ side dish that’s always a crowd pleaser. It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfectly comforting, and it pairs well with smoky meats like brisket and ribs.
Whilst it’s usually made using cheddar or a blend of cheeses, at Red Dog, we take it up a notch and use smoked Gouda. Baked until golden and bubbling, your mouth will be watering before it arrives at your table.
As a side or main dish, mac and cheese adds a warm, hearty touch to any BBQ plate. It’s a crowd-pleaser that kids and adults are always coming back for.
Coleslaw is a refreshing side dish for BBQ, as it balances out the richness of the meats. It’s made with shredded cabbage and carrots, tossed in a creamy or tangy vinegar-based dressing. Its cool crunch adds contrast to hot, smoky dishes like pulled pork or our St Louis cut ribs.
If you’re looking for healthier sides to pair with your mains, we also have other cold salads including a tomato salad, a beetroot salad, and a classic Caesar salad, which are great BBQ companions.
These chilled sides are light and perfect for hot days. They help cleanse the palate and add variety to your plate, making your BBQ meal feel fresh, balanced, and even more enjoyable.
Burnt ends mash is a rich and satisfying BBQ side that brings together two favourites - mashed potatoes and smoky burnt ends.
Burnt ends are the crispy, flavour-packed edges of smoked brisket, and when mixed into soft, buttery mash, they create a dish that’s incredibly tasty with a great texture. The tender meat pieces have a smoky kick, while the mash keeps it smooth and comforting.
It’s a hearty side that pairs perfectly with our pulled pork and Nashville hot chicken. If you’re craving something warm, filling, and full of BBQ flavour, burnt ends mash is a delicious choice that’s sure to impress.
Pit beans are a smoky, savoury side dish that’s a must-have in any US BBQ restaurant. It’s made with slow-cooked beans and mixed with ingredients like onions, brown sugar, spices, and sometimes smoked meat, (usually brisket or bacon), for extra flavour.
When done right, pit beans are thick, rich, and packed with a perfect blend of sweet and smoky notes. They pair well with everything from sausages to ribs and help round out your BBQ plate with a bit of hearty goodness. Overall, pit beans bring warmth and depth to any smokehouse meal.
Our smokehouse menu also includes fried pickles and okra, which is a crispy, crunchy BBQ side, adding a fun twist to your meal.
Pickles are sliced, coated in a seasoned batter, and fried until golden, offering a salty, tangy bite that cuts through rich, smoky meats. Okra, a Southern favourite, is also battered and fried, with a unique texture and mild flavour that’s perfect for dipping.
Both make great starters or side dishes for BBQ meals, especially when served with a creamy sauce like ranch. Fried pickles and okra are light, crunchy, and flavourful, bringing variety and Southern charm to your smokehouse experience.
Now that you know what the best side dishes for BBQ are, do you think you’re ready to order the perfect BBQ meal?
At Red Dog Saloon, our menu boasts hickory-smoked meats, Nashville hot chicken, ground-in house loaded burgers and cocktails. Our award-winning smokers have been imported from the USA and are built to recreate the cooking process of those original fire pits.
With locations across the UK, each saloon is slightly different, but they all offer a laid-back vibe perfect for casual dining or private parties.
If you’re looking for the ultimate BBQ experience, book your table today!