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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    12 Comforting Southern Sides for Your Next BBQ

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on August 19, 2025, updated August 12, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    When it comes to a BBQ, the sides can make all the difference. Southern cuisine offers a variety of comforting dishes that perfectly complement grilled meats and add a touch of warmth to any gathering. From creamy coleslaw to buttery cornbread, these 12 sides are sure to bring everyone together around the table.

    Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans

    Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans.
    Photo Credit: Maria's Mixing Bowl.

    These Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans are an easy delicious recipe that takes baked beans to the next level. They’re loaded with beef, bacon, onions, bell peppers, three kinds of beans, and a tangy BBQ sauce that’s easy to make.

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    Biscuits and Gravy

    Biscuits and Gravy.
    Photo Credit: I Heart Naptime.

    Homemade biscuits and gravy is a classic Southern breakfast that combines soft, fluffy biscuits with rich sausage gravy. This dish is filling and comforting, making it a favorite for many families. It's perfect for starting the day off right.

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    Easy Baked Beans

    Easy Baked Beans.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    These Easy BBQ Baked Beans are a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing favorite! Made with pantry staples and just a few add-ins, this comforting dish is the perfect summer side dish to serve at any barbecue, potluck, or family dinner.

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    Sweet Potato Biscuits

    Sweet Potato Biscuits.
    Photo Credit: Chef Savvy.

    These tender, delicious Sweet Potato Biscuits are perfect for the holiday season. This recipe takes a traditional biscuit recipe and adds sweet potato for added flavor, color and tenderness. Serve these biscuits with your holiday ham or turkey for the perfect meal!

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    Skillet Baked Beans and Bacon

    Skillet Baked Beans and Bacon.
    Photo Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.

    Skillet Baked Beans and Bacon are a classic Southern dish that combines the rich flavor of molasses with crispy bacon. This hearty side is cooked in a cast iron skillet, giving it a deliciously smoky taste. It's perfect for gatherings or family dinners, bringing a comforting touch to any meal.

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    Grandma's Coleslaw

    Grandma's Coleslaw.
    Photo Credit: Dana's Table.

    Classic creamy coleslaw is an excellent side dish for summer picnics, potlucks, and barbecues. This classic coleslaw recipe is an adaptation of my grandmother’s recipe. It’s made with a mix of green cabbage and carrots tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing.

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    Dump-and-Bake Mac & Cheese

    Mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Baked Mac and Cheese is simple to prepare and perfect for any meal. In just 10 minutes of prep time and 45 minutes in the oven, you can enjoy a delicious dish made all in one pan. This version combines Cheddar and Gruyere for a rich and cheesy flavor that everyone will love.

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    Chicken Macaroni Salad

    Chicken Macaroni Salad.
    Photo Credit: Maple + Mango.

    Chicken Macaroni Salad combines creamy pasta with chicken salad for a delicious dish. It's easy to whip up and perfect for using leftover chicken. This salad works well for lunch or a quick weeknight dinner. It's also a great choice for summer BBQs and picnics, making it a refreshing option on warm days.

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    Blue Cheese Coleslaw

    Blue cheese coleslaw.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Blue Cheese Coleslaw is a quick and easy side dish that pairs well with steak, barbecue, or anything spicy. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s packed with rich blue cheese flavor and a nice mix of seasonings. This coleslaw is sure to become a go-to favorite for your meals.

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    Crock Pot Cheesy Potatoes

    Crock Pot Cheesy Potatoes.
    Photo credit: Recipes From a Pantry.

    Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes is the ultimate easy comfort food. Making this delicious cheesy potato side dish in your slow cooker is incredibly easy – just dump, set, and forget it!

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    Ranch Coleslaw

    Ranch coleslaw.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This ranch coleslaw is quick to whip up in just 15 minutes, perfect for your next barbecue. Using store-bought mayonnaise and ranch dressing, it’s super easy to prepare and packed with flavor. It’s a great side dish that everyone will enjoy.

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    Chicken Macaroni Salad

    Chicken Macaroni Salad.
    Photo Credit: Heavenly Home Cooking.

    Chicken macaroni salad is packed with flavor while keeping the dressing light, letting all the tasty ingredients stand out. It's a great side dish that works well for brunch, lunch, or dinner.

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      24 Family-Friendly Dump-and-Bake Meals That Save You Time and Effort

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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