Creative Side Dishes for Your Next Grill Out
While the main protein often steals the show at a barbecue, the right side dishes can elevate your entire meal. Moving past the usual suspects, these creative grilled sides are designed to complement smoky flavors, add vibrant color, and create a truly memorable feast.
Grilled Halloumi Skewers with Cherry Tomatoes
Halloumi is a brined cheese that holds its shape beautifully over high heat, making it a perfect candidate for the grill.
- Why it works: The halloumi develops a golden crust and a deliciously salty flavor. When paired with sweet, blistered cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of pesto, it’s a gourmet vegetarian side that everyone will love.
- How to make it: Cut the halloumi into 1-inch cubes. Thread them onto skewers, alternating with whole cherry tomatoes. Grill over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear. Drizzle with a good quality pesto and serve immediately.
Foil-Packet Garlic and Herb Potatoes
This simple side is a game-changer. The foil packets create a steaming environment, ensuring the potatoes are tender and infused with flavor, while the grill adds a hint of smoky goodness.
- Why it works: No need to pre-boil! These potatoes cook to perfection right on the grill, and cleanup is a breeze.
- How to make it: Chop potatoes (new or small yellow) into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, minced garlic, fresh rosemary, salt, and pepper. Place the mixture on a large piece of heavy-duty foil, seal it into a tight packet, and cook directly on the grill for 25-30 minutes, or until tender.
Grilled Corn with Spicy Lime Crema
Elevate classic grilled corn with a creamy, zesty topping. The subtle char on the corn combined with the spicy, tangy crema is an irresistible combination.
- Why it works: It’s a fresh, vibrant side that cuts through the richness of grilled meats. The prep is minimal, and the flavor payoff is huge.
- How to make it: Grill corn cobs directly over medium heat, turning every few minutes, until kernels are tender and lightly charred. For the crema, mix sour cream or mayonnaise with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, a pinch of chili powder, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Brush the crema generously over the hot corn and sprinkle with cotija cheese and fresh cilantro.
Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon and Honey
Looking for a sweet side or a light dessert? Grilled pineapple is a fantastic choice. The heat caramelizes the natural sugars, making it incredibly juicy and sweet with a hint of smoke.
- Why it works: It’s a simple, healthy, and unexpected side that pairs wonderfully with everything from spicy ribs to delicate chicken.
- How to make it: Cut a fresh pineapple into thick rings. Brush the rings with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until grill marks appear. Drizzle with honey or a sprinkle of brown sugar just before serving.
Here are some creative side dish ideas to elevate your next grill out! These go beyond the usual chips and coleslaw, offering fresh flavors and fun twists:
Beyond the Basics: Creative Side Dishes for Your Next Grill Out
- Grilled Street Corn (Elote)
- Charred corn on the cob slathered with creamy mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime.
- Watermelon, Feta & Mint Salad
- Juicy watermelon cubes tossed with crumbled feta, fresh mint, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Charred Vegetable Platter
- A colorful mix of grilled zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, and red onions, finished with olive oil and sea salt.
- Grilled Halloumi Skewers
- Skewered halloumi cheese and cherry tomatoes, grilled until golden and served with a squeeze of lemon.
- Foil-Packet Garlic and Herb Potatoes
- Baby potatoes tossed with garlic, herbs, and olive oil, wrapped in foil and cooked on the grill until tender.
- Spicy Grilled Pineapple
- Pineapple slices brushed with honey and chili powder, then grilled for a sweet and spicy treat.
- Avocado & Black Bean Salad
- Creamy avocado, black beans, corn, red onion, and cilantro tossed in a zesty lime dressing.
- Grilled Caesar Salad
- Romaine hearts lightly charred on the grill, topped with Caesar dressing, parmesan, and croutons.
- Stuffed Mini Peppers
- Mini bell peppers filled with herbed cream cheese or goat cheese, then grilled until soft.
- Caprese Skewers
- Skewered cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic reduction.
Incorporating these creative sides will not only add variety to your barbecue menu but will also impress your guests and make your next grill out a culinary event to remember. Happy grilling!
Useful Resources & Further Reading
- Grilling: The Art of High-Heat Cooking Over Fire
- Master the main event with expert grilling techniques for your proteins.
- Essential BBQ Tools & Gadgets
- Find the gear you need to cook both your main dishes and your creative sides.
- 10 Quick and Delicious Meat Recipes
- Pair your new favorite side dishes with these fast and flavorful main courses.
- The Ribeye Mistakes Everyone Makes (and How to Fix It)
- Ensure your steak is perfect so your sides can shine alongside it.
- Brisket: The Ultimate Low and Slow BBQ Masterpiece
- Discover a classic BBQ main that begs for creative, contrasting side dishes.
- Pork Ribs: Mastering the Art of Fall-Off-The-Bone Tenderness
- Get your ribs right, and then complement them with these exciting sides.
External Resources
- Food Network: Grilling Side Dishes
- A collection of recipes specifically designed to be cooked on or alongside the grill.
- Serious Eats: The Best BBQ Side Dishes
- Explore scientifically tested and delicious recipes for classic and unique BBQ accompaniments.
- Taste of Home: Best BBQ Side Dishes
- A wide variety of crowd-pleasing side dish ideas perfect for any cookout.
