The 29 Cookout Sides That Made Everyone Forget About the Burgers

It’s not often the burgers get ignored, but that’s exactly what happened. The 29 sides showed up with more variety than anyone expected. People were circling back, plates stacked high, acting like the grill never existed. Even the picky eaters were suspiciously quiet. When the sides steal the spotlight, you know something went right.

Copycat Big Mac Salad

You don’t need drive-thru lines when you can recreate Copycat Big Mac Salad at home. It captures everything you love about the famous burger, minus the bun, giving it a fresh twist on a classic. Balanced enough to stand proudly on any cookout table, it’s fun to pile your plate high with this salad.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Big Mac Salad

Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip

Dips are a must-have at any gathering, and Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip proves why. Creamy, savory, and packed with bold flavors, it’s the kind of dish that gets scooped up fast. It’s simple but leaves a big impression, making it an easy crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for something addictive for your cookout, this dip checks all the boxes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip

Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes

Forget the buns, Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes reimagine the classic dish in a lovely way. By pairing the hearty sloppy joe filling with tender sweet potatoes, it’s a side that stands out. This dish brings comfort food to the cookout without being overly heavy. It’s a fun way to switch things up and surprise your guests with something new.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes

Guacamole

Few things bring people together like fresh Guacamole, and it’s sure to be a hit at your cookout. With its creamy texture and bold flavors, it pairs well with almost anything on the table. Guests will keep coming back for more of this standout side. From chips to grilled mains, it acts as a versatile addition that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes

Loaded with everything good, BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes redefine the idea of a side dish. Each potato is packed with smoky goodness, making it hearty enough to compete with the main course. It’s the kind of dish that feels comforting and filling without being overcomplicated. This one’s guaranteed to impress at your next gathering.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes

Caesar Salad

While simple in theory, Caesar Salad brings a refreshing balance to some of the heavier cookout sides. Its crisp and savory elements make it a timeless addition to any spread. It’s a choice that resonates with people looking for something lighter but still flavorful. If you want a reliable dish that complements everything on the grill, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Caesar Salad

Grilled Asparagus

Perfectly prepared Grilled Asparagus is an easy way to add a fresh side to your cookout lineup. It’s light but stands out with its smoky charred flavor. Asparagus is a great option for rounding out the table without overshadowing other dishes. For a healthy and approachable option, this is one to consider.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

Tuna Salad

Some dishes are classics for a reason, and Tuna Salad is one of them. It’s easy to prepare, pleasing to a variety of tastes, and works as a great side or sandwich addition. The simplicity here doesn’t take away from how satisfying it can be. If you’re looking for a versatile option everyone knows and loves, this is a solid choice.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Salad

Cowboy Caviar

Bursting with bold colors and flavors, Cowboy Caviar is a cookout must-have. It works great as a dip or a side, offering plenty of customization on every plate. This dish is a good way to add variety and a more vibrant profile to the table. Be ready for guests to ask about the recipe, it’s always a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar

Million Dollar Dip

Known for its ridiculously rich flavor, Million Dollar Dip gets its name for a reason. It’s creamy and packed with layers of goodness, making it hard to stop at one bite. This dip can easily become the star of any appetizer spread at your party. If you want guests to rave about the sides, this is an excellent addition.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Dip

Dense Bean Salad

Ideal for adding texture and heartiness to your cookout menu, Dense Bean Salad brings a wholesome balance to the table. It’s filling, flavorful, and works well next to grilled food. A great choice for those seeking something simple yet enjoyable. This timeless dish is bound to be a regular conversation starter.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad

Grilled Chicken Kabobs

Skewers make anything fun, and Grilled Chicken Kabobs are no exception. They’re easy to eat, packed with flavor, and come out beautifully from the grill. Kabobs are always a welcome addition that matches well with almost every other dish on the table. Your guests will quickly clear these from the serving platter, so make extra!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kabobs

Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Fun, smoky, and loaded with great ingredients, Smoky Bacon Pig Shots are the kind of bite-sized side that stands out. They might be small, but they bring bold flavors to any cookout spread. These are the perfect conversation starters, guaranteed to get people asking for a second helping. For a more playful take on cookout sides, they’re a must.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

BBQ Sauce

Homemade BBQ Sauce has a way of making everything better, and its versatility should never be underestimated. Paired with wings, ribs, or as a dip for fries, it’s a game-changer for the flavor lineup. This side staple ensures even the simplest dishes shine on the plate. Always worth having on hand, it’s a go-to that can’t be skipped.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Sauce

Spicy Greek Feta Dip

Bold and creamy, Spicy Greek Feta Dip is perfect for adding a punch to your table. Its smooth texture pairs well with veggies, pita, or chips, making it an excellent option for sharing. This side adds something unique and unexpected to the cookout menu. It’s a small dish that people won’t stop scooping up.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Greek Feta Dip

Tzatziki

Tzatziki is a versatile side that enhances so many grilled main dishes. It’s great as a dip or a spread, making it a multifunctional option for parties. The creamy base mixed with fresh notes stands out against other, heavier options. Add it to your spread to give guests a fresh and light pairing option.
Get the Recipe: Tzatziki

Pinwheel Sandwiches

Bite-sized and packed with layers of flavors, Pinwheel Sandwiches are a creative side worth featuring. They’re small enough for sampling multiple flavors yet satisfying for guests who want variety. These are easy to make ahead, so you have one dish checked off your list early. Perfect for all ages, this is one side people keep reaching for.
Get the Recipe: Pinwheel Sandwiches

Pico de Gallo

Fresh and full of vibrant flavor, Pico de Gallo adds color and brightness to any cookout table. Its mix of textures and boldness makes it versatile enough to enhance tacos, chips, or grilled plates. Simple but effective, it’s a quick side that doesn’t require a lot of prep time. A staple for any party, this dish has a rightful place next to the grill.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Strawberry Cookies

For those with a sweet tooth, Strawberry Cookies bring just the right amount of fun to the dessert table. Their treat-like appeal makes them a standout amongst other sides and finger foods. They’re a sweet option in a lineup full of savory dishes, making your spread more balanced.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cookies

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Nothing says cookout like Grilled Corn on the Cob, a classic side that’s always a hit. Its smoky flavor and sweetness blend perfectly, making it a simple yet flavorful addition. Corn is one dish everyone loves cracking into, no matter what else is on the plate. This traditional side brings a comforting and fun option to your cookout menu.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn on the Cob

Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad

This salad is a fresh and modern twist that made everyone forget about the burgers at the cookout. Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad combines crisp textures and a light, refreshing flavor that’s ideal for outdoor gatherings. The subtle sweetness of the watermelon paired with complementary elements leaves a lasting impression on guests.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad

Grilled Zucchini

A simple yet crowd-pleasing option, Grilled Zucchini steals the show at any cookout with its smoky and savory appeal. It transforms ordinary zucchini into a flavorful side that pairs well with grilled proteins or serves wonderfully on its own. The grill marks and slight char bring out an irresistible depth that often surprises guests.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Zucchini

Mexican Street Corn Dip

As a simple twist on the popular street snack, Mexican Street Corn Dip instantly becomes a favorite at the table. Its bold flavors and creamy texture make it one of the easiest ways to bring charm to a gathering. This dip invites everyone to grab a chip and indulge in layers of taste that set it apart from standard sides.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Dip

Cobb Salad

Known for being hearty yet balanced, Cobb Salad often becomes a star player at cookouts. Its medley of bold flavors and natural textures provides variety that offsets the rich offerings from the grill. Every bite packs a mix of ingredients, making it the centerpiece of the spread in more ways than one.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad

Buffalo Chicken Dip

A favorite for casual gatherings, Buffalo Chicken Dip is an unexpected side that can quickly overshadow the main dishes. Its creamy, tangy, spicy mix is perfect for dipping chips, veggies, or anything you have at hand. This crowd-pleaser often has people clustered around the bowl, going back for seconds before realizing how popular it is.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

Honeycrisp Salad

With its crisp textures and sweet notes, Honeycrisp Salad effortlessly wins over guests at any cookout. It’s a refreshing break from heavier dishes, offering a balance that makes it stand out from the rest. Guests appreciate its crunch and distinctive taste, which complement grilled items without overwhelming the table setup.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad

7 Layer Dip

Serving a mix of bold flavors all in one dish, 7 Layer Dip ensures it’s a side no one forgets. Its layered presentation is not only visually appealing but also delivers a combination perfect for chips or crackers. The variety of textures and flavors makes this dip a must-have for anyone looking to impress without needing extensive preparation.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Dip

Mexican Rice

Mexican Rice adds warmth and vibrancy to any cookout spread. Its earthy and aromatic style complements grilled options or stands confidently on its own. Guests enjoy how this dish balances out other bold cookout flavors without feeling overly heavy. If you need something reliable and universally loved, Mexican Rice fits in perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice

Cucumber Tomato Salad

Light and refreshing, Cucumber Tomato Salad delivers simplicity on the side while still standing out. Its crisp textures and gentle flavors blend well with heavier cookout staples like burgers and barbecue. Guests often appreciate having a lighter option that doesn’t compete for attention but adds value to the overall meal.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad