My Go-To 29 Cookout Side Dishes For Every Grill Session

Grill’s hot, but the sides? They’re what folks keep circling back for. This list of 29 cookout side dishes has something for every kind of plate-hopper. Whether someone’s piling high or just “sampling,” these are the ones that disappear first. Blame it on the second and third helpings.

Grilled Pineapple

A little twist on fruit makes things unforgettable. Grilled Pineapple is smoky, sweet, and goes great with grilled meats or even on its own as a snack. It brings a hit of something fresh to your plate while still feeling special. Everyone always goes back for seconds since it’s that good.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple

Million Dollar Dip

Creamy, cheesy, and just the right amount of savory, Million Dollar Dip is always a hit. It’s got the kind of texture that makes you keep coming back for more. People love this one for how versatile it is with chips or veggies. You’ll want to make extra because it disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Dip

Conch Fritters

A seafood-inspired snack that screams cookout vibes. Conch Fritters bring crunchy, golden bites to the table that are heartier than your usual finger food. They’re perfect for both kids and adults. Serve them as an appetizer, and everyone will crowd around before the main course.
Get the Recipe: Conch Fritters

Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip

There’s just something about dips that draws everyone in. Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip is loaded with rich, bold flavors in every bite. It’s one of those quick recipes that can seriously compete with your grill. Whether served with chips or veggies, it never lasts long.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip

Beet Salad

Something lighter yet unique, Beet Salad always adds a pop of color to the lineup. It’s a good way to throw in something fresh while still keeping it interesting. Pair it with grilled chicken or steak for a nice balance. Even those who don’t love veggies give this one a chance.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad

Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Small bites are always fun to serve. Smoky Bacon Pig Shots are stacked treats that pack a punch and feel a bit indulgent. They’re meaty, smoky, and always gone faster than you’d think. These are a surefire hit for any casual gathering.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Potato Salad

A cookout classic can’t go wrong. Potato Salad is creamy and satisfying, and nobody skips this on their plate, no matter how full they are. It offers the perfect balance to the richer, grilled dishes on the menu. This side dish is a trusted favorite at every backyard gathering.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad

Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel

Sometimes, it’s the small snacks that grab the most attention. Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels bring a little bit of spice, some creaminess, and a ton of fun. They’re perfect as little appetizers before the main meal. You’ll want to make enough because they’re addictive.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel

Dense Bean Salad

Nutty and hearty dishes like Dense Bean Salad are a great alternative to the usual sides. It’s got enough variety to pair with pretty much everything you’re grilling. Plus, it holds up well even if there’s a little leftover. Serve this, and you’ll notice people asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad

Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes

Want something flavorful yet unexpected? Try Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes to add a unique texture to your spread. They’re filling, easy to eat, and are great for kids and adults alike. Whether it’s your first time having them or not, people always want the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes

Guacamole

If you’re keeping things simple and fresh, go with Guacamole. It’s easy to whip up, pairs well with chips, and lightens up heavier dishes. Almost every cookout guest expects it, and no one skips a scoop. Plus, it sits perfectly with grilled food.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole

Grilled Asparagus

For something green on the menu, you can’t go wrong with Grilled Asparagus. It’s smokier than a salad but still light and pairs well with your mains. Easy to grab and eat, it’s always a solid addition. Throw this on the grill for a quick side that looks effortless.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes

If you’re going hearty, pick BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes to keep people happy. The mix of baked potato and barbecue sauce is always a win. Load it up and see everyone grabbing seconds. It’s comfort food with just the right twist for a cookout.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Want something unique that’s still light? Go for Mediterranean Orzo Salad, which is fresh and has a nice mix of textures. It balances heavy grilled dishes without being boring. The interesting ingredients in it tend to catch people’s eye.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Hawaiian Baked Beans

Nothing finishes a grill session quite like Hawaiian Baked Beans. They’ve got a sweetness and heartiness that’s exactly what people like by the end of a meal. It’s a bit different from regular baked beans but not so different that people won’t love it. Just set it on the table, and it disappears.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Baked Beans

Egg Salad

Egg Salad is that simple, go-to recipe everyone loves. This salad makes for an easy, creamy side that’s great for any grill session. It’s a nice change of pace from heavier sides and great for sandwiches or crackers. You can whip up a big batch, and it’s always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Egg Salad

Mexican Street Corn Dip

If you like bold flavors, Mexican Street Corn Dip is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s rich and perfectly complements anything coming off the grill. Great for chips or dipping veggies, it’s a solid option to bring to any cookout. This one’s usually the first to disappear, so make extra.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Dip

Green Goddess Salad

Everyone raves about Green Goddess Salad at cookouts. It’s refreshing and packs a punch when paired with smoky grilled dishes. This salad balances the meat-heavy plates perfectly. Plus, it’s light enough that people don’t feel weighed down.
Get the Recipe: Green Goddess Salad

Southwest Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes don’t have to be boring at cookouts. Southwest Sweet Potatoes are a side dish that balances smoky and earthy tones beautifully. They’re hearty and always a crowd favorite with grilled meats. Everyone at the table will appreciate how they round out the meal.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Sweet Potatoes

Cowboy Caviar

Big gatherings call for something fun and sharable. Cowboy Caviar brings a perfect mix of fresh crunch and balance to your cookout spread. It’s chunky and great with chips or on its own as a side. People will keep coming back for a scoop, so make extra.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar

Mexican Rice

If you’re looking for a simple, reliable side, Mexican Rice is always a winner. It pairs well with pretty much anything off the grill. Super easy to make and serves a crowd without breaking the bank. This one is great for big gatherings or leftovers, too.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice

Spinach Artichoke Dip

You can’t go wrong with Spinach Artichoke Dip for a cookout. It’s warm, creamy, and always a hit with bread or chips. This one feels like comfort food in every bite and has serious staying power on the snack table. Once you bring it, you’ll be expected to make it every time.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Dip

Grilled Veggie Kabobs

Veggie lovers and non-veggie lovers both go for Grilled Veggie Kabobs. They’re so easy to customize, and everyone can find a favorite. Throw them on the grill, and they turn out perfectly every time. Plus, they’re a nice way to sneak some brightness onto the plate.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggie Kabobs

7 Layer Dip

Layers on layers make 7 Layer Dip a standout side. It’s rich, full of different textures, and checks every box for a cookout. Pair it with chips, and it’s a party in a bite. Just make sure to bring a big dish, it disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Dip

Pinwheel Sandwiches

When it comes to cookout finger food, Pinwheel Sandwiches are unbeatable. They’re easy to grab, mess-free, and packed with all kinds of good stuff. Great for kids and adults alike, they make the perfect addition to the table. They always bring variety and are easy to whip up.
Get the Recipe: Pinwheel Sandwiches

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

For those who love some heat, Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are always a fun option. They’re bold, a little spicy, and appeal to meat eaters and veggie lovers. Perfect as an appetizer or a side, they’re a flavorful addition to any grill session. Even the skeptics end up loving these.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Grilled Peppers

Keep it simple and vibrant with Grilled Peppers as a side. They add sweetness and a nice char that pairs perfectly with grilled meats. Easy to make and always fresh, they brighten up any spread. Even if you’re not a pepper fan, these are hard to say no to.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peppers

Cucumber Tomato Salad

Crisp and refreshing on hot days, Cucumber Tomato Salad always hits the spot. It pairs well with almost any grilled dish and adds some much-needed coolness to the plate. With simple ingredients and textures, it’s fast to whip up. Even picky eaters find it hard to resist this classic.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad

Rotel Dip

No cookout feels complete without a warm, cheesy dip on the table. Rotel Dip is always a hit with its creamy texture and boldness. It goes with chips, veggies, and anything grab-and-dip-friendly. It’s perfect for grazing while the grill does its thing.
Get the Recipe: Rotel Dip