I Bring These 29 Cookout Sides So I Don’t Show Up Empty-handed

Showing up with something always feels better than arriving with nothing. These 29 cookout sides are easy to carry and quick to make. Plates get filled fast, and the tray never stays full for long. People ask questions and give kind words after every bite. Making these simple sides turns every cookout into a good time.

Rotel Dip

Dig into creamy cheese mixed with spicy tomatoes, making Rotel Dip a hit at any cookout. Perfect for scooping with chips or veggies. The crowd will love it and come back for more. Enjoy the simplicity and bold taste. Simple yet full of personality, it’s a smart option for any cookout.
Get the Recipe: Rotel Dip

Chicken Caesar Salad

Whip up a bowl of veggies topped with juicy chicken for Chicken Caesar Salad. Crisp, crunchy, and loaded with flavor, it’s a great addition to any table. Everyone will keep asking for that tangy dressing. Make it easy and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Salad

Mexican Rice

Serve up a side of fluffy, spiced goodness and enjoy Mexican Rice at your next outdoor feast. It pairs with any grilled meat, adding a touch of spice and depth. Your guests will appreciate the vibrant flavor. Bring this classic to share.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice

Dense Bean Salad

Mix up a colorful, protein-packed Dense Bean Salad that adds variety to your meal spread. The crunchy veggies blend perfectly with hearty beans. It’s a healthy and filling choice everyone will enjoy. Simple, tasty, and nutritious.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad

Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes

Swap out regular buns for Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes for a unique twist. Packed with flavor and easy to serve, the sweet potatoes pair perfectly with the delicious filling. It’s a great way to impress without too much hassle. Great for sharing and devouring.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes

Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad

Create a refreshing mix of juicy fruit and cheese with Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad. The sweetness of the watermelon contrasts beautifully with the tangy vegan feta. Light and tasty, it’s ideal for keeping things cool and delighting guests. Delicious is the goal.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad

Guacamole

Mash together ripe avocados for a bowl of creamy Guacamole that everyone will love. Perfect for dipping and adding to any dish, this classic side never fails to impress. Fresh, simple, and always a hit at gatherings. Remember, it’s all about flavor.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole

Egg Salad

Stir up a mix of chopped eggs and tangy dressing to make Egg Salad that complements any spread. It’s smooth and full of flavor, making it a great addition to sandwiches or as a standalone side. Easy to whip up and always well-received. Comfort food at its finest.
Get the Recipe: Egg Salad

Southwest Sweet Potatoes

Try bringing a dish of spiced, tender Southwest Sweet Potatoes to your next cookout. The smoky seasoning pairs well with the natural sweetness. A nice twist on a traditional side that’s sure to please. Enjoy a blend of flavors with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Sweet Potatoes

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Toss together pasta with fresh veggies for Mediterranean Orzo Salad that bursts with flavor. Light yet filling, it’s a great choice to complement any main dish. This refreshing salad will be a popular pick. Quick to prepare and always enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Grilled Asparagus

Grill up some tender veggies like Grilled Asparagus for an easy and tasty addition. Crisp on the outside and tender inside, it pairs nicely with any meat or other side dishes. Healthy and quick to cook, it blends simplicity and flavor. A favorite vegetable side.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Bring a bowl of crunchy Red Cabbage Coleslaw to add color and tang to your meal. The vibrant cabbage mixes perfectly with the dressing for a crunch. It’s a refreshing choice that complements almost any main dish. Easy to prepare and always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip

Mix crispy bacon and chicken in a creamy blend to make Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip. The rich flavors pair well with chips and bread. It’s a dip everyone will enjoy and come back for seconds. Creamy, tasty and perfect for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip

Copycat Big Mac Salad

Enjoy all the flavors of a classic burger in Copycat Big Mac Salad. Tossed with crispy lettuce, juicy beef, and tangy dressing, it’s a unique twist on a familiar favorite. Perfect for a crowd and easy to serve. Indulge in a burger-inspired delight.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Big Mac Salad

Pinwheel Sandwiches

Roll up fresh ingredients into Pinwheel Sandwiches for a bite-sized treat. They’re fun, easy to eat, and packed with flavor. Perfect for feeding a crowd without much effort. Great for sharing and always popular. Perfect for sharing and guaranteed to disappear quickly once served.
Get the Recipe: Pinwheel Sandwiches

Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Bring something different to the table with this bold and meaty option. Smoky Bacon Pig Shots pack a punch of irresistible flavor without being too complicated to make. They’re small yet bursting with layers of goodness to keep everyone coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

A refreshing choice that’s full of unexpected heat and crunch. Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad adds a punchy kick that pairs perfectly with grilled meats or other bold dishes. It strikes a balance of bold flavors and crisp textures, ensuring it stands out in a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Million Dollar Dip

Be the person everyone talks about with this creamy, cheesy creation. Million Dollar Dip brings a rich and unforgettable combination that’s hard to resist. Perfect for dipping chips, crackers, or even veggies, it effortlessly brings people together. It’s an ultimate shareable dish with something for everyone to love.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Dip

Mexican Street Corn

Add a bit of flair with a dish that’s packed full of flavor. Mexican Street Corn delivers an iconic blend of spice and creaminess in every bite. Its unique mix will have folks stopping in their tracks and reaching for seconds. Both classic and bold, it feels special without being overly complicated.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn

Potato Salad

You can’t go wrong with a staple that never fails to be a crowd-pleaser. Potato Salad offers comforting and familiar flavors that just seem to fit any occasion. There’s a timelessness to its appeal that welcomes everyone to dig in. It’s hearty, simple, and a must-have at the table.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad

Grilled Peppers

Vibrant, smoky, and packed with a healthy twist, these bring color and flavor to the spread. Grilled Peppers add a delicious depth that shines on its own or pairs with other dishes. The blend of charred and sweet flavors creates something people can’t get enough of. Easy to share and impressive without being over the top.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peppers

Honeycrisp Salad

Honeycrisp Salad combines sweet crunch with a touch of bright simplicity. It’s refreshing and offers a nice balance to heavier dishes on the table. The mix of flavors makes it a great stand-alone or complement to something tasty.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad

Grilled Zucchini

Charred and tender, these can surprise as a standout side. Grilled Zucchini strikes the right balance between smoky and natural flavor. Perfect for picking up with ease and adding variety to the menu without overwhelming. It’s a go to veggie option that blends in but still makes an impact.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Zucchini

7 Layer Dip

Layers on layers of flavor make this impossible to ignore at a cookout. 7 Layer Dip brings together an exciting mix of textures and tastes all in one bite. It’s bold yet familiar and gives everyone something they can enjoy dipping into. A smart choice that doesn’t require much to impress.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Dip

Waldorf Salad

Stand out with something light yet packed with variety. Waldorf Salad combines a mix that’s both refreshing and rich with just the right amount of sweetness. It’s simple but classy, adding freshness to the mix while still feeling hearty. A versatile side that balances heavier dishes perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Mexican Street Corn Dip

Take a classic favorite and make it shareable in an easy to serve format. Mexican Street Corn Dip delivers bold and creamy flavors that are perfect with chips or veggies. It stands out on the table without demanding too much attention. A quick scoop and you’re hooked without making much of a mess.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Dip

Taco Pasta Salad

Bring together two favorites in one with this unique blend. Taco Pasta Salad combines hearty texture with spicy, bold flavors, keeping things fun yet simple. It offers a balance of everything you want in a side dish without feeling ordinary. Perfectly versatile and bound to be a hit among everyone.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad

Asian Slaw

Add a crunchy twist with a dish that bursts with flavor and texture. Asian Slaw brings bold combinations in a fresh and light form that everyone can enjoy. It’s a standout side that complements everything else on the menu without competing. Colorful, crisp, and easy to share around the table.
Get the Recipe: Asian Slaw

Hawaiian Baked Beans

Sweet, tasty, and just different enough to turn heads at any gathering. Hawaiian Baked Beans deliver rich, bold flavors with a tropical twist that feels unexpected. They’re comforting and a timeless addition without being predictable. Ideal for complementing all your other cookout options effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Baked Beans