Never suffer in a hot summer kitchen again! These 32 barbecue sides are the answer to a great cookout - without the sweat!
Jump to:
- Whole Roasted Cauliflower
- Roasted Tomato & Garlic
- Maple Vanilla Carrots
- Mashed Cauliflower
- Squash and Zucchini Parmesan
- Eggplant Casserole
- Corn On The Cob
- Cheddar Creamed Corn
- Sweet Corn Spoon Bread
- Baked Potatoes
- Cheesy Potatoes
- Old Bay Mac & Cheese
- Mashed Potatoes
- Elote
- Madras Lentils
- Quinoa
- Mexican Quinoa
- Polenta
- Hot Dog Chili
- Garlic Parmesan Mushrooms
- Caramelized Onions
- Carmelized Onion Dip
- Soft Pretzel Cheese Dip
- Baked Brie Dip
- Fiesta Dip (no Velveeta)
- Mulled Wine
- Hot Spiked Apple Cider
- Peach Cobbler
- Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Bliss
- Caramel Apple Pie Dip
- Blueberry Cobbler
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Spoon Brownies
There is something so natural and wonderful about cooking outside. Whether you are using charcoal, gas or just rubbing two sticks together (good luck if that's you!) - it's just magical. Well - except in the rain!
Some side dishes are great right off the grill (grilled corn is amazing!). But others, such as potato salad and crispy coleslaw require prep time that keeps the chef stuck in the kitchen.
No one wants to be inside on a gorgeous summer day. Especially if it means missing all the amazing aromas of your main dish on the grill!
Your crock pot is the answer! These family favorite slow cooker recipes are the perfect sides to keep next to your grill all summer long. There is no better way to get yourself outside than to toss a few ingredients into your slow cooker.
Your slow cooker is perfect in the summer because It can cook away without emitting any extra heat. If you have a power source, you can even let these dishes fully cook outside.
Veggies
Whole Roasted Cauliflower
It doesn't get any easier than this! Just toss a whole cauliflower into your slow cooker. Top with the yummy dijon mustard sauce and walk away!
Roasted Tomato & Garlic
Summer tomatoes are the best. Slow roasting them makes them even better. Slow roasting them alongside some fresh garlic makes for the BEST spread toast (or crackers) has ever known!
Maple Vanilla Carrots
Sweet glazed carrots made in your slow cooker are perfect with everything from pork sandwiches to baby back ribs. The best slow cooker veggie around.
Mashed Cauliflower
This equally easy dish is one of those healthy recipes you will want to make on repeat. Just toss some cauliflower florets in your trusty crockpot and let it works its magic. You will have one of the best bbq side dishes around.
Squash and Zucchini Parmesan
Straight from the garden (or farmer's market) veggies are one of those easy side dishes all will love. This healthy side is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner but also special enough to share anytime!
Eggplant Casserole
Plenty of summer sides use eggplant, but this one really stands out. Made with just a few simple ingredients, It's a wonderful party side dishes we make all summer long.
Starches
Corn On The Cob
We love to cook our corn right on the grill. But when the main event takes up all the space, this easy recipe saves the day. Delicious corn made sweet and wonderful by your crock pot!
Cheddar Creamed Corn
Cheesy creamy goodness is what goes into the this crunchy, sweet corn side dish. This simple creation is a snap to toss together and goes with anything you can grill!
Sweet Corn Spoon Bread
This delicious summer side dish is an easy way to include all the flavors of cornbread without opening an oven. Just add in a few favorite ingredients and let your slow cooker work its magic!
Baked Potatoes
Another side from the category: super easy crockpot recipes! Slow cooker baked potatoes are just like those you get at a fancy steak house. Fluffy and wonderful!
Cheesy Potatoes
These potatoes are the kind of thing most of us can't get enough of. Made with two different kinds of cheese and Worcestershire sauce, this tasty dish will pair well with any main course.
Old Bay Mac & Cheese
Who doesn't love creamy macaroni and cheese? This flavorful rendition is perfect with grilled fish and seafood but is always a good option no matter what you cook. It is one of the best crockpot side dishes and it can be made without standing over a boiling cooktop.
Mashed Potatoes
One of the best barbeque sides of all time can be made right in your slow cooker. When you are ready to serve, just plug it in near your grill and set it to warm. Your backyard barbecue guests will have the perfect homemade side to soak up all that yummy bbq sauce!
Elote
This Mexican side dish takes a little bit more effort since the toppings are applied after cooking. However, it is a magical slow cooker recipe that will have your diners begging for more!
Madras Lentils
This Tasty Bites copycat recipe will have you craving lentils. It is full of flavor and can be a great side dish or stand along meal. You will want to keep a slow cooker full of it right next to your grill all season long!
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Grains
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Quinoa
There is nothing you can grill that won't be made better by a delicious and healthy pot full of quinoa. Perfect for serving a crowd!
Mexican Quinoa
This south-of-the-border flavored dish will quickly become a fan favorite. It is full of flavor and protein. The ultimate side dish!
Polenta
This delicious grain and veggie filled side dish is creamy heaven. It makes the perfect bed everything from grilled beef to grilled chicken to grilled ribs.
Toppings
Hot Dog Chili
Elevate those bbq'd hot dogs up a notch by topping them with this delicious side dish recipe. This chili-without-beans is a real crowd pleaser!
Garlic Parmesan Mushrooms
This delicious and earthy dish is a great recipe to serve with all the beef you will be grilling. Just a few simple ingredients and you have a great side dish that will disappear quickly.
Caramelized Onions
This perfect side dish is a great way to take almost anything you grill to the next level. The deep, rich and sweet flavor of these slowly caramelized onions can top off anything from steak to chicken to hotdogs!
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Dips
Carmelized Onion Dip
Delicious, cheesy, oniony and wonderful, this warm cheesy onion dip is a fan favorite. It is full of flavor and gooey goodness. The perfect way to keep the troops happy while they wait for their grilled masterpieces to be ready.
Soft Pretzel Cheese Dip
Soft pretzels are the ultimate summer treat. Of course, they should have a mouthwatering dip to go with them. This cheesy, flavorful dish will wow your guests!
Baked Brie Dip
This amazing recipe is the perfect appetizer to keep your diners happy while you work your magic at the grill. The bright colors and gooey consistency don't take much time to assemble but will calm the hangry beast!
Fiesta Dip (no Velveeta)
The slow cooker version of this delicious side recipe is my summer cookout go-to. A big batch of this will instantly make you the most popular person at any gathering.
If you love this recipe...
Please let me know in the comment section below!
Warm Drinks
Mulled Wine
Often, there is just so much food at a great bbq that you need to take an eating break. It is wonderful to slow down (and warm up a cooler night) with some slowly warmed mulled wine.
Hot Spiked Apple Cider
This warm and wonderful drink is great for cooler nights. You can serve it with or without alcohol, but the adult version is heavenly. Bring out a slow cooker full of this and extend bbq season right into fall!
Desserts
Peach Cobbler
Easy slow cooker savory side dishes are amazing. But dessert is even better. This amazing recipe using fresh, seasonal peaches is the perfect way to end an amazing cookout.
Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Bliss
Pure nirvana in a slow cooker! I can't say anything more about this amazingly easy strawberry and chocolate creation. To try it is to love it! Don't expect leftovers!
Caramel Apple Pie Dip
Where are my apple pie lovers? This one's for you! It is super easy to make. Out-of-this-world amazing! AND - it can be eaten with or without a pie crust. Serving it warm right out of the crockpot with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream is heaven on earth!
Blueberry Cobbler
There is nothing quite as delicious as fresh seasonal blueberries. Well, except for a warm, freshly baked fresh blueberry dessert. This recipe takes your amazing summer berries to higher heights!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Spoon Brownies
AND... I saved the best for last. This decadent brownie recipe is a warm and wonderful way to end any grilled gathering. Don't forget to top with ice cream for the ultimate summer treat!!!
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*Updated and reworked from an original post from 7/22
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