Texas Style BBQ Side Ideas

When it comes to Texas-style BBQ, many people immediately think of the meats: brisket, pork ribs, and sausage.  And it’s easy to understand why!

But the sides can take an already delicious BBQ meal to the next level. Here are some ideas for our 19 favorite sides that will complement your Texas-style BBQ perfectly.

19 Side Ideas for Texas Style BBQ

Classic Coleslaw

A tangy coleslaw is the perfect balance to rich, smoky meats. Use a combination of green and purple cabbage, and mix in a dressing made of mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and a touch of dijon mustard.

Potato Salad

A classic side dish that goes well with any BBQ, potato salad is a must-have for any Texas-style meal. Boil potatoes until tender, then mix with mayonnaise, chopped celery, and a touch of mustard for a tangy flavor.

Mac & Cheese

A creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese is a great side dish for BBQ. Use a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a classic flavor, or mix in some chopped jalapenos for a spicy kick.

If you have the time beforehand or already have the smoker going, you can totally elevate this dish by turning into a smoked mac and cheese.

Baked Beans

Baked beans are a staple of any BBQ, and Texas-style BBQ is no exception. Use a combination of pinto and navy beans, and mix in some bacon, brown sugar, and thick BBQ sauce for a sweet and smoky flavor.

Creamed Corn

Creamed corn is a delicious side dish that goes well with any BBQ. And most recipes are really easy to make! Mix together corn, butter, cream, and a touch of sugar for a sweet and creamy side dish.

Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables are a healthy and delicious side dish for BBQ, albeit not the first option most people think of. Try grilling a combination of bell peppers, zucchini, and yellow squash, and season with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread

Cornbread is a classic side dish for BBQ, and this jalapeno cheddar version adds a spicy kick. Mix together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, eggs, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir in some chopped jalapenos for a spicy kick.

Fried Okra

Fried okra is a southern classic that pairs perfectly with BBQ. Slice okra, then coat in a mixture of cornmeal, flour, salt, and pepper before frying in a thin pool of hot oil.

Jalapeno Popper Potato Salad

Mix some heat and creaminess together by adding chopped jalapeno and cream cheese to your traditional potato salad recipe.

Cucumber and Tomato Salad

A refreshing and simple salad is a great side for heavy BBQ meals. Mix together diced cucumbers and tomatoes, and dress with a mixture of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

BBQ Baked Beans

Add a touch of smokiness to your baked beans by mixing in some BBQ sauce and putting them on the smoker for 20 minutes before serving, give or take.  If you don’t have a smoker, you can also get away with adding a dash of liquid smoke.

Jalapeno Cheddar Grits

Grits are a southern staple and this version with added jalapeno and cheddar cheese adds a nice kick and is sure to pair well with your BBQ Brisket.

Green Chile Corn Casserole

Mix corn, cream-style corn, green chilies, and cheese for a delicious and spicy casserole that’s easy to serve and incredible to eat.

Deviled Eggs

A classic deviled egg recipe is perfect for any BBQ outing!  If you want to get a little added kick, you can do that with some chopped jalapenos served on top.

Creamy Jalapeno Slaw

Add some heat and creaminess to your coleslaw by mixing in some sour cream and chopped jalapenos.  The sour cream will temper the spice level, so less sour cream for more spice.

Pickled Red Onions

Adding some pickled red onions on top of your BBQ meats and sides will give a nice tangy taste.  Most quick pickling recipes can have your pickled red onions ready to serve in 30 minutes.

Grilled Sweet Potatoes

Cut sweet potatoes into thick slices and grill until tender, then sprinkle with your favorite seasonings.

BBQ Ranch Pasta Salad

Cook your pasta, mix it with your favorite BBQ sauce and add a touch of ranch dressing for a nice twist.  Combine with popular veggies like bell pepper, zucchini, and more.

Jalapeno and Lime Roasted Corn

Mix corn with jalapenos and lime juice before roasting in the oven or on the BBQ for a delicious and spicy side.

Tips For Choosing BBQ Sides

One thing to keep in mind when choosing a side is that your BBQ meat is likely to be quite heavy, hearty, and filling.

While it might be tempting to load up on comfort style sides as well (because they taste so good!), good food and good meals are all about balance.

So don’t be afraid to include a few sides in your line up that are lighter and tangier which will provide a nice contrast to the smokey and sweet BBQ meat mains.

Final Thoughts

No matter what sides you choose, they will complement your Texas-style BBQ perfectly. These sides are classic and delicious, and will make your BBQ meal complete. Happy BBQ!