Get ready to elevate your rib game with these mouthwatering sides! From classic coleslaw to innovative delights, this list of the best sides for ribs has it all.
Crispy Coleslaw
Imagine pulling apart a tender rib, its smoky aroma filling the air, only to be perfectly complemented by a scoop of crispy coleslaw. Is there anything better?
This rib side isn’t just about texture; it’s a masterclass in balancing flavors, making every bite of ribs even more delightful. It’s a perfect palate cleanser.
Not all coleslaws are created equal, especially when it comes to rib sides. The secret? It’s all in the crunch. Crisp, crunchy carrots and cabbage are the stars.
Baked Beans
When it comes to rib sides, nothing quite matches the deep, rich flavors of baked beans. Their smokey sweetness weaves into the savory, fall-off-the-bone tenderness of ribs.
The result is a sweet blend of flavors that’s hard to beat. Baked beans aren’t just a delicious side for ribs; they’re like a culinary canvas.
With variations that include molasses, brown sugar, or a dash of bourbon, each recipe adds its own unique twist, complementing the complex flavors of smoked ribs.
Cornbread
When you think of ribs, does your mind wander to the golden, buttery crust of cornbread? This fluffy, slightly sweet delight is not just a side dish.
It’s a heartwarming experience that complements the smoky richness of ribs like no other. Cornbread isn’t just about taste; it’s about texture too.
The comforting, crumbly texture makes each bite of cornbread a perfect foil for the tender, juicy ribs. It’s a match made in smoky BBQ heaven.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes are the unsung heroes of BBQ side dishes, effortlessly elevating the humble spud. Complete with a velvety texture and rich, garlicky flavor.
These mashed potatoes make the perfect companion for smoky, savory ribs. But crafting the perfect garlic mashed potato is an art, not a science.
It’s all about balancing the robustness of garlic with the creaminess of the potatoes. This blend of flavors complements any rib dish, adding a touch of the gourmet.
Mac & Cheese
When it comes to sides, nothing says comfort food quite like creamy, dreamy mac and cheese. It’s the ultimate side, turning any BBQ feast into a feast.
The gooey cheese and perfect pasta texture make every bite a delight. Why does mac and cheese pair so well with ribs? The secret is the contrast.
The tender ribs find their match in the velvety cheese sauce, creating a balance that’s hard to resist. It’s a duo that promises to elevate your meal.
Grilled Veggies
When paired with your favorite rib recipe, grilled veggies can transform a meal into a smoky, charred masterpiece. It’s all about finding that perfect balance.
Why do grilled vegetables taste so incredibly good? It’s all about that char char. The slight smoky caramelization brings out the natural sweetness in veggies.
And that sweetness makes them the perfect complement to the rich flavors of your favorite ribs. Don’t overlook the power of seasoning when grilling your veggies!
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are the unsung heroes of rib side dishes, offering a delightful contrast with their sweet and salty flavor profile. So mix up your fries!
Perfectly crispy on the outside and irresistibly soft on the inside, shoestring or thick sweet potato fries are a culinary treat that complements any barbecue dish.
Sweet potato fries pack a nutritious punch too. Rich in vitamins A and C, they’re a healthier alternative to their regular potato counterparts. You can’t beat that!
Corn on the Cob
Imagine biting into a cob of corn, its kernels bursting with sweet, buttery goodness. That’s the joy of summer, right there on your plate (or in your hands).
And when those kernels are complementing a delicious rib dish, it’s not just food; it’s a summer tradition. Grilled, boiled, or roasted, each method unlocks a different flavor profile.
Picture those kernels, golden and glistening, nestled between rib sides, ready to steal the show. Every bite is a juicy burst of sunshine, a taste of the season.
Classic Potato Salad
Nothing complements a plate of smoky ribs like a side of classic potato salad. Its creamy texture and tangy flavor balance the rich, savory taste of ribs.
Ever wondered what makes classic potato salad so irresistible? It’s the perfect blend of soft potatoes, crunchy celery, and zesty onions, all in a creamy dressing.
Not only is potato salad a fantastic companion to ribs, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a dash of mustard, or even some crispy bacon.
Jalapeño Poppers
When thinking about the best sides for ribs, spicy jalapeño poppers should definitely be on your radar! This poppin’ dish brings a burst of flavor to the meal.
Imagine biting into a crispy, breadcrumb-coated jalapeño filled with creamy cheese, right after enjoying a succulent piece of rib. The contrast will awaken your taste buds.
Jalapeño poppers and ribs are a match made in heaven for anyone looking to elevate their barbecue experience. This combination brings together the best of both worlds.
Cucumber Salad
When you’re indulging in rich, smoky flavors of hearty ribs, nothing balances the meal quite like a cucumber salad. Its crispness and crunch provide the perfect contrast.
Why does cucumber salad make such a fantastic side for ribs? Cucumbers are mostly water, and their refreshingly cool taste cuts through the richness of the ribs.
It creates a culinary harmony that’s hard to beat. Packed with vitamins and hydrating properties, it also boosts your meal’s health quotient! Sign us up.
Onion Rings
When it comes to the best sides for ribs, think onion rings. They offer a satisfying crunch, and their oniony sweetness works perfectly with tender ribs.
The crispy exterior of the onion rings provides a perfect contrast to the tender, savory meat. Plus, their mild sweetness is a match for your favorite rib sauce.
Choosing the perfect side for your rib feast is an art, and onion rings are a masterpiece in this arena. Don’t let their simplicity fool you!
Watermelon Slices
Ever thought of watermelon slices as the ultimate side for BBQ ribs? Their juicy, refreshing nature acts as a perfect palate cleanser or light dessert.
Not only do watermelon slices offer a sweet reprieve between those savory rib bites, but they’re also packed with hydration. That’s important in the midst of a rib feast!
Incorporating watermelon slices into your rib-tasting adventure brings a vibrant, colorful component to your plate. We eat with our eyes, first, after all.
Green Bean Almondine
Green bean almondine perfectly balances the rich, hearty flavors of ribs with its light, crunchy texture. Plus, this dish adds a sophisticated touch.
Not only does it taste amazing, but green bean almondine also brings a pop of color and a dose of healthy nutrients to your plate.
The combination of green beans and almonds provides a great source of fiber and vitamin E, making it a side you can feel good about indulging in.
Caesar Salad
Nothing complements the rich, smoky flavors of ribs quite like the crisp, refreshing bite of a Caesar salad. It’s one of those classic rib sides.
The secret to an unforgettable Caesar salad lies in its creamy, garlicky dressing, perfectly coating each crunchy crouton and fresh lettuce leaf.
This rib side doesn’t just add a refreshing crunch; it introduces a burst of flavor that elevates the entire meal. It truly is a must-try combination.
Fried Green Tomatoes
Imagine biting into a crispy, tangy slice of heaven that perfectly complements your savory ribs. That’s the magic of fried green tomatoes, a Southern classic.
Fried green tomatoes aren’t just about irresistible crunch and tang; they’re a clever use of produce that’s not yet reached its peak sweetness.
Mastering fried green tomatoes is easier than you think, and they’re a game-changer for your barbecue spread. They’re a popular side dish for good reason.
Apple Slaw
When it comes to side dishes for ribs, few dishes can match the refreshing zing of apple slaw. It’s the perfect crunchy, sweet, and tangy companion.
Apple slaw not only adds a burst of freshness to your plate but also cuts through the richness of ribs. It’s a testament to unexpected pairings.
The crispness of the apples combined with a creamy dressing brings a delightful contrast. It’s a delightful way to elevate a humble coleslaw to a whole new level.
Cheesy Grits
When it comes to rib sides, nothing says ‘Southern comfort’ quite like a bowl of cheesy grits. This creamy delight pairs perfectly with the smoky, savory flavors of ribs.
Cheesy grits aren’t just about adding cheese to grits; it’s an art that combines the perfect blend of textures and flavors. It’s all about balance.
The creaminess of the grits, mixed with the sharpness of the cheese, offers a comforting blend of flavors that beautifully complements the richness of ribs.
Zucchini Fritters
A perfect zucchini fritter has a golden exterior and a soft, tender inside. It’s the kind of side that elevates your meal from good to unforgettable!
Zucchini fritters, with their crispy edges and juicy centers, are an underappreciated side. They bring a light yet satisfying contrast to the rich, smoky flavors of ribs.
Crafting the perfect zucchini fritter is an art, balancing the moisture content with the right amount of seasoning. Each bite offers a delightful crunch.
Pasta Salad
When you’re planning a barbecue and looking for the perfect side for your BBQ ribs, don’t overlook the vibrant and refreshing option of pasta salad.
It’s a canvas waiting for your personal touch, whether you lean towards creamy dressings or tangy vinaigrettes. There’s nothing like a well-crafted, perfectly crisp pasta salad.
Consider incorporating ingredients that complement the smoky richness of ribs, such as smoked cheese or sun-dried tomatoes, to create a side dish that stands out.
Sautéed Mushrooms
Sauteed mushrooms, with their rich, earthy flavors and tender, juicy texture, make another excellent side dish for ribs. They’re versatile enough to complement any rib sauce.
The umami-packed goodness of mushrooms complements the succulent, smoky taste of the ribs. It makes for a harmonious blend of flavors that enhances the whole experience.
The slight crunch of sautéed mushrooms also adds a delightful contrast to the tender meat. Plus, they add a nutritious element, making it a well-rounded and satisfying dish.
Collard Greens
Collard greens, with their slightly bitter yet deeply savory flavor profile, are a classic side for BBQ. They beautifully complement the rich, fatty nature of ribs.
The hearty leaves, when slow-cooked, become meltingly tender, absorbing flavors from added ingredients like garlic, onions, and smoky meats, which can mirror the seasoning of the ribs.
This method of preparation, using flavorful ingredients, also introduces a satisfying contrast in textures. Meanwhile, the greens’ natural earthiness balances the sweetness and spice of barbecue sauces.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
We talked about sweet potato fries, but what about the humble roasted sweet potato? With their natural sweetness and caramelized exterior, they offer a delightful contrast.
The gentle crispness of their edges and the creamy interior provide a comforting texture alongside the meat’s tenderness, enhancing the meal’s complexity and depth of flavor.
Rich in nutrients and vibrant in color, roasted sweet potatoes not only add a healthful aspect but also bring visual appeal to the plate.
Jalapeño Cornbread
Jalapeño cornbread, with its moist texture and spicy kick, acts as a perfect counterbalance to the rich and smoky flavors of ribs. It’s delicious on its own, too.
It distinguishes itself from traditional cornbread through its bold addition of jalapeños. This variant infuses the bread with a delightful heat that slices through the ribs’ fat.
Unlike its milder counterpart, jalapeño cornbread introduces a spicy twist that complements and contrasts with the deep, complex taste of the ribs. It doesn’t get much better.
Caprese Salad
Bringing a touch of Italian elegance to the barbecue table, a Caprese salad offers an unexpectedly delightful contrast to the smoky richness of ribs.
This simple combination of fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil, all brought together with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, cleanses the palate with its refreshing lightness.
The vibrant acidity of tomatoes and balsamic cuts through the fattiness of the ribs, balancing the overall heaviness of the meal. Is your mouth watering? Ours is!
Corn Relish
Corn relish, with its sweet and tangy profile, brings a welcome burst of freshness and zest to the table when served alongside ribs.
This vibrant side dish features crisp corn kernels mixed with a colorful medley of peppers and onions. It’s all deliciously marinated in a vinegar-based dressing.
The acidity and slight sweetness of this dish cut through the richness of the meat. It wonderfully adds a bright, refreshing note to the meal.
Grilled Asparagus
With a smoky char and tender bite, grilled asparagus is yet another exquisite complement to ribs. Its slight bitterness and earthy tones are beautifully enhanced on the grill.
These flavors harmonize with the sweet and savory richness of the meat. At the same time, its crisp texture provides a delightful contrast to the ribs’ tenderness.
This pairing introduces a healthy, green element to the meal, adding both visual appeal and nutritional balance. Never underestimate the humble asparagus when you need an elegant side!
Hush Puppies
Hush puppies, deep-fried balls of seasoned cornmeal, are a fantastic side dish for ribs. They offer a unique blend of crunchy exterior and soft, fluffy interior.
This mix of textures complements the succulent meat perfectly. And their slight sweetness and corny flavor harmonize with the savory, smoky notes of the ribs.
What’s more, hush puppies can be a delightful vehicle for savoring your favorite sauces, enhancing the overall barbecue experience. It’s a traditional Southern classic for a reason.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts, with their caramelized outer leaves and tender hearts, offer a deliciously earthy and slightly bitter complement to the rich flavors of ribs.
When roasted, these sprouts develop a deep, nutty flavor and a crispy texture. It’s a flavor profile that contrasts beautifully with soft, juicy meat like ribs.
This addition of a healthy, flavorful vegetable not only adds to the dining experience but also introduces a pop of color and a dose of nutrients.
Loaded Baked Potatoes
Brimming with toppings like sour cream, chives, cheese, and bacon bits, loaded baked potatoes stand out as an indulgent side that’s perfect with savory ribs.
The creamy and rich textures of the potato’s fillings pair splendidly with the tender, smoky meat. It offers a delightful contrast in both flavor and texture.
This side dish not only adds a comforting element to the meal but also introduces a customizable aspect. Diners can tailor their potato to their taste preferences!
Fried Okra
Native to East Africa, okra is a flowering plant with edible seed pods. Its delicious when battered and fried.
There is a lot you can do with fried okra, but simply frying it and pairing it with super saucy ribs is a perfect way to add layers of texture to your meal.
It’s a delicious side dish and brings a beautiful bit of complexity to your meal. It will also truly show your capabilities in the kitchen, as good okra is an art!
Fruit Salad
You can never go wrong with a fruit salad. Fruit salads offer nutrition, fresh taste, and beautiful color. There is no bad part of a fruit salad, except when its gone!
When you are making ribs, it’s worth considering side dishes that will offer some contrast to the meat itself.
There is no better choice in this regard then a fruit salad! Use berries, apples, oranges, grapes, melons, the sky is the limit!