There’s nothing quite like enjoying a rack of smoky, juicy, and tender barbecue ribs.
But what do you serve with them? Here are some ideas to get you started.
For starters, how about a big pot of corn on the cob or some creamy mac and cheese?
You could also go with classic sides like coleslaw or potato salad. Whatever you choose, I’m sure your guests will love it!
The Best Sides For The Main Dish

What To Serve With BBQ Ribs
Jiffy Cornbread Hush Puppies
Hush puppies are a great addition to any barbecue meal. It's one of the best side dishes, and it's easy to make.
Southern Style Collard Greens
Southern-style collard greens are a great side for any occasion. The recipe features red pepper flakes, bacon grease, and a host of other delicious ingredients.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe - NatashasKitchen.com
If you love fries, y'all will love these sweet potato fries. The easy recipe features plenty of mouthwatering flavors, and the fries are cooked in an air fryer for a very delicious side.
The Best Homemade Potato Salad Recipe
Potato salad is a must with any barbecue. The classic side dish is comfort food at its finest. Potatoes, mayo, sour cream, green onions, and more make up this tasty potato salad recipe.
Classic Fried Green Tomatoes with Remoulade
If you're in the south, chances are you're going to be eating some fried green tomatoes at your next picnic. The recipe is perfect alongside pasta salad, pulled pork, and corn on the cob.
Crock Pot Corn on the Cob with Coconut Milk
Corn on the cob goes with so many main dishes, especially bbq. Give this recipe a try with coconut milk and a slow cooker. You won't be sorry.
Sauteed Cabbage (Easy & Healthy)
Sautéed green cabbage is one of our favorite sides and a popular choice for picnics. The recipe is an easy one, and you can feel good about eating and loving your veggies.
Southern Corn Fritters (+Video)
There's nothing better than fried summer corn fritters. If this is your first time making them, you will love how simple they are to make and how great they taste.
Baked Black Beans
Baked black beans belong on the table at a party. And this recipe features bacon, seasonings, onions, molasses, apple cider vinegar, and more for a sweet treat.
Best Broccoli Salad
Backyard barbecues are better with broccoli salad. This recipe boasts tons of flavor and texture with cranberries, almonds, red onions, maple syrup, and more. You'll be craving this salad on a regular basis.
What Can I Do To Make Jiffy Cornbread More Moist?
Southern classics are perfect at summer gatherings. This super easy moist Jiffy cornbread recipe is one to keep. With a few hacks, you can have some moist cornbread that your taste buds will thank you for over and over again.
Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe
Butternut squash in the air fryer might just be the best part of your lunch with ribs. With only four ingredients, you can't go wrong.
Oven Baked Potato Wedges
French fries are great for any meal, but especially with barbecue. The tasty potato wedges are made with only a few ingredients but boast a ton of flavor.
Roasted Vegetables
Fresh vegetables cooked in a medley are always great side dishes. The roasted vegetables include broccoli, crisp bell peppers, butternut squash, cremini mushrooms, zucchini, and more for a wonderfully delicious side.
Easy Sautéed Fresh Corn Recipe
Fresh corn is a hit at barbecues alongside the main dish. The perfect side dish is straight from the cob and is sautéed to create one great tasting recipe. This takes corn to a whole new level.
Green Beans and Bacon
Green beans and bacon are the perfect accompaniment to pork ribs, spare ribs, baby back ribs, or anything in between. Some of the best sides are the easiest sides.
Cheese Grits
As far as I'm concerned, cheese grits belong on every table. The delicious southern dish is a favorite at picnics, breakfast, or as a meal itself. This tasty recipe is made with sharp cheddar cheese and gouda and offers a variety of alternative ingredients, including fresh herbs, buttermilk, and many more to choose from.
Baked Sweet Potato
Baked sweet potatoes are a great dish to have on the barbecue table. They are easy to make, always tasty, and can be topped with a variety of ingredients.
Homemade Baked Beans and Weenies Recipe
Baked beans and weenies are a recurring theme alongside savory ribs and plenty of barbecue favorites. The popular recipe can be prepped in a short amount of time and in the oven cooking while you prepare everything else. The beans have extra flavor with brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, ketchup, and more.
Jiffy Corn Pudding
There's always a good reason to have some corn pudding with BBQ ribs. The recipe is a simple one with only a few ingredients but a lot of flavor. The hardest part of this recipe is not eating it before you set it out on the table.
Easy Copycat Chick-Fil-A Coleslaw Recipe (Authentic)
You can't have a barbecue without coleslaw. This Chick-Fil-A copycat recipe is one of those delicious side dishes you can't live without.
Crock Pot Macaroni And Cheese
Have a full oven but want to add mac and cheese to the spread? Grab your slow cooker and get to cookin'. The recipe is an easy cheesy one that even your pickiest eaters will love.
Twice Baked Potato Recipe
Twice baked potatoes are a great way to add some variety to the table alongside short ribs or bbq chicken. The recipe can be made in advance, and you can add additional ingredients if you want to give them some more variety.
The Best Deviled Eggs Recipe
Deviled eggs are a classic side that everyone loves. They are super simple to make but so delicious. The only problem you'll have is making enough because they will fly off the table fast.
Jiffy Jalapeno Cornbread
Be sure to add some spice to the table with Jiffy jalapeño cornbread. The spicy recipe features diced jalapeños, cheddar cheese, Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, and more for a side you won't soon forget.
Easy Tender Ribs
Now that you’ve got a great list of sides, there’s nothing tastier than the main dish.
You’ve got a lot of delicious options for ribs, including this easy oven baked country style pork ribs recipe.
Made with a tasty dry rub and your favorite barbecue sauce, you can’t go wrong.

Barbecue ribs are the star of the show but don’t forget about the sides.
This roundup has everything you need to make your next barbecue a success. Whether you’re looking for something classic or something new, I guarantee you’ll find a recipe to love.
And if you do end up making any of these recipes, be sure to let me know how they turn out. I always love trying new dishes.
Jai
Monday 8th of August 2022
My corn bread is usually moist but fall apart. This recipe solved my problem. It's moist and stays together. Thanks for the great recipe, it was delicious!
Julie Pollitt
Tuesday 9th of August 2022
Great to hear! So glad it solved the problem!