Cookout Sides – 60+ Cheap & Crowd-Favorite Recipes for BBQs

A cookout meal is not complete without a cookout side that complements every meal very well. Cookout side dishes, such as creamy salads, smoky grilled vegetables, and cool fruit treats, take your meal from good to unforgettable.

However, because of the delicious cookout sides, your guests will be asking for more whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, a summer picnic, or a laid-back weekend grill party. In this article I am going to dive into the most delicious, tasty, and easy-to-make cookout side for a menu that is a crowd-pleaser and budget-friendly too.

Tasty & Easy Cookout Side Dishes Everyone Will Love

For your own ease and better help, we have grouped these cookout sides into a few categories like grilled items, cold dishes, salads, hot casseroles, dips, and indulgent desserts. This list covers everything and helps you a lot, whether you need easy cookout dishes for your family dinner or cookout side dishes for a crowd.

61 Recipes for Cookout Sides

These top cookout dishes are perfect for any party, with over 60 selections that include classic comfort foods and light and refreshing dishes.

Frozen Lemonade with Vodka

It is the most refreshing summer cocktail, and I especially loved it on a hot summer day.

Chicken Nuggets in a Blanket

These exactly taste like homemade chicken mini bites wrapped up in a blanket. A kid-friendly, fun option and one of the most unique cookout side dish ideas.

Hot Onion Dip

This family favorite snack is prepared at every holiday get-together. It only requires a few ingredients and is really simple to make. It is rich in flavor, creamy, and cheesy.

Fruit Dip Recipe

The fruit dip recipe is made with just three ingredients: pudding mix, yogurt, and Cool Whip. It is super creamy and perfect for the parties.

How to Cut a Watermelon into Sticks

Because of this creative way of serving, watermelon is one of the most enjoyable, easy, mess-free, and hydrating cookout sides. It is great for cookouts, parties, and road trips.

Mediterranean Dip

It is the layers of Greek yogurt, hummus, red onion, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppadew peppers, fresh parsley, and feta. This dip is a very tasty and healthy option.

Watermelon Strawberry Caprese Salad

This salad feels like summer in a bowl and brings freshness to your table. The caprese salad is made up of strawberries and watermelon.

Blackened Corn

A tasty recipe for scorched corn that uses homemade blackened spice. This side dish is a hit at a cookout as it’s easy to make, smoky, and a little spicy.

Coleslaw

It is very crunchy, creamy, and a classic one that complements every food item at a cookout.

Pasta Salad Recipe

Pasta with bow tie noodles is something I really enjoy. It is mixed in a zesty sauce and packed with lots of vegetables.

Cucumber Salad Recipe

Cucumber salad is light. It is cool and crispy, which is perfect for refreshment.

Caprese Salad

It is easy to make, quick, and fresh.

House Salad

This is our go-to traditional, simple, and basic house salad. An easy, popular side dish recipe for cookouts that is crowd-pleasing and customizable.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilled corn topped with butter and pepper is a perfect example of a traditional cookout side. It’s simple to make.

7-Layer Bar Coconut Macaroons

Packed with pecans, butterscotch chips, and milk chocolate chips. The best dessert of all time.

Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats

Perfect, gooey, thick, and the best thing ever. They taste 100 times better than the traditional version because of the browned butter.

Amazing Sides If you have Extra Time

Following is the breakdown of some other cookout side dishes:

Strawberry Syrup Cocktail

A sophisticated dessert for summertime get-togethers, fresh strawberries combine with lemonade and a dash of vodka.

Strawberry Basil Lemonade

A cool, sweet, non-alcoholic beverage that’s ideal as a side dish.

Bacon Jalapeno Popper Dip

It is cheesy, spicy, and crowd-pleasing, perfect for cookout side dish ideas with a strong taste.

Bacon Guacamole

This creamy and smoky guacamole twist is perfect for burger toppings or dips.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

A popular side dish for cookouts that is cheesy, spicy, and flavorful.

Mexican Street Corn Dip

A simple side dish for a cookout that captures the essence of elote with a creamy, tangy dip.

Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs in the Southern manner are a traditional and cozy side dish for cookout parties.

Summer Corn Salad

It is light, spicy, fresh, and a simple, inexpensive side dish for a cookout.

Moist Chocolate Cake

It is rich, fudgy, and indulgent. The dessert cookout side ideas aren’t complete without cake.

Potato Chips

Simple, crunchy, and always loved. Sometimes the easiest side dishes for a cookout are the best.

Chips & Salsa

Great for munching during an outdoor party, these are zesty and snackable.

Cheeseboard

It is elegant, filling, versatile, and elevates your BBQ side dish.

Fresh Fruit

Fresh fruits are refreshing and healthy. It is an easy and cheap cookout side dish everyone can enjoy.

Veggies & Ranch

Crunchy and kid-friendly and a no-fuss addition to your cookout sides.

Hummus

A creamy dip that works with veggies, chips, or bread.

Salad Kit

A convenient, quick, and perfect simple cookout side when time is short.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

It is a dessert-style side dish that is essential for satisfying sweet cravings.

Brownies

Gooey and portioned, an easy side dish for a cookout that disappears fast.

Cookout Sides Menu

Cookout is serving mouthwatering sides that could complement any order very well. Here are some of the best sides at a cookout, along with their calories and prices:

Side Items	Price	Calories
Regular Fries	$2.39	350 cal
Large Fries	$2.99	700 cal
Chili Fries	$2.99	460 cal
Cheese Fries	$2.89	390 cal
Cajun Fries	$2.39	350 cal
Chili Cheese Fries	$3.55	460 cal
Onion Rings	$2.69	260 cal
White Cheddar Cheese Bites	$3.39	380 cal
Hushpuppies	$1.99	590 cal
Walking Tacos	$3.39	370 cal
Corn Dog	$1.99	220 cal
Cheese Dog	$0.99	146 cal
Chicken Nuggets	$1.99	199 cal
Okra	$2.39	280 cal
Jalapeño Cheese Fries	$3.39	440 cal
Watermelon Slices	$3.39	440 cal
Garden Salad	$3.39	440 cal
Macaroni and Cheese	$3.39	440 cal
Green Beans	$3.39	440 cal
Fruit Cup	$3.39	440 cal

Conclusion

Whether you’re firing up the grill or planning a picnic, these cookout side dishes bring flavor, variety, and simplicity to your summer gatherings. From easy cookout sides like potato salad and fruit dip to classic sides like baked beans and coleslaw, there’s something for every taste and occasion. These side dishes for a cookout are not just delicious, they’re crowd-pleasers, budget-friendly, and easy to prepare. So next time you’re choosing sides for a cookout, try one of these easy side dishes for a cookout and make your menu shine. With so many good side dishes for a cookout, your table will be the talk of the party.

FAQs

Classic favorites include coleslaw (creamy or vinegar-based), baked beans (often with bacon), potato salad, macaroni salad, corn on the cob, hush puppies, deviled eggs, and fresh fruit salad

Popular choices for kids include mac and cheese, fruit cups or trays, veggies with ranch/cheese dip, deviled eggs, and popcorn-style sides like chips & salsa.

Definitely! Some fun spins include:

Spicy Cuban citrus slaw
Black bean & corn salad
Kimchi potato salad or broccoli slaw with creamy ranch
Grilled Romaine salad with avocado dressing

Add acidity (lemon, vinegar), balance saltiness with sugar or honey, and boost texture with crunchy veggies like celery or onions

Redditors suggest grilled zucchini, cucumber/tomato salad, deviled eggs wrapped in bacon—plus classic corn on the cob (if you’re okay with its carbs)

Start simple: grab high-quality chips & dip, a cooler-side potato or macaroni salad, or a fruit platter. Avoid overambitious dishes until confidence builds

James Parker

I’m James Parker, a food lover and the main writer at Cookout Menu Price. I’m here to share helpful information about cookout menus, prices, and tips for your next meal. I want to make sure that every meal, whether it’s with family or on the go, is a fun and tasty experience. I hope my articles make it easier for you to choose the best food for your cookout!