These 21 Cookout Sides Are the Only Thing My Kids Don’t Complain About
Finding something kids won’t complain about is rare, so this list is already a win. These 21 cookout sides did what bedtime routines and socks with seams never could: keep the peace. Somehow, no one asked for something different or swapped plates. It felt like a small miracle that didn’t involve bribery.
Copycat Big Mac Salad
Kids can be picky, but a salad like this is hard to resist. Copycat Big Mac Salad channels all the flavors of a Big Mac, minus the bun. It’s easy to put together and always a hit at the table. Shaking up the world of salads, this side is anything but boring and makes a fun addition to any cookout spread.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Big Mac Salad
BBQ Sauce
Homemade sauces can transform any dish, and this one’s no exception. BBQ Sauce is a cookout staple, adding a bold flavor to everything it touches. Whether you’re brushing it on grilled meats or using it as a dip, this option is as versatile as it is family-approved.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Sauce
Potato Salad
Classic sides are beloved for a reason. Potato Salad is always a crowd-pleaser with its creamy texture and simple preparation. It’s a dish that balances with just about anything you serve, hot dogs, burgers, or ribs. When you’re planning your cookout, you can count on this one being popular with everyone, including the kids.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad
BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes
Who can resist a meal stuffed into a potato? The genius of BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes is in its comforting balance of barbecue flavor and fluffy potato. These are filling enough to be dinner but easy enough to work as a side, or even a quick leftover snack.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes
Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel
If your family likes a little bit of spice, this is a fun dish to add to the spread. Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels take familiar flavors and roll them into something bite-sized and irresistible. They’re not overwhelmingly spicy, so kids can enjoy them, too, without complaints. These make a great grab-and-go option for your next cookout.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel
Egg Salad
Egg dishes are reliable for a reason: they’re simple but pack a lot of flavor. Egg Salad makes a great choice for cookouts, offering something creamy that pairs well with grilled items. Whether you serve it on its own or scoop it into a sandwich, it’s always a hit with the younger crowd. Plus, it’s a breeze to whip up ahead of time.
Get the Recipe: Egg Salad
Pinwheel Sandwiches
Fun to eat and simple to make is always a winning combination. Pinwheel Sandwiches are an excellent side option when you want something light and versatile. Packed with familiar flavors, these round bites are perfect for little hands and big appetites alike.
Get the Recipe: Pinwheel Sandwiches
Grilled Corn on the Cobb
Some sides are hard to beat, and this is one of them. Grilled Corn on the Cobb is a cookout favorite with its smoky, sweet flavor that kids love. It’s one of the easiest sides to prepare and feels like a must-have next to any main dish. With just a little attention on the grill, this one’s sure to please everyone at the picnic table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn on the Cobb
Cowboy Caviar
This dish adds a fun texture to your lineup of sides, making it visually appealing and fun to eat. Cowboy Caviar is a playful option for your cookout and works great as a chip dip or a spoonable side. Its balance of ingredients and kid-pleasing look will have everyone helping themselves.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar
Grilled Peppers
For a pop of color on the plate, this side offers something fresh and flavorful. Grilled Peppers are easy, quick, and work as a complement to almost any main dish. Even kids who are skeptical of vegetables are likely to enjoy these once they’re charred and sweetened by the grill. A dependable choice for any cookout.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peppers
Spinach Artichoke Dip
Not all sides are veggies or starches; sometimes, a great dip does the trick. Spinach Artichoke Dip is creamy, indulgent, and perfect for pairing with chips or fresh veggies. It’s a side that feels a bit more interesting while still being accessible enough for kids. Toss it into your cookout lineup and watch it disappear.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Dip
Smoky Bacon Pig Shots
For something outside the box, these bites are sure to be memorable. Smoky Bacon Pig Shots combine savory flavors into a bite-sized treat that’s both filling and fun to eat. This is a great choice if you’re looking for something a little unconventional for a cookout. They’re guaranteed to stand out on the table and keep the kids happy.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots
Million Dollar Dip
A good dip can turn any cookout into something special, and this one’s a crowd-pleaser. Million Dollar Dip earns its name with its creamy and rich flavor profile that works well alongside chips or veggies. Both adults and kids can enjoy its smooth, easy-to-like flavors and fun texture.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Dip
Strawberry Cookies
Sometimes, you want a side that’s more like a sweet treat. Strawberry Cookies are ideal for balancing out a table full of savory dishes. They’re the kind of dessert-snack hybrids that kids adore and adults sneak second servings of. If you’re planning a cookout, consider adding a touch of dessert like these.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cookies
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
This one’s perfect for mixing things up without getting too far from the familiar. Buffalo Cauliflower Wings provide the wing-eating experience but in veggie form, which even kids can appreciate. The bold sauce ensures these stand out while adding some extra veggies to the table.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Southwest Sweet Potatoes
No one says no to some extra flavor on the table. Southwest Sweet Potatoes offer a fun take on a classic side, with enough warmth to make kids want seconds. These are hearty enough to balance a cookout while also being easy and reliable to make. If you’re looking for a sweet and savory mix, you can’t go wrong here.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Sweet Potatoes
Mexican Rice
When you need a side that’s simple yet flavorful, this option fits the bill. Mexican Rice pairs beautifully with grilled meats, giving everyone a familiar favorite to scoop onto their plate. Kids especially love how it complements other dishes without stealing the show. A timeless choice for any barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Spicy Greek Feta Dip
Serving dips at a cookout is always a smart move, especially ones that spark some curiosity. Spicy Greek Feta Dip adds a distinct twist to the table with its flavorful profile. Pair it with pita or crackers to keep everyone coming back for more. Kids might not even notice the “spicy” after it’s loaded onto their snack!
Get the Recipe: Spicy Greek Feta Dip
Waldorf Salad
Some sides bring a little more crunch and sweetness to the table, and that’s what makes this one unique. Waldorf Salad balances its textures perfectly as a fresher addition to your barbecue setup. Adults might enjoy its classic charm, but kids will appreciate the lively crunch it adds.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad
Rotel Dip
Bringing a warm and cheesy dip to a cookout is always a good idea. Rotel Dip is a classic that’s nearly impossible to mess up and can easily become the MVP of the table. It’s ideal for dipping chips or even serving alongside burger patties for some extra excitement.
Get the Recipe: Rotel Dip
Taco Pasta Salad
Pasta salads are a cookout standard, but here’s one that’s a bit more interesting. Taco Pasta Salad combines the essence of a taco with the heartiness of pasta, creating a colorful option for your table. Kids and adults alike will love how this dish blends into the overall lineup of sides.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad
