I Can’t Stop Making These 29 Cookout Side Dishes For Gatherings

ByMandy

Cookouts can go a lot of ways, but these 29 side dishes have never been the ones left untouched. They show up, do their job, and somehow disappear before the mains even get cold. People start “sampling” early, which is just code for claiming their favorites. The empty bowls are basically proof they work.

A bowl of mixed greens salad with sliced Honeycrisp apples, walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese.
Honeycrisp Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Conch Fritters

A plate of golden-brown fritters garnished with chopped herbs, served with a dipping sauce and a wedge of lemon.
Conch Fritters. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

You won’t regret bringing these to any cookout. Conch Fritters are a crowd-pleaser that disappear fast every time. They’re crispy on the outside and soft inside. Perfect for grabbing and snacking while catching up with friends.
Get the Recipe: Conch Fritters

Buffalo Chicken Dip

A hand dips a tortilla chip into a cheesy baked dish topped with sliced green onions.
Buffalo Chicken Dip. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Game changers at any gathering, dips can steal the spotlight. Buffalo Chicken Dip always ends up being the go-to option. It’s creamy, bold, and impossible to resist once you start scooping. Just grab chips and keep coming back.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

Grilled Pineapple

Close-up of grilled pineapple rings topped with coarse salt and drizzled with syrup.
Grilled Pineapple. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Grilled fruit is an unexpected twist for cookouts. Grilled Pineapple adds a subtle sweetness that balances out all the savory dishes. It’s warm, caramelized, and everyone seems to love grabbing a slice. Works great as a dessert or side.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple

Mexican Street Corn

Close-up of Mexican Street Corn on the cob topped with creamy sauce, crumbled cheese, chili powder, and chopped cilantro.
Mexican Street Corn. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cookouts aren’t complete without easy sides packed full of flavor. Mexican Street Corn gets attention every time it’s served. It’s bright and messy in the best way possible. Everyone will be asking for seconds before they finish their first.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn

Beet Salad

A close-up of a salad featuring chopped beets, cucumber, feta cheese, walnuts, and fresh herbs on a white plate.
Beet Salad. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Bring something fresh that stands out. Beet Salad is packed with bold colors and always catches folks’ eyes. It’s refreshing and pairs well with just about anything off the grill. Expect people to ask for the recipe after trying it.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad

Hawaiian Baked Beans

A plate of Hawaiian baked beans garnished with a pineapple slice and chopped herbs.
Hawaiian Baked Beans. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Beans are a classic cookout side, but there’s a twist here. Hawaiian Baked Beans switches up the game with a sweet and bold kick. They’re hearty and seem to complement everything on the table. Great for gatherings where crowd-pleasers matter.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Baked Beans

Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel

Close-up of three spiral pastry rolls on a black plate, filled with herbs and cheese. Green garnish and a jalapeño pepper are in the background.
Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Easy-to-pick-up appetizers always go fast. Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel packs a handheld mix that’s perfect for mingling. There’s a nice kick with every bite, but it’s balanced just right. Expect people to grab more than one without hesitation.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel

Cobb Salad

A close-up of a Cobb salad featuring sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, avocado, boiled eggs, red onion, bacon bits, and blue cheese crumbles on a bed of lettuce.
Cobb Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Every cookout needs something cool and refreshing. Cobb Salad lets everyone grab a bite of crisp, fresh greens mixed with hearty toppings. It’s filling enough to be a main dish but still light for pairing with BBQ favorites. Great for balancing heavier options.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad

Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes

Three baked sweet potatoes topped with minced meat, melted cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions on a white plate.
Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Standouts always bring new variety to the table. Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes are a creative twist that keeps guests guessing. It’s sweet, hearty, and a complete grab-and-go dish. Perfect for making friends ask how you made it.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes

Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

A bowl of vibrant pasta salad with penne, cherry tomatoes, black olives, diced cucumbers, red onions, and a drizzle of dressing.
Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cold pasta sides are always popular when it’s time to eat. Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies is packed with bold combinations that stand out. The smoky twist from the grilled veggies keeps it interesting. Plan ahead, there won’t be any leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes

A baked potato topped with shredded barbecue chicken, sour cream, and chopped herbs on a white plate.
BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bring something hearty that’s still easy to serve. BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes are loaded with bold ingredients that mix perfectly. They’re cheesy, packed full, and easy enough to eat without utensils. You’ll hear a lot of “I need another one” with these.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes

7 Layer Dip

A clear glass bowl with 7 Layer Dip featuring beans, white cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, lettuce, and black olives.
7 Layer Dip. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

It’s hard to beat a layered dip when you’re feeding a crowd. 7 Layer Dip holds everything people love about chips and dip in one perfect dish. It’s bold, stacked, and makes everyone keep dipping until it’s gone. Stop counting layers and start digging in.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Dip

Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus spears served on a plate with two charred lemon halves.
Grilled Asparagus. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sometimes simpler sides hit the spot. Grilled Asparagus is always a smart addition to the menu. It’s lightly smoky and packs enough crunch to pair with heavier dishes. Guests love the fresh option to balance the rest of their plate.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

Mexican Street Corn Dip

Close-up of a blue corn chip dipped in a creamy cheese and vegetable mixture, garnished with cilantro and sliced jalapeños.
Mexican Street Corn Dip. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Switch up the appetizers with something easy to scoop. Mexican Street Corn Dip adds bold bites packed into every chip. It’s a messy, shareable dish that everyone gets hooked on quickly. No one’s leaving the bowl untouched at the table.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Dip

Egg Salad

A bowl of creamy egg salad topped with chopped parsley and paprika, set on a light-colored surface.
Egg Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

A classic option for gatherings that never gets old. Egg Salad is light, refreshing, and one of the easiest dishes to serve. It’s smooth yet filling, perfect on its own or with bread. Works as a reliable favorite for every guest’s plate.
Get the Recipe: Egg Salad

Southwest Sweet Potatoes

Baked sweet potato topped with black beans, corn, avocado, sliced jalapeños, cheese, salsa, sour cream, and cilantro, with lime slices on the side.
Southwest Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

There’s something about roasted perfection that makes side dishes stand out. Southwest Sweet Potatoes bring bold, smoky notes to your plate. They’re perfect for feeding a crowd and pair well with just about anything. Put these on your cookout list, and you won’t regret it.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Sweet Potatoes

Copycat Big Mac Salad

Close-up of a salad featuring ground beef, sliced pickles, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and diced onions, topped with a creamy dressing.
Copycat Big Mac Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Fans of a certain iconic burger will go wild for Copycat Big Mac Salad. All the flavors you love, minus the bun, make it a lighter option. It’s hearty enough to be a main or shareable as a side. People will keep asking you for this recipe, so be ready.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Big Mac Salad

Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Close-up of bacon-wrapped scallops secured with toothpicks, seasoned with spices, and cooked until golden and crispy.
Smoky Bacon Pig Shots. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Snack lovers need to try Smoky Bacon Pig Shots at least once. A crispy, smoky bite with a hint of richness always draws a crowd. These are easy to pass around at gatherings and disappear fast. You’ll instantly know they’re a hit when the platter’s empty.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Cowboy Caviar

Close-up of a mixed salad with tomatoes, feta cheese, black beans, chickpeas, corn, cucumber, red onion, and parsley, being drizzled with dressing.
Cowboy Caviar. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

You can’t go wrong with a big bowl of Cowboy Caviar. It’s a colorful, scoopable option that pleases just about any crowd. Great with chips, but also filling enough to eat on its own. Trust me, this one goes fast at potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar

Grilled Chicken Kabobs

Grilled chicken skewers with red bell peppers, green bell peppers, and onions are served on a white plate, garnished with chopped herbs.
Grilled Chicken Kabobs. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Skewers are always a win, and Grilled Chicken Kabobs are no exception. Juicy, perfectly seasoned bites make these an easy handheld favorite. They’re great for mingling while eating. Add these to your grill lineup and watch them disappear.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kabobs

Corn Fritters

A stack of corn fritters topped with a dollop of cream and chopped green onions, served on a plate with a bowl of dipping sauce nearby.
Corn Fritters. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Drop some fried goodness into the mix with Corn Fritters. They’ve got a crispy edge and a soft, sweet bite inside that’s irresistible. These work great as a snack or as a side dish with bigger plates. Make extra, people always go in for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Corn Fritters

Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip

A bread bowl filled with a creamy dip, garnished with shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and bacon bits. Celery sticks are placed on the side.
Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Nothing beats a creamy, shareable dish like Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip. This one has a little bit of everything people love in each spoonful. It’s perfect with chips, crackers, or even veggies on the side. Set it out once, and it vanishes fast.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip

Grilled Peppers

Grilled red and yellow bell peppers with char marks, topped with crumbled feta cheese and garnished with herbs.
Grilled Peppers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For something fresh and light, consider Grilled Peppers. They’re smoky, slightly charred, and bring a mix of crisp and tender textures. Toss them on the grill, and they’re ready in no time. Once people try these, they’ll keep coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peppers

Million Dollar Dip

Close-up of a creamy dish topped with shredded cheese, chopped nuts, bacon bits, and sliced green onions.
Million Dollar Dip. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

There’s a reason they call it Million Dollar Dip. It’s packed with crave-worthy ingredients that just seem to work together perfectly. Great with crackers or veggies, it’s always a hit on buffet tables. Don’t be surprised when your guests scrape it clean.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Dip

Strawberry Cookies

Stacks of strawberry cookies, one with a bite taken out, are arranged next to a glass of milk and whole strawberries.
Strawberry Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Add something sweet to the mix with Strawberry Cookies. They’re quick to prep and bring a soft, fruity twist to dessert time. These are awesome for grabbing on the go or pairing with other treats. Bring extras, you’ll need them.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cookies

Potato Salad

Close-up of creamy potato salad with chopped celery and black pepper seasoning.
Potato Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Everyone expects it, so bring your best version of Potato Salad. It’s creamy, comforting, and has bite-sized, tender pieces in every scoop. Perfect for sharing, it rounds out your cookout spread nicely. This one’s a must-have at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad

Pinwheel Sandwiches

Close-up of several tortilla pinwheel wraps filled with various ingredients including spinach, cream cheese, tomatoes, and other vegetables, arranged neatly on a white surface.
Pinwheel Sandwiches. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For a quick, no-fuss option, make Pinwheel Sandwiches. They’re small, easy to handle, and stuffed with flavors that work together. Great for kids or adults, as they’re simple and mess-free. Stack them on a platter, and watch people grab them by the handful.
Get the Recipe: Pinwheel Sandwiches

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Close-up of baked Buffalo Cauliflower Wings coated in orange sauce, scattered on a cooling rack, with a glass jar of sauce beside them. Garnished with chopped herbs.
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Switch things up and try Buffalo Cauliflower Wings for a plant-based twist. These pack the perfect amount of spice and crunch to keep things exciting. Perfect on their own or dipped in sauce, they’re always a crowd-pleaser. This might even win over diehard wing fans.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Honeycrisp Salad

A bowl of mixed greens salad with sliced Honeycrisp apples, walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese.
Honeycrisp Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For something light and refreshing, serve up Honeycrisp Salad. It’s crunchy, sweet, and pairs well with all the heartier dishes. This is a great option for balancing a table full of rich foods. Everyone loves this little burst of freshness.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad

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