If you’re in the mood for an incredible barbecue feast, don’t forget the sides! Ribs may be the star of the show, but they wouldn’t be complete without a tasty selection of the best sides for ribs.
In this article, we’ll explore the best bbq sides you can serve with ribs, from the classic sides like potato salad, mac and cheese, and coleslaw to delicious twists like jalapeno cheddar cornbread, creamy garlic mashed potatoes, and spicy cilantro-lime rice we have here at Flour On My Face.
With all these mouthwatering options, you’ll be sure to create a feast worthy of a five-star barbecue joint.
BBQ Ribs
Don't forget the bbq pork rub is probably one of the most important ingredients you will use when make bbq ribs.
- Baby Back Ribs: This classic recipe showcases the succulence of Baby Back Ribs. The ribs are pressure cook to perfection, ensuring a tender, fall-off-the-bone result. Finished with a glaze of tangy barbecue sauce, these ribs offer a mouthwatering blend of flavors that will have you reaching for seconds.
- Kansas City Style Baby Back Ribs: A regional twist on the traditional rib recipe, Kansas City Style Baby Back Ribs feature a thick, rich, and sweet tomato-based sauce with a hint of smokiness. The ribs are first rubbed with a blend of spices, then slow-cooked until tender, and finally slathered with BBQ sauce. It's a hearty dish that embodies the bold flavors synonymous with Kansas City.
- Country Style BBQ Ribs: Country Style BBQ Ribs are known for their robust flavor and meaty texture. These ribs are typically cut from the blade end of the loin close to the pork shoulder and have more meat than traditional ribs. They're slow-cooked and basted with a tangy, sweet barbecue sauce, resulting in a richly flavored, satisfying dish that's perfect for any BBQ lover.
- Crock Pot Sweet Smoky Barbecue Ribs: This crock pot rib recipe takes convenience to a new level without sacrificing flavor. The ribs are cooked in a crock pot, making them incredibly tender and easy to prepare. A sweet and smoky barbecue sauce is added, infusing the ribs with a depth of flavor that's both complex and comforting. It's a hands-off recipe that delivers on taste, making it perfect for busy home cooks who love a good BBQ.
Classic Sides for Ribs
No rib meal is complete without the perfect sides, and we're about to dive into some classics that have stood the test of time. These side dishes, beloved for their delightful flavors and textures, perfectly complement the savory richness of ribs.
While every side has its own unique appeal, they all share one common goal - to elevate your rib-eating experience to new heights.
So, let's delve into these classic sides that can turn your rib meal into a feast.
- Old Fashioned Potato Salad: A classic staple at picnics and BBQs, this Old Fashioned Potato Salad brings back childhood memories with its creamy dressing and crunchy celery.
- Best Baked Beans: A sweet, smoky, and hearty side dish that complements the savory ribs perfectly. The beans are slow-cooked in a rich sauce made from brown sugar, resulting in a deep, complex flavor profile. The beans are tender, the sauce is thick and sticky, making it an excellent pairing with BBQ dishes.
- Macaroni & Cheese: This comfort food classic adds a creamy, cheesy side that contrasts beautifully with the spicy, tangy ribs. The macaroni is cooked to al dente perfection, then mixed with a velvety cheese sauce.
- Sweet Coleslaw: This refreshing salad combines crunchy cabbage, carrots, and a touch of sweetness for a side dish that's perfect for any BBQ or picnic. It's a classic summer recipe with a sweet twist!
- Instant Pot Corn on the Cob: Enjoy perfectly cooked corn on the cob in minutes! This Instant Pot recipe delivers juicy, tender kernels every time, making it an easy and convenient side dish that everyone will love.
- Sour Cream Cheddar Pasta Salad: Packed with sharp cheddar cheese and tangy sour cream, this pasta salad is a creamy delight that's perfect served with ribs or for any potluck or picnic.
Pasta Salad Sides for Ribs
Looking for the perfect side dish to complement your rib feast? Explore our collection of Pasta Salad Sides for Ribs, filled with fresh ingredients and bold flavors that will elevate your BBQ experience.
- Broccoli Tomato Pasta Salad: This Broccoli Tomato Pasta Salad is a refreshing side dish, laden with crisp broccoli florets and juicy tomatoes.
- Easy Italian Pasta Salad: With its vibrant mix of vegetables, cherry tomatoes, tossed with Italian dressing this Easy Italian Pasta Salad brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table.
- Buttermilk Ranch Pasta Salad: The Buttermilk Ranch Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleaser, featuring a creamy buttermilk ranch dressing that coats every bite with savory goodness.
- Asparagus Tomato Pasta Salad: Tender asparagus and ripe tomatoes make this Asparagus Tomato Pasta Salad a colorful and nutritious option for a summer barbecue or a light lunch.
Potato Sides For Ribs
Ribs, with their succulent, fall-off-the-bone tenderness, undoubtedly hold a special place at any dining table. But what truly completes this feast are the perfect potato sides.
Our collection of Potato Sides for Ribs is designed to complement your main course and enhance your dining experience.
From the simplicity of Instant Pot Red Potatoes to the comforting richness of a creamy potato salad, these recipes offer a variety of textures and flavors.
These potato sides not only fill your plate but also bring a hearty, home-cooked feel to your meal, making every bite of your ribs even more enjoyable
- Garlic Potatoes: Garlic Potatoes boast a savory and deeply satisfying flavor profile. The starchy, earthy taste of the potatoes forms a perfect canvas for the bold, aromatic notes of garlic.
- Garlic Rosemary Smashed Potatoes: Infused with aromatic garlic and rosemary, these smashed potatoes offer a crispy exterior and fluffy interior that's truly irresistible.
- Crock Pot Baked Potatoes: With minimal prep and the magic of a slow cooker, these Crock Pot Baked Potatoes come out perfectly tender every time, ready to be topped with your favorite fixings.
- Instant Pot Salt Potatoes: Quick and convenient, these Instant Pot Salt Potatoes are a deliciously salty side dish that pairs well with any bbq main course.
- Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: These Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes are comfort food at its finest, featuring creamy spuds enhanced with the sweet, nutty flavor of roasted garlic.
Vegetable Sides for Ribs
No BBQ is complete without the supporting cast of sumptuous vegetable sides.
Our handpicked selection of Vegetable Sides for Ribs is here to elevate your meal to new culinary heights.
From crispy bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles to creamy cucumber salads, these recipes bring a burst of color and flavor to your dinner plate.
Whether you're hosting a summer cookout or a cozy family dinner, these side dishes will complement your ribs perfectly, creating a balanced, delicious meal that everyone will love."
- Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Bundles: Delight your taste buds with this savory treat! Fresh asparagus spears are wrapped in crispy, smoky bacon and roasted to perfection. A perfect side dish that brings elegance to any meal.
- Instant Pot Red Potatoes: These pressure-cooked red potatoes come out flawlessly soft and are full of flavor. They make a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses or can be used to make potato salad.
- Vegetable Medley with cream sauce: A colorful assortment of fresh, seasonal vegetables tossed in a rich cream sauce. This dish not only looks good but also tastes delicious, adding a gourmet touch to your dinner table.
- Sauteed Summer Vegetables: Sauteed in a blend of aromatic herbs and spices, these summer vegetables offer a burst of flavor. They're the perfect light and healthy side dish for any summer meal.
- Creamy Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumbers in a tangy, creamy dressing make for a refreshing salad. It's a cool and creamy side dish that's perfect for hot summer days.
- Grilled Corn Casserole: This dish takes the sweetness of corn to the next level by grilling it before baking it into a creamy casserole. It's a hearty side that's sure to be a hit at any BBQ or family gathering.
Fluffy Side Salads & Desserts
Fluffy Side Salads & Desserts are the unsung heroes that complete any rib meal, adding a touch of sweetness and lightness to balance the hearty main course.
These delightful additions are characterized by their light, fluffy textures and sweet, tantalizing flavors that create a diversified taste profile and an overall fulfilling culinary experience
- Old Fashioned Pink Salad: A classic Southern side dish that adds sweetness and color to your rib meal. This creamy, fluffy salad is a delightful mix of jello, crushed pineapples, maraschino cherries, cream cheese, and whipped topping. Its vibrant pink hue comes from the addition of cherry gelatin.
- Watergate Salad: This is a deliciously sweet concoction that has been a staple at American gatherings for decades. Sometimes referred to as "green fluff", Watergate Salad is a mixture of pistachio pudding mix, crushed pineapple, miniature marshmallows, and whipped topping. The salad is often garnished with chopped nuts for a bit of crunchy contrast to its light, fluffy texture. The salad is typically served chilled, making it a refreshing addition to any rib meal.
- Million Dollar Pie: This is a dessert that indeed tastes as rich as it sounds. A classic Southern treat, the Million Dollar Pie boasts a luscious combination of crushed pineapple, maraschino cherries, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice and whipped topping - all nestled within a crumbly graham cracker crust. This sweet, fruity pie is the perfect finale to a rib meal, providing a refreshing and satisfying note of sweetness. The pie is usually served chilled, ensuring a cool and creamy indulgence that truly feels like a million dollars.
Crock Pot Sides for Ribs
- Green Beans with Bacon: A lighter yet flavorful side dish that provides a bit of balance to your meal. Fresh green beans are slow cooked with crispy bits of bacon, infusing them with a smoky flavor that pairs well with ribs. The beans retain a slight crunch, adding a different texture to your plate.
Breads & Biscuits
The perfect complement to any rib meal are the mouthwatering Breads & Biscuits. These golden-baked goodies provide a delightful crunch and soothing warmth that pairs perfectly with the robust flavor of the ribs.
Whether it's a fluffy biscuit slathered in honey or a hearty slice of cornbread, these carb-rich delights not only satisfy hunger but also offer a comforting, homey touch to the meal.
- Jalapeno Cheddar Corn Bread: A spicy, cheesy twist on traditional cornbread. The cornbread is moist and slightly sweet, with a crumbly texture. Bits of jalapeno peppers are scattered throughout, providing a heat that sneaks up on you, while pockets of melted cheddar cheese add a layer of richness. This side dish adds a kick of heat to your rib meal.
- Sourdough Pinch Biscuits: These biscuits have a slightly tangy flavor, courtesy of the sourdough starter used in their making. They're light and fluffy on the inside, with a golden, slightly crusty exterior. Their unique flavor and texture make them a great side for mopping up any leftover sauce from your ribs.
- Cheesy Slider Rolls: A perfect addition to your rib meal, these delectable slider buns are enriched with cheese for a burst of flavor in every bite. Baked to a golden-brown finish, their exterior is satisfyingly crisp while the inside remains soft and fluffy. These buns serve as an excellent vehicle for soaking up any leftover rib sauces, amplifying the overall taste of your meal.
Helpful BBQ Products
Enhancing your BBQ experience isn't just about the food, but also the tools that help bring your culinary vision to life.
Our selection of Helpful BBQ Products is designed to streamline the grilling process and make your cooking endeavors more effective and enjoyable. These products range from grilling accessories to seasonings, ensuring that every aspect of your BBQ is covered.
Let's take a closer look at these indispensable BBQ allies that will take your grilling game to the next level.
- Backyard BBQ Supplies: A collection of barbecue cooking tools you should have.
- Must-Have Charcuterie Supplies: The appetizers are as important as the main course!
- Sangria Supplies: Sip on a fruity cocktail.
- Ice Tea Making Supplies:
Summer Drinks to Serve
An integral part of any BBQ meal is the refreshing accompaniment of drinks. The choices are plentiful, ranging from classic iced tea sweetened with a hint of lemon, to chilled craft beers that perfectly cut through the robust, smoky flavors of the ribs.
For those looking for non-alcoholic options, a tangy homemade lemonade or a vibrant fruit punch can be the ideal thirst quenchers.
Let's explore some popular drink options that complement a BBQ meal, enhancing its flavors and providing a balanced, satisfying feast.
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