Cookout Side Dishes | Summer Recipes

Heading to a cookout of barbecue this weekend? This list of recipes is here to help you choose the perfect summer side dish.

Church Supper Coleslaw Cold and crunchy coleslaw might come from Dutch origins, but the shredded cabbage salad is an American summer classic. Macaroni and Cheese The ultimate crowd-pleaser and one of our favorite cookout side dishes. This version of macaroni and cheese is made with lots of extra sharp Vermont cheddar, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and a crispy topping made from Japanese Panko breadcrumbs. Five-Cup Ambrosia Salad The summer season was made for cookout sides like Five Cup Ambrosia Salad made with sour cream, marshmallows, pineapple, coconut, and mandarin oranges.

American Potato Salad A cookout side dishes classic! Flavored with scallions, celery, and sweet pickle, this classic American-style potato salad will soon become a family favorite. Amish Macaroni Salad This recipe for Amish macaroni salad is a delicious summertime classic! The sugar lends a sweetness to it that acts as a nice counterpart to the vinegar. Baked Beans Baked beans might be #1 on a list of New England cookout side dishes — can you envision a cookout, potluck, or a ham supper without molasses and brown sugar-kissed baked beans? This recipe is a classic.

Greek Pasta Salad This Greek pasta salad recipe combines artichoke hearts, olives, feta, spinach, and fresh basil. A perfect summer side dish! Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon This recipe for picnic scalloped potatoes with bacon is a great take-along side dish for your next outdoor gathering. Simply cover tightly in foil and pack it in your basket until it’s time to eat. Roasted Potato Salad Besides being easy to make and delicious, this potato salad can be served warm, at room temperature, or cold, which makes it perfect for every occasion, from picnics to cabin fever potlucks.

Garlicky Cheese-Crusted Corn It’s a little more complicated than traditional corn-on-the-cob, but if you’ve ever had elote — Mexican grilled corn — you’ll know how delicious it is when you serve the cobs with a thin film of mayonnaise and a sprinkle of cheese. 24-Hour Half-Sour Dill Pickles What’s a cookout without pickles? This recipe for homemade half-sour dill pickles is so simple. Place pickling cucumbers in a jar, add the spices, then pour a vinegar-water-salt mixture over the top. Leave sealed for 24 hours and you’re done! Corn & Tomato Salad This dish is one of our favorite ways to make the most of summer’s seasonal flavors. Tomatoes, corn, and fresh herbs combine into a tasty and colorful side.

Do you have a favorite in this list of cookout side dishes? Is there one we missed? Let us know! This post was first published in 2016 and has been updated.