17 Backyard-Friendly Sides Dad Will Actually Eat
Main dishes usually get the attention, but sides are what round out a meal and keep everyone going back for more. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or mixing up something chilled, these dishes are packed with the kind of flavor that makes a plate feel complete.
Each one is simple enough for weekend cooking but still brings something special. Think crunchy textures, bold seasoning, and just the right mix of comfort and freshness. Perfect for pairing with whatever Dad’s craving this year.
Smoked Sweet Potato
Smoked sweet potatoes combine the rustic allure of smoking with this root vegetable’s rich sweetness. These pair well with beef, poultry, and pork dishes. Smoke them next to your protein of choice.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Sweet Potato.
Bacon Egg Potato Salad
This potato salad with bacon and eggs is incredibly easy. It’s one of my most requested salads for potlucks. Several “secret” ingredients, including fresh herbs, make this recipe a must. Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Potato Salad.
Smoked Baked Beans
Today, we’re elevating the classic flavors of baked beans with a smoky twist. Smoked baked beans will elevate these flavors to new heights. Smoking these delicious four-bean baked beans adds a whole new dimension of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Baked Beans.
Jackie Kennedy’s Casserole Marie Blanche
First Lady Jackie Kennedy is reported to have served this easy, delicious Casserole, Marie Blanche, during her time in the White House. It is basically a slimmed-down version of the French dish that is covered in a white sauce.
Get the Recipe: Jackie Kennedy’s Casserole Marie Blanche.
Southwestern Salad
The Southwestern Salad, featuring garbanzos and a zesty chipotle, lime, and roasted garlic dressing, brings a touch of heat from the chipotle. Toss in plenty of fresh veggies, and you have a colorful, tasty salad perfect for summer! Get the Recipe: Southwestern Salad.
Smoked Corn on the Cob
Smoked Corn on the Cob is the perfect side dish to complement any smoked main course. The smoking process infuses the corn with a rich, smoky flavor that enhances its natural sweetness, making it incredibly delicious. It’s remarkably easy to prepare—simply place the corn on the grill or in the smoker alongside your main dish and let the flavors meld. The result is a mouthwatering side that adds a unique twist to your meal and will leave everyone wanting more.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Corn On The Cob.
10 Minute Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
This cucumber tomato onion salad is quick to make and ready in just 10 minutes. It’s a gorgeous, healthy, fresh salad perfect for your next summer BBQ. Your whole family will love it! Get the Recipe: 10 Minute Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad.
Smoked Baked Potato
Today, we’re elevating the classic flavors of baked beans with a smoky twist. Smoked baked beans will elevate these flavors to new heights. Smoking these delicious four-bean baked beans adds a whole new dimension of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Baked Potato.
Easy 4- Bean Baked Beans Recipe
Everyone who tries these Easy Baked Beans agrees they are the best they have ever had. They are one of the most requested side dishes for summer picnics and potlucks. Creamy, flavorful, and delicious, these beans are never dry. Get the Recipe: Easy 4- Bean Baked Beans Recipe.
Fresh Fruit Salad
What’s the key to creating the perfect fresh fruit salad? Using fresh fruit, naturally. Discover all our tips for ensuring you have deliciously ripe fruit salad any time of the year. This will be the kid’s favorite part of the picnic. Get the Recipe: Fresh Fruit Salad.
Broccoli Salad with Raisins, Easy, & Delicious
Broccoli Salad with Raisins is a fresh, easy side dish perfect for your next BBQ or potluck. It takes less than 30 minutes to whip up. This classic potluck favorite is crisp, fruity, creamy, and absolutely delicious!
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Raisins, Easy, & Delicious.
Classic Mac & Cheese
Classic mac & cheese delivers creamy, cheesy bliss in every spoonful, topped with a golden, crispy crust that adds the perfect textural contrast. This dish epitomizes simple, comforting pleasure, making it a must-have for any cheese lover. It’s an irresistible treat that satisfies cravings with its rich, gooey goodness.
Get the recipe: Classic Mac & Cheese.
Smoked Potatoes
These Smoked Potatoes make an incredibly easy side dish that pairs perfectly with whatever main course you’re smoking. Just pop them in the smoker alongside your main dish, and let them soak up all the flavorful smoke. They turn out deliciously tender and are a fuss-free way to round out your meal.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Potato Wedges.
moked Mac And Cheese
Smoked mac and cheese is a delicious twist on classic comfort food that incorporates added smokiness’s rich and savory flavor. It boasts three cheeses, including Velveeta, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese, to make it extra creamy and tasty. Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac and Cheese.
Foil Packet Grilled Potatoes
These Foil Packet Grilled Potatoes come alive with the rich flavors of roasted garlic and whatever herbs you prefer. They’re the perfect easy and tasty side dish for summer grilling, and the best part? No cleanup required! Just enjoy the savory, herb-infused potatoes right from the grill. Get the Recipe: Foil Packet Grilled Potatoes.
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus comes off the flames tender and slightly charred, with a hint of smokiness that makes this veggie stand out. It’s a fresh side that pairs beautifully and adds crunch to any main dish. Get the recipe: Grilled Asparagus.
Pineapple Coleslaw
Whether you need a dish to pass for a potluck or you are enjoying some delicious seafood tacos, this Pineapple slaw is just what you need. It’s delicious with ham, seafood, and pork. It’s effortless and will be a hit every time. Get the Recipe: Pineapple Coleslaw.
The Best Instant Pot Cabbage Recipes for Quick Comfort Food
Instant Pot cabbage recipes are the perfect way to turn a simple veggie into something extraordinary. Packed with flavor and super easy to make, these dishes will have you enjoying cabbage like never before. Looking for a quick side dish or a hearty main? These recipes are sure to become your new go-to for delicious, fuss-free meals. Cabbage has never tasted this good!
Get The Recipe: The Best Instant Pot Cabbage Recipes for Quick Comfort Food.
These Appetizers Are Built for Backyard Parties
Backyard parties are all about easy fun, great company, and food that disappears fast. These crowd-pleasing appetizers check every box—easy to prep, simple to serve, and impossible to stop eating. Whether you’re setting up a snack table or passing plates on the patio, these bites bring the flavor without the fuss.
Get The Recipe: These Appetizers Are Built for Backyard Parties.
These 18 Recipes Prove You Can Eat Well on a Budget
Food prices are wild right now, but dinner doesn’t have to be. These meals are easy on your wallet and don’t require a ton of ingredients or kitchen skills. Some stretch leftovers, some start with pantry staples, and all of them deliver without draining your budget.
Get The Recipe: These 18 Recipes Prove You Can Eat Well on a Budget.
13 Superfood Recipes That Don’t Taste Like You Tried to Be Healthy
Discover a collection of vibrant recipes that celebrate the power of superfoods! Each dish is designed to elevate your meals with nutrient-rich ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a quick side or a full meal, these flavorful creations will inspire you to explore the delicious world of plant-based cooking.
Get The Recipe: 13 Superfood Recipes That Don’t Taste Like You Tried to Be Healthy.
