17 Backyard Sides That Beat Anything in a Deli Case
Every backyard meal needs a few side dishes that can hold their own. These are not just filler. They are the kind of recipes guests remember. Think big flavor, easy prep, and that satisfying balance of fresh, crunchy, creamy, or tangy. Whether it is a scoop of slaw, a chilled salad, or a skillet of something golden and baked, these sides belong right next to the main event.
Foil Packet Grilled Potatoes
Foil-packet grilled potatoes pack a punch of crispy edges and tender middles, all wrapped up with herbs and spices that steal the show. Throw them on the grill for an easy, no-mess side dish everyone will love.
Get the recipe: Foil Packet Grilled Potatoes.
Smoked Sweet Potato
Dig into the smoky charm of a perfectly baked potato, fresh off the grill and wrapped in a crispy, golden-brown skin that hides a steamy, soft interior. This perfect side will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Get the recipe: Smoked Sweet Potato.
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.
How to Smoke Pineapple
This Smoked Pineapple with brown sugar rub is excellent for sweet desserts and as a side for your favorite smoked proteins. Serve it alongside chicken or seafood, or make a dessert with a simple pound cake and ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pineapple.
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.
Smoked Corn on the Cob
Smoked corn on the cob is sweet, smokey, and a little peppery. It’s an easy way to add a lot of excitement to your meal or BBQ. This is perfect for sweet corn lovers.
Get the recipe: Smoked Corn on the Cob.
Smoked Shotgun Shells
Smoked Shotgun Shells are the ultimate party starter. They pack a punch with spicy, meat-filled bites covered in crispy bacon. Fire up your grill and prepare for these little bursts of joy that’ll steal the show at any event.
Get the recipe: Smoked Shotgun Shells.
Smoked Mac and Cheese
This unique take on traditional mac and cheese features a delicious, cheesy combination of creamy and smoky flavors. With simple ingredients and a golden crust, this meal is ready to eat right out of the smoker.
Get the recipe: Smoked Mac and Cheese.
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.
Broccoli Salad with Raisins
If you love veggies, try this easy broccoli salad. It combines crisp broccoli with sweet raisins and a creamy dressing for an amazing side dish. It’s quick to toss together and sure to be a hit!
Get the recipe: Broccoli Salad with Raisins.
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.
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.
Smoked Baked Potato
Smoked baked potatoes come out of the smoker with soft, fluffy centers and crispy, golden skins, all enhanced by a deep, smoky flavor. These simple potatoes transform an everyday side into a special treat, promising a lovely meal with every forkful.
Get the recipe: Smoked Baked Potato.
Smoked Potatoes
Smoked potatoes come off the grill crispy on the outside and soft inside, with a smoky flavor that turns a simple potato into a real treat. They’re perfect for any meal and sure to impress!
Get the recipe: Smoked Potatoes.
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: Potato Salad.
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.
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.
The 12 Best 9×13 Cakes for When You Need Dessert Without the Fuss
A 9×13 cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, offering a simple way to feed a crowd without the hassle. These cakes are easy to make and packed with flavor, making them a go-to for family gatherings, potlucks, or just because. With a variety of recipes to choose from, each one is designed to impress and satisfy every sweet craving. Get ready to enjoy the ultimate 9×13 cakes that are as delicious as they are simple.
Get the Recipes: 9×13 Cakes.
These Layer Cakes Taste Like Sunshine and Long Weekends
Layer cakes aren’t just dessert—they’re a full-blown event. Tall, dramatic, and packed with flavor, these cakes bring serious wow without needing bakery skills. Each slice shows off thick layers, rich fillings, and just the right amount of frosting. They’re the kind of cakes people can’t stop staring at, then ask for seconds before they finish their first bite. These recipes don’t play it safe, and that’s exactly why everyone’s obsessed.
Get the Recipes: Layer Cakes.
Dinner in 30 Minutes That Aren’t Chicken or Boring
When time is tight and you’re looking for something quick, these 30-minute meals are the answer. Packed with flavor and made without chicken, these recipes offer a delicious variety of options to keep your meals exciting. Perfect for busy nights, these dishes will have you fed in no time without sacrificing taste. Enjoy simple yet satisfying meals that everyone will love!
Get the Recipes: 30-Minute Dinners That Aren’t Chicken.
19 Potluck Desserts That Go Way Beyond the Cookie Tray
Cookies always show up at potlucks, but they’re not the only crowd-pleasing option. These desserts break the mold with bars, cakes, no-bake wonders, and creamy classics that keep people coming back for more. Every dish is easy to share, simple to make, and built to travel. You won’t find any cookies here. Just bold flavors, fun textures, and guaranteed clean plates.
Get the Recipes: 19 Potluck Desserts That Go Way Beyond the Cookie Tray.
