Ultimate Southern Side Dishes for BBQ Season

When it comes to iconic American cuisine, nothing quite beats southern cooking, particularly the myriad of diverse and flavorful southern side dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned southern cook or a newbie who’s curious about this rich culinary tradition, understanding these dishes is essential.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the quintessential southern side dishes:

• Exploring Southern Side Dishes: A journey through the diverse tastes and flavors integral to southern cuisine.
• Defining Traditional Southern Side Dishes: Understanding the cornerstone recipes that define southern meals.
• Southern-Style BBQ Side Dishes: Celebrating the perfect companions to your grilled mains.
• Corn Delights: A nod to the importance of corn in southern dishes.
• Green and Mean Veggie Sides: An exploration of southern veggies, from collard greens to okra
• Savory Potatoes: The role of potatoes as a staple in southern cuisine.
• Southern Dressing and Salad Sides: Taking a look at the salads and dressings that embellish southern meals.
• Highlighting Beans in Southern Sides: A showcase of how beans add protein and flavor to southern side dishes.

These diverse dishes are more than just an accompaniment; they are an integral part of any southern meal.

Digging Deeper into Southern Side Dishes

Exploring southern side dishes is a delicious adventure through traditional American cuisine. From savory potatoes to delectable corn delights, there’s always something special to discover.

A signature feature of these dishes is their ability to stand alone or complement the main course perfectly.

Whether it’s adding sweetness, spice, or a hearty dimension, southern side dishes enhance the dining experience and add to the meal’s overall feel.

Understanding these dishes will not only enrich your culinary knowledge but may also inspire you to try new recipes and create your own southern-style delights.

Exploring Southern Side Dishes

When we think of Southern cuisine, delectable side dishes like fried green tomatoes, black-eyed peas, and grits instantly come to mind. They are a significant part of the region’s rich culinary tradition.

Another must-try item is hush puppies. These delightful, deep-fried morsels can transform a simple fish dinner into a feast. With the right recipe, they’ll easily steal the show.

Other beloved southern classics include buttermilk biscuits and collard greens. These dishes take me back to my childhood when I would watch my mom prepare them with utmost care.

The aroma of her home-grown green beans cooking in rich bacon and brown sugar is something I will never forget. It was one perfect side dish!

• Fried Okra Nuggets: Crunchy on the outside, with fresh okra goodness inside – a surefire hit.
• Make-Ahead Cornbread Dressing: Prep this dish ahead for a stress-free Thanksgiving.
• Grilled Tomato with Fresh Corn: Simple yet elegant, best served with some crusty bread.
• Collard Greens with Bacon: This staple Southern side can be made with ham hocks or fatback for extra flavor.

No Southern meal is complete without buttermilk biscuits. Their taste reminds me of time-honored family traditions and shared meals at the table.

The diversity of Southern side dishes is truly impressive. The recipes passed down through generations attest to the enduring love for these comfort foods by Southerners.

Southern cuisine is not just about main dishes; it’s also about the joy brought by these delightful sides. They add a unique charm to every Southern meal and leave you craving for more.

Defining Traditional Southern Side Dishes

Every Southern gathering is sure to include a selection of robust side dishes. From collard greens to sweet potato casserole, these offerings are the backbone of the feast.

Let’s delve into some of the foods that have become staples at Southern tables. We’ll start with Braised Greens with Smoked Turkey, a savory treat packed with flavor.

Next in line is Classic Mac and Cheese. This rich, creamy dish is a favorite among both adults and children alike.

Creamy Corn Pudding perfectly combines subtly sweet corn with creamy textures, resulting in a delightful comfort food.

Fried Green Tomatoes are a staple Southern delicacy. The tangy green tomatoes paired with a crispy crust are truly mouthwatering.

Sweet Potato Casserole is another beloved dish. The sweet and savory combination creates a truly delicious taste explosion.

The Slow-Cooked Black-Eyed Peas provide a hearty accompaniment to any Southern meal, while Smothered Cabbage provides a tangy balance.

Roasted Sweet Potato Salad offers a fresh take on regular salad, while New Orleans-Style Red Beans adds some Creole spice into the mix.

Sweet Potato Biscuits are light, fluffy and perfect for serving alongside meat or soup dishes. They bring an extra hint of sweet to the dinner plate.

Slow-Cooker Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hocks is a comforting dish that combines tender greens with smoky ham for a deeply satisfying flavor profile.

Last but certainly not least, Charleston-Style Shrimp and Grits is a dish that marries deliciously seasoned shrimp with creamy grits for an authentic southern taste experience.

Southern-Style BBQ Side Dishes

What Makes Southern-Style BBQ Side Dishes Special?

The unique, tangy flavors that complement the richness of your smoky barbecued meat.

Also, these hearty side dishes manage to sop up all those juicy, savory sauces left on the plate.

Craving for More?

If you’re longing for more diversity, Southern-style cuisine will never disappoint you.

It’s a style filled with intriguing flavors, textures and combinations that truly satisfy your palate.

What Should I Serve with BBQ?

For a true Southern-style BBQ experience, include tangy coleslaw or creamy potato salad.

Don’t forget classics like cornbread – perfect for sopping up that delicious BBQ sauce!

How Can I Make My Southern BBQ Side Dishes Stand Out?

Taking traditional recipes and adding your personal twist is always a good idea.

Keep it simple yet tasty by using quality ingredients and experimenting with spices.

Can I Prepare These Sides in Advance?

Yes, indeed! Many Southern side dishes can be prepped ahead, saving you time on the day of your barbecue.

This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully for an even richer dining experience.

Where Can I Find Recipes?

The internet is teeming with many delicious recipe options for you to try out. Explore, experiment and enjoy!

Side Dishes: Corn Delights

Let’s dive into the delectable world of Southern corn sides. These dishes are classic accompaniments, each boasting distinctive flavors and textures.

Cornbread is a staple. Light, fluffy, and slightly sweet, it complements any main dish. For an extra touch, brush with honey butter before serving.

Creamed Corn Casserole

A beloved favorite is creamed corn casserole. It’s creamy, savory, and has a hint of sweetness that pairs perfectly with savory mains.

This dish features a hearty blend of corn kernels and cream, baked until golden. Top with cheddar for a glorious cheesy crust.

Corn Maque Choux

Another gem from Southern cuisine is Corn Maque Choux (pronounced mock-shoo). It’s a medley of corn, bell peppers, onion, and spices.

Sauté the ingredients together until the flavors meld. Sprinkle fresh herbs on top for vibrancy. It’s a refreshing side bursting with color and flavor.

Southern Fried Corn

Southern fried corn is comfort food at its best. Grains of corn are pan-fried with bits of bacon until crispy and golden.

The result is a deliciously smoky side dish that’s undeniably satisfying. Pair it with grilled meats or fried chicken for the perfect comfort food meal.

All these dishes showcase the versatility of corn in Southern American cuisine. So why not get cooking and experience these flavors for yourself?

Green and Mean: Veggie Sides

Adding a vegetable side dish to your meal not only brightens up the plate but also boosts its nutritional value.

From roasted Brussels sprouts to steamed asparagus, there’s a smorgasbord of delightful choices readily available.

The Versatile Brussels Sprouts

Don’t let their tiny size fool you, Brussels sprouts pack a flavorful punch when roasted properly.

Drizzle some olive oil, add a dash of salt and pepper, and roast them till they’re golden brown.

You’ll be surprised at how this simple method enhances their natural, nutty flavor.

Simple Steamed Asparagus

Moving on to asparagus, it’s a veggie that can be prepared in multiple ways. However, steaming them is my preferred choice.

It’s quick, easy, and retains the vegetable’s crisp texture and vibrant color.

Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an added zest. It’s a perfect accompaniment for any main course.

Sauteed Green Beans

Last but certainly not least are green beans. Sauteed in butter or olive oil with minced garlic, they transform into a tasty side dish.

Cook them until they’re tender but still crunchy. They pair wonderfully with roast chicken or steak.

Remember to season with salt and pepper for that extra kick of flavor.

Savory Potatoes: A Southern Staple

One cannot discuss Southern cuisine without mentioning the savory potato. In every Southern meal, you’re bound to find these versatile tubers.

Here’s a glimpse of the various classic Southern styles in which potatoes are prepared:

• Fried Potatoes: Thinly sliced and fried to a golden-brown crispness.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery delight often served with gravy.
• Potato Salad: Cold side dish using boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, and vegetables.
• Scalloped Potatoes: Slices layered with creamy sauce and baked until tender.

In the South, these potato dishes are not just sides but rather key components of every meal. Each one offers unique textures and flavors that complement main dishes perfectly.

From the crisp crunch of fried potatoes to the creamy comfort of mashed potatoes, this simple vegetable takes on new life when prepared Southern-style. You’ll find that it’s not just about the potatoes but also about the love and tradition infused into each recipe.

No matter the occasion, savory potatoes bring warmth and heart to any Southern table. They’re more than a staple; they’re a delicious symbol of Southern hospitality.

You can experience this culinary tradition by trying out various Southern potato recipes. Delight your taste buds with rich flavors and textures while exploring a significant part of Southern cuisine.

Southern Dressing and Salad Sides

The Southern-style Thanksgiving dressing is not to be confused with the typical stuffing you might find up North. This unique variant features a tantalizing blend of crumbled cornbread and day-old biscuits, seasoned with dried sage, sautéed celery, and onions.

Rather than being stuffed inside a turkey, it’s cooked separately in a casserole dish. This method of preparation makes it more akin to spoonbread than stuffing. Of course, what sets it apart and enhances its flavor are the fresh herbs like thyme and sage.

The incorporation of biscuits gives the dressing an appetizingly spongy texture. The beauty of this recipe is that it can be made in advance, frozen, and then reheated on the big day, making your Thanksgiving preparations all the easier.

“The unique blend of ingredients in Southern-style dressing creates a side dish that is both flavorful and time-saving.”

This information was inspired by Epicurious’ article on Thanksgiving Cornbread-Biscuit Dressing. I am sure you will enjoy this delightful Southern side dish as much as I do!

Highlighting Beans in Southern Sides

Beans, especially green beans, are traditional staples in Southern cuisine. These hearty vegetables often take center stage at supper tables across the South.

The classic way to prepare them involves simmering in liquid until soft, literally to the point of being “mushy.”

The beauty of this method is that it allows the beans to absorb a myriad of flavors. Traditionally, they’re seasoned with ham hocks or pork knuckles.

However, in our version, we’ll be using a smoked bone-in ham steak. This cut of meat can easily be found in most grocery stores and adds a rich smoky flavor to the dish.

Ground cloves add warmth and depth to this side dish, while a sprinkle of sugar balances out the saltiness of the ham – an old trick I learned from my grandmother.

Ingredient	Quantity	Note
Canola oil	2 tbsp
Bone-in ham steak	1 lb
Ground cloves	1-1.5 tsp
Green beans	2 lbs	Ends removed
Salt & Sugar	To taste
Serves 4-6 people. Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 4 days.

This soulfully satisfying bean dish is a simple addition to your weeknight dinner table, serving as a salute to traditional Southern cooking.

BBQ’s Perfect Partners

There’s nothing that complements BBQ season like Southern side dishes. Whether it’s creamy mac and cheese, tangy coleslaw, or hearty baked beans, these soul-warming, traditional accompaniments elevate any barbecue gathering to new levels of deliciousness. For a truly memorable BBQ experience, don’t forget to include a few of these fantastic Southern sides at your next outdoor feast.