Ever wondered what to serve with BBQ meatballs?
Don’t worry—we’ve got 21 fantastic ideas for the side pairings!
BBQ meatballs will always elicit smiles and cheers from your guests.
Whether hosting a backyard gathering, tailgating or having friends for dinner, these tasty little morsels are sure to be a hit.
These little morsels are a terrific mix of flavors that will tantalize taste buds–oh my!
They’re also incredibly effortless and can be made ahead of time.
Whether you’re serving these as an appetizer or as part of the main course, try pairing them with one or more of these sides for a fantastic meal everyone will enjoy.
From crunchy Coleslaw to hearty Potato Salad and savory Baked Beans—there’s something here for everyone.
Discover the ideal side dishes below to create the ultimate BBQ meatball feast!
Remember to check out #19 on this list, as it’s a recipe that will delight the senses of guests and diners.
Mashed potatoes and BBQ meatballs are an irresistible combination!
Mashed potatoes are a fitting accompaniment to BBQ-style flavors thanks to their creamy, comforting texture.
The honey-kissed glaze of the meatballs brings out their natural sweetness, while the fluffy spuds provide a hearty bite filled with flavorsome ingredients, creating a truly indulgent meal experience.
Here’s a Mashed Potato recipe for vegans!
The crunchy, colorful combination of lettuces, tomatoes, onions, and peppers makes for an eye-catching plate, and it’s also an exceptional way to add a light and wholesome element to such a rich dish.
You can create further flair and flavor with dressings, nuts, and seeds, or even a scattering of croutons–whatever you choose to elevate your garden salad will be sure to bring out all the flavors of your BBQ meatballs.
A garlic-buttered noodle is an excellent companion for barbecue meatballs, and it’s no surprise why.
The succulent flavor of the BBQ meatballs is complemented by the garlicky, buttery goodness of the pasta, creating a combination like no other.
It also adds a nice creamy texture to the plate, which takes this meal to a new level with its unique taste.
A simple yet yummy duo, the combination of carbs and protein will satisfy any appetite.
Making it extra special is a classic pasta dish that pairs wonderfully with the hearty flavors of BBQ meatballs.
Garlic and cheese combined in a creamy sauce will add some diversity to this meal while adding complexity to the smoky barbecue notes.
It creates a compelling flavor experience, and the cheesy garlic bread in between bites of savory meatballs is an unforgettable way to enjoy this dynamic duo.
Juicy, savory BBQ meatballs are a classic party food, and they pair with a side of crispy garlic baked potato wedges.
These potato wedges taste as they come straight from a restaurant’s kitchen.
The combination of garlicky seasoning paired with these oven-baked potatoes offers the quintessential side dish to any BBQ spread, as it won’t get soggy on the grill and is the right texture for scooping up the remaining sauce from your luscious meatballs.
Pair these two together for an unforgettable bite that will make your tastebuds begging for more.
6. Grilled Corn
The sweetness of the corn kernels complements the smoked flavor that the meatballs have, making for a delightful tasting experience.
Its crunchy texture adds a layer of flavor and pops of color to your plate, creating a truly delectable meal.
Not only does it pair well with different kinds of grilled meats, but grilled corn also adds a nourishing element to your meal.
It’s no wonder pairing your classic BBQ meatballs with grilled corn is an excellent idea.
How To Cook Corn On The Cob: 3 Simple Methods
Potato Mac Salad is a classic every time BBQ meatballs make an appearance.
Whether it’s for a summer BBQ, family gathering, or football party, Potato Mac Salad is an immaculate companion for those little morsels of yumminess.
With its creamy dressing and crunchy additions like onions, carrots, celery, and sometimes even bacon, Potato Mac Salad contrasts the savory flavors of BBQ meatballs.
Coleslaw is an underrated but excellent complement to BBQ meatballs.
The cooling, creamy texture of the coleslaw contrasts nicely with the flavor of certain spices used in the meatballs.
Its sweet and tangy elements also bring out different notes that provide depth to the overall dish.
Moreover, this side dish provides a splash of color to the plate, making it even tastier.
Therefore, if your next meal includes BBQ meatballs, remember to have some coleslaw on the side–you won’t regret it!
Try our delicious No-Mayo Carolina Coleslaw
The beans’ smokiness enhances the meatballs’ smoky flavor and works to complement their spice.
Furthermore, beans are versatile and can be adjusted to fit the desired flavor profile.
Add extra onions, peppers, or sugar to create a unique zest that pairs with your favorite meal.
Penne Pasta With Marinara and BBQ meatballs is a match made in heaven!
The smooth and savory notes of the marinara sauce blend nicely with the tangy and smoky flavors of the BBQ meatballs.
Plus, penne is a fine shape for soaking up all that sauce, so you don’t miss out on any!
It’s a hearty combination that will indeed have your taste buds singing.
11. Rice Pilaf
A zestful combination of seasonings and accouterments–from saffron and parmesan to dried fruit and herbs–make rice pilaf an optimal accompaniment for BBQ meatballs.
Furthermore, unlike more common side dishes such as mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese, this warm fluffy rice-based dish will bring a medley of exciting textures to your meal.
There’s no need to settle for a simple ‘carbs on carbs’ plate; instead, add some flare and contrast with a bowl of rice pilaf.
Air-fried baked potatoes make a stellar match for BBQ meatballs.
They provide a solid base for the meal, and the crispy outer layer of the potato contrasts nicely with the juicy flavor of the BBQ.
You can top them with your favorite condiments or cheese, giving you additional layers of flavor as you eat.
And because they’re air-fried, they offer all the flavors and textures of traditional oven-baked potatoes in half the cooking time–plus, it’s much less mess!
13. Caesar Salad
Not only does the creamy dressing of a Caesar salad balance out the smoky, savory flavor of your meatballs, but it also crafts a fusion of traditional Italian and American cuisine.
This version features a dressing without anchovies and raw eggs.
With its crunchy texture alongside the softness of your BBQ meatballs, a homemade Caesar salad will make for a hearty and utterly enjoyable meal.
Combining these two allows you to keep the savory elements of the dish without feeling bogged down by heavy carbs.
When savory smokey flavors from the BBQ sauce meet with the delicately cooked zucchini noodles and juicy meatballs, you get a mouth-watering dinner that won’t leave you too full.
Leftovers? Learn how to freeze zoodles here!
15. Masala Pasta
The smoky, sweet flavors of the meatballs and the punchy savor of the masala pasta deliver a delightful contrast that is simply second to none.
This combination will make your taste buds tingle and provide a wholesome meal that hits your favorite flavor notes.
Exemplary for any occasion, this dish will become a family favorite.
If you want to take your BBQ Meatball’s profile up a notch, why not serve some buttered vegetables as a side?
The vegetables add color and texture to your plate, and their buttery flavor enhances the meatballs’ savory goodness.
Plus, it’s sublime to enjoy this tried and true favorite!
A good vegetable pairing for your BBQ meatballs could be roasted cauliflower, parboiled green beans, or steamed carrots–so don’t be afraid to experiment with various flavors.
Romaine Salad With Orange & Olives adds a bright, fresh note to the plate while still being hearty enough to stand up to the rich, savory flavors of the meatballs.
The sweet and tangy citrus from the oranges plays against hints of bitterness from the olives and salty Parmesan cheese, making it an excellent complement to any meatball dish.
With its light yet satisfying texture and unbeatably divine flavor combinations, Romaine salad with oranges and olives makes an excellent pairing for any BBQ meal.
18. Cornbread
There’s something about its soft texture and subtly sweet taste that goes so well with the savory flavors of your favorite backyard barbecue.
Whether you make it from a mix, in a skillet, or bake it up in a cast-iron pan, cornbread can take your meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
Plus, depending on your recipe, it takes a little time to prepare.
Kimchi Fried Rice has a spicy and complex combination that will enliven your palate in a way nothing else can.
The combination of crunchy kimchi, savory rice, and juicy BBQ meatballs provides layers of flavor you will remember.
Not only does this pairing provide intense flavor satisfaction, but various textures add an exciting dynamic to each bite.
Top it off with some high-quality sesame oil for an even richer experience!
Creamy Potato Salad makes a piquant side to any meal, but it’s especially marvelous as an accompaniment to BBQ meatballs.
The slight tanginess of the potato salad matches the sweet and savory flavor of the meatballs, and the creaminess complements their juicy texture.
Baked Spaghetti Squash is a sublime pairing with BBQ meatballs, as it provides a flavorful option to accompany the relatively heavy dish.
The mild squash provides a slightly sweet and nutty counterbalance to the savory meatballs while still fulfilling your noodle cravings.
It adds some refreshment to your plate!
The bottom line
BBQ meatballs are a classic favorite for any gathering, and the right accompaniments can take your meal to the next level.
From Buttery Vegetables to Spicy Kimchi Fried Rice, plenty of noteworthy side dishes to pair with BBQ meatballs.
So if you’re looking for something remarkable to serve with your next batch, try out any of the options listed above.
21 Fantastic Sides For BBQ Meatballs
Ever wondered what to serve with BBQ meatballs? Don't worry—we've got 21 fantastic ideas for the side pairings!
Ingredients
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Simple Garden Salad
- Garlic-Buttered Noodles
- Pasta With Garlic & Cheese
- Crispy Garlic Baked Potato Wedges
- Grilled Corn
- Potato Mac Salad
- Homemade Coleslaw
- Smoky Baked Beans
- Penne Pasta With Marinara
- Rice Pilaf
- Air-Fried Baked Potatoes
- Caesar Salad
- Zucchini Noodles With Pesto & Pine Nuts
- Masala Pasta
- Buttered Vegetables
- Romaine Salad With Orange & Olives
- Cornbread
- Kimchi Fried Rice
- Creamy Potato Salad
- Baked Spaghetti Squash
Instructions
- Skim through our What to Serve With BBQ Meatballs list.
- Select the recipe you’re looking for.
- Prep the ingredients as instructed.
- Spill your thoughts on our Facebook page!