What to Serve With BBQ Ribs in the Winter?
Best Side Dishes To Serve With Barbecue Ribs
When the weather turns colder, it’s time to host a hearty barbecue event. Serving BBQ ribs, a flavorful meal and Southern favorite, becomes more intriguing in winter.
Unlike the summer, where the heat calls for cool, fresh pairings, winter demands hot sides that complement the rich flavor of barbecue ribs with their sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.
The main course of low-and-slow cooked meat requires thoughtful sides to balance the palate. For a twist, think of your side dishes as the icing on the cake. A good dish can enhance the ribs, much like icing complements a cake.
Mac and cheese, a classic soul food, offers a creamy texture and quality taste that pairs perfectly with the tangy nature of the ribs.
Baked beans and grits, both steamy and hearty, add a comforting warmth, necessary for offsetting the cold. Collard greens offer a fresh dimension, ensuring the meal isn’t overwhelming.
As you grill the ribs, let the sides be more than just rules to follow; let them be explorations of flavor that serve to elevate the entire meal.
In essence, every side dish you choose to serve with your barbecue ribs this winter should enhance the flavorful meal, making the dining experience as satisfying and memorable as any summer barbecue.
Grilled Corn On The Cob
Grilled Corn On The Cob is a quintessential cookout item that pairs excellently with ribs on any winter menu. This recipe takes the classic corn on the cob and elevates it, making it less messy by tying back the husks to create a natural handle.
For added flavor, the corn can be wrapped in foil with seasonings like Basil Butter With Parmesan or a Smoky Barbecue Rub. This method not only infuses the corn with rich flavors but also makes it a convenient and tasty side dish for any BBQ occasion.
Sauteed Cabbage (Easy & Healthy)
In the heart of winter, alongside the sizzling BBQ ribs, a dish of Sautéed Green Cabbage stands out as a favorite side. Its popularity isn’t just reserved for picnics; this easy recipe transforms a humble vegetable into a feel-good element of any meal.
The process of sautéing brings out the sweet, earthy flavors of the cabbage, making it a dish that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. For those who take loving care in their cooking, incorporating such veggies offers a nutritious balance to the indulgence of BBQ ribs.
This dish, simple yet flavorful, not only complements the ribs but also adds a much-needed freshness to the winter table, making every eating experience more enjoyable.
Baked Black Beans
A cozy winter evening with BBQ ribs calls for a side that’s equally heartwarming, and Baked Black Beans fit the bill perfectly. This dish is a party for the taste buds, with a recipe that artfully blends bacon, onions, and a variety of seasonings.
The addition of molasses and apple cider vinegar creates a complex, savory-sweet profile, making these beans not just a side but a sweet treat in their own right. The depth of flavors here compliments the smoky ribs, making each bite a delightful experience.
This dish has always been a personal favorite at my winter gatherings, bringing warmth and a burst of flavor that elevates the humble black bean to a celebratory level.
Smoky-Sweet Baked Beans
Moving to Smoky-Sweet Baked Beans, this side dish is a staple with any serving of ribs. The recipe perfectly blends sweet and savory elements, reducing sugar and salt without sacrificing flavor.
It’s a classic with an upgrade: added grated sweet potato for a healthy, low-sodium option. These baked beans are a hearty, flavorful complement to the rich taste of BBQ ribs, making them an essential part of your winter BBQ menu.
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad is a delightful twist combining two favorite apps: traditional macaroni salad and deviled eggs. This salad stands out with its creamy texture and hearty crunch, making it a tasty addition to any winter BBQ.
The recipe offers flexibility, allowing you to modify it with your favorite ingredients. It’s a refreshing option that pairs beautifully with the robust flavors of BBQ ribs.
Classic Coleslaw
When considering what to serve with BBQ ribs, Classic Coleslaw is a must. This side dish works together perfectly with sweet, meaty ribs. The tangy, creamy, and crunchy nature of coleslaw makes it a match made in heaven for any barbecue.
Whether it’s alongside the ribs or chopped and used as a topping for sandwiches, slaw is an essential component that aligns beautifully with the flavors of the ribs.
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Creamy Cucumber Salad is a cooling side dish that beautifully complements barbecue ribs. Start by salting and draining Cucumbers to remove excess water, then mix them with Vidalia onions and a sweet and sour cream sauce.
The addition of fresh dill turns it into the ultimate summer salad. It’s best to eat this salad within four hours of preparation, as the cucumbers tend to lose their crunchiness and the dressing can become watery over time.
Best Homemade Macaroni And Cheese
Best Homemade Macaroni And Cheese takes the classic recipe to new heights. Unlike other iterations that go sans traditional ingredients in favor of more creative add-ins, this version stays simple yet delicious.
A key component of any barbecue spread, it combines cheddar for that cheesy goodness and a smooth béchamel sauce. Cubes of cheese are pushed into the pasta mix before baking, creating gooey pockets of cheese that surprise and delight with every bite. This dish perfectly complements the rich flavors of BBQ ribs, making it a winter favorite.
Southern-Style Potato Salad
Southern-Style Potato Salad is a must-have side dish for any winter BBQ. This dish combines creamy mayonnaise, tangy yellow mustard, crunchy celery, and sweet pickle relish, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
The addition of hard-boiled eggs enhances its richness. It’s not just a potluck favorite; this salad can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient choice. It pairs wonderfully with BBQ ribs, offering a creamy and tangy contrast to the smoky meat. This fare is a classic at any cookout, bringing a touch of Southern charm to your winter gatherings.
Broccoli, Grape, And Pasta Salad
A make-ahead pasta salad like the Broccoli, Grape, And Pasta Salad is perfect for winter barbecues, potlucks, and picnics. This recipe combines fresh broccoli, toasted pecans, crumbled bacon, grapes, and pasta in a sweet and tangy sauce.
People love this salad for its fresh, crunchy textures and sweet, vinegary dressing that provides a contrast to the deep, smoky flavors of barbecue ribs. For the best flavors to meld, let it marinate for three hours before you add the pecans and bacon right before serving.
Zesty Corn-And-Squash Salad
Zesty Corn-And-Squash Salad is a no-cook side that captures the essence of summer’s bounty with fresh corn, zucchini, and yellow squash. A healthy and vibrant addition to any barbecue menu, it adds brightness and crunch.
This salad is tossed in a citrus vinaigrette and garnished with cilantro and smoked almonds. Allowing the flavors to marinate for two hours enhances the taste, and the recipe can even be prepared a day ahead, making it a convenient and flavorful choice for winter BBQ gatherings.
South Carolina Slaw
South Carolina Slaw is a lighter take on traditional slaw, imbued with a unique tang that characterizes the Carolina version. This refreshing twist on classic coleslaw serves as a punchy side.
The cook prepares the dressing by boiling and then pouring it over a mix of cabbage and carrot. This method, where the hot dressing is infused into the vegetables, enhances the flavor in just 15 minutes. Best when made and served shortly after, it’s a perfect companion for BBQ ribs in winter.
7-Layer Salad
7-Layer Salad is a retro salad that’s both colorful and hearty, and it travels well, making it ideal for any event. The seven layers include Black-eyed peas, lettuce, onions, cheddar cheese, bacon, hard-cooked eggs, and tomatoes.
It’s a classic side that adds vibrancy and a variety of textures and flavors to complement the main BBQ dish.
Tennessee Onions
Tennessee Onions offer a savory, cheesy side perfect alongside a rack of baby backs. Sweet Vidalia onions are the star of this side dish.
With simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you just mix thick-cut onions with spices, butter, and cheese, then bake until golden brown. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, adding a rich and flavorful complement to any BBQ meal.
Southern-Style Collard Greens
Southern-style collard Greens offer a vinegary and smoky contrast to the rich, delectable flavors of barbecue ribs. The secret to perfect collard greens is to cook them low and slow, allowing the greens to become tender and infused with flavor.
I found an excellent recipe from a member of the online Southern Living community which has become my foundation for preparing collard greens. The result is perfect every time, adding a traditional Southern touch to any BBQ meal.
Classic Deviled Eggs
Classic Deviled Eggs are a potluck staple and a favorite at any gathering. The recipe is crowd-pleasing, combining a classic filling of mayo, mustard, and sweet pickle relish. A sprinkle of paprika on top adds a final touch of flavor.
For easier peeling, crack the eggs once done and shock them in an ice bath for 10 minutes. These deviled eggs are a delightful, creamy side that pairs wonderfully with the robust flavors of BBQ
Old-School Squash Casserole
Old-school Squash Casserole is a cheesy, creamy side that perfectly balances the sweet-and-tangy flavors of sauced barbecue ribs. As a classic Southern side, this casserole combines yellow squash with a creamy sauce, topped with crunchy butter crackers for a delightful texture contrast.
The recipe comes with pro tips to ensure the casserole is neither mushy nor watery, preserving its delectable consistency that complements the richness of BBQ ribs.
Air Fryer Okra
Air Fryer Okra offers a quick and crispy alternative to the traditional okra recipe. This method skips the excess oil but retains all the flavor, making these air fryer veggie bites a delicious companion to BBQ ribs.
Especially when dipped in Alabama White Sauce, these okra bites become a standout serving option. Keeping Honey Barbecue Sauce or Texas-Style Barbecue Sauce on hand enhances the experience, offering a delightful contrast with every bite.
Buttermilk Coleslaw
Buttermilk Coleslaw offers a twist on classic coleslaw, a traditional side that sings alongside ribs, fried chicken, barbecue sandwiches, hot dogs, and burgers.
The key ingredient, Buttermilk, lends a sour, tangy counterpoint to the sweet, vinegary dressing. This recipe is exceptionally convenient, using a pre-packaged coleslaw mix. It assembles in just 10 minutes, and for the best flavor, let it chill for at least two hours before serving.
Southern Skillet Cornbread
Southern Skillet Cornbread, baked with savory bacon drippings in a hot cast-iron skillet, develops a deliciously crispy crust. With just six ingredients and about 10 minutes of hands-on time, this easy recipe is a staple of Southern tradition.
This cornbread, sans added sugar, doesn’t compete with the ribs’ sticky sweetness but complements it perfectly.
Slow-Cooker Green Beans
Slow-Cooker Green Beans, a Grandma-approved Southern-style comfort food, are the perfect side dish that marries well with BBQ ribs. They stew in a smoky broth and are topped with crumbled, crispy bacon.
Ideal for when the end of the grill and stovetop spaces are tied up, using a slow cooker is incredibly handy while hosting a backyard barbecue. This method frees up space and time, allowing you to focus on perfecting those ribs.
Grilled Corn Salad
Grilled Corn Salad is a fresh and colorful salad perfect for complementing BBQ ribs, especially at a summer gathering. This salad includes Corn, zucchini, and peppers, all dressed in balsamic vinaigrette.
The preparation is quick – taking just half an hour. The corn is grilled for about 10 minutes, achieving a caramelized char that looks beautiful and tastes delicious. This dish adds a light and vibrant element to the hearty ribs, making it a refreshing side.
Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes
Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes are a modern twist on a classic, eliminating the need for a pan and spattering oil. Using cooking spray, these air-fried green tomatoes get a crispy exterior without the extra grease. Coat fresh, tart tomatoes in buttermilk and a cornmeal-breadcrumb crust, then air fry for just three minutes.
They make a fantastic side for BBQ ribs, especially when paired with a caper-mayonnaise sauce for dipping. This recipe offers a healthier, yet equally delicious, alternative to the traditional method.
Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, And Onion Salad
A refreshing and make-ahead side for any winter cookout is the Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad. This salad assembles quickly and is best when allowed to marinate for 12 to 24 hours in a red wine vinegar dressing.
The flavors meld beautifully over time, so it’s essential to use the highest quality tomatoes, like heirloom or beefsteak tomatoes. Just be mindful of the marinating time to ensure the vegetables don’t turn to mush.
Simple Roasted Okra
For a simple, seasonal side, Roasted Okra is an excellent choice, especially during the summer harvest. This side dish overcomes the typical slimy texture often associated with okra.
The recipe includes tips for choosing and prepping okra to ensure the right texture. Toss the okra in olive oil, season with your choice of spices, and roast in a hot oven for 20 to 25 minutes for a delicious, healthy accompaniment to BBQ ribs.
Delicious Crispy Brussels Sprouts – Red Lobster Style
Red Lobster is known for its delicious seafood, but their Brussels sprouts have become a sensation in their own right. This copycat recipe is surprisingly simple, yet it brings a restaurant-quality side dish to your main course meal.
When served alongside BBQ ribs, these crispy Brussels sprouts become the perfect compliment. The key is in achieving that signature crispness and depth of flavor that makes every rib dinner feel like a gourmet experience.
Jiffy Jalapeno Cornbread
Adding spice to the table, Jiffy Jalapeño Cornbread is an exciting twist on a classic. This spicy recipe incorporates diced jalapeños, cheddar cheese, and Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix for a kick of flavor.
To elevate it further, a touch of garlic butter and a dash of hot sauce can be lined up to add even more depth. This cornbread variation is a fantastic way to add a zesty edge to your meal, pairing impeccably with the rich, smoky ribs.
Three-Pickle Potato Salad
The Three-Pickle Potato Salad combines dill pickles, bread-and-butter pickles, and pickled okra to create a uniquely pickle-forward side dish. This recipe mixes these with creamy dressing and fresh dill, using red potatoes as the base.
It’s a make-ahead dish; prepare it the day before to let the flavors come together over time, enhancing the overall taste experience alongside your BBQ ribs.
Cheese Grits
Cheese Grits, a versatile Southern side, pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, from sautéed shrimp and eggs to country ham, fried chicken, and especially barbecue ribs. Adding Parmesan and cheddar cheese, along with a dash of hot sauce, gives every bite a cheesy, creamy flavor.
These grits can be ready to serve in just half an hour, and for a final touch, add a few pats of butter on top. This dish is a comforting, hearty accompaniment to any winter BBQ meal.
Texas-Style Baked Beans
Texas-Style Baked Beans start with canned beans that are doctored up with fresh ingredients and pantry staples. This dish brings spicy, sweet, savory, and smoky flavors to the table.
Using Pinto beans and prepping the other ingredients before baking for 35 to 40 minutes, results in a thick, bubbly dish. To enhance its appeal, garnish with crispy bacon. It’s a robust side that complements the deep flavors of BBQ ribs.
Jessica B. Harris’ Mixed Greens
The recipe for Jessica B. Harris’ Mixed Greens comes from the renowned culinary historian, Jessica B. Harris. This dish turns greens into a nutritious and delicious staple.
Eaten around the world, this version receives a Southern treatment with bacon, vinegar, onions, and a dash of hot sauce. It’s a flexible dish, allowing you to mix your favorite greens such as collard, mustard, or turnip. Perfect as a side for BBQ ribs, it brings a touch of tradition and flavor to your winter table.
Classic Macaroni Salad With Ham
Tracing its origins to a popular macaroni salad recipe by reader Keva Colston from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, featured in Southern Living, in June 2007, this dish is a testament to timeless flavors.
Colorful peppers, cucumber, tomato, and chopped ham are mixed into a creamy, mayo-based dressing with macaroni, which is best chilled for two hours to let the flavors blend. The recipe offers the flexibility to swap out veggies, allowing you to customize it to your taste.
Classic Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
For a delicious, year-round side that complements ribs, whether they’re cooked on the grill, in a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or oven, Classic Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes are perfect, especially during the colder months.
They serve as a hot side, a heartwarming alternative to potato salad in the off-season, offering a creamy and comforting addition to the comforting ribs.
How to Make Fruit Salad With Condensed Milk
When winter calls for hearty BBQ ribs, the perfect complement is a Fruit Salad with Condensed Milk. This dessert not only adds a sweet touch to your meal but also brings a hint of summer to the table.
Its bursting flavor of fresh fruit, mixed with the creamy richness of condensed milk, creates a delightful side dish. The easy preparation involves simple ingredients, making it an ideal choice for any cookout. Just chop the fruits into small bites, mix them with condensed milk, and you have a stop-worthy dish that’s as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eye.
This fruit salad, a bursting medley of flavors, provides a refreshing balance to the savory ribs, ensuring every bite is a harmonious blend of the season’s best.
What Can I Do To Make Jiffy Cornbread More Moist?
To enhance your winter BBQ ribs feast, making your Jiffy Cornbread more moist is key. This dish, a staple of Southern classics, is not just for summer gatherings; it can be a winter delight too. The recipe is super easy, and with a few hacks, you can ensure your cornbread tantalizes the taste buds with its moisture and flavor.
One such hack is adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter, which enriches the cornbread, making it incredibly moist and tender.
This small tweak maintains the simplicity of the recipe while significantly elevating the texture, transforming the humble Jiffy mix into moist cornbread that perfectly complements the smoky, savory ribs.
Oven Baked Potato Wedges
When it comes to a winter meal featuring BBQ ribs, Oven Baked Potato Wedges offer a tasty and healthier alternative to traditional French fries. These wedges, requiring only a few ingredients, are easy to prepare and pack a punch of flavor.
Their crisp exterior and fluffy interior make them a perfect match for the rich, smoky ribs at a barbecue. The simplicity of seasoning and the method of baking brings out the natural sweetness and earthiness of the potatoes, turning these potato wedges into a dish that’s not just a side, but a highlight in its own right.
This combination of ribs and potato wedges creates a comforting, satisfying winter meal that’s both delicious and hearty.
Roasted Vegetables
In the heart of winter, Roasted Vegetables become the unsung heroes alongside BBQ ribs. This medley of fresh vegetables, including broccoli, bell peppers, butternut squash, cremini mushrooms, and zucchini, transforms into delicious side dishes that complement the smoky ribs.
Each vegetable, when roasted, turns crisp on the outside while retaining a tender interior, enhancing its natural flavors. The blend of these veggies offers a great contrast in textures and tastes, making them an essential part of a well-rounded meal.
This colorful, vibrant array not only adds visual appeal to your plate but also ensures a healthy balance, making each side a delightful experience. The beauty of roasted vegetables lies in their simplicity yet profound ability to elevate a winter BBQ with their warmth and richness.
Watermelon Salad with Feta
Amidst a winter BBQ, a Watermelon Salad with Feta can be a surprising but delightful addition. This salad brings the refreshing taste of summer to your plate with its cool taste and vibrant colors.
Combining juicy watermelon, tangy fresh lime juice, and creamy feta cheese, topped with a hint of mint, this salad is not just easy to make but also offers a crisp, fresh contrast to the saucy ribs.
The sweetness of the watermelon goes along perfectly with the rich, smoky flavors of the ribs, providing a palate-cleansing and refreshing side.
Coconut Lime Black Beans
For those who enjoy a heartier side, Coconut Lime Black Beans are an excellent choice. This side dish takes the humble black bean and elevates it with the tropical flavors of coconut lime.
These beans are one of the best ways to eat alongside BBQ ribs, as they offer a creamy texture and a unique flavor profile that guests will surely love. The fusion of coconut and lime imparts a rich, aromatic taste, making it a memorable and tasty complement to your BBQ meal.
Conclusion
In summary, when serving BBQ ribs in the winter, it’s crucial to complement their rich flavor with a variety of sides. Cooking the ribs bone-side down using indirect heat ensures they are tender and flavorful.
Pair them with popular sides like coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, cornbread, baked beans, roasted vegetables, potato salad, and grilled corn on the cob for a satisfying and balanced meal.
Additionally, BBQ ribs are versatile and can be enjoyed hot, cold, or at room temperature, making them perfect for various settings and preparations. This combination of cooking technique and thoughtful side dishes will elevate your winter BBQ experience, ensuring a delightful and hearty meal.
People also ask
What to Serve with Baby Back Ribs?
Baby back ribs pair wonderfully with a variety of sides that complement their rich flavor. Popular options include coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, cornbread, baked beans, roasted vegetables, potato salad, and grilled corn on the cob.
These sides create a satisfying meal that balances the flavorful accompaniments.
Are BBQ Ribs Good Cold?
BBQ ribs are not only delicious hot but also good cold or at room temperature. They’re versatile enough to be enjoyed with your hands at a picnic or as part of a more formal meal. You can make ahead your ribs by boiling and saucing them, then refrigerating for a few hours in advance.
Simply bring them to room temperature before roasting to enjoy them at their best. This flexibility makes BBQ ribs a convenient and always tasty option for various occasions.
