When people talk barbecue, the spotlight almost always goes to the meat. Brisket. Ribs. Pulled pork. Sausage. And don’t get me wrong — the pit should get the glory.

But great barbecue spreads don’t live or die by protein alone.

The right side dishes bring balance, contrast, and comfort. They turn a plate of smoked meat into a complete feast and quietly elevate your reputation as a pitmaster.

In this episode, we break down five must-have BBQ side dishes that work with just about any cook and are easy to execute alongside a smoker already running.

This is a crowd favorite for a reason.

Smoked mac and cheese delivers:

You can keep it classic or level it up with:

The key is balance — you want smoke presence, not overpowering campfire flavor.

Corn is one of the most underrated BBQ sides — and one of the easiest wins.

Why it works:

Grill or smoke it whole, then finish with seasoned butter.
You can also cut it off the cob and dress it with:

Simple. Bright. Reliable.

If you’re serving barbecue without baked beans, you’re leaving points on the table.

Smoked baked beans:

This is a perfect place to fold in:

They’re forgiving, scalable, and almost always a hit.

This might be the most low-effort, high-reward side on the list.

How it works:

The result is a perfectly tender, lightly smoky potato that beats the oven every time. No prep. No fuss. Just timing.

Every BBQ spread benefits from color and freshness.

Veggies also:

Great options include:

A little olive oil, salt, and smoke goes a long way.

Once you’ve got the essentials covered, consider mixing in something unexpected:

These aren’t required — but they’re memorable.

Great pitmasters don’t just cook meat — they build plates.

Strong side dishes:

The next time you fire up the smoker, give your sides the same respect you give the protein. Your guests will notice.

If you want more BBQ ideas, real-world tips, and a place to talk barbecue without the noise of social media, join the Backyahttps://backyardsmokemaster.com/societyrd SmokeMaster Society. It’s a free community of backyard pitmasters sharing cooks, asking questions, and getting better together.

👉 Join here: https://backyardsmokemaster.com/society