What To Serve With BBQ Meatballs : 15 Interesting Dishes to Try

AndrewByAndrew Updated on

When it comes to BBQ meatballs, what do you serve as a side dish? Do you have a go-to recipe that you always use, or are you stumped when it comes to what goes well with this type of dish?

Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explain what recipes go well as their side dish.

So whether you’re looking for something classic or something a little more unique, we’ve got something for you.

Keep reading for some delicious ideas!

What To Serve With BBQ Meatballs

  1. Noodles
  2. Sweet Potato Fries
  3. Baked Beans
  4. Baked Potatoes
  5. Potato Salad
  6. Crusty Bread
  7. Rice
  8. Mashed Potatoes
  9. Zucchini Noodles
  10. Lettuce
  11. Avocado
  12. Broccoli
  13. Sauteed Greens
  14. Sauerkraut
  15. Pickles

Noodles

Noodles make an excellent side dish for BBQ meatballs. There are many reasons for this, but the most important one is that they help to balance out the flavors in the dish.

The noodles will soak up some of the smoky flavors of the meatballs, while also providing a contrast in texture. This can help to make the dish more interesting and enjoyable to eat.

Another benefit of using noodles as a side dish is that they can help to bulk up the meal. This is especially useful if you are serving the meatballs as part of a buffet or potluck.

Noodles will also absorb any excess grease from the meatballs, making them healthier and less likely to cause indigestion.

Finally, noodles are very versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes. You can use any type of noodle you like, and they can be served cold or hot. This means that they can be easily adapted to suit your taste.

There are many different types of noodles suitable for use as a side dish, but some of the most popular include spaghetti, angel hair pasta, and egg noodles.

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet Potato Fries as a Side Dish for BBQ Meatballs is a great way to get the full flavor of your favorite summer foods. The sweetness of the potato combined with the spiciness of the BBQ sauce makes for a perfect combination.

This dish is also a great way to get your vegetables in without having to sacrifice taste. The fries can be cooked in advance and then simply reheated when you are ready to serve them.

Moreover, this is also a great option for those who are vegetarian or looking for a healthier alternative to traditional side dishes such as potato salad or coleslaw.

Baked Beans

Baked beans are a great side dish for BBQ meatballs. They are high in fiber and protein, and they contain no cholesterol or trans fats. Plus, they are low in calories and have a neutral taste that won’t interfere with the flavor of your meatballs.

Baked beans are also easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time. Simply reheat them when you’re ready to serve.

To keep things interesting, try serving your baked beans with different kinds of BBQ sauce or topping them with shredded cheese. You can also use them as a filling for tacos or burritos.

Baked Potatoes

When serving BBQ meatballs with a side, I like to pair them with baked potatoes. The starchy nature of the potato helps to balance out the richness of the meatballs, and the potato also absorbs some of the flavorful sauce.

In addition, baked potatoes are versatile and can be topped with a variety of toppings, such as sour cream, cheese, or chives.

They are also relatively easy to make, which means that you can focus on enjoying your time with family and friends instead of spending all day in the kitchen.

Potato Salad

One of my favorite side dishes to serve with BBQ meatballs is potato salad. I love the creamy texture and the way the flavors of the potatoes, eggs, and mayonnaise come together.

Plus, it’s a great dish for summer BBQs because it can be made ahead of time and doesn’t require any cooking.

When choosing a potato salad recipe, look for one that includes plenty of vegetables like celery, red onion, and parsley. These add flavor and color to the dish, and they also help to bulk it up so you don’t have to worry about running out of food.

I typically make my potato salad with boiled eggs, but you could also add in some chopped bacon or diced avocado for extra flavor. Moreover, if you’re looking for a lighter option, you could try using Greek yogurt in place of the mayonnaise.

Crusty Bread

There are many reasons to choose crusty bread as a side dish for your next BBQ meatball feast. For one, it’s an excellent way to soak up all those delicious juices. But it’s also a great way to add some extra texture and flavor to your meal.

And if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can’t go wrong with crusty bread. Just be sure to choose a recipe that uses healthy fats and quality ingredients.

Here are some of our favorite recipes:

BBQ Meatballs with Crusty Bread

We love this recipe because it’s easy to make and the crusty bread soaks up all the flavors from the BBQ sauce.

Plus, it’s a great way to get your kids involved in the cooking process.

Simply have them help roll the meatballs and then let them work on pressing the bread into the balls.

Crusty Bread with Honey-Mustard Glazed Meatballs

This is a great option if you’re looking for something a bit sweeter.

The honey mustard glaze adds a nice touch of sweetness to the dish, while the crusty bread helps to balance it out.

Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover honey mustard sauce

Rice

Rice is a great option as a side dish for BBQ meatballs! It’s easy to make, can be dressed up or down, and goes well with a variety of flavors. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly way to bulk up your meal.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when pairing rice with BBQ meatballs:

First, consider the type of rice you want to use. Basmati and jasmine rice have a light, aromatic flavor that pairs well with bolder-tasting dishes like BBQ meatballs.

Or, for a heartier option, try brown rice. It has a nutty flavor and chewy texture that stands up well to hearty BBQ sauce.

Next, think about how you want to prepare your rice. If you’re looking for something quick and easy, try preparing it in the microwave. For a more impressive presentation, cook the rice in a broth or stock for added flavor.

Or, for an ultra-luxurious dish, try using wild rice. It takes longer to cook than other types of rice, but its nutty flavor and fluffy texture are worth the extra effort.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes make an excellent side dish for BBQ meatballs. They are creamy and rich, and they complement the smoky flavor of the meatballs perfectly.

Additionally, mashed potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be used in a variety of recipes. For example, if you want to add some extra protein to your meal, you can top the potatoes with grilled chicken or shrimp.

Or, if you’re looking for a heartier side dish, you can mix in some shredded cheese or crumbled bacon.

Zucchini Noodles

There are so many reasons to love zucchini noodles as a side dish for BBQ meatballs. For starters, they are a fantastic source of nutrients. Zucchini is packed with vitamins A, C, and B6, as well as fiber and potassium.

It’s also low in calories and carbs, making it a great choice for those watching their weight. In addition, zucchini noodles are incredibly versatile.

They can also be eaten raw, sauteed, roasted, or grilled. And because they cook quickly, they make a great last-minute side dish.

So what makes zucchini noodles the perfect side dish for BBQ meatballs? First of all, they complement the rich flavor of the meatballs nicely. Plus, the noodles add a welcomed dose of freshness and crunch.

And because they’re so light, they won’t weigh you down if you want to enjoy seconds (or thirds!).

Lettuce

Lettuce is a great side dish for BBQ meatballs. It is light and refreshing, and it pairs well with the rich flavor of the meatballs. There are many different types of lettuce that you can use, so you can experiment to find the one that you like best.

Romaine lettuce has a robust flavor that can hold up to the strong flavors of the meatballs, while iceberg lettuce has a more mild flavor that allows the other flavors to shine.

You can also use arugula or spinach for a bit of sweetness or bitterness, depending on your preferences.

Moreover, lettuce is a healthy side dish option because it is low in calories and fat, and it is a good source of fiber and vitamins A and C.

It is also a versatile side dish that can be used with many different types of recipes. You can use it as a wrap for your meatballs, or you can shred it and use it as a topping on your favorite pasta dish.

Avocado

One great way to enjoy BBQ meatballs is by pairing them with a delicious avocado side dish.

Avocados are nutritious fruit that is packed with vitamins and minerals. They are also a good source of healthy fats and fiber.

When used as a side dish, avocados can help to boost the nutrient content of your meal. Additionally, they can help to add flavor and creaminess to your dish.

Broccoli

Broccoli is a versatile side dish that can be used in a variety of recipes. It is packed with nutrients, including fiber, Vitamin C, and iron.

Additionally, broccoli is low in calories and fat. This makes it a healthy option for those looking to watch their weight.

When paired with BBQ meatballs, broccoli provides a delicious and healthy contrast in flavors. The sweetness of the BBQ sauce pairs nicely with the slightly bitter taste of the broccoli.

Broccoli can also be used as a side dish for other recipes, such as grilled chicken or fish. It is also a good option for those who are looking for a gluten-free side dish.

Sauteed Greens

Sauteed greens make an excellent side dish for BBQ meatballs. There are many benefits to using sauteed greens as a side dish.

  • They are a healthy option. Sauteed greens are packed with nutrients and offer a variety of health benefits.
  • They are easy to make. You can easily find recipes for sauteed greens online or in cookbooks.
  • They are versatile. You can use them as a side dish for any number of recipes, including BBQ meatballs.
  • They are delicious. The combination of the flavorful meatballs and the crispy, sauteed greens is sure to please any palate.

Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut is a great side dish for BBQ meatballs because it is tangy, acidic, and perfectly complements the rich, savory flavors of the meatballs. Plus, sauerkraut is full of probiotics and other beneficial bacteria that can help promote a healthy gut microbiome.

When selecting sauerkraut to use as a side dish, look for one that is fresh and unpasteurized. Also, be sure to give it a taste before adding it to your dish – some sauerkrauts can be quite salty.

To balance out the acidity of the sauerkraut, pair it with a sweet BBQ sauce or a creamy dressing. And if you’re looking for a bit of crunch, you may top your dish off with some chopped pistachios or almonds.

Pickles

One dish that always seems to pair well with BBQ meatballs is pickles. Here are a few reasons why pickles make a great side dish for BBQ meatballs:

  1. The acidity of pickles helps to cut through the richness of BBQ meatballs.
  2. Pickles add a crunchy contrast to the softer texture of BBQ meatballs.
  3. The salty flavor of pickles goes well with the savory taste of BBQ meatballs.

Conclusion

Many delicious and healthy side dishes go well with BBQ meatballs. When selecting a side dish, consider what flavors you want to include in your dish.

Do you want a dish that is sweet, savory, or tangy? Do you want a crunchy contrast or a creamy addition?

Once you’ve decided what flavors you want to include, choose a side dish that will complement the flavors of your BBQ meatballs.

So go ahead and try them out now!

Andrew

Chef