Barbecue sauce is more than just a condiment; it’s a staple that elevates meals with its rich, tangy, and sometimes sweet flavor profile. A lot of people also associate BBQ sauce with only meat, but it's great with different types of food, from meats to vegetables.
So if you're tired of the usual pairings and want to experiment with new flavors, here are some of the best things to eat with BBQ sauce.
Whether you're hosting a summer cookout or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, BBQ sauce harmonizes perfectly with a wide array of dishes, enhancing their taste and making dining an experience to remember.
This guide will explore the best mains and sides to pair with BBQ sauce!
From succulent meats like ribs and brisket to delectable vegetarian options, the right pairing can transform your dish.
Let's take a look!
Ways to Use BBQ Sauce
Before we dive into the best mains and sides, let's first talk about the different ways you can use BBQ sauce.... It's not just for dipping your chicken wings! There are quite a lot of different types of BBQ sauces and an almost endless amount of flavors.
Here are some suggestions:
As a marinade: Marinating meats in BBQ sauce before cooking adds an extra dimension of flavor.
As a glaze: For a shiny, sticky finish on grilled or roasted meats, brush on some BBQ sauce for the last few minutes of cooking.
As a topping: Use BBQ sauce as a topping for baked potatoes, pizzas, and even macaroni and cheese. Trust us, it's delicious!
As a dip: Of course, we can't forget the classic use of BBQ sauce as a dipping sauce for chicken nuggets or even fries.
Best "Mains" to Eat With BBQ Sauce
Now that we've covered the different ways to use BBQ sauce, let's move on to the best mains to pair it your BBQ sauces.
Ribs
One of the most iconic and popular BBQ dishes, ribs are a match made in heaven with BBQ sauce. The smoky, fatty meat pairs perfectly with the tangy and sweet flavors of BBQ sauce.
Pro tip: For fall-off-the-bone tender ribs, marinate them in your favorite BBQ sauce overnight before grilling or slow cooking them.
If you're looking for a classic style BBQ sauce made by a real pit master and sauce maker, check out Mikey V's Brotherton BBQ Sauce.
Brisket
Another classic BBQ dish, brisket is a cut of beef that requires low and slow cooking for optimal tenderness. And what better way to enhance its flavor than with the addition of BBQ sauce?
Pro tip: Brush on some BBQ sauce before wrapping the brisket in foil and letting it cook for a few
more hours. This will infuse the flavors into the meat, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Pulled Pork
Pulled pork is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in sandwiches, tacos, or even by itself. The tender and juicy meat pairs well with the tangy and sweet flavors of BBQ sauce.
Pro tip: For extra flavor, mix your pulled pork with some BBQ sauce before serving.
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Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken is another versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways, including with BBQ sauce. Whether you're grilling whole chicken breasts or making kebabs, the addition of BBQ sauce takes it to the next level.
Pro tip: For chicken wings, a spicy and fruity BBQ sauce such as Hall of Flame Red Raspberry Reaper is perfect for them.
Burgers
Adding BBQ sauce to your burgers may seem like an unconventional choice, but trust us, it's amazing. The tangy and sweet flavors of BBQ sauce add depth to the meaty flavors of the burger.
Pro tip: This isn't just great for all beef burgers, but also for turkey or veggie burgers.
Veggie or Meat Skewers
Skewers are a great option for a BBQ meal, and the addition of BBQ sauce makes them even more delicious. Whether you're using veggies like bell peppers and onions or meats like steak or shrimp, give them a good brush of BBQ sauce before grilling.
Pro tip: For an extra burst of flavor, marinate your skewers in BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Homemade BBQ Pizza
If you're a fan of making your own pizza, consider adding BBQ sauce as the base instead of traditional tomato sauce. Top it with chicken, bacon, pineapple, and any other toppings you like for a BBQ twist on a classic dish.
Pro tip: Follow this amazing recipe for the best BBQ Pizza.
Cauliflower Bites
For a vegetarian option, try making BBQ cauliflower bites. These are crispy and flavorful bites that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or side dish.
Pro tip: For extra flavor, mix the cauliflower bites with some BBQ sauce and bake until caramelized.
BBQ Ranch Wraps
For a quick and easy meal, try making BBQ ranch wraps. These are perfect for a light lunch or dinner and can be customized with your favorite fillings. These can be all veggie or your favorite meat such as grilled chicken.
Pro tip: Add extra BBQ sauce to the wrap for an even richer flavor.
Chipotle Burrito Bowls
Another quick and easy option is BBQ chicken burrito bowls. These are packed with flavor and can be customized with your favorite toppings. Think of all of the ingredients you would put in a chipotle burrito, but add it to a bowl with your favorite BBQ sauce.
Pro tip: For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for grilled veggies and top with some BBQ sauce.
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Nachos
Who doesn't love a big plate of nachos? And the addition of BBQ sauce takes them to another level. Add a few toppings and drizzle some extra BBQ sauce on top.
Pro tip: Don't forget the jalapenos for an added kick!
Best "Sides" to Eat With BBQ Sauce
Now let's move on to some delicious sides that pair well with BBQ sauce.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a classic BBQ side dish, and for good reason. The creamy and tangy dressing pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of BBQ sauce.
Pro tip: For an extra kick, add a couple dashes of hot sauce to your coleslaw dressing.
Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob is a popular summer side dish, and adding some BBQ sauce takes it up a notch. Brush on some BBQ sauce before grilling for a sweet and smoky flavor.
Pro tip: Sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese over the corn.
Baked Beans
Baked beans are another classic BBQ side dish, and they are even better when combined with BBQ sauce. The sweet and tangy flavors of the baked beans complement the bold flavors of BBQ sauce perfectly.
Pro tip: Try adding some bacon or diced ham to your baked beans for extra flavor.
Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese may seem like an unlikely pairing with BBQ sauce, but trust us, it works. The creamy and cheesy mac and cheese is a great contrast to the tangy and sweet BBQ sauce.
Pro tip: For a twist on traditional mac and cheese, add some chopped cooked bacon before baking.
Onion Rings
Onion rings are a popular side dish at restaurants, and for good reason. Crispy and savory onion rings are... well amazing. But they are even better when dipped in BBQ sauce!
Pro tip: If you're making them at home, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your onion ring batter for some extra heat.
Sweet Potato Fries
For a healthier side option, try making sweet potato fries. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs well with BBQ sauce. A spicy BBQ sauce such as Burnt Ends Reverse Sear is perfect for them!
Pro tip: Sprinkle some smoked paprika on your fries before baking for an extra smoky flavor.
Grilled Pineapple
Grilled pineapple is a refreshing and unexpected side dish that is perfect with BBQ sauce. The sweetness of the pineapple complements the tangy flavors of BBQ sauce perfectly.
Pro tip: Use a very golden ripe pineapple, and brush generously with BBQ sauce before grilling.
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Cornbread
Last but certainly not least, cornbread is a classic BBQ side dish that pairs well with just about anything. The sweet and savory flavors of the cornbread are a perfect match for BBQ sauce.
Pro tip: For an extra kick, add some diced jalapenos or cheddar cheese to your cornbread batter before baking.
Fatal Mango made with mangoes and Fatalii peppers are perfect for a dish like this!
What's Your Favorite Way to Use BBQ Sauce?
BBQ sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used in many different ways to enhance the flavor of your dishes. From grilled meats to vegetarian options, and from appetizers to sides, there are endless possibilities when it comes to using BBQ sauce in your meals.
So next time you fire up the grill or cook a meal at home, don't forget to add some BBQ sauce for that extra burst of flavor!
If you have some of your own favorites or suggestions, make sure to leave them in the comments below.
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