So which sides do you like to serve at your BBQ Shindigs? I like Potato salad and Beans, I usually buy store bought (have I mentioned I'm lazy??) but I'm feeling more energetic and want to try my own. I looked and there are a bunch of good Recipes for both on this site. But we all know those are just starting places. What do you guys do different? Are you willing to share said Recipes? (and of course Pictures if you got em) Stuff like do you put your pot of beans on the smoker? I've tried that (canned kind) and cant tell any difference between on the smoker and out of the Microwave (Ops I said a bad word didn't I?) So what do you folks do to get that little extra Zing or wave of flavor into your sides? I'm looking very forward to the creative responses I (hope) I get!
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I'm lazy on the sides, too, except I'll do roasted corn and/or twice-baked potatoes since I already have the heat for it. Sometimes I'll put together a veggie foil pack (cucumbers, squash, onions, bell peppers, garlic, butter, whatever I have handy). I always do the beans in the smoker. And of course, ABTs are always an option.
Why should I heat up the kitchen when I got a perfectly good smoker already at temp outside? -
For beans, I like the Bourbon Barbecue Baked Beans, but I use pulled pork instead of bacon. Lot's of pulled pork. Some in my family like all the beans to be black beans, so changing up the bean mix is done sometimes.Comment
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I agree that you can't go wrong with potato salad and beans. With pulled pork I'm also a fan of cole slaw, they just seem to go together well. I like a classic potato salad best. I use russett potatoes, diced onion and celery, mayo, a little dijon mustard, a bit of diced dill pickle (relish works too) and about a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. I usually sprinkle some paprika on top to make it pretty.
It's easy to get lazy with sides but I think it's an important part of the barbecue experience. Also preparing sides is what keeps me from over-fussing with my PBC and drinking way too much beer.Last edited by AdamJG; August 5, 2016, 06:41 AM.Comment
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beans with burnt ends of course
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That pic is from the 4th of july...new format is nice can post all my pics now 🖒Comment
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Smoked Mac & Cheese is requested by my friends and family every time I cook. It's easy to do. I have my own recipe but you can take about any baked mac & cheese recipe and just cook it on your grill with one or two small chunks of smoking wood and you will have an immediate fan following.Comment
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i always wish i was better at sides but i seem to put all my efforts into the meat.
anyway there is a whole series of "sides" subforums with all kinds of recipes alreadyComment
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Timing when grilling meat and vegetables at the same time can be tricky. A few years ago, my wife tried a Wegman's recipe for grilled veggies (squash, onions, red/yellow/orange peppers, etc.) that called for grilling them then cutting them up for a cold veggie salad. We do this a lot now - I grill the veggies while waiting for the coals to calm down then take them in the house for her to work on. I return to the grill for meat tending. My side while tending is bourbon neat.
Also, this allows for special treatment of veggies, like eggplant slices, that need it without risking the meat.Comment
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If you want amazing beans, put them under your pork butt when it's smoking. The drippings make all the difference in the world!Comment
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PICKLES .... you have to serve pickles... especially with pulled pork
Vinegar Slaw ... again required serving with pulled pork - Mike Mill's has a good recipe in his book "Peace, Love, & Barbecue"
Other than that I am a fan of beans, mac'n'cheese, and pasta salad as sides... heck even just some good ole tater chips will work...
A lot of times when I'm doing the big cooks and lots of meat they end up being carry in deals where everyone else brings the sides. I will provide: Meat, Pickles, and Slaw... I will recommend what to bring if people ask but usually just leave it up to them.
This was a similar thread from a few months ago... you may find some recommendations in there.
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I love making corn bread. Most people in the south would call it Corn cake and not Certainly not CORN BREAD! Because I load it with honey. I like sweet corn bread with some heat on the back end. I heat my lodge 10 inch on the stove. I coat the skillet with bacon grease and let it heat up to about 350 F, I throw the batter in the skillet and put it on the smoker or the oven at 350 F. Its amazing. I would be willing to share the recipe if anyone is interested.Comment
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1) Potato salad. It is a perfect complement to BBQ, in that it is mild, and creamy, and a different color.
2) Corn. It complements BBQ because of its different texture and shape.
3) Baked beans. because you can use the drippings from the BBQ.
4) Caprese tomatoes, because they are soooo easy to make and everyone feels like their social status has been upgraded to FIRST CLASS.
99) Salad. So everyone can put it on their plate and feel like they are making a healthy choice. We can scrape it into the garbage later.Comment
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When I grill steaks I always serve it with fettecine Alfredo, no potatoes. Sometimes I add some pesto to the sauce. Add some sous vided asparagus with a hollandaise sauce, some garlic sourdough bread, a Ceasar salad and a good Cabernet Sauvignon and you have a real better than Steakhouse meal.👍Last edited by Breadhead; August 5, 2016, 11:59 AM.Comment
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The Caprese suggestion is rock on.
No work but to shop for ripe tomatoes and fresh basil and good mozz.
Can get all chef'd up and play with the arrangement on the plate.
Use good coarse S (P if you like) with good EVOO (balsamic - if you desire).
People think they're out to dinner and all you did was put veg & cheese on a plate.
Easier than onion dip.Comment
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