There’s something magical about a Texas barbecue – smoke curling from the pit, brisket carved to perfection, ribs glistening with bark and sauce. But even the best meats need the right support. The side dishes you serve can elevate your BBQ from a great meal to an unforgettable one. The right slaw can cut through rich pork, a buttery skillet cornbread can soak up every drop of brisket juice, and a bright pickle can reset your palate between bites.
This roundup of tried-and-true sides isn’t just about tradition – it’s about pairing. Every dish below is chosen to complement a specific type of barbecue, from smoky beef to savory sausage and smoked turkey breast. Whether you're feeding two or twenty, these crowd-pleasers will keep everyone coming back for more.
1. Crunchy Slaws That Cut Through the Smoke
- Goes best with: Pork ribs, sausage links, smoked turkey breast
Few things play better with smoked meats than a crisp, refreshing slaw. It’s the counterpoint your barbecue craves: cool, acidic and crunchy enough to stand up to a bark-covered rib. Classic creamy coleslaw brings richness and tang, especially alongside peppery sausage or juicy pork ribs. Prefer something a little lighter? A vinegar-based slaw with red cabbage, apple cider vinegar and a touch of sugar adds brightness without the mayo.
Want to make it your own? Toss in sliced jalapeños for heat, shredded green apple for tartness or fresh herbs like cilantro and dill to punch up the flavor. However you mix it, slaw is a must-have for balancing out smoky, fatty cuts.
2. Skillet Cornbread That Holds Its Own
- Goes best with: Texas-style brisket, sausage links, pulled pork
When you're plating up thick slices of brisket or smoked sausage links, you need a side that can handle the job. Enter skillet cornbread: golden, crusty and just sweet enough to play nice with the spice and smoke of your main event.
A well-seasoned cast-iron skillet is key. It gives cornbread that crispy edge while keeping the center fluffy and moist. For extra richness, fold in cheddar and chopped jalapeños or swirl in a touch of honey butter after baking. And don’t be shy about drizzling a little sauce on top — cornbread was made for soaking up every last drop.
3. Grilled or Smoked Veggies for a Lighter Bite
- Goes best with: Sausage links, pork ribs, brisket
Barbecue isn’t all about meat (well, mostly it is), but smoky vegetables can bring color, freshness and balance to your spread. They’re especially welcome alongside richer proteins like sausage or smoked turkey breast. Grilled corn on the cob with a dusting of chili powder and lime juice? Always a hit. Charred shishito peppers or blistered green beans tossed in olive oil and flaky salt? Gone before you know it.
Even humble zucchini or squash becomes something special when it’s kissed by the grill. Want to go the extra mile? Slice eggplant, brush with olive oil and balsamic, and grill until tender. The key is to keep it simple and let the smoke do the work. These sides are a great way to lighten up the plate without sacrificing flavor.
4. House-Pickled Veggies and Quick Pickles
- Goes best with: Sausage links, smoked turkey breast, brisket
Pickles might be the most underrated BBQ side of all. Their crisp texture and sharp tang are the perfect foil to tender, smoky meat, whether it’s Duroc-style pork ribs or Texas brisket. A handful of house-pickled onions, cucumbers or escabeche can reset your tastebuds between bites and add just the right snap to every mouthful.
Quick pickles are easy to make at home (vinegar + sugar + salt = magic), or you can let us do the work. At Truth BBQ, our housemade pickles are small-batch and balanced — just the right mix of bite, sweetness and crunch. Add them to a sandwich, pile them on your plate or eat them straight from the jar. No judgment.
5. Mac and Cheese That Brings the Crowd
- Goes best with: Sausage links, pork ribs, brisket
When in doubt, mac and cheese. It’s the creamy, comforting side that even the most die-hard carnivore can’t resist. And when you’re pairing it with bold, peppery brisket or sticky ribs, it’s the kind of indulgence that makes your BBQ plate sing.
You can keep it classic with elbow macaroni and sharp cheddar, or lean into decadence with smoked gouda, a buttery breadcrumb topping, a few dashes of hot sauce stirred in or even pieces of chicken tossed in BBQ sauce. Want to make it even more Texas? Fold in chopped brisket or bits of jalapeño sausage. Whether you bake it in a casserole dish or scoop it out of a foil tray, mac and cheese belongs at every barbecue.
6. Ranch Beans and Pit-Smoked Baked Beans
- Goes best with: Sausage links, brisket, pulled pork
Beans are a Texas BBQ staple for a reason – they’re hearty, smoky and made to sit next to a pile of meat. Ranch-style beans simmered with chiles and spices bring a bold, savory kick that plays well with sausage and brisket alike. For something a little sweeter, pit-smoked baked beans with brown sugar, molasses and maybe a touch of bourbon hit the spot every time.
Want to take it up a notch? Stir in chopped brisket ends or a few crumbles of our jalapeño cheddar sausage for a one-pot wonder. Just make sure you make enough – these are the kind of beans that people go back for before they even finish their plate.
7. Watermelon Salad, Potato Salad and Pasta Salad
- Goes best with: Sausage links, pork ribs, brisket, smoked turkey breast
A good barbecue spread needs something cold and fresh to keep the heavy hitters in check. That’s where these sides come in – light, bright and crowd-friendly.
- Watermelon Salad: A summer MVP. Toss cubes of watermelon with crumbled feta, mint and a squeeze of lime for a side that’s cool, crisp and unexpectedly refreshing.
- Potato Salad: Go classic with a mayo-and-mustard base, or try a warm, German-style version with vinegar, bacon and herbs. Either way, it’s a BBQ essential.
- Pasta Salad: Short pasta, fresh veggies and a zippy vinaigrette or creamy dressing. Bonus points for adding olives, cubes of cheese or even smoked turkey chunks.
Crowd Tips: How to Build a Balanced BBQ Spread
Pulling off a memorable barbecue isn’t just about the meat – it’s about the mix. When planning your sides, aim for a variety of flavors and textures that balance each other out. Here's a simple formula to build a crowd-pleasing spread:
1. Something creamy: Mac and cheese, potato salad, or coleslaw to add richness and comfort
2. Something crisp: House-pickled veggies or vinegar slaw to bring brightness and crunch
3. Something fresh: Watermelon salad, pasta salad or grilled vegetables for color and coolness
4. Something warm and hearty: Ranch beans, baked beans or skillet cornbread to satisfy every appetite
Additional tips for success:
- Include at least one vegetarian or gluten-free option so everyone can fill their plate.
- Prep ahead whenever possible. Many sides taste even better the next day and will save you time on barbecue day.
- Offer variety in flavor profiles: sweet, tangy, savory and spicy all have a place on the table.
Enjoy the Ride (and the Leftovers)
One of the best parts about a great barbecue? The leftovers. And when you’ve built a spread with thought-out sides, those leftovers turn into easy, delicious meals for the next few days. That creamy mac and cheese? Perfect reheated with a little brisket on top. Extra slaw? Toss it onto a pulled pork sandwich or eat it straight from the fridge for a crisp midday snack.
Even cold beans, grilled veggies and cornbread hold their own the next day. So don’t be afraid to go big.
Order Texas-Style BBQ Condiments From Truth
At Truth BBQ, we believe the sides and sauces matter just as much as the meat. That’s why we craft our housemade pickles in small batches — bold, balanced and built to cut through the richness of our Duroc-style pork ribs, brisket, sausage links and smoked turkey.
We smoke our meats low and slow, and we make our condiments with the same care. Add a jar (or three) of our house pickles to your next order and taste how the right bite can transform your plate.
Get BBQ meats and pickled vegetables delivered to your doorstep today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best side dishes to serve with Texas-style brisket?
Creamy mac and cheese, tangy slaw, and smoky baked beans all pair beautifully with brisket – but don’t underestimate the power of pickled veggies, like cucumbers and onions, to add brightness and balance.
2. What kinds of pickles does Truth BBQ offer?
We make several house-pickled options, including classic dill cucumbers, sweet-and-sharp pickled red onions and Tex-Mex escabeche-style vegetables. Each one is crafted to complement the bold flavors of our smoked meats.
3. Where can I buy Truth BBQ’s housemade pickles?
Our pickles are available online and as add-ons to select BBQ boxes. We make them in small batches to ensure every jar is packed with bold, fresh flavor.
4. Do Truth BBQ meats arrive fully cooked?
Yes, all of our meats are fully cooked and slow-smoked to perfection before shipping. Just follow the simple reheating instructions included with your order, and you’re ready to serve.