Are you looking for the best sides to serve with ribs?
Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just looking for the perfect accompaniment to your ribs dinner, there are plenty of side dishes that will perfectly complement the flavor of your favorite ribs recipes. From zesty salads and crunchy slaws to creamy potato dishes, these side dishes will round out any meal featuring ribs.
Finding the perfect sides to pair with ribs can be a challenge. Not all sides are created equal, and some may even clash with the flavors of your main course. That’s why it’s important to know which sides will go best with different types of ribs recipes.
In this article, we’ll provide you with some ideas for the best sides to serve with ribs. We’ll cover everything from simple side salads and fresh vegetables to more complex side dishes like macaroni and cheese and mashed potatoes. So whether you’re looking for something light and refreshing or something hearty and filling, we’ve got you covered!
Ready to find out which sides pair best with your favorite rib recipes? Let’s get started!
The best side dishes to serve with ribs are coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad, cornbread, corn on the cob, and macaroni and cheese. These sides will perfectly complement your ribs and make for a delicious meal!
Tantalizingly Delicious Side Dishes to Accompany Ribs
Ribs are a classic favorite in many households. They are incredibly flavorful and can be prepared in a number of different ways. No matter what kind of preparation you choose, it is important to pair your ribs with delicious side dishes that will complement the flavor of the ribs and round out the meal. Here are some tantalizingly delicious side dishes that are sure to make your ribs the star of your meal:
Roasted Potatoes: Roasted potatoes are always a hit when it comes to side dishes. This delicious dish is incredibly simple to make, yet full of flavor. All you need is potatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper and any other herbs or spices you might like. Simply cut the potatoes into cubes, toss them in oil and seasoning, spread them out on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven until they are crispy and golden brown.
Coleslaw: Coleslaw is another great side dish for ribs that can be made quickly and easily. The key here is to use a good quality mayonnaise for the dressing so that it has plenty of flavor. All you need is shredded cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper.
Baked Beans: Baked beans make an excellent accompaniment for ribs because they bring a hint of sweetness while still being savory enough not to overpower the flavor of the ribs. To make them even better, add some bacon or sausage for extra smoky flavor.
Cornbread: Cornbread is another classic side dish that pairs perfectly with ribs. It has just enough sweetness to balance out the savoriness of the ribs without being too sweet. You can also add some jalapenos for an extra kick if you like.
- Sauteed Greens:
Sauteed greens such as spinach or kale make an excellent accompaniment for ribs because they provide a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals while still tasting great when cooked with garlic and olive oil.
- Grilled Vegetables:
Grilled vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini are always a great choice when it comes to side dishes because they bring lots of color and texture to any meal while also providing nutrition benefits. You can even throw in some cubed sweet potato if you want something sweeter.
Classic Sides to Enjoy With Barbecue Ribs
Barbecue ribs are a classic favorite. Whether you’re having a big family gathering or just having a small get together with close friends, barbecue ribs offer the perfect solution. To make your barbecue ribs experience even more enjoyable, you can consider adding some classic sides. From coleslaw to cornbread and baked beans, there are plenty of delicious options that you can choose from.
Coleslaw is one of the most popular sides to pair with barbecued ribs. A classic combination, it’s easy to make and pairs perfectly with those juicy, smoky flavors. You can choose to make your own coleslaw with cabbage, mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar and other ingredients for a fresh flavor.
Baked beans are another great option for a side dish. The sweetness of the baked beans is the perfect contrast to the smoky flavors of the ribs. For an extra punch of flavor, try adding some diced onions or bell peppers to your baked beans before serving.
Potato salad is also an excellent choice for a side dish when it comes to barbecue ribs. This classic comfort food is creamy, tangy and full of flavor. You can choose to go with a traditional recipe or add some extra ingredients like bacon or pickles for more depth of flavor.
Cornbread is another classic side that goes perfectly with barbecue ribs. The sweet crunchy texture complements the smoky rib flavors beautifully and it’s an easy dish to make too – simply mix up some cornmeal, butter and buttermilk (or milk) in a bowl and bake until golden brown!
Finally, don’t forget about macaroni salad! This creamy pasta dish is full of flavor, thanks to its combination of mayonnaise and mustard-based dressing plus extras like diced celery or pickles that give it an extra crunch factor.
So there you have it – five classic sides that pair perfectly with barbecue ribs no matter what kind of gathering you’re having!
Complementary Side Dishes for Barbecue Ribs
Barbecued ribs are always an exciting and delicious main course, but to make it a truly memorable meal, you need complementary side dishes that will bring out the flavor of your ribs. There are so many delicious side dishes that work perfectly with barbecue ribs, so let’s explore some of the best options.
Corn On The Cob: Corn on the cob is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with barbecue ribs. The sweetness of the corn complements the smoky flavor of the ribs, making it a perfect combination. Plus, corn on the cob is easy to prepare and can be cooked on the grill alongside your ribs.
Baked Beans: Baked beans are another classic side dish that goes great with barbecue ribs. The smoky flavor of baked beans complements the smoky flavor of your ribs, while also adding an additional layer of texture and depth to your meal. Plus, baked beans are easy to make and you can even add some additional ingredients like bacon or sausage for extra flavor.
Potato Salad: Potato salad is always a great choice for a side dish as it provides a creamy and hearty accompaniment to your ribs. You can mix in other ingredients such as celery and onion for extra flavor, or you can keep it simple with just potatoes and mayonnaise or sour cream. Either way, potato salad is always a crowd pleaser!
Cole Slaw: Cole slaw is one of those classic sides that goes well with almost any type of food – including barbecue ribs! The crunchy cabbage in cole slaw provides a great contrast to the tenderness of your rib meat, while also adding an additional layer of flavor to your meal. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be made ahead of time for convenience.
Coleslaw Macaroni Salad: If you want something more exciting than traditional coleslaw or potato salad, try making coleslaw macaroni salad! This tasty dish combines two classic sides into one delicious dish – creamy macaroni mixed with crunchy cabbage – making it perfect for accompanying barbecue ribs.
Fruit Salad: Fruit salad is another great side dish option when serving barbecue ribs, as it adds a refreshing touch to an otherwise heavy meal. You can mix together any combination of fresh fruits such as apples, oranges, strawberries or melon for a truly unique side dish experience!
The Perfect Potatoes To Serve With Ribs
Nothing beats a good plate of ribs, and potatoes are the perfect accompaniment. Whether you serve them mashed, roasted, or baked, potatoes are a classic side dish that always compliments the savory taste of ribs.
Mashed potatoes are a great choice for those looking for a creamy, comforting potato dish. Creamy mashed potatoes with butter and milk can be flavored with garlic and herbs to add an extra punch of flavor. Serve your mashed potatoes with a dollop of sour cream to bring out the flavor of the ribs even more.
For those who prefer something more substantial, roasted potatoes are the way to go. Roasted potatoes make an ideal side dish as they have a crispy exterior and fluffy interior that pairs perfectly with rib meat. Cut your potatoes into wedges or cubes and season them with garlic powder, sea salt, rosemary, and oregano before roasting them in olive oil for about 40 minutes until golden brown.
Finally, you can’t go wrong with baked potatoes. Baked potatoes are an easy way to fill up on carbohydrates without breaking the bank. Simply wrap your washed potato in aluminum foil and bake it in the oven for about an hour until it’s soft throughout. Once cooked through, top it off with some butter, chives, bacon bits or cheese for added flavor – the possibilities are endless!
No matter which type of potato you decide to serve with your ribs, you can be sure that it will be a tasty addition to your meal!
Salads and Veggies To Enjoy With Ribs
If you’re looking for something to serve alongside your ribs, there are plenty of delicious salads and veggie dishes that will pair perfectly. Salads are a great way to add some freshness and lightness to a meal that can otherwise be quite heavy. And when it comes to vegetables, you can choose something classic like mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables, or get creative with sides like grilled veggies or even vegetable kabobs. Here are some of my favorite salads and veggies to enjoy with ribs.
Salads:
- Coleslaw – Coleslaw is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with ribs. You can either buy pre-made coleslaw from the store or make it yourself with shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper.
- Potato Salad – Potato salad is another easy side dish that goes great with ribs. Try tossing boiled potatoes in a simple vinaigrette dressing made with olive oil, mustard and herbs.
- Green Salad – A simple green salad is an easy way to add some lightness and freshness to your meal. Try tossing together some mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and your favorite dressing.
Veggies:
- Mashed Potatoes – Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that goes great with ribs. Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds for best results.
- Roasted Root Vegetables – Roasted root vegetables are a great way to add some flavor and texture to your meal. Try roasting carrots, sweet potatoes, parsnips and onions in olive oil until golden brown.
- Grilled Vegetables – Grilled vegetables are another delicious option for serving alongside ribs. Try grilling zucchini slices, bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor.
Ribs are a tasty and succulent dish. When paired with the right grains, they can make a delicious meal. Here are some different types of grains to try with ribs:
- Rice: Rice is a versatile grain that pairs well with nearly any type of rib. Whether you’re using white or brown rice, you can be sure that it will add a nice texture to your ribs.
- Quinoa: Quinoa is a great option for those looking for something healthy and tasty. It has a slightly nutty flavor and goes well with any type of rib.
- Barley: Barley is another great grain to pair with ribs. It has a chewy texture and nutty flavor, which makes it the perfect accompaniment to your ribs.
- Couscous: Couscous is a light and fluffy grain that pairs nicely with ribs. Its delicate texture complements the richness of the ribs perfectly.
These are just some examples of different types of grains you can serve with your ribs. Experiment with different combinations until you find one that tastes amazing!
Flavorful Rice Dishes For Your Rib Dinner
Rice makes a delicious and comforting side dish for a rib dinner. It is incredibly versatile and can be prepared in a variety of ways to suit any taste. From classic pilafs to unique recipes, there are many flavorful rice dishes that you can serve with your rib dinner.
One of the most popular rice recipes is Spanish-style paella. This dish is made with saffron-infused rice, vegetables, seafood and meat. It has a unique flavor that goes perfectly with ribs. Another delicious option is coconut rice, which is cooked with coconut milk and seasoned with fragrant spices like coriander, cumin, and turmeric. This dish adds an exotic flavor to your rib dinner.
For a more traditional side dish, try an herbed wild rice pilaf. This flavorful dish combines wild rice with herbs, such as oregano, thyme and rosemary for added flavor. You can also make an easy risotto by cooking Arborio rice in chicken broth until it reaches a creamy consistency. To make it even more flavorful, add some Parmesan cheese or white wine for extra depth of flavor.
If you want something lighter but still full of flavor, try making fried rice. This dish combines cooked white or brown rice with vegetables and meat or seafood. The key to making good fried rice is to use cold cooked rice so that it doesn’t become mushy when stir-fried in the pan. You can also add spices like ginger or garlic for added flavor.
Finally, if you want something unique yet still tasty, why not try making mango sticky rice? This Thai dessert combines sweet mangoes with sticky glutinous rice that has been cooked in coconut milk and topped with crispy mung beans for texture and flavor contrast. A scoop of this delicious treat will be the perfect end to your rib dinner.
Conclusion
Ribs are a delicious and hearty main dish, but they need the right sides to really be complete. The best sides to serve with ribs are those that will add flavor and texture contrast, like coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and macaroni and cheese.
These sides can help to round out the meal and offer something for everyone. They also provide an opportunity to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. With the right sides, ribs can become an even more enjoyable experience.
So when planning your next rib feast, don’t forget the side dishes! The right combination of flavors will enhance your meal and make it a truly memorable one.
Bon appetit!