Meatballs are always a perfect idea for any occasion. They are a perfect dish made on the grill that no one could resist not trying.
The only thing is that you probably have a dilemma about what to serve with them. You are planning your next family gathering or a barbecue hang out with your friends and you need something alongside those juicy delicious meatballs.
They are nice, satisfying and surprisingly enough can be served with many things. Since they are made with a nice tangy sauce they have to be combined with something. There is no problem eating them alone, but it would be better to find their pair.
So if you have any ideas, you are on the right spot. Read below and take your pick of the best 15 side dishes for bbq meatballs.
You can pair meatballs with mashed potatoes, asparagus, fried cabbage, and egg noodles, bread, buns, grilled corn on the cob, macaroni salad, Peperonata, coleslaw or potato salad, red roasted potatoes, rice, udon, Ratatouille, broccoli, spaghetti, or grilled veggies.
15 Side Dishes To Serve BBQ Meatballs
Below I will explain why each recommended side dish pairs well with bbq meatballs, so let’s take a look.
1. Mashed potatoes
The first thing that comes to mind when you need to pair up bbq meatballs is mashed potatoes. The ideal side dish with a touch of cream cheese and a buttery taste will be a delight to the dish.
The texture and both flavors will combine so you can’t resist not trying. Add some roasted garlic to increase the taste, also you can add cheese to make it even better.
2. Asparagus
Long, thin, green vegetables that will bring out the best from your bbq meatball dish are asparagus. Combine the meatballs with the rich creamy taste of the sauce of the meatballs with the asparagus.
Add the asparagus with butter and lemon, cook it and serve it as a side dish. These crunchy veggies are healthy and one of the best combo ideas for your next lunch.
3. Fried cabbage and egg noodles
A very simple recipe and amazing combination to serve with bbq meatballs are fried cabbage and egg noodles. Very easy and tasty to create a fast dish and save your dinner plans.
4. Bread and buns
Your next best thing that you can pair up with bbq meatballs is to add bread and buns. A perfect alternative for a side dish that would be great for your next party gathering.
Add some mustard, cheese, sour cream, or some other sauce and spice up your meatballs. You can even prepare burgers and with the taste of the meatballs, you’ll have a mouthwatering result at the end.
5. Grilled corn on the cob
Barbecue meatballs will need a good side dish of grilled corn on the cob. A nice and easy, light summertime dish that will fit perfectly well with the taste of the meatballs.
The sweet, savory, and spicy taste and the freshness of the corn will combine to create the ideal dish. You can prepare it by wrapping the cobs in foil and grilling it.
Once the corn is ready, remove it and serve it. Add some spices like salt and pepper and butter to make it even better.
6. Macaroni salad
No better combo than macaroni salad and bbq meatballs. It’s a no-brainer that macaroni salad goes well with many other meals as a side dish.
The spicy and sweet flavors of the meatballs will fit well with the salad. Add eggs, pickles, mayonnaise and create a nice creamy dish. Add another mix of other veggies as well.
7. Peperonata
An Italian stew that will work as a side dish and you can serve with the meatballs is Peperonata. It is a famous side dish which is easy and fun to make and everyone can enjoy it.
8. Coleslaw or potato salad
If you like potato salads or coleslaw then they are your next best option that can go well on your plate full of bbq meatballs.
There is something special about these vegetables that fits perfectly well with meat. Very easy and it does not take much of your time, both options will mix together with the taste of the meatballs.
9. Red roasted potatoes
A simple idea that will actually turn your bbq meatballs into a very delightful dish.
Add red roasted peppers and enjoy the colorful and tasty dish. Just chop them, add some olive oil, spices and make something incredible.
You can also put them in a casserole dish with garlic, rosemary and bake it for 20 to 30 minutes. This is also simple and easy.
10. Rice
Probably one of the first things that would come to mind and a great combo with bbq meatballs would be rice.
It may come as a surprise but a bowl of plain steamed rice with seasoning will be perfect. You don’t need much to create something tasty and enjoyable.
11. Udon
A traditional Japanese noodle named Udon will also pair well with your bbq meatballs. They are made from wheat flour and have a mild taste with a doughy texture.
Add peanut butter to give it more of a Thai tradition and enjoy the many flavors. It is easy to make and makes a great idea for your next lunch break.
12. Ratatouille
As a side dish idea with bbq meatballs, you can combine Ratatouille.
This is a stewed dish with yellow squash, eggplant, zucchini, and mascarpone cheese. It is a very healthy and nutritious veggie dish that will help you save your dinner plans.
Ratatouille can be served with many other things. However, alongside the bbq meatballs, they’ll be a perfect match for everyone, even your kids.
13. Broccoli
Another side dish that is easy to make and will go well with the barbeque meatballs is broccoli. You can add garlic and lemon to make the taste more enjoyable.
You can also par the broccoli with cauliflower. The tastes will blend together and everything will be ready for your next dinner.
14. Spaghetti
A famous dish which we all enjoy is a combo of spaghetti and meatballs. It is a classic pick that you will never go wrong with and anyone can enjoy it.
The bbq meatballs will be ready, the spaghetti already boiled just to be mixed together. You’ll end up with a smokey sauce, juicy meatballs, and a tangy taste. Try this idea on a weekday and enjoy a nice dinner with your family.
15. Grilled veggies
Bbq meatballs will be perfect with a combination of grilled veggies.
This is a great choice if you want to cut down on carbs. You can prepare them in different ways and combine many different types of vegetables. As a suggestion, you can combine zucchini, bell peppers, and onions.
Make sure not to overcook them, since al dente will be a perfect way. Add some spices for extra flavors and make your meal irresistible alongside the bbq meatballs.
Related Questions
Which pasta goes with meatballs?
Since pasta goes perfectly well with meatballs, you can use spaghetti or flat pasta noodles. This way you’ll create a nice meal and your meatballs will fit in perfectly.
Can raw meatballs be cooked in sauce?
Yes, but before you cook them in the sauce make sure that the meatballs are browned. They can be kept in the sauce until it simmers and is ready for serving.
How do you keep meatballs moist?
To keep the meatballs moist enough you can add eggs and binders with milk which will keep the meatballs tender and good for serving.