BBQ-Friendly Snacks & Sides

There’s something magical about summer afternoons, friends gathering in the backyard, the smell of charcoal in the air, and the unmistakable crackle of flames licking a juicy cut of meat. It’s peak grilling season. But let’s be honest – no matter how glorious your main dish is, a BBQ without killer snacks and sides is like a burger without the bun. You need those extras to bring balance, flavor, and variety to your outdoor feast.

Whether you’ve got a traditional brick bbq set-up, a modern Argentinian BBQ grill, or you’re just getting started with a diy bbq kit, this guide is all about making sure your spread is just as mouthwatering on the side as it is at the center.

Why Sides & Snacks Matter in a BBQ

Before we dive into what to serve, let’s talk about why sides deserve just as much love as your main grillables.

1. They keep guests munching while the main course cooks – No one likes waiting around hangry while steaks sizzle.

2. They offer variety – Not everyone is a meat lover. Some are here for the veggies, carbs, and dips.

3. They can be prepped ahead – Meaning less stress during grill time.

4. They show off your creativity – Sides are where you can really experiment.

Whether you’re using a classic brick bbq kit passed down from generations or trying out something new like an Argentinian BBQ that lets you slow cook over embers, sides are a smart way to make your BBQ feel full and festive.

1. Grilled Veggie Skewers – A Colorful Crowd-Pleaser

These are practically a must at any BBQ. Slice up courgettes, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and cherry tomatoes. Toss in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and a touch of smoked paprika.

If you’ve got a diy bbq going, these skewers cook fast and make great appetizers while the main course preps. You can even set up a mini skewer station where guests build their own – it’s interactive, fun, and keeps everyone happy while you man the fire.

Pro tip: For Argentinian-style flair, add chimichurri brushed over the skewers right after grilling.

2. Halloumi Bites with Chili Honey

If you’ve never grilled halloumi, now’s the time. This cheese holds up beautifully on a grill and gets that golden crust with a gooey middle.

Cut into chunks, grill until charred, and drizzle with warm honey mixed with crushed chili flakes. Stack them on toothpicks for easy munching. These are perfect for when you’re working with a diy bbq kit where managing flame intensity is easy – halloumi needs direct heat but not flames licking it every second.

Pair with a cold drink, and boom – BBQ heaven.

3. Smoky Corn Ribs

Forget boiling corn – slice ears of corn lengthwise into quarters and grill them like ribs. Rub with smoked paprika, garlic powder, olive oil, and a hint of cayenne.

Toss them on your brick bbq and watch them curl slightly and char around the edges. Serve with a squeeze of lime and a dusting of cotija cheese (or Parmesan if you’re winging it).

The smoky char from a real brick bbq gives these corn ribs that next-level flavor, especially if you let them catch a bit of ember edge from an Argentinian BBQ grill set low and slow.

4. Potato Salad – But Not Boring

Classic? Sure. But let’s upgrade it.

Roast baby potatoes directly on the coals in foil with rosemary and garlic until crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. Let them cool, then toss with a mustard-mayo dressing, capers, red onions, and chopped herbs.

This rustic version holds its own against grilled meats and works perfectly with charcoal-cooked mains from a diy bbq or something heavy-duty like a brick bbq kit designed to feed a crowd.

Want something cream-free? Try a vinaigrette version with lemon, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and parsley.

5. Grilled Flatbreads with Dips

This one’s for those who love sharing plates. Toss some store-bought dough or pita onto the grill until puffed and slightly charred.

Pair with dips like:

• Whipped feta with lemon zest

• Roasted red pepper hummus

• Avocado tahini smash

A hot brick bbq makes it easy to get that perfect smoky char, especially if your kit has space for indirect cooking. With an Argentinian BBQ, you can toast flatbreads over lower coals while meats grill nearby.

Bonus: They double as edible utensils for scooping other snacks and mopping up sauces.

6. Stuffed Mushrooms with Herb Cheese

Large portobello mushrooms are basically edible bowls. Fill them with garlic-herb cream cheese, breadcrumbs, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Set them on the grill just off the direct flame. Let them soften and bubble inside. These little umami bombs are veggie-friendly but still hearty and satisfying.

These work like magic on a diy bbq setup where you can control the heat zone. The brick bbq also holds heat beautifully, ensuring your mushrooms cook evenly without burning.

7. Argentinian-Style Provoleta

If you’re already exploring the world of Argentinian BBQ, don’t skip this classic.

Provoleta is basically a grilling cheese designed for molten, crispy-edged glory. Place a thick slice in a small cast-iron skillet or on a grill-safe dish. Sprinkle with oregano, crushed red chili, and serve bubbling hot with grilled bread.

It’s salty, stretchy, and smoky – kind of like fondue’s cool cousin. And if your brick bbq kit is big enough, you can do multiple portions at once for sharing.

8. Charred Peppers with Sea Salt and Olive Oil

This one’s almost too simple. Toss whole bell peppers or sweet mini peppers directly onto the grill until blackened and soft.

Let them steam in a covered bowl for 10 minutes, then peel off the skin and drizzle with olive oil and sea salt. Serve with grilled flatbread or alongside grilled meats.

These are especially good if you’re cooking over natural charcoal in a diy bbq or slow-roasting meats on an Argentinian BBQ – the sweetness of the peppers balances smoky flavors beautifully.

9. BBQ Nachos (Yes, Really)

Nachos on the BBQ? You bet.

Layer tortilla chips, black beans, jalapeños, cheese, and cooked pulled meat (or skip it for veg-friendly version) in a cast iron pan. Cover with foil and set on the grill for 5-10 minutes until melted and hot.

Garnish with sour cream, salsa, and avocado. This is late-night BBQ food done right – especially when you’re winding down a long day around the flames of a brick bbq or diy kit setup.

10. Sweet Finish – Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Sugar

Don’t forget dessert. Grilled fruit is criminally underrated.

Slice pineapple into rings or spears, sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon, and grill until caramelized. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want to go extra.

Grilled fruit works well on brick bbq setups that retain heat – the fruit gets soft and sweet while those grill marks add drama.

Quick BBQ Snacks That Require Zero Grill Time

Not everything has to be fire-kissed. Here are a few crowd-pleasing side snacks that come together fast:

• Olive & Cheese Platter – Spanish olives, Manchego, and crackers.

• Marinated Cherry Tomatoes – Olive oil, garlic, basil, and a splash of vinegar.

• Cucumber Salad – Thinly sliced with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds.

• Stuffed Mini Peppers – With cream cheese and chives or a spicy tuna mix.

Perfect for grazing while you get the grill going.

Build the BBQ of Your Dreams

Of course, no discussion of outdoor cooking is complete without the tools of the trade. Whether you’re slowly assembling your grilling empire with a diy bbq kit or leveling up your backyard with a full-scale brick bbq setup, having the right gear makes a huge difference.

Fans of live-fire cooking might love the open grilling style of an Argentinian BBQ – known for its adjustable grates and ember-based slow grilling. It’s perfect for creating layers of heat, which comes in handy when juggling meats, sides, and snacks all at once.

Meanwhile, those building their BBQ space from scratch might opt for a diy bbq setup that fits their space and cooking style. Kits make it easier to build something durable and tailored without the guesswork.

Final Thoughts

Snacks and sides aren’t just extras – they’re the soul of a great BBQ. They give your guests something to snack on while you perfect your grill marks, they complement your mains, and sometimes, they even steal the show.

So next time you fire up your diy bbq kit or lay the first coals in your new brick bbq, remember to give just as much attention to the stuff around the meat. Because when the whole table is lit, the BBQ becomes more than just dinner – it becomes a party.