Healthy and delicious BBQ Side Dishes and Desserts for a braai on the grill, perfect for your next cookout or braai to complete your outdoor feast.
BBQ Side Dishes and Desserts recipes
Whether you’re planning a summer BBQ, a family cookout, or a traditional braai, the right side dishes and desserts can turn a good meal into a memorable feast. Explore our collection of healthy and delicious BBQ side dishes, fresh salads, grilled vegetables, easy crowd-pleasing favorites, and irresistible desserts. From light and refreshing sides to sweet treats that finish your meal perfectly, you’ll find plenty of recipe ideas to complement your grilled meats, fish, and vegetables for any outdoor gathering. Find more ideas 👉🏻Grill Braai or Barbecue recipes.
Find your favorite recipe
- BBQ Vegetables on the Grill
- BBQ sandwiches on the grill
- Potatoes on the coals
- BBQ or Grilled Dessert
- FAQ’s and Tips for Grilled side dishes
BBQ Vegetables on the Grill
Grilled Sliced Button Mushroom Kebabs. A healthy and tasty side dish or appetizer on skewers for a meal.
Grilled Corn on the Cob. A recipe on a Braai or Barbecue recipe idea for a side dish. Mielies is what the traditional South African call it eaten with butter.
Braai or Grill Stuffed Cheesy Portabella Mushrooms. Add some delicious flavor to your next barbecue with these mouth watering braai or grill stuffed cheesy portabella mushrooms.
BBQ sandwiches on the grill
Homemade Garlic Braai Loaf. Easy idea of a loaf, sliced stuffed with garlic, butter and parmesan cheese for starters, grilled in foil.
Toasted Braai Grilled Sandwiches. The Best South African grilled cheese, tomato and onion filling on coals or barbecue idea.
Potatoes on the coals
Foiled Sweet Potato on Coals. Easy warm side dish for a braai on coals that is wrapped in foil and cooked with your meats.
Baked Potato in Foil on Coals. Potato with skin on in foil baked on coals as a side dish idea.
BBQ or Grilled Dessert
Homemade Marshmallow s’mores with Chocolate. Melted marshmallows on the open fire while camping in spring or summer.
Looking for more outdoor cooking ideas? Be sure to browse our collection of Grill Braai or Barbecue ideas, or Potjie Pot Recipes, and BBQ and grilled meat recipes to complete your menu from start to finish.
FAQ’s for Grilled side dishes
Some of the best vegetables for grilling include corn on the cob, zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, asparagus, eggplant, onions, and sweet potatoes. These vegetables develop delicious smoky flavors and pair perfectly with grilled meats.
Lightly coat vegetables with oil before grilling and make sure the grill grates are clean and preheated. Using a grill basket can also help prevent smaller vegetables from falling through the grates.
Yes. Vegetables can be washed, cut, seasoned, and marinated several hours ahead of grilling. This makes BBQ meal preparation quicker and easier.
Grilled vegetables, vegetable skewers, stuffed peppers, grilled corn, sweet potatoes, and grilled fruit are healthy BBQ side dish options that are packed with flavor and nutrients.
Cooking times vary depending on the vegetable. Asparagus may take 5–8 minutes, zucchini and peppers 8–10 minutes, while corn on the cob and sweet potatoes can take 15–25 minutes.
Grilled corn, vegetable skewers, stuffed mushrooms, grilled potatoes, garlic bread, and BBQ vegetables complement almost any grilled meat or burger.
Tips for Perfect Grilled BBQ Side Dishes
- Cut vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Brush vegetables lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
- Preheat the grill before adding side dishes.
- Use skewers or a grill basket for smaller vegetables.
- Turn vegetables occasionally to achieve even grill marks.
- Avoid overcooking to keep vegetables tender and flavorful.
- Add fresh herbs, cheese, or a squeeze of lemon after grilling for extra flavor.
- Grill fruits during the last few minutes of cooking for an easy dessert.
- Keep side dishes simple so the natural smoky BBQ flavor shines through.
- Mix colorful vegetables on platters to create an attractive BBQ spread.
Looking for more outdoor cooking ideas? Be sure to browse our collection of Grill Braai or Barbecue ideas, or Potjie Pot Recipes. Easy BBQ and grilled meat recipes to complete your menu from start to finish.
Recommendations
(click the highlighted heading for the recipes)
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