Name: What To Serve With BBQ Meatballs
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 portion BBQ meatballs

Table of Contents

If you’re wondering what to serve with your BBQ meatballs, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, I list 39 of the most popular side dishes for BBQ meatballs.

In a rush? Here’s the short answer.

The best side dishes to serve with BBQ meatballs are Greek yogurt coleslaw, cheesy horseradish mashed potatoes, and skillet cornbread. You can also serve kimchi fried rice, loaded sweet potato skins, and Mexican street corn salad. For low-carb options, try roasted spaghetti squash or sauteed spinach.

Ready? Let’s jump right in.

Greek yogurt coleslaw

I love creamy coleslaws, but they can get pretty heavy with all the mayo dressing – that’s why this Greek yogurt version is a godsend!

It’s lighter and healthier, you get that same delightful creaminess you get from mayo.

Plus, it has an extra tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with your BBQ meatballs’ sweet, savory flavors.

Why we love this recipe: each serving only has 58 calories.

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Garlic basil butter pasta

These aren’t your typical buttered noodles.

Instead of just plain butter, the pasta is coated with a garlicky, nutty, and peppery brown butter sauce.

It’s also studded with basil and cherry tomatoes, adding a pop of juiciness to every bite.

All this dish needs is a protein (like savory BBQ meatballs) to complete the meal.

Why we love this recipe: it transforms a childhood classic into a delicious, elegant dish.

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Garlic basil butter pasta
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Zesty three-bean salad

Keep your BBQ meatball meal healthy but satisfying with this three-bean salad.

Aside from a medley of red kidney beans black beans, and garbanzo beans, this salad also features roasted peppers, red onions, and cilantro, all tossed in a spicy vinaigrette.

The key to this dish is to give it ample time to rest and let the flavor develop – 15 minutes will do the trick, but 1 hour is the way to go.

Why we love this recipe: it’s perfect for summer cookouts and picnics.

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Zesty three-bean salad
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Buttermilk skillet cornbread

This recipe yields a deliciously moist, buttery cornbread that’s both sweet and salty – the best of both worlds.

You don’t have to use a skillet, but it really helps you achieve those crisp, golden edges.

Psst… save a piece of cornbread to mop up your delicious meatballs’ BBQ sauce as you finish your meal.

Why we love this recipe: it’s got loads of suggestions for extra ingredients if you want to change things up.

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Buttermilk skillet cornbread
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Hoagie rolls

These hoagie rolls aren’t technically a side dish, but they’re perfect for making BBQ meatball subs.

Slice one open, load it up with your meatballs and sauce, then top it with melty cheese – pure bliss.

And don’t ruin it by adding salad!

Why we love this recipe: it’s an easy-to-follow recipe, so even baking beginners can have a go.

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Kimchi fried rice

Kimchi fried rice and BBQ meatballs aren’t a traditional pairing – but when you think about it, they make a fabulous meal.

Your kimchi’s sour flavor helps cut through your BBQ meatballs’ rich sauce.

Plus, the kimchi brings a pleasant spice to jazz up the meal.

Want to make it even spicier? Just add more gochugaru (Korean chili flakes).

Why we love this recipe: it’s a great way to use up leftover rice.

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Creamed peas and potatoes

Serve the ultimate comfort meal with a creamed veggie side.

Boiled peas and potatoes are smothered with a milky gravy, which will mellow out the BBQ sauce of the meatballs.

Pro-tip: serve this meal with some bread so all the tasty sauce doesn’t go to waste.

Why we love this recipe: most of the ingredients you need are pantry staples.

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Creamed peas and potatoes
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Roasted spaghetti squash

Trying to cut back down on carbs but want the satisfaction of eating pasta?

Look no further than spaghetti squash!

True to its name, once roasted and shredded, the flesh turns into noodle-like strands with a texture similar to angel hair pasta.

Prop some meatballs on top of the faux noodles and smother them with extra barbecue sauce.

Why we love this recipe: you can use the hollowed-out spaghetti squash to serve this meal.

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Roasted spaghetti squash
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Arugula caprese salad

Add a fresh bite to your BBQ meatballs with a serving of this vibrant arugula Caprese salad.

The combination of peppery arugula, sweet, acidic tomatoes, and the tart balsamic vinaigrette is a flavor match made in heaven.

This salad can be put together in a flash, but the recipe recommends letting your tomatoes and mozzarella soak in the dressing for 30 minutes to infuse them with flavor.

Why we love this recipe: it’s a hearty and simple salad that packs a flavorful punch.

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Sauteed lemony spinach

Sauteed spinach is my go-to side whenever I need something quick, warm, and healthy.

It’s a no-frills dish that boasts a bright and clean flavor, thanks to the addition of lemon juice, zest, and garlic.

Why we love this recipe: it adds a tasty nutrition boost to any meal.

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Mexican street corn salad

Take your corn side up a level with a Mexican twist.

The kernels are topped with elote fixings like cotija cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. And you’ve also got bell peppers, jalapenos, and avocado in the mix.

Psst… no cotija? Feta is a great substitute.

Why we love this recipe: it’s rated 4.50 stars from 813 votes.

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Mexican street corn salad
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Cheesy horseradish mashed potatoes

You won’t want to go back to plain old mashed potatoes once you’ve tried this recipe!

They’re super cheesy, with a hint of heat in every bite courtesy thanks to the horseradish.

Just thinking about this indulgent mash soaking up all the flavors from your BBQ meatballs is enough to make my stomach rumble.

Why we love this recipe: it’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

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Cheesy horseradish mashed potatoes
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Loaded sweet potato skins

Don’t feel like having mashed spuds? How about sweet potato skins instead?

You get a tasty mash and crispy skin.

Win-win!

Try propping a meatball or two with extra barbecue sauce over each sweet potato skin for a fun snack.

Why we love this recipe: it looks as good as it tastes.

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Loaded sweet potato skins
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The best side dishes to serve with BBQ meatballs

Greek yogurt coleslaw
Garlic basil butter pasta
Zesty three-bean salad
Buttermilk skillet cornbread
Hoagie rolls
Kimchi fried rice
Creamed peas and potatoes
Roasted spaghetti squash
Arugula caprese salad
Sauteed lemony spinach
Mexican street corn salad
Cheesy horseradish mashed potatoes
Loaded sweet potato skins