17 BBQ Recipes That Skip the Side Dishes and Get Right to What Everyone Came For
Add Preferred SourceThere’s a time and place for coleslaw, and this isn’t it. These 17 heavy-hitters come in strong, make an impression, and don’t leave room on the plate for anything else. No one’s asking for a salad when the grill sounds like applause and smells like victory. This is the menu that answers the question, “Why are we even pretending to serve beans?” in different, direct ways.
Grilled Lime Garlic Chicken Breasts
These chicken breasts bring something special to the table with their tangy and bold flavors. Grilled Lime Garlic Chicken Breasts combine a smoky finish with hints of citrus, creating a perfect main dish for your BBQ. It’s a meal that leans on simplicity and boldness. Great for any crowd, this one’s always a hit. Plus, there’s no need for sides when the flavor speaks for itself.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lime Garlic Chicken Breasts
Grilled Radishes With Jalapeño Dipping Sauce
Grilled Radishes With Jalapeño Sauce add a bit of heat and smokiness to your BBQ spread. The spice in the sauce makes them stand out, offering something you don’t often see on a grill. It’s a fresh option for those wanting something a little different. These grilled radishes are the kind of dish people will remember.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Radishes With Jalapeño Dipping Sauce
Smoked Garlic Parmesan Wings
Wing lovers can’t go wrong with this smoked option, coated in bold flavors and grilled to perfection. Smoked Garlic Parmesan Wings offer a mix of smokiness and richness in every bite. They’re perfect for sharing, though you might not want to. Every BBQ feels complete when these wings make an appearance. No one’s going home hungry when these are served.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Garlic Parmesan Wings
Grilled Feta
Perfectly charred, Grilled Feta introduces cheese lovers to a BBQ option they didn’t know they needed. Its texture gives a unique, rich experience without needing bread or crackers. Set it as a central feature during grilling, and it’ll grab attention. Once tried, it’s hard to set down.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Feta
Smoked Dry Rubbed Wings
Smoked Dry Rubbed Wings bring a punch of seasoning with every bite. These wings demand attention without competing with any sides. Great for keeping things simple but flavorful at BBQ gatherings. A true hallmark of people who love bold grilled options.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Dry Rubbed Wings
Bacon Fried Corn
Turning a beloved summer veggie into something even better is always a win. Bacon Fried Corn brings out smoky, crunchy flavors that pair perfectly with BBQ. It’s a dish so flavorful it doesn’t need anything next to it. Ideal for those who want something hearty but different, this can be a game-changer. You won’t miss the sides with a dish this flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn
Smoked Peach-Chipotle Wings
Sweet and spicy, Smoked Peach-Chipotle Wings are a great choice for those looking for BBQ with variety. The perfect blend of flavors, it leaves out the need for complex sides. These wings are the kind you snack on long after everyone’s eating is done. An excellent addition to any grilling lineup.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Peach-Chipotle Wings
Smoked Tomatoes
A lighter grilling option, Smoked Tomatoes pack a smoky punch that’s both simple and enjoyable. No sides are required to appreciate their unique boldness. Guests often line up for these while steering clear of the salad. They’re a BBQ addition that’s both unexpected and universally liked.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Tomatoes
Blackstone Smash Burger
This meal takes everyone’s favorite comfort food and gives it a bold, smoky twist straight from the griddle. Blackstone Smash Burger has crispy edges and juicy centers that make it hard to beat. With all the flavor it packs, there’s no need to distract from it with sides. It’s hearty enough to leave everyone full and happy. If you want a classic updated for the grill, this one’s it.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Smash Burger
Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup
Comforting and smoky, Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup skips sides and becomes a standalone hit. The smoky depth pairs perfectly with its warmth and Mexican influences. It’s great to serve as a central dish for something outside the BBQ norm. People appreciate this soup when looking for lighter grilled meals.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup
Blackstone Sausage & Peppers
Blackstone Sausage & Peppers keeps simplicity at the forefront without skimping on flavor. This recipe is ideal for BBQ fans looking to stick to bold taste while leaving unnecessary extras aside. The combination of peppers and sausage hits just right every time. A crowd-pleaser main course.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Sausage & Peppers
Smoked Chicken Al Pastor
Bringing together smoky flavor and bold spices, this BBQ option holds nothing back. Smoked Chicken Al Pastor takes the best of grilled flavors and makes them a BBQ staple. Its rich and hearty elements mean no room is left for anything else on the plate. Whether served on its own or with optional toppings, it’s a winner for any gathering. Everyone will be coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Al Pastor
Lemon-Dill Salmon Foil Packets
Light yet flavorful, Lemon-Dill Salmon Foil Packets offer a grilled seafood option people will love. It’s BBQ seafood packaged so beautifully that no sides feel necessary. This is a healthier dish that still competes with traditional meaty options. Guests enjoy it fresh off the grill for every bite’s freshness.
Get the Recipe: Lemon-Dill Salmon Foil Packets
Grilled Corn Guacamole
Grilled Corn Guacamole combines BBQ flavor with creamy textures. It stands out on tables without chips or other accompaniments needed. A great dip to enjoy straight up or shared by the spoonful. People won’t miss tacos or chips seeing this at the center of everything.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Guacamole
Pork Stuffed Smoked Jalapeno Poppers
Smoked with care, these poppers deliver a spicy kick paired with bold, grilled flavors. Pork Stuffed Smoked Jalapeno Poppers are hearty and flavorful, standing out as a main dish all their own. They don’t need any sides to make an impact at the BBQ table. This recipe will leave your guests grabbing seconds because it’s hard to stop with just one. Ideal for fans of smoky spice.
Get the Recipe: Pork Stuffed Smoked Jalapeno Poppers
Bacon-Wrapped Burgers
Taking burgers up a level, this recipe ensures every bite is packed with smoky layers. Bacon-Wrapped Burgers combine the comfort of juicy patties with that crisp, grilled finish. These don’t need sides, as they’re hearty enough to satisfy anyone on their own. A great choice for any BBQ where you want burgers with some extra flair. Perfect for adding variety to the grill without complicating things.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Burgers
Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle
Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle brings together spicy elements and fresh bites. It’s a dish that stands on its own without needing anything extra at the table. Perfect for anyone who wants a mix of meat and veggies that keeps things exciting. This one’s different in the best possible way.
Get the Recipe: Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle
