Best Side Dishes to Pair with Your BBQ

Your Ultimate Guide to BBQ Side Dish Favorites at John Mull’s Meats & Road Kill Grill

When it comes to crafting the perfect BBQ experience, the meats may take center stage—but the best side dishes are what truly complete the plate. At John Mull’s Meats & Road Kill Grill in Las Vegas, we know a thing or two about building a well-rounded BBQ meal that hits every flavor note. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout, ordering catering for an event, or simply stopping by for a hearty meal, pairing your meats with flavorful, complementary sides is key to BBQ bliss.

1. Classic Coleslaw

A classic BBQ side dish, coleslaw is light, crunchy, and the perfect contrast to rich, smoky meat. Its crisp cabbage and carrot base, tossed in a tangy-sweet dressing, brings a refreshing bite to any BBQ plate.

Why it works:
Coleslaw balances out fatty cuts like brisket and pulled pork with acidity and crunch.

Pro Tip: Ask for our in-house slaw with extra celery seed and vinegar for an added zing.

2. Slow-Cooked Baked Beans

Our baked beans are a customer favorite for a reason. Slow-cooked with brown sugar, molasses, onions, and bacon or sausage, these beans offer the perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Perfect pairing: Ribs or hot links

Why it’s a must:
The sweetness of baked beans complements the smokiness of BBQ and adds a hearty, comforting note to your plate.

3. Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a BBQ classic that delivers comfort with every bite. At Road Kill Grill, our version is ultra-creamy and loaded with cheddar cheese, topped with a golden crust that offers just the right amount of crunch.

Best with: Smoked chicken, brisket, or tri-tip

Why it’s popular:
Its creamy texture soothes the palate after each smoky, spicy bite of meat.

4. Southern-Style Potato Salad

Our potato salad brings Southern tradition to the table. We use red potatoes, chopped hard-boiled eggs, celery, and onions, all tossed in a seasoned mayo-mustard dressing.

BBQ match: Pulled pork or burnt ends

Insider tip:
Add a pinch of smoked paprika to mirror the smokiness of your meat.

5. Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread

Cornbread is essential at any BBQ, but we take it a step further with jalapeños and shredded cheddar baked into each golden square. It’s moist, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with every cut of meat we offer.

Why it’s unbeatable:
Sweet, spicy, and cheesy notes offer a rich, balanced bite alongside spicy sausages or glazed ribs.

Try it with: Our peach-glazed ribs from the summer seasonal menu

6. Pickles and House-Made Relishes

Bright, briny, and bold—pickles and relishes are the unsung heroes of BBQ. They refresh your palate between bites and bring vibrant contrast to smoked flavors.

Must-try options:

  • House-made dill pickles
  • Bread-and-butter pickles
  • Cucumber-onion relish with vinegar base

Pairs well with: Brisket sandwiches, smoked turkey, or BBQ platters

7. Grilled Seasonal Vegetables

Grilled vegetables add color, texture, and nutrition to your BBQ spread. We grill zucchini, onions, bell peppers, and asparagus in olive oil and house spices until perfectly charred.

Why it matters:
They lighten up your plate without sacrificing flavor, and they’re a fantastic vegetarian-friendly side option.

Hot tip:
Pair grilled veggies with our smoked turkey breast for a lean but satisfying combo.

8. BBQ-Friendly Desserts (Honorable Mention)

You can’t finish your meal without something sweet. Our rotating dessert sides include:

  • Peach cobbler
  • Banana pudding
  • Pecan pie bars

Each dessert is hand-crafted to complement the BBQ experience with traditional Southern flair.


Top Side Dish Combos to Try at Road Kill Grill

  • Brisket + Coleslaw + Mac and Cheese
  • Pulled Pork + Potato Salad + Cornbread
  • Hot Links + Baked Beans + Pickles
  • Smoked Chicken + Grilled Veggies + Banana Pudding

Why Sides Matter at a BBQ

Sides aren’t just afterthoughts—they are the soul of a balanced BBQ plate. They bring contrast, texture, and flavor diversity to every meal. At John Mull’s Meats & Road Kill Grill, we craft our sides with as much care and attention as we do our meats. Each batch is made fresh with high-quality ingredients and inspired by BBQ traditions from across the country.

Need Catering?

All of the sides mentioned here are available through our BBQ catering services. Whether you’re hosting a family reunion, corporate event, or casual gathering, we can bring our full menu—including sides—to your location.


Visit Us in Las Vegas

Looking for the best BBQ and sides in Las Vegas? Head over to John Mull’s Meats & Road Kill Grill and experience the unbeatable combination of smoked meats and homemade side dishes.

Address:
3730 Thom Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89130
Website: johnmullsmeatcompany.com
Call: (702) 645-1200


Final Thoughts

From tangy coleslaw to cheesy mac and cheese, the best BBQ sides help create a memorable meal. Whether you’re a BBQ traditionalist or love trying new flavors, there’s a perfect pairing waiting for you at John Mull’s Meats & Road Kill Grill.