A Guide by John Mull’s Meats & Road Kill Grill – Las Vegas’ Best BBQ Catering
When planning a BBQ catering menu, it’s easy to focus on the meats—but don’t underestimate the power of the sides. The right side dishes can elevate your event from good to unforgettable. At John Mull’s Meats & Road Kill Grill, we’ve crafted the perfect mix of BBQ proteins and homemade sides that complement one another, offering the full flavor experience Las Vegas has come to love.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry group of 20 or 100, this guide will help you strategically pair our catering menu’s proteins with sides to create a balanced, satisfying BBQ spread.
Why Sides Matter in a BBQ Catering Menu
Sides aren’t just fillers—they bring contrast in flavor, temperature, texture, and even color. The right pairings can:
- Cut through the richness of smoked meats
- Complement the seasonings and sauces
- Accommodate diverse dietary needs
- Stretch your budget with hearty, filling portions
At John Mull’s Meats, we provide a wide selection of cold sides, hot fixins, and sweet cobblers, ensuring there’s something for every palate.
1. Pairing with Ribs & Rib Tips
Proteins:
- Ribs (1 cs. = 8 Slabs, serves 32)
- Individual Slab (serves 4)
- Rib Tips (10 lbs, serves 20)
Best Side Pairings:
- Collard Greens: The earthiness balances out the sweet and spicy BBQ sauce.
- Macaroni & Cheese: Its creamy texture complements the bold bark on ribs.
- Peach Cobbler: The sweetness is a great finale to smoky pork.
Pro Tip: If you’re serving a large crowd, consider ordering a full case of ribs along with half pans of mac & cheese and greens. It’s a classic Southern combo your guests will rave about.
2. Pulled Pork & Pulled Chicken Pairings
Proteins:
- Pulled Pork – 5 lbs (serves 20)
- Pulled Chicken – 5 lbs (serves 20)
Best Side Pairings:
- Cole Slaw: The acidity and crunch of slaw pair beautifully with the tender, shredded meats.
- Baked Beans: Their slight sweetness adds depth to the savory pork or chicken.
- Potato Salad: Cool and creamy, it’s a crowd-favorite for outdoor events.
Pro Tip: Sliders made from pulled pork or chicken pair perfectly with cold sides, especially for casual catering setups like backyard parties or sports events.
3. Chicken Pairings
Proteins:
- Full Chicken (serves 4)
- Chicken Breast (20 servings of 6 oz)
- Full Case – 12 Chickens (serves 48)
Best Side Pairings:
- String Beans: Light and healthy, ideal for guests looking for balanced options.
- Mashed Potatoes with Gravy: A comforting addition that complements lean chicken.
- Apple Cobbler: A sweet ending that ties the meal together.
Pro Tip: For corporate luncheons or weddings, grilled chicken breast with mashed potatoes and green beans offers a polished presentation and well-rounded meal.
4. Brisket, Burnt Ends & Tri-Tips Pairings
Proteins:
- Brisket (8-10 lbs, serves 20)
- Burnt Ends (4-5 lbs, serves 10)
- Beef Tri-Tips (4 lbs, serves 4–6)
Best Side Pairings:
- Yams: Sweet, soft yams contrast the deep, smoky beef cuts.
- Mac & Cheese: Rich meats demand indulgent sides.
- Cherry Cobbler: Tart and sweet—perfect after a heavy main course.
Pro Tip: For high-end BBQ catering, pair brisket with sweet yams and serve cobbler in individual cups to elevate presentation.
5. Beef Hot Links Pairings
Proteins:
- 5 lbs – 20 Links (serves 20)
Best Side Pairings:
- Macaroni Salad: Cold and creamy, it cools down the heat from the hot links.
- Baked Beans: A bold, smoky pairing that complements spicy sausage.
- Cole Slaw: Crunch and brightness to cleanse the palate.
Pro Tip: Hot links are excellent for finger-food events or sampler plates. Offer a trio of small sides in tasting cups.
Building the Perfect BBQ Catering Plate
Use this build-a-plate strategy to make sure your guests enjoy a balanced meal:
- Protein (Main Attraction): Choose 1–2 meats per person (brisket, ribs, chicken, pork, etc.)
- Hot Side: Add something warm and filling like mac & cheese or collard greens
- Cold Side: Include a refreshing contrast like cole slaw or potato salad
- Sweet Finish: Round off the meal with a cobbler (peach, apple, or cherry)
Suggested Menus for Different Events
Wedding Catering
- Protein: Chicken Breast + Tri-Tip
- Sides: Mashed Potatoes, String Beans
- Dessert: Cherry Cobbler
Sports Tailgate
- Protein: Ribs + Hot Links
- Sides: Baked Beans, Cole Slaw
- Dessert: Apple Cobbler
Office Party
- Protein: Pulled Pork + Chicken
- Sides: Potato Salad, Mac & Cheese
- Dessert: Peach Cobbler
Why Choose John Mull’s Meats for BBQ Catering in Las Vegas?
- 48-Hour Turnaround: All cooked orders require 48 hours’ notice—perfect for planning ahead.
- Flexible Quantities: Whether you need a full case of ribs or just one chicken, we cater to all sizes.
- Flavor & Quality: Our meats are smoked low and slow using traditional techniques and secret rubs.
- Local Favorite: As featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, our BBQ has become a Las Vegas legend.
Final Thoughts
Pairing sides with your BBQ catering menu isn’t just a detail—it’s a difference-maker. Whether you’re planning a wedding, family reunion, or company picnic, John Mull’s Meats & Road Kill Grill has everything you need to impress your guests.
From savory brisket and pulled pork to peach cobbler and mac ‘n cheese, every bite tells a story of quality, tradition, and unforgettable flavor.
Place your catering order today and give your event the legendary BBQ experience it deserves. Just remember—48-hour advance notice is required for all cooked orders.