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    Home » Sides » What To Serve With BBQ Ribs – 17 Delish Ideas!

    What To Serve With BBQ Ribs – 17 Delish Ideas!

    Published: Jul 30, 2021 by Megan Porta · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Ribs are a summer staple! When hosting summer gatherings, they are always a easy and delicious option but.. What to serve WITH bbq ribs? Read on for 17 easy and scrumptious recipe ideas!

    BBQ ribs slathered with sauce, exposing tender rib meat.

    Is there anything more succulent and delicious than fall-off-the-bone bbq ribs in the summer time? My mouth waters every time I think about it and somehow the heat of the season makes it seem even more delicious.

    We recently had guests over and grilling a few racks of ribs seemed like the obvious (and delicious) choice. But then we both looked at each other and said, “What to serve WITH bbq ribs?!” Somehow this seems like a difficult decision because the savory meat is the star of the show. How can anything compete?!

    Let us walk you through a few delicious side dishes that will pair perfectly with this summer meal and that won’t steal the spotlight. Below you’ll be sure to find the perfect accompaniments to your next meaty summer meal!

    FAQ About BBQ Ribs

    How to store and freeze leftover ribs?

    Wrap tightly in foil or store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To extend the life of the ribs, wrap tightly in foil and place in a resealable freezer bag. Freeze for up to 4 months. When ready to enjoy them, let them thaw completely in the fridge. Place the ribs, wrapped in foil, on a baking sheet and bake at 250 degrees F for 20 minutes, or until completely heated through. Brush with additional bbq sauce, if desired.

    Are BBQ ribs healthy?

    Consider the high-calorie and high-fat content of BBQ ribs, they are typically not a lean and healthy meat, especially when slathered with bbq sauce.

    How BBQ ribs on the grill?

    Place ribs right on the grill (on top of a few layers of foil) over medium heat and cover. Grill 60-90 minutes at 300 degrees, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

    Can dogs eat BBQ ribs?

    Bones can splinter and cause internal damage to dogs. Rib bones are off limits for dogs, as are any other cooked bones.

    Options for Cooking Ribs

    • Bake them in the oven.
    • Grill ’em up over medium heat on a charcoal or gas grill.
    • Let them cook in an Instant Pot.
    • Throw them into your slow cooker!

    Notes About Cooking Your Next BBQ Pork Ribs Recipe

    • Add a few drops of liquid smoke to any sauce you spread over the top, for an extra smoky flavor, or hot sauce and cayenne pepper for added spice.
    • Slather plenty of barbecue sauce over both sides before cooking. If you’re looking for a delicious homemade variety, try this homemade bbq sauce!
    • Whichever way you cook them, I highly recommend broiling the rack of ribs just before serving. Transfer the ribs to a baking sheet. Brush both sides generously with your favorite bbq sauce and broil for 3 minutes. This adds an extra touch of crispy yumminess that I LOVE.
    • Use baby back ribs, short ribs or spare ribs for best results.
    • Don’t forget to spread your favorite rub (or brown sugar, for a sweet end result!) all over the surface of the meat (pat it dry first!) before brushing on any sauce.
    • For extra tender ribs, cook at a lower temperature.

    How Long Does Homemade BBQ Sauce Last

    If you have a bottle of homemade sauce and you are unsure about whether or not it is still fresh.. read on for tips about how long barbecue sauce stays fresh!

    What To Serve With BBQ Ribs

    • Leafy green or chopped salad with fresh herbs and sweet cherry tomatoes for extra flavor
    • Potato salad
    • Any variety of pasta salad
    • Hush puppies
    • Potato chips, French fries or even sweet potato fries
    • Fresh fruit salad or mango salad
    • Baked Russet potatoes or sweet potatoes
    • Coleslaw
    • Baked beans
    • Deviled eggs
    • Fresh vegetables of any variety, such as Brussels sprouts
    • Corn salad
    • Sweet corn on the cob
    • Broccoli salad
    • Edamame or quinoa salad
    • Black bean salad

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    Pinterest graphic with 4 food photos: side dish suggestions to serve with bbq ribs
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    I'm Megan and I am so happy you are here! Whether you are looking for a healthy salad, easy dinner or indulgent dessert, I've got you covered! Let's dig deeper →

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