BBQ Sides Ranked by How Much They Actually Matter
Let’s talk about something controversial: BBQ sides.
Not all sides are created equal. Some are essential. Some are nice to have. And some are just taking up space on your plate when you could be eating more brisket. We’re ranking them today by how much they matter, and yes, people are going to have opinions about this.
Before anyone gets upset, remember these are our opinions based on years of serving BBQ in Edgewater and watching what people eat versus what they leave on their plates. Your mileage may vary. But we’re confident we’re right about most of this.
Let’s get into it.
The Essential BBQ Sides (Tier 1: Can’t Skip These)
Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese are one of those BBQ sides that’s truly non-negotiable. Good mac and cheese are creamy, rich, and the perfect complement to smoked meat. It’s indulgent without competing with the main event. It appeals to literally everyone from kids to adults who are pretending they’re too sophisticated for comfort food (they’re not).
Mac and cheese also serve a crucial function: it balances the smokiness and richness of BBQ. You need something creamy and mild to offset all that bold flavor, and mac and cheese does exactly that. Plus, it’s one of the few sides that people genuinely get disappointed about if it’s not available.
If you’re serving BBQ without mac and cheese, you’re making a mistake. Good thing we’ve got it.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is underrated, and that’s a hill we’ll die on. A good slaw—crisp, tangy, not drowning in mayo—cuts through the richness of smoked meat like nothing else. It’s refreshing. It adds crunch. It provides acidity that makes your palate happy between bites of fatty brisket or pulled pork.
The key word here is “good” coleslaw. Bad slaw is a crime. It should be fresh, well-seasoned, and balanced. When it’s done right, it’s essential. When it’s done wrong, it’s better to skip it entirely.
Also, slaw on a pulled pork sandwich is mandatory. This is not up for debate.
Tier 2: BBQ Sides That Elevate Your Plate
Collard Greens
Collards are phenomenal BBQ sides when done right. Slow-cooked, seasoned properly, with just enough richness to feel indulgent but not so much that they’re greasy. They’re savory, they’re satisfying, and they bring something different to the plate than the usual suspects.
Here’s why they’re not Tier 1: not everyone grew up eating them, so they’re not universally beloved the way mac and cheese is. But if you know, you know. And if you don’t know yet, you should probably try them.
Pork and Beans
Our pork and beans are classic BBQ sides for a reason. Sweet, savory, hearty. They fill you up and they pair beautifully with smoked meat.
The thing about beans is they’re comforting. They’re familiar. They make the whole plate feel complete. Are they going to blow your mind? Probably not. But they’re going to make you happy, and that counts for something.
Cornbread
Cornbread is the ultimate supporting player. It’s not flashy, it’s not the star, but it does its job perfectly. Slightly sweet, crumbly, great for soaking up sauce or just eating alongside everything else.
Here’s the thing about cornbread: nobody orders BBQ specifically because of the cornbread, but people notice when it’s missing. It rounds out the meal. It makes everything feel complete. That’s valuable.
Tier 3: The Wild Cards
Pickle Fries
Pickle fries are divisive among BBQ sides. You either think they’re genius or you think they’re weird. There’s no middle ground.
But here’s why they matter: they’re different. They’re tangy, they’re crunchy, and they pair surprisingly well with BBQ. Plus, they come with ranch, which makes everything better. Are they essential? No. Are they fun and worth trying? Absolutely.
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries with caramel drizzle are unique among BBQ sides. They’re not trying to be traditional—they’re doing their own thing, and honestly, we respect that.
The sweetness plays well with smoky flavors, and the caramel drizzle makes them feel like a treat. They’re not for everyone, but the people who love them really love them.
Onion Rings
Onion rings are classic comfort food. Crispy, savory, served with spicy sauce. They’re good. They’re satisfying. But do they elevate your BBQ experience? Not really.
They’re more of a “I want something fried and delicious” choice than a “this will make my brisket taste better” choice. Nothing wrong with that, but it puts them solidly in Tier 3.
Regular Fries
Fries are great. Everyone loves fries. But here’s the truth: fries at a BBQ joint feel a little out of place. They’re more of a burger side than a BBQ side. They don’t complement smoked meat the way slaw or greens do. They’re just… there.
Our fries come with crazy sauce, which helps. But even with sauce, they’re not adding anything to your BBQ experience except extra carbs. If you want them, get them. But they’re not essential.
Tier 4: The Outliers
Applesauce
Applesauce is the side that makes you go “huh, interesting choice.” It’s sweet, it’s simple, and it pairs surprisingly well with pork. Some people swear by it. Most people forget it exists.
Is it essential? Not even close. Is it a nice option for people who want something light and sweet? Sure. Does it matter in the grand scheme of BBQ sides? Not really.
House-Made Pickles
Our house-made pickles are in a weird spot. They’re technically a side, but they’re really more of a condiment or a palate cleanser. They’re tangy, crunchy, and great for cutting through rich flavors.
Are they important? For pickle people, yes. For everyone else, they’re just pickles. They exist in their own category, and we’re fine with that.
The Bottom Line on BBQ Sides
Here’s what actually matters when it comes to BBQ sides: variety, balance, and quality.
You need something creamy (mac and cheese). You need something fresh and acidic (coleslaw). You need something that adds a different flavor profile (collards or beans). Everything else is just filling out the menu.
At Chad’s, we focus on doing the essential sides really well. Our mac and cheese is creamy and indulgent. Our coleslaw is fresh and tangy. Our collards are seasoned properly. Our pork and beans bring that sweet-savory balance. We’re not trying to have every side under the sun—we’re trying to have the ones that actually enhance your meal.
Because here’s the truth: you’re coming for the smoked meat. The sides are there to complement it, not compete with it. They should make the BBQ better, not distract from it.
So yeah, not all sides are equal. Some matter a lot. Some matter a little. And some are just there because pickle fries are delicious and we wanted to offer them.
Choose wisely. Your plate has limited space, and that brisket isn’t going to eat itself.
Ready to see which sides make the cut? Stop by Chad’s BBQ in Edgewater and build your perfect plate. We’ll have the essentials ready.
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