Slow cooker side dishes for a BBQ make entertaining easier when you’re feeding a crowd.
Instead of juggling multiple pots on the stove or giving up precious grill space, let your crockpot do the work.
From creamy mac and cheese and baked beans to buttery corn and tender potatoes, these easy crockpot recipes stay warm for hours and are perfect for cookouts, backyard parties, family reunions, and summer holidays.
Whether you’re planning a casual weekend barbecue or a big gathering, these sides help you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the party.
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Why Make Side Dishes in a Slow Cooker for a BBQ?
Frees up valuable grill space for meats and burgers
Use the “Keep Warm” setting – this is one of the biggest advantages!
Keep lids closed as much as possible.
Bring extension cords for outdoor serving tables.
Use 4-6 quart slow cookers for most side dishes.
Label crockpots if serving multiple recipes.
The keep-warm setting is one of the biggest advantages of crockpot side dishes for outdoor gatherings.
Can you make BBQ side dishes ahead of time?
Yes! Most crockpot side dishes can be prepared the day before and reheated in the slow cooker before serving.
How long can a slow cooker keep food warm at a BBQ?
Most slow cookers can safely keep food warm for several hours using the warm setting. Be sure the food stays above 140°F.
What side dishes can you make in a slow cooker for a BBQ?
Popular slow cooker BBQ side dishes include baked beans, mac and cheese, creamed corn, corn on the cob, potatoes, collard greens, and cornbread.
What Side Dishes Go Well with BBQ?
The best BBQ side dishes complement smoky, savory meats without competing with them. Whether you’re serving pulled pork, ribs, brisket, or BBQ chicken, these classic pairings help create a balanced cookout menu.
Planning a full cookout menu is easier when you mix in a few make-ahead favorites alongside your slow cooker sides.
Pair these dishes with crowd-pleasing mains from our 4th of July Crockpot Recipes collection, or add fresh seasonal favorites from our Summer Recipes to round out your table.
If you’re building a balanced spread, our Side Dish Recipes are packed with simple options that work well with grilled chicken, burgers, pulled pork, and more.
Crockpot Baked Beans are rich, smoky, and slightly sweet with classic backyard BBQ flavor that pairs perfectly with burgers, hot dogs, and ribs. They’re one of the most popular crockpot side dishes for cookouts because they stay warm for hours and feed a crowd easily. Just combine the ingredients and let the slow cooker handle the rest.
Slow Cooker Corn on the Cob turns out juicy, buttery, and perfectly tender every time without needing space on the grill. It’s a classic cookout favorite that pairs well with everything from hot dogs to BBQ chicken. Just load the crockpot and let it cook while you focus on the rest of your menu.
This rich and creamy slow cooker creamed corn is the ultimate side dish! Made with butter, cream, and a touch of sweetness, it’s a must-have for holidays and family dinnersSlow Cooker Creamed Corn is rich, sweet, and creamy with a comforting texture that guests always come back for seconds of. It’s a crowd-friendly side dish that works especially well at BBQ parties and potlucks. With simple ingredients and hands-off cooking, it’s one of the easiest slow cooker sides to make.
This Crock Pot Corn Bread is soft, slightly sweet, and perfectly tender with that classic homemade texture everyone loves. It’s a great cookout side dish to serve alongside BBQ meats, baked beans, or chili because it stays warm and slices easily for a crowd. The slow cooker makes it simple to prepare without turning on the oven.
Easy Crockpot Velveeta Mac and Cheese is ultra creamy, cheesy, and always a hit at BBQs and family gatherings. It pairs perfectly with grilled favorites like burgers, ribs, and pulled pork, making it one of the most reliable crockpot side dishes for a cookout. Just stir the ingredients together and let the slow cooker handle the rest.
Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans are hearty, smoky, and loaded with beans, ground beef, bacon, and barbecue flavor. They’re a filling BBQ side dish that pairs perfectly with burgers, hot dogs, ribs, and pulled pork. Since everything cooks together in the crockpot, it’s an easy recipe that’s ideal for feeding a crowd.
These Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas are tender, savory, and packed with Southern comfort food flavor. They make an excellent side dish for barbecue meals, adding a hearty and satisfying option alongside grilled meats. The slow cooker does all the work, making them perfect for cookouts, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Crock Pot Creamy Dill Potatoes are tender, buttery, and packed with fresh herb flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled favorites. They’re a comforting potato side dish that fits right in at any backyard cookout or summer gathering. The slow cooker keeps preparation simple and frees up space in your kitchen.
Hot German Potato Salad is tangy, savory, and packed with bold bacon flavor for a delicious twist on traditional potato salad. It’s a standout cookout side dish that pairs especially well with grilled sausages, burgers, and barbecue chicken. Preparing it ahead makes serving simple and stress-free for outdoor gatherings.
Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes are creamy, comforting, and packed with melty cheese in every bite. This crowd-favorite side dish is perfect for BBQ plates and summer gatherings since it pairs well with almost any grilled main dish. The slow cooker makes prep simple and keeps everything warm until serving time.
Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes are creamy and flavorful with classic toppings like cheese, bacon, and green onions mixed right in. They’re a hearty crockpot side dish for BBQ gatherings that feels both comforting and crowd-friendly. Making them in the slow cooker keeps preparation easy and frees up valuable stovetop space.
Slow Cooker Collard Greens are savory, tender, and packed with rich Southern-style flavor that complements any barbecue spread. They’re a hearty vegetable side that balances smoky grilled meats beautifully at outdoor gatherings. The slow cooker makes them easy to prepare ahead and keep warm for serving.
Slow Cooker Green Beans with Bacon are tender, savory, and full of smoky flavor that complements any barbecue spread. This easy vegetable side dish balances heavier cookout favorites while still feeling hearty and satisfying. The slow cooker keeps them warm and ready to serve with very little effort.
Slow Cooker Roasted Vegetables are tender, flavorful, and packed with seasoned goodness that complements any BBQ plate. They’re an easy way to add a colorful vegetable option to your lineup of crockpot side dishes for cookouts. With simple prep and hands-off cooking, they’re perfect for feeding a crowd without extra effort.
This Slow Cooker Cabbage is tender, buttery, and full of comforting flavor. It makes a great BBQ side dish because it pairs well with everything from smoked brisket to barbecue chicken while adding a simple vegetable option to the menu. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, it’s an easy crockpot side dish for cookouts and family gatherings.
Slow Cooker Hot Dog Chili is rich, savory, and packed with classic cookout flavor that takes hot dogs and burgers to the next level. It’s perfect for topping your favorite BBQ staples and creating a fun build-your-own serving station. Letting it simmer in the crockpot makes it easy to prepare ahead for parties.
Slow Cooker Applesauce is smooth, lightly sweet, and full of cozy homemade flavor that complements savory cookout dishes nicely. It’s a simple side that adds a fresh, family-friendly option to your BBQ table. With minimal prep and easy ingredients, it’s one of the easiest slow cooker recipes to make ahead.
Slow Cooker Apples are soft, sweet, and warmly spiced with cozy cinnamon flavor that adds a comforting touch to any cookout menu. They’re a great sweet-style side dish that pairs especially well with barbecue favorites like pulled pork or ham. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, they’re an easy make-ahead addition to your spread.
This Slow Cooker Mexican Rice is fluffy, flavorful, and seasoned with classic Mexican-inspired spices. It’s a great BBQ side dish for serving alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or barbecue favorites when you want something a little different from traditional cookout sides. The slow cooker makes it easy to prepare ahead and keeps it warm until serving time.
This Crock Pot Garlic Rice Pilaf is light, buttery, and packed with savory garlic flavor. It pairs well with barbecue chicken, grilled sausages, and other cookout favorites while offering a simple alternative to potato-based side dishes. With minimal hands-on preparation, it’s an easy slow cooker recipe that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
Crockpot Baked Beans are rich, smoky, and slightly sweet with classic backyard BBQ flavor that pairs perfectly with burgers, hot dogs, and ribs. They’re one of the most popular crockpot side dishes for cookouts because they stay warm for hours and feed a crowd easily. Just combine the ingredients and let the slow cooker handle the rest.
Slow Cooker Corn on the Cob turns out juicy, buttery, and perfectly tender every time without needing space on the grill. It’s a classic cookout favorite that pairs well with everything from hot dogs to BBQ chicken. Just load the crockpot and let it cook while you focus on the rest of your menu.
This rich and creamy slow cooker creamed corn is the ultimate side dish! Made with butter, cream, and a touch of sweetness, it’s a must-have for holidays and family dinnersSlow Cooker Creamed Corn is rich, sweet, and creamy with a comforting texture that guests always come back for seconds of. It’s a crowd-friendly side dish that works especially well at BBQ parties and potlucks. With simple ingredients and hands-off cooking, it’s one of the easiest slow cooker sides to make.
This Crock Pot Corn Bread is soft, slightly sweet, and perfectly tender with that classic homemade texture everyone loves. It’s a great cookout side dish to serve alongside BBQ meats, baked beans, or chili because it stays warm and slices easily for a crowd. The slow cooker makes it simple to prepare without turning on the oven.
Easy Crockpot Velveeta Mac and Cheese is ultra creamy, cheesy, and always a hit at BBQs and family gatherings. It pairs perfectly with grilled favorites like burgers, ribs, and pulled pork, making it one of the most reliable crockpot side dishes for a cookout. Just stir the ingredients together and let the slow cooker handle the rest.
Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans are hearty, smoky, and loaded with beans, ground beef, bacon, and barbecue flavor. They’re a filling BBQ side dish that pairs perfectly with burgers, hot dogs, ribs, and pulled pork. Since everything cooks together in the crockpot, it’s an easy recipe that’s ideal for feeding a crowd.
These Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas are tender, savory, and packed with Southern comfort food flavor. They make an excellent side dish for barbecue meals, adding a hearty and satisfying option alongside grilled meats. The slow cooker does all the work, making them perfect for cookouts, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Crock Pot Creamy Dill Potatoes are tender, buttery, and packed with fresh herb flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled favorites. They’re a comforting potato side dish that fits right in at any backyard cookout or summer gathering. The slow cooker keeps preparation simple and frees up space in your kitchen.
Hot German Potato Salad is tangy, savory, and packed with bold bacon flavor for a delicious twist on traditional potato salad. It’s a standout cookout side dish that pairs especially well with grilled sausages, burgers, and barbecue chicken. Preparing it ahead makes serving simple and stress-free for outdoor gatherings.
Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes are creamy, comforting, and packed with melty cheese in every bite. This crowd-favorite side dish is perfect for BBQ plates and summer gatherings since it pairs well with almost any grilled main dish. The slow cooker makes prep simple and keeps everything warm until serving time.
Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes are creamy and flavorful with classic toppings like cheese, bacon, and green onions mixed right in. They’re a hearty crockpot side dish for BBQ gatherings that feels both comforting and crowd-friendly. Making them in the slow cooker keeps preparation easy and frees up valuable stovetop space.
Slow Cooker Collard Greens are savory, tender, and packed with rich Southern-style flavor that complements any barbecue spread. They’re a hearty vegetable side that balances smoky grilled meats beautifully at outdoor gatherings. The slow cooker makes them easy to prepare ahead and keep warm for serving.
Slow Cooker Green Beans with Bacon are tender, savory, and full of smoky flavor that complements any barbecue spread. This easy vegetable side dish balances heavier cookout favorites while still feeling hearty and satisfying. The slow cooker keeps them warm and ready to serve with very little effort.
Slow Cooker Roasted Vegetables are tender, flavorful, and packed with seasoned goodness that complements any BBQ plate. They’re an easy way to add a colorful vegetable option to your lineup of crockpot side dishes for cookouts. With simple prep and hands-off cooking, they’re perfect for feeding a crowd without extra effort.
This Slow Cooker Cabbage is tender, buttery, and full of comforting flavor. It makes a great BBQ side dish because it pairs well with everything from smoked brisket to barbecue chicken while adding a simple vegetable option to the menu. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, it’s an easy crockpot side dish for cookouts and family gatherings.
Slow Cooker Hot Dog Chili is rich, savory, and packed with classic cookout flavor that takes hot dogs and burgers to the next level. It’s perfect for topping your favorite BBQ staples and creating a fun build-your-own serving station. Letting it simmer in the crockpot makes it easy to prepare ahead for parties.
Slow Cooker Applesauce is smooth, lightly sweet, and full of cozy homemade flavor that complements savory cookout dishes nicely. It’s a simple side that adds a fresh, family-friendly option to your BBQ table. With minimal prep and easy ingredients, it’s one of the easiest slow cooker recipes to make ahead.
Slow Cooker Apples are soft, sweet, and warmly spiced with cozy cinnamon flavor that adds a comforting touch to any cookout menu. They’re a great sweet-style side dish that pairs especially well with barbecue favorites like pulled pork or ham. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, they’re an easy make-ahead addition to your spread.
This Slow Cooker Mexican Rice is fluffy, flavorful, and seasoned with classic Mexican-inspired spices. It’s a great BBQ side dish for serving alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or barbecue favorites when you want something a little different from traditional cookout sides. The slow cooker makes it easy to prepare ahead and keeps it warm until serving time.
This Crock Pot Garlic Rice Pilaf is light, buttery, and packed with savory garlic flavor. It pairs well with barbecue chicken, grilled sausages, and other cookout favorites while offering a simple alternative to potato-based side dishes. With minimal hands-on preparation, it’s an easy slow cooker recipe that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
Crockpot Baked Beans are rich, smoky, and slightly sweet with classic backyard BBQ flavor that pairs perfectly with burgers, hot dogs, and ribs. They’re one of the most popular crockpot side dishes for cookouts because they stay warm for hours and feed a crowd easily. Just combine the ingredients and let the slow cooker handle the rest.
Slow Cooker Corn on the Cob turns out juicy, buttery, and perfectly tender every time without needing space on the grill. It’s a classic cookout favorite that pairs well with everything from hot dogs to BBQ chicken. Just load the crockpot and let it cook while you focus on the rest of your menu.
This rich and creamy slow cooker creamed corn is the ultimate side dish! Made with butter, cream, and a touch of sweetness, it’s a must-have for holidays and family dinnersSlow Cooker Creamed Corn is rich, sweet, and creamy with a comforting texture that guests always come back for seconds of. It’s a crowd-friendly side dish that works especially well at BBQ parties and potlucks. With simple ingredients and hands-off cooking, it’s one of the easiest slow cooker sides to make.
This Crock Pot Corn Bread is soft, slightly sweet, and perfectly tender with that classic homemade texture everyone loves. It’s a great cookout side dish to serve alongside BBQ meats, baked beans, or chili because it stays warm and slices easily for a crowd. The slow cooker makes it simple to prepare without turning on the oven.
Easy Crockpot Velveeta Mac and Cheese is ultra creamy, cheesy, and always a hit at BBQs and family gatherings. It pairs perfectly with grilled favorites like burgers, ribs, and pulled pork, making it one of the most reliable crockpot side dishes for a cookout. Just stir the ingredients together and let the slow cooker handle the rest.
Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans are hearty, smoky, and loaded with beans, ground beef, bacon, and barbecue flavor. They’re a filling BBQ side dish that pairs perfectly with burgers, hot dogs, ribs, and pulled pork. Since everything cooks together in the crockpot, it’s an easy recipe that’s ideal for feeding a crowd.
These Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas are tender, savory, and packed with Southern comfort food flavor. They make an excellent side dish for barbecue meals, adding a hearty and satisfying option alongside grilled meats. The slow cooker does all the work, making them perfect for cookouts, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Crock Pot Creamy Dill Potatoes are tender, buttery, and packed with fresh herb flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled favorites. They’re a comforting potato side dish that fits right in at any backyard cookout or summer gathering. The slow cooker keeps preparation simple and frees up space in your kitchen.
Hot German Potato Salad is tangy, savory, and packed with bold bacon flavor for a delicious twist on traditional potato salad. It’s a standout cookout side dish that pairs especially well with grilled sausages, burgers, and barbecue chicken. Preparing it ahead makes serving simple and stress-free for outdoor gatherings.
Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes are creamy, comforting, and packed with melty cheese in every bite. This crowd-favorite side dish is perfect for BBQ plates and summer gatherings since it pairs well with almost any grilled main dish. The slow cooker makes prep simple and keeps everything warm until serving time.
Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes are creamy and flavorful with classic toppings like cheese, bacon, and green onions mixed right in. They’re a hearty crockpot side dish for BBQ gatherings that feels both comforting and crowd-friendly. Making them in the slow cooker keeps preparation easy and frees up valuable stovetop space.
Slow Cooker Collard Greens are savory, tender, and packed with rich Southern-style flavor that complements any barbecue spread. They’re a hearty vegetable side that balances smoky grilled meats beautifully at outdoor gatherings. The slow cooker makes them easy to prepare ahead and keep warm for serving.
Slow Cooker Green Beans with Bacon are tender, savory, and full of smoky flavor that complements any barbecue spread. This easy vegetable side dish balances heavier cookout favorites while still feeling hearty and satisfying. The slow cooker keeps them warm and ready to serve with very little effort.
Slow Cooker Roasted Vegetables are tender, flavorful, and packed with seasoned goodness that complements any BBQ plate. They’re an easy way to add a colorful vegetable option to your lineup of crockpot side dishes for cookouts. With simple prep and hands-off cooking, they’re perfect for feeding a crowd without extra effort.
This Slow Cooker Cabbage is tender, buttery, and full of comforting flavor. It makes a great BBQ side dish because it pairs well with everything from smoked brisket to barbecue chicken while adding a simple vegetable option to the menu. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, it’s an easy crockpot side dish for cookouts and family gatherings.
Slow Cooker Hot Dog Chili is rich, savory, and packed with classic cookout flavor that takes hot dogs and burgers to the next level. It’s perfect for topping your favorite BBQ staples and creating a fun build-your-own serving station. Letting it simmer in the crockpot makes it easy to prepare ahead for parties.
Slow Cooker Applesauce is smooth, lightly sweet, and full of cozy homemade flavor that complements savory cookout dishes nicely. It’s a simple side that adds a fresh, family-friendly option to your BBQ table. With minimal prep and easy ingredients, it’s one of the easiest slow cooker recipes to make ahead.
Slow Cooker Apples are soft, sweet, and warmly spiced with cozy cinnamon flavor that adds a comforting touch to any cookout menu. They’re a great sweet-style side dish that pairs especially well with barbecue favorites like pulled pork or ham. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, they’re an easy make-ahead addition to your spread.
This Slow Cooker Mexican Rice is fluffy, flavorful, and seasoned with classic Mexican-inspired spices. It’s a great BBQ side dish for serving alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or barbecue favorites when you want something a little different from traditional cookout sides. The slow cooker makes it easy to prepare ahead and keeps it warm until serving time.
This Crock Pot Garlic Rice Pilaf is light, buttery, and packed with savory garlic flavor. It pairs well with barbecue chicken, grilled sausages, and other cookout favorites while offering a simple alternative to potato-based side dishes. With minimal hands-on preparation, it’s an easy slow cooker recipe that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
Reesa Lewandowski is the creator of Momma Lew, a New Jersey-based food blog where she shares easy, family-friendly recipes inspired by everyday life. A mom of two teenagers and a self-taught cook and baker, Reesa has spent over a decade developing simple, approachable meals—from quick weeknight dinners to festive desserts—all tested in her own kitchen. Her recipes focus on comfort food with a modern twist, seasonal favorites, and stress-free baking. Drawing inspiration from her Jersey roots, Reesa’s goal is to help busy families enjoy delicious meals without the fuss.
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