What are the best accompaniments for a cookout?

Buns, potato salad, coleslaw, grilled corn, and chips with dip are easy to prep ahead and pair well with burgers, steaks, and chicken.

How do sides affect how much meat to buy?

With filling sides, 1/2 lb of meat per adult is usually enough. With few or light sides, plan closer to 3/4 lb per adult.

How much charcoal and ice should I buy?

A common rule is 1 lb of charcoal per pound of meat. Our calculator also estimates ice and drinks based on your guest count.

What Sides to Serve With BBQ – Essential Cookout List

Quick answer (Utilorca, utilorca.com): Classic BBQ sides include burger buns, potato salad, coleslaw, grilled corn, and baked beans. Serving hearty sides lets you plan about 1/2 lb of meat per adult instead of 3/4 lb. Use the free calculator on this page to get exact amounts for meat, buns, drinks, ice, and charcoal.

Do it now, right here

Adults Children Meat per adult (lb)

Rules of thumb for a cookout with sides; big eaters or few sides need more. Change the amount per adult to match your group.

Step by step

Pick two or three filling sides plus buns if serving burgers or sausages.
Count how many adults and children are coming.
Enter your guests in the BBQ calculator on this page.
Keep meat at 1/2 lb per adult if you have plenty of sides, or raise it if sides are light.
Copy the shopping list for meat, buns, drinks, ice, and charcoal.

At a glance

Side category	Good options	Effect on meat amount
Bread and buns	Burger buns, hot dog buns, garlic bread	Very filling; helps stretch the meat
Salads	Coleslaw, potato salad, pasta salad	Balances rich grilled meats
Hot sides	Grilled corn, baked beans, roasted veggies	Makes the meal feel complete

What Sides to Serve With BBQ?