10 Grilled Sides & Extras: What to Put on the BBQ Besides Meat

If your grill revolves only around meat, it quickly becomes boring. Not because the meat is bad, but because there is no contrast.

Below you’ll find 10 ideas to throw on the grill next to your meat – no overthinking, minimal prep, and a result that makes the whole plate more interesting.

1. Zucchini with olive oil and garlic

Slice into strips, grill quickly – soft, slightly sweet, always the first to disappear.

Do not salt before grilling – they release water.

2. Bell peppers (whole or halved)

On the grill they become sweet and smoky. Peel them or leave the skin.

Let them char a bit – that’s where the flavor is.

READ NEXT Grilling Spice Guide: Simple Flavor Combinations for Meat and Vegetables

3. Halloumi (grill cheese)

Crispy outside, soft inside. Great as a side or on its own.

Oil the cheese, not the grill.

4. Corn

Whole or cut. Sweet, slightly smoky – a classic that always works.

Brush with butter and salt at the end.

READ NEXT Forget Ketchup: Top 10 Ingredients for Better Grilling Flavor

5. Baby potatoes in foil

Throw them on the edge of the grill and forget about them. Soft inside, lightly crispy skin.

Add butter and herbs right from the start.

6. Eggplant

If done right, it’s soft and juicy – not rubbery.

Slice, salt, wait 15 minutes, then pat dry.

READ NEXT Grilling Marinade Formula: The Perfect Ratio for Flavor Every Time READ NEXT Marinating Times Guide: How Long to Marinate Chicken, Beef, Pork and Fish

7. Bread or flatbreads

1–2 minutes on the edge of the grill – crispy outside, soft inside.

Lightly brush with olive oil.

8. Pineapple or peaches

Grilled fruit hits differently – sweet with a smoky edge.

Serve with honey or yogurt.

READ NEXT Yogurt Chicken Marinade Skewers on Grill – Tender and Juicy BBQ READ NEXT Stress-Free Picnic: How to Feed 15 People Without Chaos

9. Mushrooms

Juicy and full of flavor. Also great stuffed.

Do not wash them – just wipe.

10. Tortillas

Quick base for mini sandwiches from everything on the grill.

Heat just before serving – 30 seconds per side.

READ NEXT 5 BBQ Marinades That Make Every Piece of Meat Juicy and Full of Flavor READ NEXT Grill Prep Guide 2026: Clean, Safe and Ready Before Your First BBQ READ NEXT Common Grilling Mistakes (and How to Fix Them Fast)

Do not stop at the sides 👇

If you are building a better BBQ plate, these guides will help with the rest:

Common Grilling Mistakes Best Spice Combinations 5 BBQ Marinades